Jono Waddell
Age Group: (35 - 39 Age Group) Occupation: Financial planner for Old Mutual Where he's off to/been: Short Course World Champs - Cozumel, Mexico 1. How long have you been doing triathlon? Did my first Tri in 2012. The Ironman with the bad weather. 2. When did you start with Lucy and how have you found the training? Started training with Lucie when I heard that I had qualified for Worlds. I have really enjoyed it actually. I like the way the sessions are planned and I have really enjoyed the group ones which I have been able to get to. 3. How has your preparations for World Champs gone? It's been ok, but not as smooth as I had hoped. Little bit a problematic calve lately, but other than that it's been ok. 4. What you most looking forward to in Mexico? I really enjoy traveling, so other than the race just being somewhere and experiencing something new. 5. What are you not looking forward to? The swim. 6. Have you been to a world champs before? Nope, this is my first of hopefully many. The whole team wishes you good luck! |
Kim Dovey
Age Group: (45 - 49 Age Group) Occupation: Self Employed Where she's off to/been: Short Course World Champs - Cozumel, Mexico 1. How long have you been doing triathlon? I've been doing triathlon since 2011 so that's 6 years. I had to count with my fingers. The 45-49 age group is taking its toll. 2. Have you ever been to a World Champs before? I have been very fortunate to attend 4 previous world champs. It has afforded me the opportunity to visit amazing countries and experience the incredible buzz that 70 countries and thousands of athletes bring to the competition. To also be able to watch the greatest elite athletes perform is something so special. 3. How’s the training been going? If you know Lucy, then you know she has put me through hoops. It has been a crazy few months building up to this week's departure. But, what I do know is that I couldn't be more prepared. One of the key reasons I joined Lucie was because she has a wealth of experience in the Olympic distance. I know she has me on track. The muscles are feeling a little weary at present, but I'm feeling mentally and physically positive and strong respectively. 4. What are you looking forward to most on your trip and race in Mexico? I think I'm looking most forward to traveling and competing with my Trifactri teammates. When you travel far from home there is nothing better than having "your own people" around you. I'm also looking forward to racing on the island of Cozumel.. It's going to be the most magnificent swim in the ocean (love the sea) and fast flat bike and run. Hope there's lots of ice to keep the temps down. A mere 40degrees real feel. Wowza. 5. Who do you think has trained the hardest for this World Champs (Kim, LB, Jess or Andrea)? Me of course!! Hahahahaaa. Everyone has put in an incredible amount of hard work. 6. Who do you think has trained the least? Whaaaaat? Is there such a thing? 7. Who do you think will party the hardest after the World Champs? Hmmmm. I think Andy has the biggest party potential. I've seen videos from The Grand. 8. What are you getting up to before and after the race? Travel wise? It's a long flight path to Cozumel via NYC. We are gonna hit the island first and then Andy, LB and I are taking on the Big Apple for 2 days. The credit card (and my husband) are going to cry. The whole team wishes you good luck! |
Laura-Beth Eicker Harris
Age Group: (40 - 44 Age Group) Occupation: Managing Director Creative Directions Where she's off to/been: Short Course World Champs - Cozumel, Mexico 1. How long have you been doing triathlon? I started riding MTB in 2010 and in 2011 decided I needed a little bit of a change, I had heard of the Half Ironman and decided I would give it a bash, bought a few Triathlon Magazines, tore out a 12 week training program and that was the beginning of it all! 2. Have you ever been to a World Champs before? Yes I have, twice in fact, 2012 – Auckland; 2013 – London; Auckland was a surprise achievement, and a great experience but the most humbling and terrifying experience. I have never had such a tough swim in my life, I was so under prepared – still using my ’12 week program” from my favourite Tri Mag! But I got to meet and become friends with Kim! It set me up for the challenge of achieving another ticket on the SA team, so London here I come, this time I decided to go a little more sophisticated with my training program and secured the help of a professional coach, which was a huge help, having a structured plan, but again not the right plan and not the right coach for me. In saying that, my London race was amazing, the technical bike route played to my strengths, and I had a great run! I think it also had something to do with my family coming down from Scotland to support me. Once again Kim and I had a great trip as team mates, and I listened to her guidance and accepted her support with enormous gratitude! 