Friday, September 29, 2017

Kona Profiles: Rory Duckworth #NEVERQUIT


The Ironman World Championships ("Kona") is quickly approaching, taking place Oct. 14th. As you know, it's incredibly competitive to qualify and a major accomplishment to do so. Like last year, we'll be catching up with our local Cinderellas... getting to know them better as a tri community and cheering them on as they get ready for the ball!

Next up is Mr. Rory Duckworth. Thanks for the time man, and best of luck!

  • Name: Rory Duckworth
  • Age Group: M3034
  • Qualified: Ironman Boulder – June 2017
  • Qualifying Place & Time: 6th - 9:45:23  
  • Splits: Swim 1:06 Bike 4:45 Run 3:46


In a previous interview, with regards to Kona you compared yourself to Karl Malone… a perennial contender but yet to “win it all.” Well, that monkey is off your back! After several near misses at a Kona slot, was pressure building going into Boulder or were you relatively calm? Did you feel that this could be “the one?”

I am always calm... My main goals are to not get hurt or sick before a race. I always feel going into the race it could be "the one"... If you don't that's a losing attitude!





If memory serves, you went out to Boulder well before race day. Do you feel that helped you and if so, how?

I like going out and seeing the bike course to make sure I know each corner, every hill, and the road conditions so I know exactly how aggressive or not aggressive I will take them. It also helps on race day to make the time go by faster knowing where you are located and how much father you have. I am very particular about the bike leg and study it very closely to make sure my power is right in line. It also allows me to help my athletes that I train so I can pass this info to them so they can also have a great race.

Can you share your typical Ironman strategy, eg. on a scale from 1-10 how hard do you push the swim & bike?  % FTP?  Did you use a similar strategy at Boulder as previous races or tweak it at all?

Swim: 6 - I have a major cramping issue so I can't give much on the swim or I will honestly die from leg cramps.

Bike: 7 (72-77% of FTP) - I do make surges for strategic purposes or positioning

Run:  7 - I try to stay around 160 BPM give or take. My issues on the run all stem from my nutrition which is an on going balance and modification.

Every race has different challenges and you need to adjust as things come up. Boulder was no different. Cramped very bad in the water, had a great bike, and my run nutrition sucked which led to major leg issues. It wasn't a perfect race but I did what I needed that day!


It seemed like you had amazing highs and lows on race day and the day after. Can you walk us through the rollercoaster of emotions leading up to hearing your name called?

All races have highs and lows, that’s what makes us athletes is how we deal with them and adjust to the unknowns. The race is kinda a blur to tell you the truth. All I remember is that it hurt and I was happy to finish and the thought that I was never going to stop until I crossed the finish line. I knew I was in 6th place and thought that wouldn't be good enough as there were only 3 spots in my age group. I was aiming for 9:30 which I think would’ve gotten me 2nd or 3rd and a guaranteed spot for Kona. That night after the race I went to bed thinking my odds were slim to none for a Kona spot. I was very disappointed with my race and thought it was on the weaker side of what I was capable of. I always go to the ceremonies just because it’s such great energy to see so many people complete a life long goal and get their Kona spot. It’s also a good reminder of what happens when you work hard. I leave the ceremonies driven to always get my Kona spot for the next race.

We showed up and our best friends had also come to hang out with us. I figured I was going to hear them call my age group one by one until they got 1 or 2 names away from me and I would get to sit on a plane ride home thinking of all the ways I could be that athlete that gets his name called for the dream of going to Kona. So as they called the names 1st had already been multiple times and decided this year he wouldn't go. 2nd already had a spot from Ironman Arizona and 3rd never even showed up to awards, which left 3 spots for 4th 5th and 6th ME!!! I had to do the math a million times as Mike Riley was calling the names and they were declining to go... I looked over at my wife Courtney who is my coach and said "We’re going to KONA!!!" I couldn't believe it. I stood up and waited for him to say my name and just took in the moment. This was my 11th Ironman and I had finally got a Kona spot. I could look back and easily point out all the things I did wrong but the one thing I did right was NEVER quitting! As the Ironman motto says "Anything is Possible." I am proud of my rolldown Kona spot, I have worked hard for it and I’m happy and proud to represent the USA, Utah, my Tri Club Salt Lake Tri Club, and my family in Kona HI.




