TT Hawaii Ironman Coverage Athlete Profile – Rebecca Eveleigh

Age: 34

Country Representing: Australia  

Occupation:
Town Planner

Marital Status/Family: Engaged

Is this the first time you have been to Kona?

This will be my first trip to Hawaii and first time racing as an athlete in the World Ironman Championships!  It’s been a dream since starting the sport in 2006 so I’m super excited to have qualified and be taking part in this year’s iconic event J

Where did you qualify for Kona 2011?

I qualified at Ironman Australia, Port Macquarie, May 2011.  I loved racing with my family and friends on the side line and was stoked to come home with an overall top 5 finish, 1^st amateur female, 1^st F30-34 and a ticket to the big dance.  Ironman hasn’t been the easiest journey for me with many big highs and lows (it’s been a huge learning experience).  So it was satisfying to have finally got the monkey off my back and qualified a spot to live my dream. 

Tell us about your preparation for Hawaii.

I’ve just raced Yeppoon 70.3 and had a solid day; with 4^th place overall and 1^st F30-34.  I’m happy where my training is at leading into the main training block, now 7 weeks out from Hawaii.  I’m heading over to Kona late September (12 days before the race) to give myself a chance to get use to the heat, humidity and winds and finish my training off in these conditions. 

What has a typical training week looked like for you in the lead-up to this event?

Training weeks vary depending on training cycle and include 3-4 swim sessions (including squad), 3-5 bike sessions and 3-5 run sessions with variable distances and intensities (including aerobic miles, race pace sets, strength and endurance sets, brick sessions, track work and recovery sessions).  I also have massage weekly – fortnightly. 

What excites you the most about competing at an iconic race like the Hawaii Ironman?

The experience of racing amongst the best athletes in the world!  Hawaii World Champs is an international iconic event (some would say the pinnacle of the sport given the depth of history behind the race) and I feel extremely privileged to have earned the opportunity to be a part of it. 

Is there anything about the Ironman in Hawaii that makes you really nervous?

I’m going into this event with an open mind.  It will be a completely new experience for me racing at this level as well as in the heat and humidity so I have no expectations.  I think I’m more excited than nervous J

What are your goals for the race?

Stick to my race plan, soak up the atmosphere, get the most out of myself on the day - whatever gets thrown at me, and make the most of this amazing experience and opportunity!

What are you doing to relax after the race? Are you planning on a holiday in Hawaii post Ironman?

My fiancé and I are having a week holiday on the other Islands of Hawaii.  Can’t wait to be a tourist and enjoy some down time!  Then on our return to Sydney we’ll be getting married in November so we have lots to look forward to after the race.

Tell us a little about your background?

I grew up on a property in northern NSW where I developed a passion for the outdoors, in particular running and horse riding.  I’ve been involved with the sport of triathlon since 2005.  After watching the last Forster Ironman in 2005, I was so inspired it was only a matter of time before I signed up for my own first Ironman experience at Port Macquaire, 2006.  I’ve been working with Grant Giles - Aeromaxteam, since starting the sport and have been blown away by how far I’ve come and the results that I am now achieving.  Ironman has been a huge learning experience for me and an amazing life journey. I’ve met so many inspirational people of all ages and abilities. The self challenges and being part of the triathlon community is what continues my passion for the sport.

How have you managed to balance the training for Ironman with your other commitments such as work and family?

I’ve recently changed my work arrangements from full time to 4 days a week which has made a big difference in terms of work/lifestyle balance.  Time management and good organisation is a must to fit in training loads, work and personal time. 

Thanks for chatting to us and best of luck for the race!

We look forward to catching up with you on the Big Island :)

Do you have a friend or family member who has qualified for Kona?? We would love to profile them! Please have them email michelle@getsetupinsport.com.au