As I headed into my last MAJOR race of the Triathlon season, I felt that I was ready to set a personal record at the 2012 Ironman World Championship. I qualified for Ironman Hawaii in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012. I didn’t race due to shoulder surgery in 2006, foot surgery in 2006 and decided not to take the IM Hawaii slot in 2008 (regretted that decision the next day!). We watched the race in 2011 as I worked for my coach at the race expo. I have competed in Honu 70.3 the last two years so I am comfortable and familiar with the IM Hawaii bike course and winds. I felt confident in my fitness levels after a decent triathlon season this year; Honu 70.3 triathlon I was first place in my age group until the last mile marker; first place in my age group at Lake Stevens 70.3 even in the rain; then a solid performance in Ironman Canada even with my slowest swim (see IMC race report for details) and chasing an ex-Olympic bronze medalist, Susan Williams. I competed in 70.3 World Championship in Vegas, but with the intention not to push the pace as I was two weeks out of IMC and four weeks from Hawaii. Perhaps I needed more speed work the last month in order to set a personal record in Hawaii but our performance is out of our control. My coaches Luis Vargas and Mark Allen with MarkAllenOnline coaching program gave me more super speed workouts the last month for swimming, biking and running as I felt I needed more speed and less long slow training. I am metabolically efficient and super at burning primarily fat at lower heart rates but I need to push myself to work hard in the speed workout sessions. I think speed sessions are key for endurance athletes the last 6 weeks prior to an “A” race.
Here is the first part of my Ironman Hawaii 2012 pre-race to post race summery… therapy sessions for me and little nuggets for others to learn from as well as myself!
The Eve of Ironman Hawaii 2012…
I had been blogging all IM 2012 race week about my experiences and observations, so by Friday (day before the race) I was ready to tackle the challenging and unpredictable conditions of IM Hawaii triathlon. Two nights before a race is the most important night to get sleep and Friday, day before the race, is the most important day to stay out of the sun! I love the Hawaiian sun, flowers, ocean and views so staying inside is torture for me. Pre-Race Day Friday, I woke up early to do my quick pre-race swim (to the coffee boat!), short bike and quick run workout. I like to get up, workout and get organized early so I have the rest of the afternoon to relax inside. I was organized and prepared in advance which helps me relax as much as possible on Friday. My feet were elevated and body resting 11am until it was time to check in my bike and transition bags around 3:45pm. Showtime!
I love the atmosphere and energy at the bike drop off for IM Hawaii. You will never experience the electricity in the air at any other IM triathlon as at Hawaii Worlds. The shoe reps, bike reps, every bike part reps and more are lining up the grand entrance to the transition area taking inventory on who rides or uses their products. The Cervolo team hands out popular shirts for those who check-in with a Cervolo. Slow Twitch web site reports the final numbers every year from IM Hawaii bike check. I ride a Cervolo P3 but ready for the new Cervelo P5.6… sponsors for MAO in 2013 hopefully!
Pre-race dinner for me is always preferred to be eaten early around 5:30pm. Fortunately my husband Neal Potts is an amazing cook so he knows my pre-race meal and helps me stay mellow. Best tip for hot weather races… freeze your water bottles for special needs bags and even your two bike bottles if really hot. I also had to pack a post-race bag as we were planning on staying at the race until midnight to watch the final finishers. A very long day ahead for everyone!
SATURDAY… the big day.