3. How’s the training been going? The last 3 months I’ve been plagued with illness, Sinus infections, Laryngitis and all sorts of funny ailments. But with my Coach, GP and ENT , we’ve managed to keep going, Sometimes I think people underestimate how difficult it is to be a competitive Age Grouper, we still have our REAL lives to live and meet all our commitments, work/family etc. For a lot of us it means waking at 4:15 to ensure the first session of our days training is done by 6:30am, get a full days work in then another session in the evening and then time with the family, so by 9pm its some sneaky chocolate and bed time! 4. What are you looking forward to most on your trip and race in Mexico? Mostly I’m looking forward to a non wet suit, warm water swim, I’m looking forward to feeling strong and confident in my race, knowing that I’ve put in the work, as best I could, with the full support and direction from my coach. 5. Who do you think has trained the hardest for this World Champs (Kim, LB, Jess or Andrea)? OOH to be honest, I think we have all trained at different intensities, but I believe we have all put in the best effort we can possibly put in with the lives that we lead. (but overall Kim!) 6. Who do you think has trained the least? hmm NOT Kim? 7. Who do you think will party the hardest after the World Champs? At the after party? I think all four of us will give it horns! Being a non drinker I will stay upright the longest! ;) 8. What are you getting up to before and after the race? Travel wise? No travel before hand, just heading in on the 10th to try acclimatise, the humidity is going to be intense, but on the way home there is a fast and furious stop over in NYC. Kim, Andy and I are hitting the Big Apple – 24hrs of Big City Fun! Then it will be time to get home to my gorgeous girls, who support me the most, put up with my training, sweaty kisses, stinky running shoes, and bike paraphernalia on the dining room table. They are always there on the side lines and always 100% behind me! I think they will be pleased to having me at home when they wake up in the mornings, but they will probably get irritated with me after a few weeks and kick me out! :) Thanks to my coach Lucie, who puts up with my neediness as an athlete, and has quickly learnt how to push and motivate me, to my team mates, Andy for fixing my swim stroke, Jess for helping us get some moola to get us there, and to Kimmi for always being such a great mentor and friend! I’m going to chase her down and try catch her, even if it means we are in our 80’s! And finally thanks to all of our spouses and families, they put up with us and our selfish quests for greatness! They make huge sacrifices for us and I would like to thank them all for putting up with and supporting us all! Xxxxx The whole team wishes you good luck! |
Andrea Landau
Age Group: (30 – 34 Age Group) Where she's off to/been: Short Course World Champs - Cozumel, Mexico 1. How long have you been doing triathlon? I started officially with Trifactri in January 2015. So a year and a half. I dabbled in a couple of events before that, but nothing serious. 2. Have you ever been to a World Champs before? Nope. I'm a World Champ Virgin :) 3. How’s the training been going? Training through winter has been tough, I don't like it when my car shows me a snowflake on the display console. Thankfully I've been able to train with some team mates along the way - LB and I have done a couple of 5am indoor bike sessions (this is unheard of for me) and I swam with Lucie the other day - I think I managed to get swimming fit within that one session! 4. What are you looking forward to most on your trip and race in Mexico? The warm weather. And I think just the vibe and the atmosphere - I'm looking foreward to spending a week on an island with athletes from all over the world. 5. Who do you think has trained the hardest for this World Champs (Kim, LB, Jess or Andrea)? Kim or Jess... LB's had some bad luck with her sinuses this winter... And her chest... And her hip :/ 6. Who do you think has trained the least? Me? 7. Who do you think will party the hardest after the World Champs? Me 8. What are you getting up to before and after the race? Travel wise? I leave on the 25th of August for Colorado. I'll be attending an elite training clinic at one of the high performance centers. My coach wanted me to get some altitude training in and to be able to acclimatize to the summer conditions....I'm just kidding, I'm going to visit my cousin in Denver. LB, Kim and I are going to New York for a couple of nights after the event en route back to SA. So excited! The whole team wishes you good luck! |
Jess Dignon
