Ironman World Championship profile: Neal Oseland
- Details
- Created on Friday, 08 October 2010 18:13
- Written by Nathan
By Elise Reuter, OutThereColorado.com
NEAL OSELAND
Age: 41
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Which event is your strongest?
That's a tough one, but I have to say the bike. I just put a lot of time and effort into it. My body type is condusive to biking; I have a small torso and muscular legs.
Why are you competing in the Ironman?
I've wanted to do the Ironman before I even knew what it entailed. I watched it on the NBC broadcasts when I was younger. There's no challenge like the Ironman with any other sport. If you're prepared mentally, you can get through the ups and downs and have a near perfect race.
What do you do to train?
I have a lot of early mornings because I have three kids and a wife. I usually get up at 3 a.m. The swim part is hard because the pool has to be open. Running is easy to fit in. I will also go downstairs on my trainer indoors a lot. I get out five days a week at lunch and run.
What is the most difficult part of the Ironman?
I came into swimming later in life and I could probably use some coaching. Unlike running and cycling where you just push through it, swimming requires technique.
What are your goals for the World Championship?
This unfortunately will be the last Ironman I can do because of the cost, and I can't bring my family with me. I want to go out, enjoy it, and take it all in -- the fact that I'm competing with some of the best triathletes in the world -- and just to remember that. But when the gun goes off, I'm gonna give it my all. I wanna cross the finish line with nothing left in my body, I wanna be crawling because I have utilized all of my resources. That way, I will have no regrets.
What advice would you give to other athletes?
If you can stay consistent, you can have incredible amounts of success. Day in and day out, never stopping workouts. Always set out to do what you said you would. 'Cause if you skip one workout, it's easier to skip others.
Do you feel prepared for the race?
I'm definitely prepared and in good shape. I've just had some bad things with the family that have gotten in the way of the long, planned runs and bike rides. I am a lot faster this year than I have ever been. It's kind of a tradeoff of endurance for speed.
Which qualifying race?
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I did it in 2005 and realized it was raceable. This year I did it over two hours faster than five years ago.
How many Ironmans have you done?
This will be No. 7 for me.
How many Ironman Konas have you done?
This will be No. 2. I did it last year.
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