Welcome to our first Q&A!
This series will have a variety of Q&A’s with athletes of all ability from amateur to elite about their training, nutrition, advice and quirks!
Our first Q&A is with Karyss Ashleigh, a triathlete from Mandurah, Western Australia. She has just completed her first half ironman and jumped on to complete her second half ironman within 6 weeks, IM 70.3 Cairns. This positive ball of energy is in full training mode for her first FULL IRONMAN (Ironman Western Australia) this December.
TRAINING
When / how did you get involved in triathlon?
I got involved with triathlon when I met my partner. He had previously raced bikes and was making the transition to long distance triathlons. I had always enjoyed running and was a decent swimmer so he said if I brought a bike we could ride together. I attended my first 70.3 when he raced his first and I was hooked. I wanted in!
What do you love about the sport?
I love everything! Racing, training, the challenges, the goals, meeting new and amazing people, learning new things all the time about the sport and myself. But most importantly I love all the pretty bikes!
Do you train in a group or by yourself?
When I first started cycling I found a group but as I got stronger and improved I needed more of a challenge. Sometimes my boyfriend and I head out on the bike or go swimming together.
Do you incorporate strength training into your triathlon training program?
Sometimes… Probably not as often as I should but I stretch and roll daily!
What is your favourite muscle group to work / favourite strength exercise.
Squatting! I love squatting!
Why do you think strength training is important for endurance athletes?
To prevent or help with injuries and also to make us faster and stronger.
CAIRNS 70.3 RACE
You’ve just completed Cairns 70.3, huge Congratulations!!! It was a tough day out. Tell us a bit about your day…
I was really sick for two weeks coming up to race day (I have really bad asthma!). I went into it just hoping I would finish. As soon as I got to Cairns I felt amazing! I was so much more nervous this time around, my second 70.3 in only 6 weeks. I am a confident swimmer and did a great time at Busselton but as soon as I got in the water at cairns I felt so sea sick! I thought I was going to spew! It only got worse from there. I ran straight past my bike in transition haha! Oops! I loved the ride. I had never ridden in the rain before. Although I didn’t I was going to make it back over Rex lookout(killer!). By the time I got to the run I knew I wasn’t going to PB so I focused on enjoying it and that’s exactly what I did. Although I wasn’t happy with my time I felt strong on the run.
What was your favourite leg for the day?
That’s a really tough one! Defiantly not the swim. So probably the cycle. I loved the course. It was beautiful. I don’t like hills much but seeing all those beautiful sites made it all worth it 🙂
During tough moments in the race, what did you do to keep positive?
I was just super excited to get to the finish line and get that medal. I kept imagining that and getting to see my boyfriend finish the full Ironman. I kept thinking about how far I have come and how proud of myself I am.
What was your post race feed?
Chips and gravy! I smelt it out on the run course and craved it the whole day!
What have you learnt from this race?
Time doesn’t matter. What matters is enjoying it. Finishing is finishing. Nobody can take that away from you. I learnt more about nutrition, how it really does make a difference on the run leg. If you haven’t eaten or drunk enough on the bike it can make for a long day out!
TO THE FUTURE
What’s your next event?
The big one. IMWA!
What’s your ultimate goal?
Kona! Its most people’s ultimate. But only the best get there! Maybe one day it will all come together and I can get there.
What’s your advice for newcomers to fitness, whether it is triathlon, running or strength training?
Set achievable goals. Get out there and enjoy it. Never take yourself to seriously and quality > quantity! Most people make the mistake of doing too much too quickly! Believe in yourself because anything is possible 🙂
If you have any questions for our athletes or coaches be sure to connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or E-mail and we’ll include you questions throughout the series.