Tim Deboom fields a few questions 06.09.2005
C - As you are heading to Nice for IM France, tell us a bit about the race, the course and the competition.
T - The Nice course is very different from other Ironmans I’ve done. The bike is a true alpine course with numerous climbs to contend, and the run is a pretty flat looped course. Lots of different muscles being used. I don’t even know who my competition is at this race. I really wanted to use this one to focus on myself, and what better way than to only think about me.
C - Did you train differently to prepare for this race, any changes you made to your bike set up?
T - I did much more climbing on the bike to find my rythym for the race. You can easily overdo it on the bike when there are long climbs involved. My race bike is also very different than what I will ride in Hawaii. Much more like a road bike, set up for good handling and climbing.
C - How many hours a week do you train ahead of an IM, when do you slow down and how is your schedule after and IM.
T - My training really varies leading to an Ironman. This year I’m trying some new things, because I haven’t been happy with my past couple years. My biggest weeks are in the 30 hour range, but I am resting alot more as I get older. Since this is an earlier Ironman than hawaii, and I’m fresher in my season, I can have a little shorter taper. Closer to 2 weeks for this one. After Nice, I will shut it down completely for a couple weeks to recover. I know i will need it. Then everything is geared toward Hawaii again.
C - We understand you recently underwent aerodynamic testing, tell us where and what you learned from that.
T - Trek invited me out to the wind tunnel in SanDiego, and it was something I couldn’t pass up. Many of the people are the same who help Lance get ready for the tour. I tested my bike, helmets, and positions. All geared toward Hawaii. It was too close to Nice to change anything, but i will have plenty of time to make some changes for hawaii. I learned about lots of little, subtle things that can make big differences in you drag. Hopefully, they will pay off in October.
Some quick tips for the Tri newbee’s:
C - Swim; how can cyclist improve their swimming?
T - Anyone can improve their swimming by just spending more time in the water. I’ve been swimming since I was 5, and I’m more comfortable in the water than anywhere else. You can learn to relax in the water, and that’s the most important thing about getting faster.
C - Nutrition; What do you eat the day before a race?
T - I keep my diet pretty simple the day before a race. I don’t want anything that’s going to cause stomach problems. Breads and rice are always good.
C - Tunes; What music will be pumping in those Oakley’s in Nice?
T - I wish I could wear them during the race! I will have them on before the start though, and it will probably be some old Van Halen, not Van Hagar!
C - Music on the training rides; yeah or neah?
T - I love having music on training rides. I do alot of training by myself, and sometimes i get tired of thinking. Besides, is there anything better than when you’re up at 10,000 feet, with clear blue skies, and one of your favorite songs comes on? Not in my world.
C - Number 1 rule for a fast transition;
T - Practice, practice, practice! You practice everything else, why not these too.