TT Hawaii Ironman Coverage 2011: Athlete Profile – Merryn Truskett

Name:

Age:  45

Country Representing: Australia

Occupation:  Business Owner

Marital Status/Family: Married

Is this the first time you have been to Kona?

Yes. I have always wanted to qualify since competing at Ironman distance – 4yrs ago.  I came 3^rd at Port Macquarie 2 years ago so just missed out.  I came 3^rd again at N.Z. but the 1^st place didn’t take up the slot, thus got the roll down.

Where did you qualify for Kona 2011?

I qualified in N.Z. in very wet and windy (on the bike) conditions.  These conditions I love!  I was placed 1^st in my age group until the run.  The run is my weakest link.  I enjoyed every minute of the race, except the run, just couldn’t wait for it to be over.  Had no idea I was in 1^st then 3^rd place during the race. 

Tell us about your preparation for Hawaii.

 I commenced training in May.  I don’t tend to do any lead up races unless they are local.  Unfortunately I replaced my current orthodics with new and believe that may be the reason I have been suffering an achillies injury.  I am just starting to increase my training time in running as have been on a very good rehab training programme my coach set for me.  Hopefully this means I’ll be fresh for the race!!  I have asked about what I can do to prepare for the humidity but everyone tells me the only way to get use to it is be over there experiencing it and getting the body used to it.  I have been told I need at least 10 days over there in the lead up to the race, Due to work commitments I have only been able to accomplish just over 6 days pre-race.

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

My coach is great, he concentrates on quality, not quantity.  Unlike a lot of athletes around me my schedule is not overwhelming and I love the training side of things.  I especially love training through winter, unlike most people.

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

I am excited about being able to race at such an amazing venue and Hawaii Ironman is the dream of most Ironman athletes, it is the pinnacle.

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

I was getting increasingly nervous up until a couple of weeks ago when I decided to sort myself out.  I now keep telling myself ‘it’s just another race, so do on the day as you have done before and you’ll be alright.’

What are your goals for the race? 

Being able to finish as anything can happen in an ironman race.  I am very excited about the experience of running through to the finish chute.  I really want to enjoy the experience.

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

Quite a few friends are coming over to watch, friends that aren’t even involved in triathlon.  It blows me away that they have stuck by their word that they would come and watch me race in Hawaii if I ever qualified.  My 87 year old father is coming over too.  He was adamant he was coming when we tried to reason with him!  This is an amazing feat in itself because the only time he has ever been overseas before was by boat to Borneo in the 2^nd World War!  My eldest brother will be coming too and looking after my dad pre-race, then I’m taking over and can’t wait to share an overseas experience with him for the very first time.  A couple of friends and I are then going on to Turtle Bay for a few days before flying home.  I have been told this is a very beautiful place.

Tell us a little about your background?

 I have been competing in triathlons for 20 years.  I started competing in sprint, which I love.  I didn’t move into ironman until after I was diagnosed with Coeliac Disease.  The disease, if untreated causes fatigue, amongst many other symptons.  Once I was put on a special diet I become a totally different person.  This meant I had more energy and become quicker.  So, I thought I’d try an Ironman.  Hawaii will be my 4^th Ironman race.  I was a diver and swimmer growing up and have a very competitive nature.  I started running at the age of 25 and gave away the cigarettes and the desire to compete came to light again.  Thus I completed my first duathlon and haven’t stopped since.

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

We do not have kids so no pressures there, I am amazed at how people with kids can fit in training.  I have 3 dogs and a cat instead. My husband and I have a family business which is seasonal.  The winter time is our quietest so training for Hawaii fits in perfectly.

Interesting Fact:

I realised during the N.Z. race how much your brain is involved when racing (I’d say 90%).  When I came out of the water with what I thought was a bad swim I felt absolutely gutted.  My initial performance on the bike shadowed this feeling.  Once I realised I had made a mistake, due to forgetting the pros went off before the age groupers by 15 mins., my whole mindset changed dramatically.  This has taught me not to spend time dwelling on the negatives, but to put positives in place instead.

By Michelle Downs http://www.getsetupinsport.com.au

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

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