A lot of people knew what Kona meant to you and were pulling for you to cash in that coveted slot… what was the reaction like from SLTC, friends, family, etc?

The reaction was amazing because they have all been there to help me along the way. This wasn't just my journey this was all of our journeys. Everyone has a different story but we all share the same thing in common and that’s the sport of triathlon and how it has helped us become better people in our own lives and communities. It would be impossible to thank everyone for the support and help because there are so many people. I definitely couldn't have done this without all of you!






What’s been going on with your leg, and what’s the prognosis? Also, you crashed your bike while doing a Relay at Brineman?  Has it impacted your training for Kona?

Yes, it has been a very difficult 3 months!!! July 17th I was diagnosed with a calf DVT which is a blood clot in my deep vein. I am super lucky that we caught it early and also that it’s only located in my calf. The clot itself is not as big of a problem but if it goes to your lungs it could be deadly. I was put on medication for 6 weeks (blood thinners) which carry a risk of major bleeding. So if I fell on a bike ride it could kill me. I did all my bike training the last 6 weeks inside to limit my risk. My life is more important than riding outside. The last we checked the clot was still there and the same size. They don't typically go away for months or maybe years, but they’re not a risk after 4 weeks of going to the lungs. My worry going forward is the risk of developing another clot and the big unknown is WHY? I got the clot. If I get another one I would be on blood thinners the rest of my life. Other than that I have been fine to train and race. I would be lying if I said it hasn't impacted my training, not from riding indoors - that actually has helped me - but from the mental side of things. I live with constant stress that I might have another DVT… any little pain it’s the first thing I think. I worry all the time. I always thought I was super healthy and would live forever. It has changed my perspective on life and things in my life.


After finishing Ironman Wisconsin I took a good week off, doing nothing but resting like I do after all my Ironmans. My wife wanted to race Brineman because she is training for Ironman Arizona. She didn't want to do the whole race so we decided to do a relay. She would swim and run and I would bike. I needed to get back into working out for Kona so it made sense. She had a great swim and I was doing good and closing into 1st place (he says no way ) I made a push up a short hill to maintain speed and my chain slipped. I went head over my bike and hit my left side really good. I hit the back of my head and destroyed my helmet. I don't remember much other than some nice guys site seeing helping me and calling for help. A competitor also stopped (Bryce Jolly) THANK YOU! It meant the world and was a nice gesture even though I felt bad he stopped. Eventually R Adam Lee and Casey Merrill showed up and took me to the hospital. I met my wife and sister there and on the way talked with my doctor to come up with a plan. My hip kills and I was having some eye teaming issues. I wish I could say things are good but honestly now that it’s been a few weeks I am starting to get worried. Running over 3 miles is very hard and my memory isn't good with remembering names and small things. I am trying to stay positive and I am doing everything possible to get healed fast. I’m confident I will finish Kona I just don't know how long it will take me.


Most people would be ecstatic to go mid 11 hrs. at an Ironman. But for you, in hindsight what went “wrong” at Ironman Wisconsin this month and what lessons did you learn for Kona and beyond?

Wisconsin was just poor planning and bad luck. Swim went great but right when I got on the bike I lost ALL my nutrition… like everything, it was seriously like the tri gods were laughing at me saying "let’s test him on this one." I just laughed and thought I could easily be fine with the on course nutrition. Well that didn't work out as I had planned and I got super sick to my stomach. I was good until mile 14 on the run and then I threw up a ton!!! From there it was just a battle to finish which I knew I would. Quitting was never an option and I would have rather died than quit! The lesson learned... use my special needs bags as a back up for lost nutrition and I should have stopped and gotten what I could have recovered from when it fell off my bike. Also I have found out that all the sugar doesn't work for me anymore. I am adjusting my nutrition to address this. I lost 15 lbs after the race when I was weighed in medical. They were really worried for me and I got 2 bags of IV and felt great.

Do you feel pressure to perform at Kona or will it be more about enjoying the experience? Any goals in mind?

