The Ladies at Kona

Kona is a mythic place. It needs no introduction. Many athletes dream of one day traveling to the Hawaiian island and swimming in the waters of the Pacific, cycling on the Queen K and running on Ali'i Drive. Kona is triathlon history, and this year, one more chapter is being written.

For the first time, only women will take part in the event, a split world championship that respects the locals' need to limit the influx of people and its impact on the island. 

 

 

 

The long distance is what some call the ultimate modality of the triathlon, 3800 m of swimming, 180 km of cycling and a marathon on foot. All this in the island's characteristic climate, with its high temperatures and very high humidity, making it one of the toughest races that exist.

On October 20th, we will have American athlete Sarah True in Kona. In this interview, she gives us a window into the reality of final preparations for a long-distance World Championship.

 

 

 

 

Sarah True for Chasing Epic

What are your final preparations for a World Championship like? Is it different from other long-distance races?

Preparation for a World Championship race is special since it is the primary focus for the year. While I want to be in good form earlier in the season, it is important to be at peak fitness in October.

 

How are you dealing with adapting to the island’s climate? When are you traveling?

Due to my school work, I will not be able to travel until the week before the race. I am doing heat acclimation by doing indoor sessions and using the sauna. Another critical piece is having my nutrition and hydration well dialed in before race day.

 

What will the final training week look like?

Compared to the lead up to the race, the final training week is easy: Far fewer hours and only some short sessions with intensity to prime the body. Given the importance of the race for triathlon, there tends to be more media and sponsorship obligations, so I have to work those into my planning. Overall, I try to find a balance between rest and keeping the body moving before race day.

 

 

 

What is it like to swim a world championship in an ocean like the Pacific Ocean?

Swimming in the Pacific Ocean for a world championship is incredibly powerful. We are an international group of triathletes meeting together in a body of water that spans a large part of the globe. I try to take in the magnitude of this before the race, seeing dolphins and tropical fish, acknowledging how special of a location Kona is.

 

Which Orca products will you use on race day?

On race day, I will use my favorite Orca Killa Goggles, tri belt and RS1 Swimskin.

 

 

What piece of advice would you share with an age group athlete that will also be racing in Kona? And specifically for the swimming segment?

My biggest piece of advice is to take time before the race to recognize how special the Big Island is and what an accomplishment it is to be there. Reflect on the natural beauty of the location and the historic nature of the race. Feel how incredible it is to be there, swimming among the dolphins, and be in awe. When the cannon goes off, focus on getting through the swim as quickly and efficiently as you can, but also knowing that you are already part of something so much bigger than you are.

 

What are your expectations for the race?

My race expectations are to have a race that I can be proud of on the day. All that I can do is my best on the day. Hopefully, that is enough to be at the front of the race. If I can race with all of my heart, knowing that I gave it all that I have, that is a victory, regardless of the outcome.