Age Group: (19 - 24 Age Group) Occupation: Personal Trainer and triathlon Coach Where she's off to/been: Short Course World Champs - Cozumel, Mexico 1. How long have you been doing triathlon? I did my first triathlon in 2011 during my Gap year in the midlands at Treverton College. It was an off road triathlon which was super fun and it was there that I crossed the finish line and was hooked. I mean who wants to just do one sport anyway ;) I started studying in 2012 and did maybe 2/3 triathlons from 2012-2013. It was in this time I realized that I would love to take this a step further. I decided to leave the student life of partying and drinking and become competitive in this amazing sport, so in January 2014 I joined Lucie and her team. So to answer the question in one sentence, two and half years :) 2. Have you ever been to a World Champs before? Nnnnoooooooooooo!! This is definitely a first for me in Triathlons. So I can't give you anything on what we will experience, but only that I'm super excited...and nervous! 3. How’s the training been going? The training is going really well, I think ;) It is definitely getting harder but I'm sure it's out of love, hey Luc ;) I have just recovered from a bit of an injury, so there was a slight back step with my running but I'm super happy it didn't get any worse. I can only say that I am so impressed how LB has just pushed through her training with being sick so often!! Good going girl!! 4. What are you looking forward to most on your trip and race in Mexico? I can't pin point on one thing that I'm most excited about, it's more a collection of things! I have only heard great things about Cozumel and how beautiful it is. Experiencing a different culture and a completely different racing atmosphere is something I am most definitely excited for. Getting there almost a week before the race and training somewhere completely different is always a treat and I can't wait to share this experience with 3 of my teammates. 5. Who do you think has trained the hardest for this World Champs (Kim, LB, Jess or Andrea)? Oh wow, I would definitely say LB and Kim have really been training so hard. The consistency in their training is something a lot of people struggle with and everyday they just keep on going! I can definitely talk on behalf of most athletes and say that the biggest motivation is to make sure that there is no red block on training peaks ;) 6. Who do you think has trained the least? I don't think anyone has trained the least. Luc gives us individual programs according to our strengths and weaknesses it might be more for some it might be less for some, but we are all going there to do our best with the training that we have done. 7. Who do you think will party the hardest after the World Champs? Haha, I have a feeling my student days are definitely going to come back after the race. I'm either going to party hard because I did really well or party hard because I did really badly, hopefully it will be because of the first reason ;) I definitely think the four of us are going to have a fat Jol afterwards!! 8. What are you getting up to before and after the race? Travel wise? Unfortunately before the race we won't be doing much site seeing or touring, it will be all about resting, eating foods we know ;) and keeping the legs ticking! I will be staying in Cozumel for another 2/3 days to do some scuba diving, snorkeling and site seeing. I'm not leaving Mexico until I've actually gone into the sea without worrying if the person next to me is going to beat me or not ;) The whole team wishes you good luck! |
John Chertkow
Age Group: (45 – 49 Age Group) Where he's off to/been: IRONMAN Sweden 1. John, you have been doing triathlon for a few years now, what got you into the sport? I raced Vets cycling and started to find the egos and aggro too much admin. I figured Triathlon was a purer sport because it is primarily the athlete against the clock .. and themselves. I decided it was time for a new challenge and here I am. I haven’t been disappointed. 2. This will be your third Ironman this year (Ironman SA, Ironman Lanzorote and now Ironman Sweden), please can you describe the differences in the races and how do you rate them ? It was Austria. I have a love affair with IM Austria as much as a love hate affair with IMSA. Austria would be my suggestion for a bucket list race and I would recommend it strongly – not an easy course, but you can really give it a go. IMSA is just a lottery – the swim is my Achilles heel, and one never knows what mother ocean will deliver. It certainly is a tough day out – I always vow, never again …. And yet. 3. How you feeling going into Ironman Sweden with less than a week away to the race ? Winter has been very tough this year – my training has been fairly consistent, but the mileage has been lower than previous races – Lucie knows how susceptible I am to winter illness, so has structured my training accordingly. It worked very well from that perspective – had a pretty healthy winter. I feel fairly fresh and think I am probably slightly under trained for a