No pressure. This is a party for me. I am not stressing trying to win the race but will give a good effort to make you all proud. My goals are to have fun, take in the experience, and beat Spencer Woolston’s bike time to have the fastest bike split from Utah ;) Also why not just throw out there to beat all the BAM guys just so they can get all fired up after reading this... :) in all seriousness my body is pretty wrecked. I am taking each day one at a time. I can't swim because of the wounds, I don't have my bike because they had to ship it over to Kona yesterday, and running more than 3 miles is extremely hard and very slow. I made some risks by doing Ironman Wisconsin and had bad luck by crashing my bike. It could be soooo much worse. I just want everyone to know I will do my very best on that day. If it’s a 17 hr finish then that's all I had but I can promise you this I WILL NEVER QUIT! #neverquit #noexcuses


Now that you’ve accomplished the mission, do you see qualifying as an annual quest or will your goals/emphasis change in future years?

No, I am debating NOT doing fulls for the next few years to focus on my family and work... who am I joking... Yeah I am sure I will... after seeing Lee Weatherhead qualify at Ironman Chattanooga I am pretty sure I will do another Ironman and try to get to Kona to have an "all out" race. I am starting a focus group of Utah athletes that have the desire to qualify for Kona. We will help each other out with the same goal of getting to Kona in 2018. We will share advice, training ideas, and up to date race strategies. I would like to see tons of Utah triathletes compete in Kona in 2018. #operationkona2018

You’ve done a dozen or so Ironmans now… what are your top 5 for overall experience?

Tahoe
Tahoe
Tahoe
St. George
St. George


Anything else you want to share?

I am currently a LVL 1 USAT coach and Ironman Certified Coach with a focus on making athletes faster. I just attended the Slowtwitch training with Power certification and am excited to apply what I learned this winter in Kickr Lab 2017/2018. I love keeping up on all the new swimming, cycling, and running techniques and technologies. I am a Tech geek. I pledge my allegiance to the USA, Utah, and SLTC (Salt Lake Tri Club).



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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

SLTC Kickr Lab!


SLTC President Adam Lee asked if we'd help spread the word about the upcoming KICKR LAB, and we're happy to do so. Below is most of the information, but check out the link below for the official site.

SLTC KICKR LAB

With the days becoming shorter and colder it’s time to start thinking about your cycling options. With the success of the previous years Kickr Labs we are excited to mix it up a little by incorporating more social options during the weekday rides and more entertainment/Education on the long Saturday rides. Sign up for the 2017/2018 Kickr lab and start training with power, science, and some peer pressure to see better results in 2018!!!




How does it work?

We have taken a scientifically proven approach to cycling indoors to maximize your time and get the best results. To keep things easy, more social, and affordable we will meet for our weekday rides Via Discord app/Zwift and only meet physically as a group on Saturday mornings (Draper or Bountiful) with your own trainer and bicycle. A custom cycling plan will be built for you to do during the week either during a virtual meetup time or on your own, Saturdays rides we will meet for a long endurance based fun/social indoor cycling class. All workouts will be loaded on all the major power programs like Training Peaks, Perfpro , Zwift , and Trainer Road so you can easily follow the program on your own time. This class will focus on having fun but will also help you to become a cycling machine by using a interval zone based riding. After doing a FREE FTP test to determine your fitness and to track your progress, we will then provide you with your detailed zone report to help you maximize the training. Coach Duckworth has built a custom plan that is fun and will not just get you ready for any early race, but ready for a fantastic 2018 season. Our goal is for you to have fun building long lasting relationships with fellow lab members, make sure you hit your 2018 fitness goals, and build confidence on the bike to take on any course. This program is for ANYONE!!! You only need a bicycle, any bicycle trainer (Rentals will be available) and positive attitude to participate. Heart rate monitors and power trainers are recommended but not necessary.

Why?

With a scientific approach and formula you can maximize your training in a controlled environment and at the same time suffer with your fellow athletes. Let’s face it, we don’t have hours in the day to train and that’s why we have built a program that will get the most out of the 90 minute weekday at home lab session and longer kickr lab sessions on weekends.

Where?

  • Anywhere!!! (Meet ups will be done on Discord and Zwift)
  • Bountiful (Saturday indoor rides)
  • Salt Lake City
  • Draper (Saturday indoor Rides)
  • Utah County

Class Schedule (20 Weeks Oct 30-Mar 17)

Weekdays will be performed in your home on your own time or join us where we will use Discord or zwift so we can still suffer together in the comfort of our own pain caves. Details on Zwift and Discord will be sent out before classes start. 20 Week training plan will be loaded into your Free Training peaks account.






