José Afonso concluded the first time an Ironman race format. His debut was in the distance Iberman, last week, a proof that linked Spain to Portugal. Natural Montalegre and living in Braga, soon realized its limitations in short triathlons where the need for a strong swimming is essential. He began to opt for longer distances (olímpicos e Half-ironman) and he realized that this was the way. With excellent results in these formats, He enrolled in Iberman proof and began its preparation. The result was very positive debut which will lead to face with new eyes the distance.
Already done congratulations on the recent, complete an Ironman! How does it feel to finish this mythical race?
José Afonso: The feeling is very good, objective achieved! When we put ourselves before a challenge that only depends on us and we focus and prepare, if in the end we achieved always gives us great joy and satisfaction. Specifically Ironman, I think that (almost) all practitioners triathlon aspire one day to finish this race as it is the "test" mode and is seen as a personal development factor. We see cases of people who have never done sport and for various reasons decide to take the test, It is the same mythical.
How long did the specific preparation for this race?
AND: Specific preparation was short, It started in August; however there is a continuous work done with the US Elite all season that allowed me to prepare the exam in a short time. During the year 2013 I did two half-Ironman(May and July ), some Olympic triathlons and I think the training base was created, They were only more specific training for long distance. As it was a first time here it was not objective in terms of personal records or trying to do x or y; preparation for me was intended to end well the physical level without injury or falls and mental, perhaps the most important.
What proof moments that felt more difficulty?
AND: It was the race. In general because much of the route was not in tar, It seemed trail and also due to accumulated fatigue. The worst times were about the km 27 when we enter a pine forest where the path was often loose sand and the worst about the km 33 they had to run on the beach about 1.5-2km ... At this point of the race almost all athletes will "trapped by wires" and the fact that run on those floors make the effort to progress has to be much higher. Luckily I managed to get back to the rhythm that brought after leaving the beach.
When you enter the water to swim 3.8km, still night, and waiting for the starting gun, what goes through the head?
AND: Much anxiety.. but it is not only the starting gun. In the moments before she even decreases because first we are concerned to prepare the material in the transition park and then because we are surrounded by many people who are like us or maybe even worse. I usually try to think of what planned and see what I have to do next, I try to focus on me. In the days before it is believed much in evidence and how it will be, etc…
After you finish cycling 180km did you regard as the race 42km?
AND: It's a strange moment: on one hand we saw the bike full of strength and motivated, just do 180km and we think we are very well, We do not want to waste time and "just" missing the race; on the other hand it was well warned that the difficulties had not yet begun, we have to restrain tempers, make a few kms at low rates to accustom the body to the effort that is coming. The Urbino had told me that "the Ironman starts in the race", that was the way I faced and I can say now that I was not wrong at all.
You made a total of 11h17.32 not bad for a first, porém came to you last 3km run against uns bons places you finished. It was the worst 3km ride of your life?
AND: As mentioned above the part of the beach was the worst part of the race for me, almost could not run and therefore lost some places. The worst km of my life were not these, were few kms on the arrow in Mizarela 2010 in the Ultra Trail Serra da Freita. But these moments are also important since there are signs that the body gives us and teach us how to better manage stress, You must learn to control them; I think that's what did it when I left the beach back to normal. If some passed me is because they were stronger, in these things there is no luck or bad luck.
It will be a distance to the future or the training time required hangs a bit this possibility?
AND: I think so, physically I have more aptitude for long distances compared with shorter events where it is needed more speed rather than strength; the fact that cycling these tests be done without drafting also favors me. Looking at my last check I have gotten consistent results the half-Ironman level which leads me to think you can also get the same results in the Ironman ... the only drawback is the long time needed to prepare these tests, although I like to train may be incompatible with the professional and personal life.
What your goals for 2014?
AND: The objectives for 2014 They pass above all for continuing to play sports. I hope to start with the trail Sicó February, proof that I like to do. In triathlons help team Tribraga the evidence of the national club championship and try a good rating in the tests of the individual national championship triathlon Long. With this new Ironman variable may try a second appearance elsewhere with more specific objectives in terms of end times. If you still have legs towards the end of the year would make the 5th time the marathon of Porto ...