Triathlete catches up with the perennial Kona contender
By Brad Culp
Oct. 7, 2007 -- It's less than one week until the World's top Ironman athletes take to the lava fields of Hawaii to vie for the 2008 Hawaii Ironman World Championship. As the triathletes world-wide get ready for the event, we took some time to catch up with some of this year's contenders. First up -- Last year's 3rd place finisher Lisa Bentley of Canada.
So it’s been a bit of an interesting year for you. Tell us a little about your injury woes and what it’s taken to overcome them.Heel and Achilles problems in the calcaneous, and retrocalcaneous bursitis in the other heel. That stuff has been going on and off for about 6 years - I have always been able to run through it. Last winter after being in pain in Kona and Clearwater, I decided to get it better - managed to heal it enough for Pucon, but it really blew up training for IM Australia. I ended up walking 12 km of the Ironman Australia marathon.
Then, I took April, May and half of June completely off of running - seriously - no running – I did lots of acupuncture, ART and physio. Finally started to run in June, although I was still sore I have worked my way back managing the pain and trimming my running to 3 days per week rather than 5 or 6 days. I continue to get physio, ART and acupuncture.
Most people would think that you’re crazy for doing Ironman Canada after having such a big dent in your run training – so why’d you do it? Do you think it’ll give your Kona-prep a boost, or are you a little worried that it may have worn you down a bit – especially since you went so fast!It was my reward for the countless hours of therapy and the summer of uncertainty. I wanted to do it in my heart - for me - no other reason – not for sponsors, etc. Originally I did not think I would be able to race in Kona - we didn't think the repair job would last - but now we realize that IM Canada will likely boost my training and get me into the shape I need to be in for Kona. My fitness was there, it was just my running was not. I didn't run that fast [in Penticton], so I have recovered quite well. And I got one long run in
Okay, enough about Canada. Let’s talk Kona. Last year you rocked on the run – this year, you’re run training has been held back a bit. Does this change your strategy at all?
Not really. I always swim and bike as hard as I can. I just might be faster this year because of the work I have put into the swim and bike over the past few months, while I’ve been injured. I will still run hard. If I run similar to IMC, that will still be fast enough. I wish I had a few more weeks of run training, but it’s Kona. It’s the big one. I will use every ounce of my experience and mental strength to get the job done.
What do you think of Sam McGlone’s chances this season? She’s quite the wildcard and she’s scary fast. Do you expect to see her on the podium at her first go at Hawaii?Not sure. She hasn't sent me her training log, so who knows? She is a great athlete and I think she will be successful.
Speaking of the podium – give us your top three women. If you’d rather not call anyone out, how bout’ your top three men?How about my top three men - no idea - I am not good at this - Cameron Brown, Craig Alexander, Faris Al Sultan, or Norman if he is healthy.
How about something a little more controversial? Nina Craft thought about making an appearance on the Big Island this year. What are your thoughts on her being allowed to race again? She served her ban and she can race if she wants to. Mentally, I think it would be tough for her. Her ban was inappropriate. She should not be allowed to race professionally again. She committed a crime. If someone stole from your cash register would you sit them out two years and then put them in charge of the cash register again?
Okay, let’s get a little less controversial. Word is that Desiree is going to go for the Olympic marathon next year. Do you think this will ultimately help her triathlon career, or might it hold it back next year? What do you think of her chances against women like Denna Kastor?Desiree is a great runner. I love that she is going for the Olympic marathon. I don't imagine Desiree is looking to Deena Kastor. Desiree is looking to run as fast as she can in the company of the country's fastest marathoners.
What are you plans regarding Clearwater this season? Last year, you pulled off a ridiculous double (3rd at Kona, 2nd at Clearwater) – you gonna do it again?I will play it by ear. I have to see how my heel holds up at IM Hawaii I won't be holding back, so if I mess it up, so be it.
Any big plans for the off-season, or early season races in ’08?In the off-season, I will be doing the Cruise to Run. It’s a cruise with Bart Yasso. I will be a coach/runner/speaker. Then I will be spending the winter in Florida. I will put on a few training camps with my husband Dave in Clermont at the NTTC. And I will continue to achieve full heel health!