Weekday Discord/Zwift Times

  • Monday 6 AM: Motivational Monday with Nate Last
  • Tuesday 7 PM: Time Trial Tuesday with Rory Duckworth
  • Thursday 10 AM: Lady Bee ride with Felica Borchert and Courtney Duckworth (Men welcomed)
  • Saturday 6AM: Group ride Draper or Bountiful or Virtual (Times may change depending on workout time)

Saturday Indoor Group Dates
  • November: 4, 11, 18
  • December: 2, 9, 16
  • January: 6, 13, 20, 27
  • February: 3, 10, 17, 24
  • March: 3, 10, 17

Cost

$59 for the entire 2017/2018 winter training plan (Excludes Saturday meet ups and BAM Shake)

$95 for the entire 2017/2018 winter training plan and Saturday group indoor rides (Excludes BAM shakes)

$179 for the entire 2017/2018 winter training plan and Saturday group indoor rides plus a BAM protein shake after Saturday ride.

*$395 for 5 month Wahoo Snap trainer rental plus entire 2017/2018 winter training plan and Saturday group indoor rides.

*$595 for 5 month Wahoo Kickr trainer rental plus entire 2017/2018 winter training plan and Saturday group indoor rides.

*Rentals will be available for purchase after Kickr lab ends. Please speak with Coach Duckworth about the details.

Limited spots are available for both rentals and Kickr lab

FREE FTP Testing every 4-6 weeks to track performance and zones.

*Sign up special: Sign up for before November 5th and receive a FREE SLTC Kickr Lab Shirt.

*Results are not guaranteed, hard work only guarantees results. Satisfaction is guaranteed, if you are not satisfied receive a full refund.


Sunday, September 24, 2017

Utah Age Group Rankings 2017 - MEN ROUND 3


With only one race left on the calendar, it’s time for Round 3 of the Utah Tri Buzz 2017 age group rankings!

The same things we said in the women's rankings apply to the men. We stand & applaud everyone on the list. Regardless of individual rank, these are all people who have gotten out to race and who support the local scene.

Think about it, how many people stayed in bed while you were out testing your limits?? 
How many others are active, yet too chicken to ever toe a start line??

Kudos to everyone in the rankings... you're strong in both body & mind!

Lastly, keep in mind this is for FUN... please don't take the rankings too seriously.





The methodology is simple:

* To be eligible for Round 3 "Close to Final" Rankings, must have raced at least 3 of these 18 events on the local calendar (34 total races counting all distance options): 

  • Icebreaker (Apr 8) 
  • Ironman St. George 70.3 (May 6) 
  • Salem Spring (May 13) 
  • Sand Hollow - Sprint/Olympic (May 20) 
  • East Canyon - S/O (Jun 10) 
  • Rock Cliff - S/O (Jun 17) 
  • Daybreak - S/O (Jun 24) 
  • DinoTri - S/O (Jun 24) 
  • Echo - S/O (Jul 8) 
  • Toughman Utah Half (Jul 15) 
  • San Rafael - S/O (Jul 15) 
  • Topaz - S (Jul 15) 
  • Jordanelle - S/O (Aug 12) 
  • Black Ridge - S/O (Aug 12) 
  • Kokopelli - S/O (Sep 9) 
  • Bear Lake Brawl - S/O/H/F (Sep 9 & 16) 
  • Camp Yuba - S/O (Sep 16) 
  • Brineman - S/O/H (Sep 16) 

Round 1 (thru June): 2 race minimum
Round 2 (mid Aug): 2 race minimum
Round 3 (end of season): 3 race minimum (average of your top 3 races)




* The final rankings will be the basis for several “Most Improved” and other awards, not just awards for AG elites.

* Like last year, we take the AVERAGE of everyone’s top 3 races for the final rankings… this provides some incentive to get out and race often, as you can only help yourself by racing more. For example, if you have an off day, or even a dreaded DNF, that result will shake out of your top 3 average if you race 4+ times.

* We use your Overall % to calculate the rankings (which is shown in all the individual race “Results Breakdowns” we post). This is simply how you placed vs. the field - if you placed 60th out of 100 at a race, that’s 60%. If you placed 80th out of 200 at another, that’s 40%. In this case those two then average to 50%.

Your 50% average would then be stacked up to the rest of your age group for the rankings.


Last race up!


