Laura Sophiea is getting ready to compete in tomorrow's Ironman World Championships! We thought it would be fun to ask her a few questions leading up to the race!
Coeur: How many times have you raced in Kona?
Laura: I have raced 22 times beginning in 1987, this is #23 for me! I have 8 AG wins, and currently well at least until Sat. 2 AG records in Kona.
Coeur: What age group will you be racing in on Saturday?
Laura: AG: 55-59
Coeur: What bib number are you?
Laura: # 447
Coeur: What's your favorite thing about this course?
Coeur: What's your favorite thing about this course?
Laura: I would have to say my favorite part of the course is the conditions. I love hot, humid and windy. When the day has all 3 elements, you KNOW you are racing a World Championship Event!
Coeur: What do you find the most challenging about this course or what do you think is going to be the biggest challenge?
Coeur: What do you find the most challenging about this course or what do you think is going to be the biggest challenge?
Laura: The most challenging is the last 30 miles of the bike ride. Generally into a full on head wind, and that is when it helps if you have some mantras, or mental toughness to get to the end of the bike!
Coeur: What products will you be using on race day?
Coeur: What products will you be using on race day?
Laura: Kit: Cute Couer kit! Bike - P3 a very old one :) Sunglasses, either my new Rudys or my old Oakleys which match my new Rudy helmet! Nutrition: always Hammer Nutrition...they have worked with me for years to get it right! Shoes..this year Saucony Kinarvas
Coeur: What is your meal the night before?
Coeur: What is your meal the night before?
Laura: Pre race meal: Chicken, Quoina, an sweet potato
Coeur: What's your meal the morning of?
Coeur: What's your meal the morning of?
Laura: Morning: Banana, Peanut Butter on piece of toast. Fizz in my water and I am ready to GO!
Coeur: Favorite thing about Kona?
Coeur: Favorite thing about Kona?
Laura: Favorite: The majesty of the island especially the ocean and the power & beauty of it. I feel of sense of calm when I am here even during crazy crazy race week.
Coeur: Do you have a favorite local food or bevie?
Coeur: Do you have a favorite local food or bevie?
Laura: The fresh ahi and tomba, avocados, papaya, anything home grown and fresh!
Coeur: Do you get nervous before races? If so, how do you work through them leading up to the race?
Coeur: Do you get nervous before races? If so, how do you work through them leading up to the race?
Laura: Yes, always nervous before the race Questioning my training, fitness, etc...especially when you see all these "super fit" IM athletes on Alii Dr. I mainly focus on me, my race, how executing my own plan and let the day play out!
Coeur: What will be your post race treat?
Coeur: What will be your post race treat?
Laura: Massage, and my favorite glass of wine.
Good luck Laura! We'll be cheering for you!
