RSS
Home
Kona bound: Lori McCarney
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Lori McCarney nearing the finish of IM HI 70.3
Lori McCarney exceeds all limits; whether it be paddling, triathlon or raising a son, Lori’s passion and dedication is undeniable. Here are her thoughts about being newly crowned with the coveted Kona Ironman slot.
Was Kona a possibility this year?
For a few years, I’ve had the goal of gaining a Kona Ironman slot once I hit the 55-59 age group. This year during training, I’ve seen my strong competition in action, so I accepted the idea that Kona wasn’t going to happen. I became focused on the Western Australia Ironman. I’m very surprised about my Kona entry. I was lucky to have a good day when my strong competitors did not.Who are you currently training with?
Last year, before Vineman 70.3 Half Ironman, I started training with Tim Marr. Tim is a superior mentor and coach. After Vineman, our group rejoined Tim to train for Ironman Hawaii 70.3 and Western Australia Ironman in December 2009. We are all competitive athletes with many of us in the higher digit age groups.
You work and raise a son. How do you do fit in the training?
I train pretty much every evening after work, but try to be home by 8pm each night. I have to thank Coldwell Banker who is very supportive and encouraging about my triathlon goals. On weekends, my teenage son Geoff sleeps late, so if I’m home by around noon, he hardly even knows I was gone! He is a great kid that is encouraging and positive about my races. I also have to thank my wonderful Sherpa, Rick Keene and my dad and step mom for all being very supportive of my training.
Are you still going to do West Australia Ironman?
I have my plane tickets, so my current plan is to go and support everyone!
What was the most difficult for you during this year's Ironman Hawaii 70.3?
I knew the run would be brutal and it was. Adding that extra mileage on the golf course was really problematic for me. I cramped immediately on the first little grassy knoll and thought I was going to have to drop out. I tried all sorts of things to keep from cramping—walking sideways, stopping and stretching, Gatorade, ice... My run improved once I got on the death march.
What is your biggest motivation when it comes to racing?
I like to see what I can do and to push myself towards higher goals. Seeing that you “get out of it what you put into it” works for me. And that feeling you get when you cross the finish line is so rewarding!
How did you start doing triathlon?
I started training right before my 50th birthday as a present to myself (and to try to convince myself that I wasn’t getting any older). The first triathlon I did was Lanikai and I was the second to the last out of the water. A friend said that I was totally white and ashen when I came out of the water, but I completed the race and was hooked.
Do you participate in any other sports?
This year, I tried to continue to paddle with Outrigger, but have since let go of that idea because of the focus I’ll need for Ironman. I love regatta season and the teamwork and competitiveness of those races. I have done the Na Wahine O Ke Kai (Molokai to Oahu race) once and would like to do it again; maybe next year.
What is your weakest and strongest suits when it comes to triathlon?
I tend to come out of the water one of the slowest people in my age group. I gain ground on the bike and then hang on in the run.
What are you plans and goals now until Kona?
I will return to training this weekend, but not excessively so. In the next few weeks, the intensity will start to increase. I’ll look to Tim Marr to help me create a good training plan. At the same time, I’ll be working on strength training and swimming with a personal goal of completing Kona Ironman in less than 15 hours. I am thrilled that many folks from Tim Marr’s group and BOCA will be at Kona to support all of us. I love our training family and can’t really express how much everyone has meant to me since I began this whole crazy thing five years ago. Congratulations and thanks to all of you. And best wishes in achievement of all of your goals, personally, professionally and athletically!
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
2CrazyWahines Bootcamp is in full-swing. Our participants are working harder, giving more and achieving their goals. Here is a 2CW spotlight on …
My personal trainer, Nicky Perry, finally convinced me to do what I knew was right. "When was the last time you took a week off?" she asked. …
