IM Western Australia

So,
Why did I register for Ironman Western Australia today?

1) Coming off Florida 70.3 three weeks earlier. This is perfect for me, I love racing a 1/2 IM 3 weeks prior to my big race. So, the timing is right.

2) IMWA is a flat course, and if not windy, has all the makings of a PR course. It can be hot and windy though.

3) Frankly, I am still pissed off at my injury the month before Roth this season. That cost me a sub 9:30. Yeah, I'm just still pissed over that. I am going there to break 9:30. If it doesnt happen, so what....but, at least I tried.

4) For Ann. I encouraged her to go down there on her own to race but she wouldnt race without me so far away. I want to be there if Ann breaks 10 hours. This is a seemingly impossible barrier, BUT...so was 10:15 1 year ago.
I trained her to this accomplishment this year. However, with Olaf on board...she is already getting very strong on the bike. Stronger than I have ever seen her. She will tear that course apart if its a good day.
Like I said in my other blogs....5:38 is far below Ann's potential. I think she should be around 5:25-28, and thats with another sub 3:30 marathon. Her swim and transitions may be the key here.
Does she have the ability to break 10? Yes. She has more innate drive than any ironman or marathon runner I have ever worked with, and her workouts are far more intense than any girl I have trained or have trained with. And its not only that...its coupled with her natural ability to REST properly and know when to push the intensity, and know how far to push without going too far. This is the key factor that separates her.

Nobody I know does 5 running repeats up 800 ft on 14% grade 3 weeks before an Ironman....Very few non pro women could handle that workout...off a 90 mile hard ride the day before. She is primed and ready for the intense training Olaf has had her doing. I only hope it's right for her. We'll see.
I am not over confident on this...she will have to have a near perfect day for conditions...and she will have to have the strongest possible splits on all 3 events that day.