 
So if you've participated in 2 qualifying races so far, this last race in St. George would qualify you for the FINAL, "WALL OF FAME" rankings and become eligible for awards & swag (most improved awards, AG awards, etc). If you've raced 3+ times, racing again can only help you, as your "worst" results will shake out of your Top 3 average.


Rankings below! Just for fun we've also added the # of local races each person participated in to qualify.


















Related Posts

SWAG ANNOUNCEMENT 2017

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Women Part 2


WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Women Part 1


WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Men Part 2


WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Men Part 1

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Utah Age Group Rankings 2017 - WOMEN ROUND 3


With only one race left on the calendar, it’s time for Round 3 of the Utah Tri Buzz 2017 age group rankings!

We stand & applaud everyone on the list. Regardless of individual rank, these are all people who have gotten out to race and who support the local scene.

Think about it, how many people stayed in bed while you were out testing your limits?? 
How many others are active, yet too chicken to ever toe a start line??

Kudos to everyone in the rankings... you're strong in both body & mind!

Lastly, keep in mind this is for FUN... please don't take the rankings too seriously.




The methodology is simple:

* To be eligible for Round 3 "Close to Final" Rankings, must have raced at least 3 of these 18 events on the local calendar (34 total races counting all distance options):

  • Icebreaker (Apr 8)
  • Ironman St. George 70.3 (May 6)
  • Salem Spring (May 13)
  • Sand Hollow - Sprint/Olympic (May 20)
  • East Canyon - S/O (Jun 10)
  • Rock Cliff - S/O (Jun 17)
  • Daybreak - S/O (Jun 24)
  • DinoTri - S/O (Jun 24)
  • Echo - S/O (Jul 8)
  • Toughman Utah Half (Jul 15)
  • San Rafael - S/O (Jul 15)
  • Topaz - S (Jul 15)
  • Jordanelle - S/O (Aug 12)
  • Black Ridge - S/O (Aug 12)
  • Kokopelli - S/O (Sep 9)
  • Bear Lake Brawl - S/O/H/F (Sep 9 & 16)
  • Camp Yuba - S/O (Sep 16)
  • Brineman - S/O/H (Sep 16)

Round 1 (thru June): 2 race minimum
Round 2 (mid Aug): 2 race minimum
Round 3 (end of season): 3 race minimum (average of your top 3 races)




* The final rankings will be the basis for several “Most Improved” and other awards, not just awards for AG elites.

* Like last year, we take the AVERAGE of everyone’s top 3 races for the final rankings… this provides some incentive to get out and race often, as you can only help yourself by racing more. For example, if you have an off day, or even a dreaded DNF, that result will shake out of your top 3 average if you race 4+ times.

* We use your Overall % to calculate the rankings (which is shown in all the individual race “Results Breakdowns” we post). This is simply how you placed vs. the field - if you placed 60th out of 100 at a race, that’s 60%. If you placed 80th out of 200 at another, that’s 40%. In this case those two then average to 50%.

Your 50% average would then be stacked up to the rest of your age group for the rankings.


Last race up!


 
So if you've participated in 2 qualifying races so far, this last race in St. George would qualify you for the FINAL, "WALL OF FAME" rankings and become eligible for awards & swag (most improved awards, AG awards, etc). If you've raced 3+ times, racing again can only help you, as your "worst" results will shake out of your Top 3 average.


Rankings below! Just for fun we've also added the # of local races each person participated in to qualify.



 




 


Related Posts

SWAG ANNOUNCEMENT 2017

WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Women Part 2


WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Women Part 1


WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Men Part 2


WALL OF FAME Final Rankings 2016 - Men Part 1



Friday, September 22, 2017

Kona Profiles: Heather "War Eagle" Casey


The Ironman World Championships ("Kona") is quickly approaching, taking place Oct. 14th. As you know, it's incredibly competitive to qualify and a major accomplishment to do so. Like last year, we'll be catching up with our local Cinderellas... getting to know them better as a tri community and cheering them on as they get ready for the ball!


  • Name: Heather Casey
  • Age Group: F4549
  • Qualified: "The Road to Kona" (via Ironman Boulder) – June 2017

What’s your athletic background and how did you get into triathlon?


I started swimming competitively as a year round sport when I was 6 years old. My age group swim coach was Team USA swim coach David Marsh. He was a graduate student at Auburn University at the time after swimming for Auburn. I competed in my first triathlon 31 years ago at the age of 14 as a relay with my dad and best friend at the West Point Lakes Tri in Georgia.