change - let’s see how it goes. 4. Why did you chose Ironman Sweden? The day after IMSA – which was rather disappointing for me – I texted Luc saying – “Gimme another race, yesterday sucked”. Sweden was the current flavour of the month. And here I am. 5. What time you going for? Please break up the splits ? Haha – I never kiss and tell. As usual with me, I evaluate a race around the swim. This is virgin territory, so I have no sense of what it will be like. If the swim goes well, the bike should be fast and the run …. As long as I don’t break anything, I think I’ll be ok. I love quoting one of our squad – “I went for a Kona slot and got a glowstick”. Ironman is the big unknown – respect it and you might just get the time you hope for. |
Matt and Marcos
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Marcos Rosa
Age Group: (35 – 40 Age Group) Weight: 88Kgs Occupation: IT Sys Admin Where he's off to/been: IM70.3 Lanzarote and IRONMAN Barcelona 1. How long have you been doing triathlon? And what Ironman’s have you done in the past? Been at it for around 5 years now. Done the last 5 IM PE, 3 East london 70.3 and 2 Durban 70.3. 2. So you entered Ironman Barcelona and Ironman Lanzarote 70.3 the week before, why did you chose these race? Well, myself, Matt and Melissa decided we'd like to do an overseas event. So we took a look at various options and figured we could take 2 weeks, get 2 events done and have a bit of a holiday, Mel isn't too keen on a full IM just yet so we decided on a 70.3 and a full. Fortunately Lanzerote and Barcelona dates worked out great. 3. How’s the training been going? Training's been pretty tough going so far. Although I'd done a few group training rides with the TriFactri team this year, I only officially started following Lucie's "orders" in May. And other then the hated "band", I'm enjoying the challenge. 4. Some say you are nuts for doing the 2 races a week after each other, what’s your thoughts? And some would be right... the plan is to take it easy for Lanzerote. Just enjoy the experience... well at least that's what I'll try to do. Barcelona will be the main effort. I figure a few days recovery on a beach and couple massages and I'll be ready to go. 5. What are you looking forward to most on your trip and race in Barcelona and Lanzarote? I think its a toss up between the races and doing some sightseeing / relaxing. Keen on experiencing the different courses and the usual vibe around the IM events and a little bit of Spanish culture never hurt anyone... 6. What time you going for? Please break up the splits Hadn't really given the splits much thought yet... Lanzerote will probably somewhere around 5:30 - 6:00 (If I remember to behave) Barcelona... 1:15 / 5:00 / 3:45 would be great but anything under 10:30 really will be brilliant. The whole team wishes you good luck! Cheers Marcos |
Ralf Paps
Age Group: (35 – 40 Age Group) Weight: 77Kgs Occupation: Accountant Where he's off to/been: IRONMAN Sweden 1. Ralph, how long have you been doing triathlon? And what Ironmans have you done in the past? I started training Tri in 2011. My thinking being, let’s cut to the chase and do an Ironman straight up. Back then time wasn’t important to me, but being able to tell everyone I was an Ironman definitely was! So 2012 was my first ever sea swim, and the worst IMSA conditions ever! ….. a lovely start to my Ironman career. I cried like a baby going over the finishing line, and it was the proudest moment of my entire life – I was hooked good and solid!! Of course 2013 had to be an overseas Ironman, so I decided Ironman France (Nice) would be a great idea. I quietly (or maybe not so quietly) rated myself as a decent climber on the bike. Let’s not go any further but that will most definitely be my worst ever Ironman time !!! 2014 was back to South Africa on a new bike and swim course. By my standards (back then) I finally put together a decent race - 13hr15. 2. So you entered Ironman Sweden which is happening in the next few weeks, why did you chose this race? My mom is my greatest supporter, and has supported me at each of my Ironman races ….. She proudly tells everybody that her eldest son is an Ironman (ha-ha). So I decided to take her along once more and trace my late dad’s footsteps. He lived in Stockholm for 2 years before marrying my mom. Throwing in an Ironman in a country that apparently has serious hot babes, was just a bonus! Boni if you are reading this ….. my gorgeous, I truly do love you my angel!! 3. How’s the training been going? My training has been unbelievable. I’ve loved the fact that my training has been split between training with Trifactri squad members, as well as on my own. I’m a loner by nature, plus nobody will ever see Ralf Paps swimming ….. Kim says, I’m all arms going nowhere very slowly (ha-ha). Otherwise, I believe I’m well on track and definitely ready to take on Ironman Kalmar, Sweden. 