I have been using Hammer nutrition since my first Ironman triathlon (Ironman Australia 2008).
I have never been able to eat solid food on the bike during a race, but would find myself hungry halfway through a long ride. When I started using Hammer Perpetuem, this solved my issues. I found that Perpetuem, supplemented with gels was enough to fuel me for the whole bike leg, and I wouldn’t be hungry. I also find Endurolytes important during hot races.
I love the fact that Hammer really think carefully about what goes into the products, and that they use natural, organic products, and complex carbohydrates.
State: Victoria
Sport: Ironman Triathlon
Sporting Accomplishment: Winning my age group in tough conditions in Ironman Malaysia 2014. Coming 2nd in my age group, with the 6th fastest run split (3.28) in Ironman France 2011, and racing Hawaii (Ironman World Champs) that year. Coming 6th in the Great Ocean Rd Marathon 2012 (3.09)
How did you get into your sport: After a 10 year rugby playing career, when I hung up the boots, I wanted to keep fit. A 4km fun run progressed to 10k, half marathons and the endurance bug had bitten! I started to relish the idea of seeing how far I could push myself.
Hardest thing about your sport: Having patience and perspective. In ultra endurance sports, improvement takes time, consistency and patience. Also juggling training, work and other activities, including rest!
What does your regular training week consist of: In Ironman prep, between 16 and 22hrs a week.
Swimming: 3-4 times a week (although I focus on technique and open water skills more than volume now).
Cycling: 4 times a week, including velodrome sessions, hill work and long rides.
Running: 3 sessions a week, plus at least 2 more runs off the bike.
Yoga: 2 sessions a week – critical for my muscle flexibility.
I am a veterinary researcher, and lecturer so training starts at 5.30am most mornings, with evening sessions 6-7.30pm
How do you keep motivated: Having a goal is critical for me. I need to know WHY I am doing the training. But when that fails to motivate me, I think of friends and family who may be injured or have disabilities that stop them, and it makes me grateful that my body is capable of what I want it to do!
Goals (Future Plans and Career expectations): To race Hawaii again in 2015, and run sub 4 hours off the bike there. I would also like to regularly go back to race there. For me Hawaii is the pinnacle of our sport. It is where Ironman began. The beauty of the age group system is that you can still be achieving in our sport when you are in your 60s or 70s. I am inspired by those athletes, and I hope to be able to contiue to inspire other as I progresss through the age groups.
Best piece of advice you have been given: “Embrace the pain”. Ironman is all about pacing. But there comes a point in the run, where no matter how good you are, how well you have prepared, it WILL hurt. That is the feeling you have done months and months of preparation for. If you can accept that, you will produce your own “ideal” performance on that day.