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Xtri's Pre-Kona Chat with Belinda Granger
By Betsy Delcour
10/7/2008 |
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If you've ever been lucky enough to meet Belinda Granger, or hear one of her awards speeches after she's won a race, then you know that she's one of the friendliest, down-to-earth women out there. It's easy to think 'wow, she's an every day girl like me,' but then you see those race splits and that race resume of hers, and you're quickly reminded of who Belinda really is: a world class athlete who's not afraid to race aggressively and kick butt! We recently had the chance to chat with Belinda these last few days before the biggest event on the tri calendar. Here's what she told us about her season, training with Team TBB and why she loves Kona so much...
1. Hey Belinda! Congrats on a stunner of a season! You’ve placed first in 3 IM races, first at Antwerp 70.3 and Challenge France, 2nd at ITU Subic Bay and 4th in Roth. Do any of these races stand out for you? Is there any one that you’re most proud of?
Basically I love to race. I really do enjoy it and that is why I race so much throughout the year. Every race that I line up for I give 100%- it is the only way I know how to race, so all of my races are important and they all have meaning. In saying that, the race that I am most proud of so far this season has to be IM Canada. I really do love that race and the town of Penticton- it is a special place. Being able to pull off the win there again this year after winning it back in 2006 was truly special.
2. It’s undeniable, Team TBB athletes (you, Chrissie, Erika, Bella and Hillary, among others!) have blasted onto the stage, really making their mark on the sport in 2008 especially. What is it about this team that has upped the ante on your racing? Is it Brett’s guidance, the training camps, the team camaraderie/competition?
I believe it is a combination of all of the above. I love being part of this Team - the girls are the greatest and are truly inspiring. It is the most amazing feeling turning up to the pool on a Monday morning and have Brett rattle off the weekend's latest results. You jump into the pool and you just feel on top of the world knowing that your team mates have done it again. You always have the best swim session. I used to dread Monday mornings in the pool- now it is one of my favorite sessions.
Brett is truly one of the most gifted coaches in the world and has the uncanny knack of knowing just what makes a person tick. This is how he coaches an individual and to put it simply- it bloody works and even more importantly and contrary to popular belief, it is unbelievably enjoyable.
My Team is also fantastic- I feel like the 'mother duck' of the group (being the oldest) but I love it. I won't lie - it gets pretty competitive but it is a healthy rivalry and one that brings the best out of all of us. Everyone in the team is fiercely competitive but Brett keeps it under control and makes sure that we use this competitiveness to make us better athletes and not to destroy each other. You turn up to sessions and you wouldn't even think about giving anything but 100%.
3. In a few of your blogs, you talk about trying to race smarter (ITU and Antwerp). Have you traditionally been all heart and no tactics in the past?
I think as long-course racing becomes more and more competitive, there is a greater need to think tactically in a race. I believe the men have been racing like this for a long time now in Ironman but it is only a relatively new thing for the women. I still go into a race and give it everything and I try not to focus on what others are doing but I would be lying if I said I don't do my homework before race day and have a few 'scenarios' planned out in my head.
4. Since 2004, you’ve raced in Kona each year and placed 6th, then 7th, 8th and last year 9th. You’ve been so strong this year - will we get to see you reverse that trend, or skip a few spots ahead?!
It is funny- someone came up to me the other day and said 'you have been so consistent at Hawaii'. I couldn't disagree with this but it is not the sort of 'consistency' I want. Now if I had started at 6th and worked in the other direction, maybe I would be satisfied. But for a girl who originally just wanted to make it up onto the stage, I have definitely conquered that goal! Of course I would love to make it into the top 5 this year and I know that if I have a great day this goal is achievable. I also know that I have done everything possible leading into the race to make this a reality.
5. Since Kona is the “Big Game” almost all of your Team TBB team mates will be racing with you. Triathlon is such an individual sport, but is there any team concept when you’re all racing together? Last year the ladies of TBB placed 1st, 5th, 9th and 10th. Are there goals for a certain number of you to place top ten?