4. What has it been like training with Lucy compared to your previous Ironmans? Training with Lucie has been great! Her wealth of knowledge and ability to read my body together with its ability has amazed me each and every day. I sent Luc an excel spreadsheet (accountant in me) showing the final 18 weeks leading up to my previous races - By week 13 I had already out trained any previous attempt. More importantly though, is the structure thereof. In my opinion that will make the world of difference! 5. What are you looking forward to most on your trip and race in Sweden? It would have to be the fact that we will be having lunch at the same 5 star restaurant that my dad worked at in the early 70’s. My dad would have been very proud to know that his eldest was competing in Ironman races. And then obviously, the race itself …. Apparently its flat and fast, and you ride over a 6km bridge (twice) with the Baltic sea on both sides of you!! …… Bring it on baby!! 6. What time you going for? Please break up the splits ? Now that puts the pressure on. Do I go conservatively or not? .... ha-ha! OK being honest, positive and having spoken to coach Zelenkova the estimates or best guestimates follow – 1. Swim – no comment by Lucie. Apparently my swim is worse than she originally expected. So, I’ll go with 1hr20. 2. Bike – Luc recons I’m on for a 5hr20 . Wow, that seems fast but I will trust Luc. 3. Run – Apparently I’m good for a 4hr10 marathon ….. That will all depend on the bike as we all know. That fine line we all strive for. So I guess it looks like a potential 10hr55 – 11hr15. Holy crap, that would beat my PB by 2hrs. That’s the goal and hope should everything go according to plan. But we all know how unpredictable and unforgiving an Ironman can be. I look forward to family and team mates following me on www.ironmanlive.com. Secretly I’m really hoping Lucie changes her mind and races in Sweden too ….. watch this space. Thanks for the wishes and the opportunity to answer some questions. Cheers to loads more hugely successful Ironman races for Trifactri!!! |
Darian Wait
Age Group: (30 – 34 Age Group) Where he's off to/been: World Long Distance Triathlon Champs 1. Darian, you are an uber biker, how did you become so strong on the bike ? Every time I get on a bike I actually believe that I am the strongest person getting onto a bike that day, its leads to a lot of disappointment and bad bike days in my mind but I just tell myself not to worry for I will try again tomorrow and tomorrow you will be the best biker. 2. Rumour has it you use to race and train with Chris Froome back in the day, what was he like back then and was he strong on the bike? Oh yes, before he became so weak and started winning grand tours and all,I used to race U/23 with him back in the good ol days. I remember one Inter-Varsity tour in Cape Town, we stayed at a 4 star hotel and while we were ordering the fanciest dinners offered he was just popping small boiled potatoes that he had stashed in his jacket pocket. He would also empty out all the ice machines from all the floors in the hotel for his ice baths, so weird. Over the years the boy just got stronger and stronger while most of us only got slightly stronger. Froome was and probably still is not your average pro athlete, he was dutiful led by his passion for cycling and he always knew that he had the makings of greatness in him and he never let anyone veer him from that path. 3. Is it true, that you had long hair back when you road with Froome dog? and that since you cut your hair short, you have slowly been losing bike strength over the years? Yes, I call it the Samson effect, it’s a real thing… Google it! 4. So why the World Long Distance Triathlon Champs later this year? LC World Champs is a race distance that I believe will suit me very well as some Half courses feel too short and the Full course kills me this being in-between will suit me at the moment but mostly I really want to represent SA, I'm very proud of this country and I hope that somehow, someday I could really make a difference to this country, a community or even just a single person with my experience and I would not be in this position if it were not for the help of Lucie and the comradery of the Trifactri club. 5. So you have been running like a Kenyan the past few weeks, what’s the story with the 195km’s a week run training ? Haha, ya well I can’t cycle like “The Kenyan” so I figured ill try run like one. Most of my races are the same, out the swim top 10, off the bike top 3 and then off the bike guys are crawling backwards faster than I’m running. So with the assistance of Lucie I decided to attempt a run block that I read about in the Ironman 70.3 magazine. In a nut shell you start it about 6 months out from a major race and you begin with increasing your running millage by 10% every week until you die ! No just kidding ; 10% every week for 3-4 weeks and a week recovery with half the distance of the previous week this continues for 3 sets. During this time swimming and cycling goes into maintenance and after the block is finished you will have 2 months to get the cycling and swimming form back. I started at the end of March and so far its going well, I'm at the end of my 2nd set running about 140km/week and I could eat a small child every meal but I'm convinced Ill be running like a gazelle soon and if it doesn’t work, Ill try it again, and again… stubborn like that. |
