In Kailua-Kona with Linsey Corbin
Linsey Corbin has been in Hawaii since early September to get herself ready acclimatized and ready for the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championships. She talked with slowtwitch from Kona.
Slowtwitch: When exactly did you arrive in Kona?
Linsey: I got to Kona on September 4th. I just finished up a big block of training, Kona has been great so far, I just love it out here.
ST: Who else came with you on this trip?
Linsey: Lucky for me, my mom came with me to play Ironman support crew. My coach, Lance Watson gets here this week to help out, as well.
ST: Have some other Pros gotten to the Big Island already too?
Linsey: There have been a few other pros training here as well. At first it was me, local Bree Wee, Ben Hoffman (a college friend now living in Durango), Terenzo Bozzone & Chris McCormack. Luke McKenzie got in over the weekend. Jo Lawn and her husband Armando will be arriving any day now, too!
ST: Do you like Kona better when it is more quiet, or when it is Ironman busy?
Linsey: I really enjoy the small town atmosphere of Kona. I love running on the Queen K and knowing the other friendly faces that are out training. It is great to appreciate it pre-Ironman craziness. However, there is something to be said about the transformation and energy that Ironman week provides.
ST: Is Lava Java relatively quiet these days?
Linsey: Yes and no. There was a motorcycle rally in town the first weekend here, which provided some great people watching from Lava Java, for sure. It is nothing compared to Ironman week, though.
ST: How much baggage did you arrive with considering your long stay there?
Linsey: Haha- too much! 1 bike box, 1 wheel bag, 1 duffel (70 pounds), 1 backpack. With all the airline fees, my opinion is that it is all how you approach the check-in clerk. A friendly smile + case of Big Sky Beer and my baggage went for free. I'm a lucky girl.
ST: That sounds like a good plan indeed. But did you bring all your stuff to the island or do some sponsors send you stuff there?
Linsey: One of the perks of the job is getting things shipped out here. Clif Bar and Scott shipped out some great gear for me to keep me rolling around town and fueled for all of my workouts.
ST: Tell us more about your workouts here.
Linsey: Training has been great. The first few days are always difficult. Its easy to forget what is lurking out on the Queen K – ridiculous amounts of wind, heat and humidity. You really can't prepare for that anywhere but here. I have acclimatized well by now and have been able to get in some great workouts. Some sessions I train with the boys (if they are nice enough to wait), some things I do solo, swimming I do with Kona Aquatics. I am looking forward to another few weeks of hard work, then sitting back and waiting for race day.
ST: From your twitter feed it looks like you recently got a new ride. When did you receive it?
Linsey: Yes, I will be riding the 2010 Scott Plasma Contessa. It has a great electric feel to it. I got it the day before I left thanks to a great build by Missoula Bike Works.
ST: Do you cook /prepare food at home most of time there, or do you go out?
Linsey: I have been spoiled having my mom here. I have yet to do my laundry, take out the trash, or cook a meal. This will all change though as I put her on a plane today. I try to eat at home a lot – but when things get tough, you can find me at Lava Java for sure. I also have a weakness for sushi, and there is a great new frozen yogurt stop on Palani I discovered. Yum!
ST: Tapering starts when?
Linsey: October 1st. Lots to be done between now and then.
ST: Other than you winning the women’s race, what are your predictions for the Pro event?
Linsey: Aw shucks, thanks for the compliment. It's Ironman Hawaii – the race where all things are possible. I expect one dark horse to shine through in both the mens and women's race for sure. I would love to see one of my friends or training partners have an excellent day at the office as well.
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