Published July 11, 2011 12:38
James on the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa
IMSA: How does Ironman South Africa compare to other Ironman events around the world?
JC: Ironman SA is definitely on par with all the best races in the world. As far as spectator support and atmosphere, it is one of the best I have experienced.
IMSA: Which Ironman event is your favourite?
JC: There are many special Ironman events, but Ironman SA will always be my favourite!
IMSA: What is your favourite discipline?
JC: I see triathlon as a single sport, and the challenge that all three disciplines together provide is what draws me to it. But if I had to pick one, then the run would be it.
IMSA: How do you mentally prepare for an Ironman race?
JC: Every day, day in and day out, I train for Ironman. And the training is not just physical. Much of it is mental. Race week itself is mostly about staying relaxed and getting to the race fresh and focused.
IMSA: What conditions would be most favourable to you on a race day?
JC: Everyone will have the same conditions. The strongest will still be the strongest.
IMSA: Do you think that competing on your home turf gives you an added advantage over other athletes?
JC: I think it certainly helps. There is an added pressure, but the home crowd is always so supportive of local athletes that there must be some advantage in it. Of course knowing and training on the course year round also helps too.
IMSA: When you and Raynard Tissink race in the same event, there is always talk of the rivalry between the two of you. What are your thoughts on this and do you relish the challenge of competing against Raynard?
JC: Raynard and I are good friends, but on race day we both want the same goal. Competing against the top athletes in the world is why I do these races, and Raynard is certainly one of the top athletes, so I look forward to the challenge of racing him. But race day is certainly not just about Raynard and myself. We will both be watching each other and the other athletes.
IMSA: Having lived and trained overseas for much of 2010, do you feel that this has helped you improve as an athlete and having so many races overseas, what does it mean to you to come back to SA and racing in front of your home crowd?
JC: Racing and training overseas is now part of my life, every year, and the reason I do it is because of the value it gives me in making me a better athlete. It does make coming home and racing in front of a home crowd that much more special though, and it is an exciting time of year for me.
IMSA: How do you feel your racing has improved since joining team TBB?
JC: My racing has improved in leaps and bounds - I have gone from one top 10 in an Ironman before the team, to winning major races around the world, and too many podiums to count. I am not the same athlete I was before joining team TBB and Brett Sutton (coach).
IMSA: There are sections of the course when you are alone with your thoughts, with very little or no crowd support around. How does the crowd support uplift you mentally, especially when it is your home crowd?
JC: As mentioned, the home crowd is great, and it certainly helps when you go through the crowds. The lonely parts are part and parcel of Ironman racing, and getting through them is part of the challenge.