Being an Alabama native, you’re clearly a huge Crimson Tide fan, correct? ;) What brought you out west and how does Utah compare to what some affectionately refer to as the “Dirty South?”


Let’s clear this up:) I was raised in Auburn and graduated from Auburn University. I am a die hard Auburn fan! War Damn Eagle! I lived in Park City for a short stint during the time period of the Winter Olympics and managed a restaurant on Main Street. I left the area after the Olympics but never lost my love of the mountains. In the fall of 2014 my husband Pat and I wanted a big change to align better with our endurance training and coaching. We gave more than half of our belongings away and loaded up a U-Haul headed to Utah. I still pinch myself every time I see the mountain views! This is home! 



How would you summarize your 2017 season overall?


My priority over the past 3 years has been to build my coaching experience to become a full time triathlon coach rather than coaching as a hobby. I had not raced in over two years coming in to this season. I dedicated my time 100% to my coached athletes and supporting their racing. This year was a fun challenge to regain my fitness and get back in to competition shape. I raced mostly Ironman events while representing Coeur Sports on their ambassador team. I only raced one local race, Salem Sprint winning first place in my age group. My long course racing was comprised of Ironman Oceanside 70.3, Ironman Saint George 70.3, Ironman Boulder 140.6 and coming soon Kona!

Probably answered above, but where did you qualify, and what was your reaction when you found out you were going to Kona?

I was automatically entered in to a contest I knew nothing about called The Road To Kona Through Boulder. Ten athletes registered for Ironman Boulder were drawn randomly to race Kona. I was notified through a Facebook Live video from race director Dave Christensen in Boulder. I was in shock! I literally did not know about the contest! This was December 23 that I was notified. It was the best Christmas gift ever, aside from my Christmas Day engagement to Pat the previous year!


What are you most looking forward to and most terrified about thinking ahead to the race?


I’m looking forward to celebrating all the challenges each competitor has overcome to reach the race. We all have our own stories of triumph. I know mine but we all have something huge that we’ve overcome in life to get where we are. I want to celebrate my victories and my life failures all at once by putting my body to the ultimate test of riding in to the epic winds and facing the heat of the lava fields. There will be many emotions on race day. I hope I get my crying done before the finish line. LOL! 

Oceanside, with fast SLTC bee Xavier Lucio in the background


Locally, we see your name at two opposite ends of the racing spectrum this season: the fast & fun Salem Sprint and the brutal St. George 70.3. What’s your favorite distance, and what are your favorite local races you’ve competed or spectated at?

My favorite distance to race is 70.3. It is pretty attainable to train for without becoming a part time job like Ironman. Every time I do an Ironman (this will be my 5th) I think it will be my last then I wake up the next day ready for another entry. Ironman Saint George 70.3 is my favorite Utah race. I competed in it twice and coached many training camps on the course. I love the beauty and the challenging terrain and weather.



Sage Maaranen included a picture of you and her in her interview after a hard session on the trainer. In your opinion, who comprise the men’s and women’s podiums for most impressive feats of sweating at BAM HQ?


I interpret this question literally as who sweats the most at BAM which is hands down Mick Campbell for the men with a runner up of Sam Hobi. The women’s field sweat winner may be Tracy Campbell (sweaty couple award) with runner up Skye Moench. So much sweating goes on at BAM’s Indoor cycling!



When did you get started with coaching, and what are your favorite aspects of it?

I started coaching over ten years ago as a strength and conditioning coach at the collegiate level for Alabama State University as their assistant strength coach. I started coaching triathlon in 2012 and quickly found my niche working with athletes that had previous injuries and needed a little extra work to come back after injury. Many coaches won’t work with injury prone athletes due to risk. My background as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist provides the experience needed for me to feel comfortable working with high risk populations. I now focus my coaching on long course athletes from intermediate to pro.

What do you hope to take away from your Kona experience?

This will be my third year in a row being at Ironman World Championships but first year racing. Each year I have volunteered at the finish line and watched athletes achieve the ultimate dream of crossing the most famous finish line in the world. I want that memory of finishing ingrained forever in my bank of experiences.

Anything else you want to share?

I am president of BAM Endurance Club and coach full time. My website is CoachHeatherCasey.com 




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