Ironman Mont Tremblant 70.3 World Championships :: Interview with the athletes
IMMT finish line
2014 has been another remarkable year of breakthroughs and accomplishments of all T3 athletes. This year brings the largest field of T3ers to a championship race... Ironman Mont Tremblant 70.3
World Championships! On Sunday, September 7th, 2014, five very deserving T3ers will toe the line against the best age-groupers in the world. T3 Coaching is very proud and wishes the following the best of luck ::
Frances Vincent (FV) :: F50-54, Bib # 741
Michael Jordan (MJ) :: M50-54, Bib #396
Christine McKnight (CM) :: F65-69,Bib #237
John MacDonald (JM) :: M25-29, Bib #2382
Mara Fronhofer (MF) :: F45-49, Bib #995
* Get updates on FaceBook, T3Coaching.Net or on Twitter @t3coaching
Frances Vincent (FV) :: F50-54, Bib # 741
Michael Jordan (MJ) :: M50-54, Bib #396
Christine McKnight (CM) :: F65-69,Bib #237
John MacDonald (JM) :: M25-29, Bib #2382
Mara Fronhofer (MF) :: F45-49, Bib #995
* Get updates on FaceBook, T3Coaching.Net or on Twitter @t3coaching
T3 had a chance to interview them about their upcoming event and 2014 season.
* Congratulations on qualifying for the 70.3 World Championships. Was that the goal for the season?
FV :: Actually, it WAS my ultimate goal of the season! I thought it would be cool to be able to qualify and experience back-to-back World Championships two years in a row.
JM :: Thank you! Well it was for my 2013 season, I qualified for the 70.3 WC last summer at Timberman. Since qualifying not one day has gone by without me thinking of doing the race.
MJ :: Definitely not my goal or on my radar. This was truly unexpected and humbling.
CM :: Yes, qualifying for, and competing in this race was my top goal. A world championship race, especially one to which I can drive, is a rarity.
MF :: Yes, this was my goal for the year. Its been a goal of mine since having the twins. I qualified the last two years but wasn’t able to make the race. I knew I could go this year but was worried I might not qualify. Thanks to good coaching, I did!
JM :: Thank you! Well it was for my 2013 season, I qualified for the 70.3 WC last summer at Timberman. Since qualifying not one day has gone by without me thinking of doing the race.
MJ :: Definitely not my goal or on my radar. This was truly unexpected and humbling.
CM :: Yes, qualifying for, and competing in this race was my top goal. A world championship race, especially one to which I can drive, is a rarity.
MF :: Yes, this was my goal for the year. Its been a goal of mine since having the twins. I qualified the last two years but wasn’t able to make the race. I knew I could go this year but was worried I might not qualify. Thanks to good coaching, I did!
* I hear the venue you are headed to is beautiful. Have you been to Mont Tremblant before? If so, what can you tell us about MT?
JM :: I myself have never been to the area. However, I know and have talked to many people that have done the 70.3 and 140.6 race held there. From what I’ve heard it’s a gorgeous area and the course is superb!
FV :: I was just up there a few weeks ago volunteering at Ironman Mt Tremblant and getting a sneak preview of the course. It IS beautiful. The people were very friendly. It was NOT flat!
CM :: I have never been to Mont Tremblant, so I am excited to experience the venue. My friends all tell me it is beautiful and fun.
MF :: I qualified there so I am familiar with the venue. It is a beautiful area. It is my favorite race. The bike course is fast and fun and the volunteers are awesome. Its a well run race and makes you feel like you are at such a huge event.
MJ :: This will be my 3rd time at Mt Tremblant. Last year and twice this year. The venue is one that every triathlete should experience. I would say the venue is up to the standards of Lake Placid. The volunteers and spectators are to be appreciated. The bike course is one of my favorites and I love the run course because you can see the other athletes on the out and back. If you stay at the resort you don't have to move your car and everything is within walking distance. And did I mention its beautiful in Tremblant.
FV :: I was just up there a few weeks ago volunteering at Ironman Mt Tremblant and getting a sneak preview of the course. It IS beautiful. The people were very friendly. It was NOT flat!
CM :: I have never been to Mont Tremblant, so I am excited to experience the venue. My friends all tell me it is beautiful and fun.
