Felicity Abram: Triathlete Tribe Interview

 

Triathlon Tribe: Felicity, thanks for you time. How have things been going for you of late?

FA:Things have been going well . I’ve been the most consistent in training and injury free for as long as I can remember and I’m loving it.

TT: What’s on the agenda for the rest of 2010? Is Hamburg (World Championship race 4) on July 17-18 still the next big one?

FA: Yep that’s right. I leave for Europe on the 13^th straight to Hamburg. I’m probably taking a bit of risk after such a long flight straight into a race. But will see how I go.

TT: I noticed you had a groin strain back in January, is that all better now?

FA:  It really started as a flare up after a big base camp that I did in December . I was doing some of the biggest bike k’s I’d ever done on that camp and toward the end of it got some pain which was very similar to an injury I sustained in 06 . (A tear to my psoas . Which isn’t nice ! ) Then there was another camp I had to attend at the AIS a few weeks later .  In the first few days  everyone undertook a V’o2 treadmill test . Although my test went better than I expected it to I clearly didn’t do the groin justice . I think my body  was still was building back into the training after such a long time off last year and was probably getting used to the big workload again .

TT: What sort of injury prevention work do you do on a regular basis? Just core and physio exercises?  Any pilates?

FA: I always have 1 massage and 1 physio session every week . If I miss a few that’s when I find I start to struggle and I’m more injury prone.  I also do 2 gym sessions and 1x Pilates . It all really helps with my posture and flexibility .

TT: What is the training like at the moment? Any training camps?

FA: After Seoul I had a very easy week. A few days off or just 1 easy session a day . Now because I’m not racing for another 5 weeks or so I’ve been doing a bit more base again but the intensity has still been there too. It’s really all about consistency for me and staying healthy and injury free . I’m pretty sure my Coach (Stephen Moss) has it right.

TT: You spent a bit of time in the AIS altitude house back in January. What is your opinion on it? Do you think it works?

FA: Yes 3 weeks in the Altitude house. I was counting down the days! Before the camp I was looking forward to seeing how I would benefit from it , but it really wasn’t a great time for me to do that testing as I couldn’t do the workload on all 3 disciplines because of my groin injury . So in a way it almost seemed a bit pointless. So I can’t really say wether it helped me or not. My economy test was better after the time at altitude but I wasn’t able to complete the Vo2 part of the test due to my injury. It was a good experience though and I’m glad AIS gave me the opportunity to do it.

TT: Do you have your own portable altitude tent?

FA: No I don’t own one. I have tried using one in the past. But it was way too noisy.

TT: Did the AIS take blood tests and measure haematocrit levels pre and post altitude house?

FA: Yes they did full blood tests. My haematocrit was actually lower post Altitude! One of very few. On average the groups was higher though.

TT: If you had to identify your one major weakness, holding you back from achieving your goals, what would it be?

FA: My swimming and flexibility in relation to each other. It’s something that I constantly have to work on and its getting better.

TT: You have a cool quote from Haile Gebrselassie on your website

“I love the music, it gives you energy”

Is Geb an idol for you or do you just like the quote?

FA: To me the quote is soo true, music does give you energy! Training without music is boring. I’d be lost without music. Geb is an Idol, I admire him a lot. Not only because he is such a fantastic athlete but in the way that he races for his people. He wants to do the best that he can so he can help people in need. That’s inspiring.

TT: The Olympics, although two years away, will be here in a blink of an eye. Is that the number one goal for you, do you wake up every morning thinking London 2012?

FA: That is exactly what gets me out of bed in the morning. Especially now its dark and cold!

TT: Let’s say hypothetically that you had to give up triathlon for another sport. What would that other sport be?

FA: I’m not sure …In my dreams I’d probably be a Professional surfer!

TT: Do you have a favourite superhero?

FA: Haha that’s a tough one. I do consider my dad a superhero. His work ethic in life is amazing. The same with my mum. To me they are my superheros.

TT: Thanks and all the best for the rest of 2010.