Coach Lucie
Where she's off to/been: IRONMAN Brasil - 29 May 2016 1. So Luc you racing Ironman South American Champs Brazil, why are you racing this Ironman again? What do you like about the race? I decided this year to race only races which suit me or which I like or in places I want to see. I been to this race three times already and I really enjoy whole Brazil experience. Ocean swim, almost flat bike and crazy Brazilians cheering for everyone, what is there not to like :) 2. Which has been your best Ironman race and why? There has been two Ironman which will stay in my memory. First was Ironman SA in 2009 when I lead the race from start to finish and running through the finish line winning was definitely best feeling I had in this sport. Second had to be when I did my PB at Ironman in Barcelona 2013 - finishing sub 9hr and running my fastest marathon yet was big achievement for me. 3. Do you find your athletes slacken off (become lazy) when you are not here to crack the whip? Yeah suddenly everyone disappear to little groups and sleep in, instead of training. Unluckily for them I am away for only few days and then I am back with my whip and whistle :). And in meantime Desi and Jess will be in charge to keep everyone going - so guys no slacking! 4. You will also be competing in Ironman Sweden later this year, which course suits you better Ironman Brazil or Sweden? Guess that I will be able to tell you only after Sweden :) 5. Last question, do I get an extra rest day this week for asking such nice questions? You know how much I like writing (not) so all your session are doubled for this week :) |
Eugene Gerber
Age Group: (40 – 44 Age Group) Where he's off to/been: IRONMAN Malaysia - 14 November 2015 1. How has your training been? In a word, tough. The conditions in Malaysia are difficult to train for… heat, humidity and a lot of climbing on the bike. So long runs were happening at midday and long rides had a lot of hills. I haven’t quite figured out how to train for the jellyfish and sea lice on the swim. Overall my training has gone according to plan. Triathletes always think they could have done more, but the reality is that you probably did enough. Mostly green on Trainingpeaks, so that must be good. 2. What has been the best part of your build up to IM Malaysia? Training with such a committed bunch of people is something very special. We are all training with some of the best triathletes in the country. Sort of like the navy seals of triathlons… an elite team. Add to that the personalities… who wouldn’t want to be part of that? And of course boerie-rolls in Bergies’s back yard…. They were awesome. 3. What has been the worst part of your build up to IM Malaysia? There were a couple of setbacks with injury and flu. Mentally I wasn’t prepared for unscheduled rest, so I was very grumpy during this time. I also saw very little of my friends and family outside of triathlon. Then of course some genius scheduled the Rugby World Cup in the build-up to Malaysia, so that wasn’t great. 4. What are you most looking forward to? This is my first international race. Where IMSA probably has about 90% South African athletes, IM Malaysia probably has a huge proportion of international athletes. I’m really looking forward to racing against the foreigners, and to make some friends during race weekend. 5. What do you think your time will be? 10:15 is the aim. Conditions on the day will have the final say. |
Tyrone Walker
Age Group: (30 – 34 Age Group) Occupation: Partner at Moore Attorneys Where he's off to/been: IRONMAN Mallorca 26 September 2015 1. How has your training been? Training has been a bit up and down, some really good weeks and some really bad weeks. A few niggles in my knees haven’t helped. 2. What has been the best part of your build up to IM Mallorca? Training with the guys and girls that are competing in Kona. Mallorca falls just before Kona so that has really helped. 3. What has been the worst part of your build up to IM Mallorca? Missing some key training sessions. 4. What are you most looking forward to? Cycling somewhere other than the cradle lol. Cycling through the beautiful island and its little villages. Becoming an Ironman! 5. What do you think your time will be? 16h59 – jokes Lucy would kill me. As it’s my first Ironman I have no clue. I think somewhere between 11 and 13 hours hopefully. |