MF :: I qualified there so I am familiar with the venue. It is a beautiful area. It is my favorite race. The bike course is fast and fun and the volunteers are awesome. Its a well run race and makes you feel like you are at such a huge event.
MJ :: This will be my 3rd time at Mt Tremblant. Last year and twice this year. The venue is one that every triathlete should experience. I would say the venue is up to the standards of Lake Placid. The volunteers and spectators are to be appreciated. The bike course is one of my favorites and I love the run course because you can see the other athletes on the out and back. If you stay at the resort you don't have to move your car and everything is within walking distance. And did I mention its beautiful in Tremblant.
* What are you most excited about for this Sunday?
MJ :: I am most excited to have my wife there to cheer me on and to be able to see other T3 Athletes. Its been a rough year for me and my wife was my biggest support.
CM :: I am most excited about the opportunity to compete against my age group peers from around the world. I’m sure it’s going to keep me humble! My goal at a race like this is always to enjoy the experience, and to be a gracious competitor on an international stage.
MF :: I am really excited to run down that finish chute again. It is an amazing finish! I am hoping my legs feel better than last time and I can put together a better run for a PR. If not, I will be happy just being there and having a good day.
FV :: This has been a roller coaster of a season for me. I have loved every minute of training, but have been full of self doubt and internal pressure when racing. I am most looking forward to freeing myself of all of that and having a really fun day out there! Oh, I may also indulge in a glass of wine when this is all over.
JM :: The fact that I am racing in a world championship is just wicked cool to think about! Also I would love to get to meet some of my favorite triathletes up there i.e. Jan Frodano, Andrew Starykowicz, Sebastian Kienle and the list goes on.
CM :: I am most excited about the opportunity to compete against my age group peers from around the world. I’m sure it’s going to keep me humble! My goal at a race like this is always to enjoy the experience, and to be a gracious competitor on an international stage.
MF :: I am really excited to run down that finish chute again. It is an amazing finish! I am hoping my legs feel better than last time and I can put together a better run for a PR. If not, I will be happy just being there and having a good day.
FV :: This has been a roller coaster of a season for me. I have loved every minute of training, but have been full of self doubt and internal pressure when racing. I am most looking forward to freeing myself of all of that and having a really fun day out there! Oh, I may also indulge in a glass of wine when this is all over.
JM :: The fact that I am racing in a world championship is just wicked cool to think about! Also I would love to get to meet some of my favorite triathletes up there i.e. Jan Frodano, Andrew Starykowicz, Sebastian Kienle and the list goes on.
* Over the past season, have you added any new pieces of equipment (new wetsuit, sneakers, power meter, etc...)?
CM :: No new equipment, but I have been fine-turning my fueling and hydration plans, and am a firm believer in Infinit energy products. They work for me, and simplify things on race day immensely.
MF :: Let's see... New sneakers (every year), a borrowed long sleeve wetsuit which is the same as my 2XU sleeveless (not sure which I'll wear), oh, and a power meter (which I am still trying to figure out). Hopefully it will help with my run, not blowing my legs on the bike, which I like to do.
FV :: Heck yeah! This sport is ALL about the gear, right? I've replaced my TYR long sleeved wetsuit with a Blueseventy. (Love it!) I also invested in my very own rear Zipp 808 racing wheel. I had been borrowing one from a good friend all last season. Oh yeah, my Garmin Edge 810 bike computer was a Christmas gift from my husband. It has built in mapping navigation... Now he can sleep at night.
MJ :: I have not added any new equipment but I will be looking into a power meter after Joey Adams tested my VO2 Max and power output. Kevin has the numbers. And who can argue with Christine and Fran who went to Kona last year using power meters. They both talked to me at Eagleman 70.3 this year and have convinced me its a worthwhile investment.
JM :: In this sport you are always getting new stuff every season I’ve just learned that’s how it goes. However, three new items do stand out in my mind: my blueseventy full sleeve helix wetsuit, oakley radar lock path sunglasses, and my bontrager RL front mount water bottle cage.
MF :: Let's see... New sneakers (every year), a borrowed long sleeve wetsuit which is the same as my 2XU sleeveless (not sure which I'll wear), oh, and a power meter (which I am still trying to figure out). Hopefully it will help with my run, not blowing my legs on the bike, which I like to do.
