Kate Bevilaqua Interview: Pre Ironman New Zealand

By Michelle Downs

Kate Bevilaqua’s victory at ironman WA last December was special for many reasons; it was in her home state, her first Ironman title and most significantly the end of a horrid run of injuries that had kept her from performing at her best for eighteen months. However, it was her desperate crawl to the finish line which won the hearts of ironman followers everywhere and will ensure she makes the highlights reel for many years to come!

Kate opens her 2011 season next weekend at Ironman New Zealand, the race in which she had her breakthrough performance in 2008 with a second place to Kiwi legend Jo lawn. We caught up with her as she was completing her preparation in Perth.

TT: How did it feel to win your first Ironman title at Ironman WA a few months ago with the support of your home crowd?

KB: It was absolutely amazing!! I have always dreamed of winning an Ironman but for it to happen at home in front of my family and friends, was incredible. There are so many people here in Perth that played a part in that victory. Swimming, biking and running with me for years. It meant a lot to share it with them all.

TT: Tell us about that famous finish of yours where you crawled across the line! What was it like from your perspective?

From my perspective? Actually it was very painful! About 1km out I started to completely loose control of my legs, even walking was becoming a struggle. I was devastated and could think of nothing but getting to that finish line! Down the chute they kept buckling beneath me and I didn’t know if I was going to make it! The last little up hill of the ramp was too much and my legs completely gave way. Lucky for me I was still able to crawl to make sure I was over that line. It wasn’t until I was in the medical tent and starting to feel a little better that a big smile came over my face when I realised I had won!!

TT:You certainly had a big year in 2010 with five Ironman finishes, including Hawaii and your win at Busselton. What were the highlights of the season for you?

Well the biggest highlight has definitely been just being able to race because that is a huge improvement on the previous 18 months.  But my 2^nd in the Busselton Half Ironman then 4^th at Ironman Lake Placid in July in which I qualified for Hawaii would also stand out as being successful races for me. Obviously now winning Ironman Western Australia is the highlight of my career!

TT:You begin your 2011 campaign at Ironman New Zealand next weekend. How have your preparations been? Did you have much of a break after Busselton?

Yes, I had a good break after Busso! I took the rest of the year off then went travelling overseas with my family for some skiing in Whistler and time in Hawaii that didn’t involve an Ironman. My preparations for New Zealand have been a little short compared to what I am used to but I love the race and didn’t want to miss it. 

TT:The women’s professional field lining up for NZ is looking very strong! Who do consider as major threats for the win?

Well, you definitely can’t go past Miranda, World Champion, I know it is early in the season but she runs a sub 3 hour marathon!! Hard to top that! But Jo Lawn know’s how to race hard and win! You don’t come away with 7 victories without being amazing! The dark horse will be Belinda Harper. Stepping up to the Pro ranks her performance in Wanaka shows she already knows what it takes and racing at home will give her that extra lift!

TT:Tell us about your past experiences at Ironman NZ. Why you are back for more and what do you enjoy about this race?

My first race in NZ was a break though for me  in 2008 when I finished 2^nd after running side by side with Jo for 20km of the run. This gave me a lot of confidence and belief I could do it and a victory would not be far away. Unfortunately just after that I was injured for nearly 18 months and I didn’t return until 2010 where I was sick leading up to the race and this took its toll as I finished 7^th. Now, 2011, who knows?? Jane and Janette put on a great race and it is all about the athletes. My entire family love returning because they love holidaying in New Zealand as well.

TT:What are the plans for the rest of the year post New Zealand? Have you finalised your race and travel schedule for 2011?

Schedule is never finalised there is always changes, but now after New Zealand I will be heading back to Perth for Busso 70.3 as a lead up to Ironman Lanzarote which is the end of May. From there it will be across to the States where I am still deciding which races I will do depending on accumulating enough points for Hawaii.

TT: You have had a horror run with injury over the past few years. Are you well on the road to recovery now?

Absolutely!! That is why there has been so much racing this year for me. I have been excited to back at it again and doing what I love.  My run training is still not back to 100% yet. I was advised by my doctor and coach to give it at least at year of just base training, ironman pace running, and anything quicker than that was during a race! I have done that and after New Zealand I am looking forward to getting back into some speed work for the rest of the year.

TT: You are known for a super speedy run leg. Any run training secrets you wish to share with our readers?

Secrets??? No! They are all mine to keep! I can tell you though, I was never a runner! Hated it! Never ran in highschool and was exceptionally slow when I first started triathlon. You have to be patient with it and it will develop over time with consistency!  I will admit that I run on the treadmill A LOT!!!

TT:As always there will be plenty of first timer’s participating in Ironman in the coming few months with New Zealand followed by ironman Australia. What advice can you give the novice competitors?

Nutrition!!! Eat up and have a feast! It is just as important as your swimming, biking and running because you can’t do any of those without fueling the engine!  Patience, one foot in front of the other. Be thankful of the opportunity to be out there, taking part in such an amazing event. I missed it so much when I couldn’t do it, now I get pretty excited every opportunity I  get!!

TT:And finally, what are your specific goals for the race in NZ next weekend?

After the way I finished Ironman Western Australia last year there are a few nutritional goals I have in mind to practice that will hopefully allow me to finish in more of an upright position.  Pacing is also something I am yet to master in the marathon so we will see how it goes!!

We wish Kate the best of luck at Ironman New Zealand and her coming races this season!