TT Hawaii Ironman Coverage: Athlete Profile – Jessica Fleming

Age: 36

Country Representing: Australia  

Occupation: Self employed - Noosa Tri Camps

Marital Status/Family: Defacto

Is this the first time you have been to Kona?  Yes

Where did you qualify for Kona 2011?

At Busselton 2010 in my first attempt

Tell us about your preparation for Hawaii.

I have done 70.3’s at Challenge Aarhus (denmark) 1^st in AG & Yeppoon 70.3 5^th Female  overall. Lots of long rides in the Noosa Hinterland. Trying to do most long runs during the day although with winter here it hasn’t been very hot… will melt over there ;-)  Otherwise, the same lead up training load as before Busselton pretty much.

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

3-4 swims, 3 rides, 3-4 runs … Yoga, gym once or twice.  Approx 16-20hours/week

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

It’s a massive tick in the ‘Triathlete to do race list’ J

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

Swim with 1500 people mass start… run in the heat… 

What are your goals for the race?

Finish and have raced as fast as I can, be happy with my effort and know that I did all I could.

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

We have 7 days prior to the race but only 3 days post, unfortunately. Will stay in Kona for the whole 10 days this trip. Hopefully not my last Hawaii race!! Will make the most of our villa by the beach, lots of time by the pool with a good book.

Tell us a little about your background?

I am originally from Sweden and grew up with team sports, basketball and soccer. Played in the highest league Basketball until I was 19 then I worked in ski resorts for 5 seasons (down hill ski racing) Then for about 10 years I lived in Tokyo and London and worked in finance before moving to Noosa 10 years ago. I have been doing tri’s for 6 years now. Mainly Olympic distance up until two years ago when I started doing 70.3’s and really liked the distance and Ironman 2010 was my first one. This will be my second Ironman.

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

Being organized, lucky enough to not have to work full time so training after school drop off etc. Lucky to have a very understanding partner & training buddy :-0

Interesting Fact:

Together with Nick Croft I run Noosa Tri Camps in Noosa , on the Sunshine Coast www.mscsport.com.au