FV :: Heck yeah! This sport is ALL about the gear, right? I've replaced my TYR long sleeved wetsuit with a Blueseventy. (Love it!) I also invested in my very own rear Zipp 808 racing wheel. I had been borrowing one from a good friend all last season. Oh yeah, my Garmin Edge 810 bike computer was a Christmas gift from my husband. It has built in mapping navigation... Now he can sleep at night.
MJ :: I have not added any new equipment but I will be looking into a power meter after Joey Adams tested my VO2 Max and power output. Kevin has the numbers. And who can argue with Christine and Fran who went to Kona last year using power meters. They both talked to me at Eagleman 70.3 this year and have convinced me its a worthwhile investment.
JM :: In this sport you are always getting new stuff every season I’ve just learned that’s how it goes. However, three new items do stand out in my mind: my blueseventy full sleeve helix wetsuit, oakley radar lock path sunglasses, and my bontrager RL front mount water bottle cage.
* T3 Coaching is known for it's "family/team" concept, how rewarding is it to know you have four other T3ers heading north with you?
MF :: It will be great!!! The support and comradery is wonderful. I get excited to see people out there that I know, it helps keep my energy up. Although with the new run course I'm worried I won't see everyone like I did on the old "out and back". I'm sure the guys and probably Fran will pass by me at some point. Give me a little push out there! Can't wait to show off our new T3 apparel, GO T3!!!
FV :: It's very comforting and also makes me feel very proud. It says a lot about T3 and Kevin's ability to bring out the best in his athletes.
JM :: It’s really great knowing you’ll have support on race day from others. So many times in the past I have done 70.3 races that were not through a big organization. I would always find myself deep in the run all by myself with no support. I would get some mental lows for sure during those times. Now I know I will have others on course cheering for me and I will be sure to return the favor! It truly does make a world of difference seeing a friendly face!
MJ :: Its very rewarding to have other T3 family members up at IMMT. Lets not forget Paul Fronhofer and our spouses. After all it is a family. I know past T3 athletes who will be watching all day long and I can feel their support even now.
CM :: It means everything! Competing with other members of the T3 Coaching team will make the day extra special. I am so proud to know them and sweat with them!
FV :: It's very comforting and also makes me feel very proud. It says a lot about T3 and Kevin's ability to bring out the best in his athletes.
JM :: It’s really great knowing you’ll have support on race day from others. So many times in the past I have done 70.3 races that were not through a big organization. I would always find myself deep in the run all by myself with no support. I would get some mental lows for sure during those times. Now I know I will have others on course cheering for me and I will be sure to return the favor! It truly does make a world of difference seeing a friendly face!
MJ :: Its very rewarding to have other T3 family members up at IMMT. Lets not forget Paul Fronhofer and our spouses. After all it is a family. I know past T3 athletes who will be watching all day long and I can feel their support even now.
CM :: It means everything! Competing with other members of the T3 Coaching team will make the day extra special. I am so proud to know them and sweat with them!
* One area triathletes often overlook when they qualify for a Championship event is that it really extends your season. What have you & T3 Coaching done to prepare you for this 'longer' season?
JM :: Honestly not much different than last season. The goal last season was to qualify for the 70.3 WC so I knew my regular 3 months of training wouldn’t get me to the fitness I needed. So my 2013 season was 5 months long instead of the normal 3. All those months of training paid off so again this season me and Coach just had another long but great season together.
MJ :: Well my season got off to a rocky start so I cannot say its been extended for me.
CM :: For me, I think the longer season places a premium on pacing and staying focused. My only other “A” race this year was Eagleman 70.3, way back on June 8, where I qualified for this weekend’s race. In between these two “bookend” races, I did do a few other shorter, low-key races, but mostly it was training, sandwiched in between a lot of other family activities. I tried to stay sharp, conserve my energy, train with consistency, and keep this larger goal in mind.
FV :: It never gets boring and I would probably do it year round if I thought it would benefit me! Kevin keeps workouts challenging, interesting, and motivating. I also enjoy being part of the process and being given some freedom within my workouts.
MF :: Because of illness I was forced to take some time off after my qualifying race. Kevin eased me back in when I was ready and I think the rest did me well. Then I had a bunch of long hard weeks that I think will pay off.
MJ :: Well my season got off to a rocky start so I cannot say its been extended for me.
