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TALKS

Catching Up with Team TYR Triathlete Sarah True

If you’re familiar with the world of triathlon, you’ve likely heard the name Sarah True. From two Olympic showings to a World Triathlon Series championship, Sarah has proven time and time again just how real of a force she is on race day.  And while her list of accolades is impressive, there is one major race she’s yet to take on. That is, until now.

This October Sarah will stand among many of the world’s strongest competitors as she prepares to begin the first leg of the 2018 IRONMAN World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

As one of America’s highest Olympic finishers in all of triathlon Sarah is no stranger to competition, and we at team TYR are eager to see her take on a new course. To find out how the former Olympic/ITU Athlete of the Year is preparing to tackle Kona, check out our exclusive Q & A below.

What part of the Kona experience are you most looking forward to?

I’ve never been to Kona to watch or participate in the IM World Championships and it will be a completely new experience for me. For the sport of triathlon, this is our most iconic event, so there’s something incredibly special about being able to race on the Big Island.

How have you been training to prepare for race day?

My entire year has been structured around preparing for this race. I’ve chosen to approach it  as a gradual build up through summer. As we’ve gotten closer to Kona, I’ve been dialing it up a bit more.  However, the overarching focus has always been on training consistently without illness or injury. That way, I can successfully add layers of fitness to my regimen until October.

Will your training change once you arrive on the Big Island?

I’ll be arriving in Kona early this month, so that will allow for a decent training block to acclimate myself with the heat and humidity, which will definitely be a transition.

What is some advice you have for other athletes racing Kona for the first time?

Manage your energy before the race! I think part of the challenge is that this is a huge triathlon party, and it’s easy to get caught up in the fun. If you want to have your best race, take in some of the excitement but also, prioritize.

For more updates on her journey to Kona, be sure to follow Sarah on Instagram!

NEWS

The 2017 Kona Recap

The 2017 IRONMAN World Championship may be over, but at TYR we have a lot to celebrate. It was a great week on the Big Island and we couldn’t have been happier to see so many athletes & fans sporting TYR at every turn. Our Team TYR Ambassador program was in full force with hundreds of triathletes sporting our Kona kits and bundles on the course!

If you’re interested in hearing more about some of this year’s biggest highlights, read on below:

IRONMAN 70.3 Champion Josh Amberger was first out of water for the male pros with a time of 00:47:09 (just shy of beating the swim course record). Josh continued on to lead for a portion of the race.

Olympic Gold Medalist, 2X IRONMAN World Champion & IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Jan Frodeno placed 2nd out of water with a time of 00:48:27. 

IRONMAN 70.3 Champion, IRONMAN Champion & Challenge Roth Winner James Cunnama placed 5th overall.  This was a top Kona performance for James and marked a year of important podium finishes. 

Olympian, IRONMAN Champion & IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Andy Potts was the fastest American athlete, finishing in 7th place overall.

For the female pros, IRONMAN & IRONMAN 70.3 Champion Haley Chura was the 2nd American and 3rd overall out of water.

Thank you so much for the cheers in Kona yesterday! Proud to finish 18th. 💚💛 📸: @lpalmer712

A post shared by Haley Chura (@haleychura23) on

In addition to some great performances Team TYR also made time to stop by our booth for signings with fans. Throughout the week customers had the chance to score signatures from Haley Chura, Josh Amberger, Craig Alexander, James Cunnama, Michelle Vesterby, Lauren Goss, Andy Potts, new mom Mirinda Carfrae and TYR Ambassador Chrissie Wellington.

Until next year, Kona!

In the meantime, keep up with us on social for more major event recaps, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog so you’ll never miss out on all things TYR.

LIFESTYLE

A Day with James Cunnama

Ever wonder what it takes to train like a professional triathlete? We checked in with Challenge Roth Winner, IRONMAN 70.3 & IRONMAN Champion James Cunnama to see just what it takes for him to stay at the top of his game. Read on for James’ daily play by play, and be sure to share your training photos on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #TrainLikeaTYRTriathlete! 

Morning Routine

JC: My days don’t usually follow a set pattern and no two look exactly the same. This is not just because I need to do a number of things to prepare for a triathlon, but also because I try to avoid mental staleness. The last thing I want is for my training to feel like “Groundhog day.” That being said, a “typical” day would normally start early with a coffee before a swim session. I will usually do anywhere from 3500-5500m. Depending on where we are at the time, this swim will either be with a squad or just Jodie and myself.

Side note- Did we mention James is one half of triathlon’s fastest couple?–That’s right, he’s engaged to fellow team TYR triathlete Jodie Swallow (and she is certainly one to keep up with!) A warrior in her own right, Jodie’s call-outs include Olympian, IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion and ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Champion.

JC: Following the day’s first workout we’d typically eat breakfast either at home or a coffee shop before hopping online to do a few hours of administrative work (answering emails, booking tickets, entering races etc.)

She said YES!

A photo posted by James Cunnama (@jamescunnama) on

© www.NICKMUZIK.com

Afternoon Schedule

JC: After catching up on the computer, I’ll head out for my second session of the day. This workout tends to vary. It could be a ride of anywhere from 2-5 hours long or a run session. Once I am done, I make my way back home for lunch and if I have the time, a short nap. (I don’t seem to get to this nearly as often as I’d like!)

JC: Depending on the program and the time of year, there will normally be a third session in the late afternoon (either a second ride, a run or just some strength and conditioning.)
Most of the time training itself accounts for 4-6 hours of the day and prepping and recovery from those sessions requires another hour or two.

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Evening Game Plan

JC: Once Jodie and I have completed our training for the day, it’s time to relax. Typically we will cook an early dinner and get into bed by 9:00 p.m. It’s important to rest so that I have enough energy to do it all again the next day!

Another tough day in Africa. Someone’s gotta do it.

A photo posted by James Cunnama (@jamescunnama) on

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