Hi there – I am just returning from a training week in Kona with my Tri Dubai teammates. For me, it was a final preparation week for Subaru Ironman Canada on August 27th and an introduction to my preparations for the upcoming Ironman World Championships in October.
In June, the Tri Dubai team leaders, Franko and Tony, started to think about having a team building Ironman preparation camp in Kona. After a few weeks of planning, our team embarked on flights from all over the world gathering on the Big Island. Cam Brown came from New Zealand, Normann Stadler from Germany, Jo Lawn and Tim Deboom from Boulder, Desiree Ficker from Austin and I traveled from Canada. Thanks to the Hilton at Wailoloa Village, we were all able to stay at one of the nicest resorts on the Island. Inside Triathlon sent over two of their crew – Amy and Lars – to film and to interview each of us training.
Our training was as individual as we wanted it (according to our own needs), but with a little organization, we were able to do some fantastic sessions together. On Saturday morning, I got to swim with some of the best athletes in the world!!! I had to do a pretty tough set – 20 x 100 – a set that is only as tough as you make it. And since my trusty teammates decided to do it with me – it was tough and wonderful at the same time. Desiree, Jo, Cam and I pounded out the workout with our two trusty spouses – Dave and Armando – alongside to push us even more. On deck, Franko and Michael Yux took photos and celebrated their team. While we were doing that, Normann and Tim were running up to Waikoloa Village – a 7 mile uphill run! It was a normal day at the office for Tri Dubai.
While most of my teammates were pounding out lots of biking and running, I was fine tuning my training for a peak performance at Subaru Ironman Canada. I still managed to bike the whole course (over a few days) and run most of the course since I still had one long ride and run in my final Subaru Ironman Canada preparation. The first few days were very windy and it was a great reminder of what will be in store for us in October. There was one ride that Dave, Cam and I did with Dieter, the general manager of the Hilton. The ride was a complete tailwind on the way out and a headwind on the return. It took us 14 minutes to get out and 30 minutes to get back. But that was a gift because at least it was only a headwind – further up the road, that wind would have been a grueling and frightening crosswind.
It was a pretty neat trip – after all, how many people get to train with 2 former Ironman World Champions – Normann and Tim – 2 multiple Ironman Champions – Cam and Jo – and an up and coming Ironman athlete – Desiree – all at the same time in Hawaii!!!
You can check out some stories and live video on www.insidetri.com and some photos on www.tridubai.com. Enjoy!!!!
Lisa