CM :: For me, I think the longer season places a premium on pacing and staying focused. My only other “A” race this year was Eagleman 70.3, way back on June 8, where I qualified for this weekend’s race. In between these two “bookend” races, I did do a few other shorter, low-key races, but mostly it was training, sandwiched in between a lot of other family activities. I tried to stay sharp, conserve my energy, train with consistency, and keep this larger goal in mind.
FV :: It never gets boring and I would probably do it year round if I thought it would benefit me! Kevin keeps workouts challenging, interesting, and motivating. I also enjoy being part of the process and being given some freedom within my workouts.
MF :: Because of illness I was forced to take some time off after my qualifying race. Kevin eased me back in when I was ready and I think the rest did me well. Then I had a bunch of long hard weeks that I think will pay off.
* For the readers who have never qualified for an event like this, what piece of advice can you offer to better their chances?
FV :: Be patient. Sometimes it takes a few years of goal setting and focused work to get what you want.
MF :: Coaching helps. Train with people better than you - it may make you feel slow at the time but it makes you push out of your comfort zone and get rewards. Everyone's got potential they haven't realized yet. Much of racing is in your head, stay positive and focused on your goals.
CM :: You have to identify these opportunities and go after them as you plan your season race schedule! I believe they are within reach of every triathlete – definitely achievable for everyone. The first world championship in which I ever competed was an Olympic distance race in 2002 in Cancun, Mexico. I qualified at a race in Lake Placid on a rainy, cold and miserable day in mid-June. My teeth were chattering, but I kept reminding myself it would be worth it – and it was! Cancun was really nice!
JM :: * Get a Coach
* Put in the work, this is gonna mean start training in the winter or spring months of the season. During these cold months you’re gonna have to drag yourself to the pool, onto the bike, and into those running shoes. Do it and keep telling yourself the weather will get warmer, fitness will come around and your big day will finally come! You’re gonna have to work for it though!
* Train with others that are better than you
* When you train by yourself and you just don’t have a great day remember every single training day of your season will not be perfect don’t beat yourself up too bad and move on from the off days.
* Focus on nutrition as much as you can but give into the “good stuff” here and there.
MJ :: My advice is to get a coach not for one year but several years. It takes time to develop a good relationship and for the adjustment of both the coach and the athlete. I know I am still learning a lot about myself and I think Kevin is still trying to figure me out. I am a tough nut to crack. Lastly you need the support of your family and spouse. I can only tell you from the past 2 years and 5 hospital stays my wife has help me emotionally overcome a lot. She has literally picked me up off the hospital floor in pain and talked me thru the roller coaster experiences.
In the words of Christine McKnight during a swim in late September last year :: "How Lucky are we?"
MF :: Coaching helps. Train with people better than you - it may make you feel slow at the time but it makes you push out of your comfort zone and get rewards. Everyone's got potential they haven't realized yet. Much of racing is in your head, stay positive and focused on your goals.
CM :: You have to identify these opportunities and go after them as you plan your season race schedule! I believe they are within reach of every triathlete – definitely achievable for everyone. The first world championship in which I ever competed was an Olympic distance race in 2002 in Cancun, Mexico. I qualified at a race in Lake Placid on a rainy, cold and miserable day in mid-June. My teeth were chattering, but I kept reminding myself it would be worth it – and it was! Cancun was really nice!
JM :: * Get a Coach
* Put in the work, this is gonna mean start training in the winter or spring months of the season. During these cold months you’re gonna have to drag yourself to the pool, onto the bike, and into those running shoes. Do it and keep telling yourself the weather will get warmer, fitness will come around and your big day will finally come! You’re gonna have to work for it though!
* Train with others that are better than you
* When you train by yourself and you just don’t have a great day remember every single training day of your season will not be perfect don’t beat yourself up too bad and move on from the off days.
* Focus on nutrition as much as you can but give into the “good stuff” here and there.
MJ :: My advice is to get a coach not for one year but several years. It takes time to develop a good relationship and for the adjustment of both the coach and the athlete. I know I am still learning a lot about myself and I think Kevin is still trying to figure me out. I am a tough nut to crack. Lastly you need the support of your family and spouse. I can only tell you from the past 2 years and 5 hospital stays my wife has help me emotionally overcome a lot. She has literally picked me up off the hospital floor in pain and talked me thru the roller coaster experiences.
In the words of Christine McKnight during a swim in late September last year :: "How Lucky are we?"