Triathletes often do things in threes. Tomorrow, pro triathlete Andy Potts will attempt to break this pattern by racing for his fourth Escape from Alcatraz title. Potts has also won Ironman races and as a former 6-time NCAA All-American swimmer knows the importance of race management.
"I try to push the swim hard at any distance race because it's a strength of mine. If I start racing and giving away my strength, it's just a gift and I set myself up for a letdown. You want to take control of your race and your life. My goal is to have a good finish and to set it up accordingly."
Any tips for people getting off the boat to start the swim?
"Getting off the boat can be really hectic. Pros have a different start than the amateurs because there's nobody in front of us and we dive. After we go, everybody is instructed to jump. I would say do a lifeguard jump where you splay your legs like you are in mid-stride as if you are running. That will help you stay on top of the water and you can immediately go horizontal and swim."
What about nutrition during the Escape?
"I try to get most of my calories in during the bike. Your body isn't jiggling around, your stomach isn't moving, so it's a lot easier to take in calories. For me this race is two hours long. I try to put down one bottle of the PowerBar Ironman Perform drink. It's about 150 calories, not a ton but it's hydration and a little bit of calories. I don't really do much other than splash a little bit of water in my mouth on the run."
You have two children. Any advice on how to juggle training with parental responsibilities?
"I don't know if it's fair for me to comment because I don't have to juggle a day job at the same time. My wife is a total sweetheart and takes care of everything. If you were to press me on it I would encourage people to do combo workouts. If you have an hour and a half, you're going to get more bang for your buck out of an hour ride and a twenty minute run than you would off of an hour and a half ride."
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