Belinda Granger in Boulder

With her three Ironman wins in 2008, Belinda Granger moved up into the realm of Ironman-distance stars. Her 11 victories at the distance include three Ironman Koreas, two wins at Ironman Malaysia and Ironman Canada, and single triumphs at Ironman China, Ironman Lake Placid and Quelle Challenge Roth. Her bike is deadly, and sports a 4:48:08 Ironman bike split PR to back it up. And, while finishing 4th at Roth last year, she cracked the nine-hour barrier.

But in addition to her triumphs, the 38-year-old Australian star recently displayed that she is as tough as anyone in the sport. After three Ironman wins in 2008, Granger was ready to rumble at Ironman Hawaii but found her right leg going numb and her bike split and overall finish were nowhere near her accustomed level. After three months of diagnostic detective work, doctors discovered that she had a thickening of the wall of the external iliac artery, which restricted blood flow to the leg. Granger opted for surgery, which required doctors to use a part of a vein from her lower leg to repair the artery. But before the surgery, Granger elected to defend her Ironman Malaysia title. Somehow she managed to finish the bike leg 20 minutes ahead of her opposition, with just 25 percent of the usual blood flow in her leg, and set a new course record.

After successful surgery in February, Granger had to completely cease swim, bike and run training. Three months later, she outdueled 2006 Ironman 70.3 World Champion Samantha McGlone to win the Honu Ironman 70.3 in Hawaii. In July, she felt ready to challenge former Team TBB member Chrissie Wellington at Quelle Challenge Roth. But after she got hit by a car, Granger could only struggle to a disappointing 5th place finish.

Back in Boulder to train, Belinda and husband Justin Granger settled into the hard work necessary to try for an Ironman Canada three-peat. This photo gallery contains a week in the life of final training sessions in the triathlon Mecca of Boulder.

Friday, August 21, 8:00 AM. One hour out and back run on dirt trails starting from the St. Vrain River parking lot in Lyons, 15 miles north of Boulder. Granger starts her run crossing a wooden bridge and heads out into rural trails.

Granger follows a tip by good friend and Boulder resident Laura Bennett. “She told me to soak my legs in the cool water of the creek after a long run – and it works to reduce the swelling and speed recovery,” said Granger.

Granger ties her running shoes after finishing the cooling her feet in the fresh waters of the St. Vrain mountain stream.

Wednesday August 19, 10:30 AM. Boulder’s Spruce Avenue Pool swim workout. There’s a lot of camaraderie among friends and fellow pros in a 90-minute workout. Left to right: Laura Bennett (obscured), Justin Daerr, Belinda Granger, Armando, Justin Granger, Gordo Byrn.

Good friends Belinda Granger and Joanna Lawn look like synchronized swimmers while completing a backstroke set.

Belinda powers through a set with hand paddles.

Belinda finishes off a kick set.

Not a moment to spare, Belinda brushes her hair poolside before a lunch date with husband Justin and fellow pros.

Typical international set of pro triathletes after a morning workout at the Spruce Pool: Left to right – Monica Byrn, Gordo Byrn, Switzerland’s Matthias Hecht, Greg Bennett, and a new pro, Belinda Granger, Laura Bennett, Justin Granger and Joanna Lawn.

Belinda Granger and Jo Lawn examine a muffin at the organic grocery Wild Oats/Whole Foods on Broadway and Arapahoe in Boulder.

Belinda Granger adds more fresh organic vegetables to her meal at Whole Foods.

After using a couple thousand calories earlier in the day, Belinda Granger bites into a satisfying mouthful at one of the Whole Foods outdoor tables.

Back at their home stay in Lyons, next door to Chris and Sarah Legh, Belinda and Justin catch up with their coaching and sponsor duties and travel arrangements.

Belinda buckles her chin strap preparing for a 65 km ride from Lyons to Left Hand Canyon Rd. and out to Hygiene on Wednesday August 19 at 2 PM.

Belinda starts her ride with a beautiful view of Lyons and the foothills in the background.

Belinda passes a big “W’ barn heading south on Highway 36 to meet up with Jo Lawn.

Belinda, Jo Lawn and a fellow pro turn off High 36 and head East to Hygiene.

After making the Hygiene loop together, Jo Lawn and friend head south to Boulder, while Belinda heads north back to Lyons

Belinda takes a well earned nap after the ride.

Belinda gets a soothing massage from Kristen McFarland to take the tension out of her neck – a crucial last preparation for Ironman Canada.