With all eye's starting to focus on Kona for the Ironman World Championships this month, we decided to launch a timely piece to celebrate our community in line with the most prestigious event on any triathlete's race calendar.
For over four decades the IRONMAN World Championship has brought the world's best athletes together in competition.
The inaugural KONA™ race was held in 1978 as a way to challenge athletes who had seen success at endurance swimming and running events. On February 18, 1978, 15 people came to Waikiki to take on the IRONMAN challenge. Prior to racing, each received three sheets of paper with a few rules and a course description. The last page read: "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!"
In 1981, the race moved from the tranquil shores of Waikiki to the barren lava fields of Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Along the Kona Coast, black lava rock dominates the panorama, and athletes battle the "" crosswinds of 45 mph, 95-degree temperatures and a scorching sun.
Ahead of the race, we caught up with one of our very own Kona bound athletes for a very special reason as they make final preparations for their debut on the big Island. You may remember earlier this year we launched our International Women's Day Campaign to celebrate the amazing achievements of women in our sporting community. We received entries across the globe to win a fully customised kit with the accolade of being named the FOHER Co International Women's Day Ambassador for 2019. We received countless entries from across the globe, however, there was one name that stood out without question, and that name was Chloe Kay.
Now Chloe Kay is no ordinary athlete. She has raced numerous IRONMAN events over her triathlon career. She lined up for Ultraman Australia last year, and is now a Kona qualifier. But impressive race resume aside, one of the most stand out characteristics about Chloe is without a doubt her humble and kind hearted nature as she goes about her day today training and racing life. Chloe is a triathlon coach in her spare time and shares a true passion to help people be the best versions of themselves. In so many words, she is a true inspiration to many who meet her, and with that in mind we couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this honour.
To formalise her new role as the FOHER Co #IWD19 Ambassador, we created a truly special "like no other" triathlon suit for her to debut on race day in Kona. We believe this suit encompasses our common goal to bring athletes together and personify the gift that is qualifying for such an event like the IRONMAN World Championships. It is truly a celebration!
We hope you enjoy our short Q&A with Chloe as she embarks on the home stretch for her Road to Kona.
A. Ironman. Probably the quintessential picture/videos of athletes riding on the Queen K.
A. If I had to use one word I would say consistent. I was lucky enough to qualify in China at the end of 2018 but was struggling with a few injuries for that race. So I was forced to take some time off running and get strong before starting a nice slow and solid build. The last couple of months the training has peaked and I have had the normal highs and lows of Ironman training but am proud to say I’ve remained super consistent throughout.
A. I am literally in the last few days of the last build right now and feeling the effects of increased load... BRING ON TAPER! I peaked at my longest run (2.5 hours) last week and have done some really long rides and brick sessions. I also had a hit out at Sunshine Coast 70.3 which was a great chance to dust off the cobwebs and practice nutrition and pacing for the big dance.
A. Can I answer that one in 2 weeks? I dont know yet! But in all seriousness I’m trying not to get too swept up that it is the World Championships. I’ve ticked all the boxes and trained hard but I also work full time and I'm also a big advocate for balance and remaining realistic. As a pharmacist I have to be mentally fresh and functioning at work, so being a total zombie from training excessively isn't really an option. Don’t get me wrong, most days I feel like my legs could drop off and want an IV of coffee into my veins... But do try to keep a good balance and enjoy the training, we are doing it by choice remember!
A. Ocean swim and acai bowl are top of the list.
A. The winds on the bike for sure, I've heard all about how brutal the crosswinds and headwinds can be. Whilst I've been riding in all conditions to try and prepare, the wind still terrifies me more than the heat/humidity.
A. The atmosphere and taking in the whole experience for sure... Not just the race but the whole week; swimming out to the coffee boat, being in the Parade of Nations, rocking our Foher kini's in the undies run, swimming with turtles, enjoying the Hawaiian sunsets, Kona coffee and acai bowls... everything really!
A. I would have to say the run. Every Ironman I've done I have been sooo glad to get off the bike and be onto the marathon. You don't have to worry about weather, mechanical issues or crashes etc, just run. Also the swim and ride can get quite lonely out there for hours, but the competitor and crowd support on the run always peps me up.
A. A day to celebrate all of the wonderful achievements of women around the world. I have some pretty wickedly successful friends all achieving great things in their desired and very different professions/hobbies and I think a day like IWD to celebrate them is important. It is also an opportunity to inspire our younger generations.
A. My family, friends, colleagues and training buddies who keep me sane deserve medals. My coach Pete from Endurance Collab has been amazing, not just setting my program but answering my every question, being a calming source during freak outs and getting me here fit and healthy. And of course the Fabulous Foher Fam, as always have been phenomenal.
Good luck Chloe, we wish you all the best for your World Championship.
