Our athlete build up to Kona
It’s now just over two and a half weeks weeks until we will be in Kona for the Ironman World Championships after a three year hiatus. We are very excited to be heading out there and know our Parcours athletes feel the same. Given we’re now in the final build up we thought it would be a good idea to check in with our athletes, hear how their summers have been and what final prep they will be doing now to ensure they have the best race possible come Kona!
First up is Sid, who we spoke to from Colorado where she is continuing her preparations…
What are you most excited about racing in Kona?
It's been a few years (2019) since we last raced in Kona. So it'll be great to get back there and I'm sure more hype than ever this year. I think I'm excited to see the triathlon community again but also for the women to have their own race day.
What has your preparation for Kona looked like this year?
Kona prep has been different this year. Normally I've raced 3-4 iron distance events before Kona. This year just two. I also tried to give Kona more of a focus this year because of that, and came out to Boulder in July to work with my coach Julie Dibens and the squad out here. Unfortunately we've had to manage a few bumps in the road, so it's not been the ideal prep I'd have liked. But when does anything ever go smooth right. So you just keep turning up, doing your best, focusing on what you can, and have a great coach and support team around you - which I do.
How has your season been so far?
It started in January with a few bumps a long the way, but I then had a great run in of training, and a fab day at the Ironman World Championships, in May in St. George, finishing 7th. We felt there were still things I could have improved on, so that was motivation in training, seeing what was possible. It was exciting and I was excited. After St. George it's been a bit mixed again. Travelling back to Europe, settling, training, etc. Challenge Roth, whilst is wasn't necessarily a bad performance, I struggled to process a bit. Then travelled over to Canada for the PTO Champs, and again not a disasterous day, just not the day you want or believe is possible. As said we've hit a few more bumps in the last few months, but it's sport. It's the highs and lows and managing the lows and highs. And there's still plenty of season left
How are you feeling a month out from Kona?
To be honest I'm not overly thinking about it. With how things have gone, at the moment it's just about trying to string consistent solid sessions together. So it's session by session, day by day, focusing on what I can and enjoying the challenge and process to get back.
How have you found your Parcours wheels this year for racing?
There's a reason Parcours is one of my longest partners. I love and respect the brand, and products. You always know you are going to get the best - be it from the product or the support and advice from Dov and the team. I genuinely love training and then racing on my Parcours wheels - particularly with the custom yellow standing out!
Secondly, we caught up with Fenella who has been based in the UK until this week where she flew out to Texas to begin her heat adaptation…
What are you most excited about racing in Kona?
I’m really not sure, there are so many elements that excite me. Especially as I have never been or raced the WC here before. Aside from racing the best in the business… I can’t wait to see that Landscape, see some turtles and bring home some silverware.
What has your preparation for Kona looked like this year?
So far so good… slowly added in what we feel are specific training requirements for the big island. With our final block being out in Texas, the woodland for some head and humidity.
How has your season been so far?
It’s been a great year so far… so whatever happened on the island will be an added bonus. I have raced lots of championship races and performed well.
How are you feeling a month out from Kona?
Not ready yet… but I will be!
How have you found your Parcours wheels this year for racing?
Dreamy… full comfort and full speed!!! Not sure I could ask for much more. I have full trust in Parcours wheel when it comes to speed and racing fast!
We wish all our pro athletes and age groupers the best of luck for their final weeks of preparation before we see them out in Kona!
