Just a few days to go (06.10.2010)

The last days prior to an Ironman race are probably the worst in an athlete’s life.

Faris Al-Sultan always looks back on his training and analyzes it in great detail. And it never seems to be enough… even though this year in Santa Monica the preparation with Andi Böcherer was perfect. Andi showed great performances in training and probably challenged Faris more than he intended. After 10 days of recovery they both are ready to race. But they have different expectations: Fairs talks about a place among the best 5 in the world whereas Andi just wants to finish, or so he says. Secretly, he is hoping for a place among the first 20.

Rachel Joyce’s number of races this year was limited because of her injury (see previous newsletters). But after some weeks of training in California she is ready to defend her 6th place from last year. The tiny Brit is a fighter and she will not yield her place easily.

With his victory on the Philippine island at the Ironman 70.3., Pete Jacobs called attention to himself. He has arrived in Kona with a lot of self confidence. Especially on the run course he hopes to show most of his opponents his back to improve his 8th place from 2009.