We definitely talk about us all doing well and placing in the top 10 and I know that there is a real possibility that at least five of us could do it this year. But as for talking 'race tactics', triathlon is still an individual sport and all of the girls in the team are very competitive. I must admit though that Chrissie and I have talked about a few 'race scenarios' for the big day, however, whether these eventuate or not - we will have to wait and see how it all pans out on race day!
6. The Hawaii IM is the most legendary event of our sport. What’s your favorite thing about the experience of racing there?
Ohhhh where do I begin - I love this place. I am sitting here in my little apartment in Kona and I am just so content. Yeah I have the biggest race of the year coming up in a week but, for some reason I am very calm - this is so unusual for me. Brett likes to call it my 'Hawaii-itis'. He says I suffer from it every year. But this year seems a little different. This will be my 7th time racing here and my 9th time to the island so I am an old hand at it now. I still remember racing it for the first time and saying to myself after the race 'wow that was so great but I am not going to be one of those people who just HAS to do it every year'. Well I have been back every year since I said that. I couldn't even imagine missing it. I love Kona- it is a magical place and I enjoy my time here so much. Of course it is also an amazing race and I really look forward to the day. But, more importantly, I enjoy the entire experience- catching up with friends and meeting new ones. There is just such a great vibe in the air. Everyone here is so fit and so psyched and ready to give it their all on race day- I just love that. You know that everyone here has worked so incredibly hard to get to this point, sacrificed a lot and probably achieved more than they had ever thought possible- it is hard not to get excited.
7. Day after the race - what’s for breakfast at Lava Java (or other restaurant)?!
Well I actually had lunch today at Lava Java- they really do make the greatest sandwiches and smoothies.
The day after the race I actually go to the 'Tri Travel' brekky. I have gone to this for the past three or four years now and I really enjoy it. Shane Smith (Tri Travel) organises it and it gives me an opportunity to catch up with all the 'Aussies' who raced. I haven't been home since March so I must admit, I have a few Aussie withdrawal symptoms so it is always nice to have a good chat and listen to other athlete's race stories.
8. Who’s your pick to win the men’s race this year? Any predictions, favorites or dark horses? (I prefer to get your opinion on the opposite gender so you can be a bit more objective! :))
Mmm, OK- the favorites would have to be Macca and Crowie- both Aussies and both super athletes so I don't mind who comes out on top here as long it is a really close race.
Dark horses- well there are plenty, that is the beauty of the Ironman World Championships. I think the biggest change that we are seeing in Ironman is the fact that there are more and more really fast short-course athletes making the move across and it is changing the way Ironman is raced. These guys are super swimmers and are not afraid to give it to themselves on the bike. I think it is really exciting and I am sure there will be a few boys out there next weekend who will be willing to leave it all out there on the lava fields.
9. What’s next after Kona for you? How will you celebrate the end of the season?
Do I really have an end of season?? If you ask my coach he would say 'no'. To tell the truth it always sounds so great to say 'oh I get some time off after this race' but after about a week I am bored out of my brain and looking for another race to do.
My 'time off' this year will be just like last year- I will go to Phuket and do the Phuket Triathlon. This is a wonderful race and I always stay a few days after the race so I can relax and enjoy myself in paradise.
First up for next season will be Challenge Wanaka followed by Ironman Malaysia- yep nothing like jumping straight back into it :)
Thanks Belinda! Can't wait for you to tear it up on race day!
Photos
Front thumb: Jeju pre- Hawaii training camp- fun at the pool (with Chrissie Wellington)
1. Clowning around with coach Brett Sutton
2. The track is my friend- I say this 100 times a day!
3. Track- all smiles as session is over (with Donna Phelan, Chrissie W. and Erika Csomor)
4. Give me lots of luck for Kona pllleeeaaase
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