Nike being a little bit "cheeky"

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My Xtri Interview

Catch my interview on X-tri with Betsy Delcour

Last weekend's Ironman China has entered the books as one of the toughest - if not THE toughest - M-dot event that's been held. With temperatures soaring to a reported 115 degrees Fahrenheit, and steamy humidity, the race became a battle for who could finish. And not many did - hundreds of athletes would drop out, or collapse, before reaching the finish line. Charlotte Paul, however, not only made it first across the finish line for the women, she managed to pull out the fastest marathon of the day overall in 3:35:44. We spoke with Charlotte about how she managed her nutrition during race week and on the day, what's it like being married to her coach, and what's ahead for her this season...
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I won!

I am so so so happy that I won Ironman China!

I just arrived home to lots of hugs from Kristian. He's pretty chuffed too. I'm a total zombie, with swollen eyelids that look like sausages. I had post race insomnia- as usual- then a late night packing- because I got carried away with relaxing and hanginf out just enjoying the moment...and then a red eye flight= zombie. Very glad to be home. Off for a quick swim now to wake me up and flush out the arms and legs. Even wearing compression socks I'm a bit puffy from the flight and I guess Ironman maybe?

Race Report coming soon. Priority 1, there is no food in the house!
Till then, here's some photos...
Thank you everyone for your good luck messages, and your messages of congrats. I really appreciate it. I don't win all the time, this is very special for me.
Race morning...the water looks deceptively calm!
Myself and Hillary Biscay post race. I passed Hillary at about the 100-120km mark on the bike- I asked her if she was ok- I didn't expect to catch her at all...she said "all good babe"- I think she'd have said that no matter how she felt- one tough cookie!
At Awards with the Melbourne gang, Ben, Gab and Dave. Ben was 5th in his AG, and really gutted it out, Gab unfortunately ended up in medical, and Dave was stoked at completing his first Ironman, regardless of a blowout on time due to a blowout in his knee! I just met these guys in China and we hung out all week- they were great value.

Giving my speech. Whit Raymond spoilt me rotten on my birthday. It was great. My speech making skills still need a lot of improvement- but at least I didn't waste a whole day stressing this time- I just did it. And I actually enjoyed it up there. It's definitely the best birthday I've ever had, and the best present.
This is going straight to the 'Pool Room'!

Ironman China

I’ve arrived at the host hotel in Hainan, for Ironman China. I’ve never stayed at a World Record breaking hotel before- and multiply that by 2! It’s has the World’s largest indoor spa and is the largest resort in China. I’m saving the spa visit for post race activities.

So the usual suspects are in town, and race week build up is hotting up. The weather however, has been pretty cool, no complaints.

I wonder sometimes why I chose to race in Asia? Ironman is hard enough without adding a communication barrier, a change in diet, water, climate and culture. But maybe that’s just why we all come. It’s an experience you don’t get anywhere else, and I think it makes the post race camaraderie all the better.

On our first trip to Haikou City to buy some groceries we witnessed some harsh Chinese living. A peaceful protest of older Chinese ladies blocked a street to all traffic. We were able to walk through, totally ignored, and be on our way. But we wondered what they were protesting about, we were told “land”. They were there for hours.

The road rules seem to be non-existent here. If you watch out of the front screen in your cab it’s like being on a roller coaster ride! Lots of swerving, cars driving in the opposite direction down hard shoulders, pedestrians stepping out, scooters, bicycles, water buffalo, goats etc…- total and utter chaos. It was hilarious, but so many near misses. I’ve been told that on race day the streets will be deserted- thank goodness.

I’m going on my first ride here this afternoon- with company! I would be terrified to go alone. I’m here without Kristian, but there are lots of Aussies and some of the guys who’ve been training in Noosa, Hilary Biscay, Luke McKenzie and Amanda Balding.

The Hotel has a great pool that’s perfect for lap swimming. I’m mindful of picking up bugs so the river will be saved for race day.

So I’m twiddling my thumbs a little bit. I’m not used to having so much time up my sleeves in race week. It’s nice, and I’ll have plenty of opportunity to watch my Rocky movies☺

Just confirmed- a 5th Ironman for 2009!!!

I'm fit and healthy, and waiting till July to race again seems like a waste. So I looked at the race calendar to see what I could do...

Ironman China! The timing is ideal.
One week full recovery from Ironman New Zealand,
one week getting back into training,
three weeks of solid training at full load,
one week taper.
Perfect!

The training I'm doing with ironguides is really allowing me to back up and race more than I ever have before. I'm only just 2 weeks post Ironman New Zealand, and yet I'm already back training, on a reduced load, and I feel really great.

I'm very excited. Race day is April 19th, and my birthday is Awards Night, April 20th! Wouldn't it be great to be celebrating an awesome race on my birthday! I may also be traveling with a good friend who's birthday is on race day- Pete, lock it in!!!

My year now contains 5 Ironman races, which is more than I've ever done before in one year, but I'm confident it's going to work. I'm feeling really good right now, so I'm going with it. After China I'll have a longer recovery before starting my build for Roth.

JUST DO IT!

Charlotte

My Ironman Winning Bike For Sale

Looking for a new home!
This is the bike that I won IM Western Australia 2007 on, and the bike I rode to 11th place in Hawaii 2008...I love this bike, and I'm still riding an Airfoil- the newer model.
If you're vertically challenged and want a bike who's geometry will allow you to get aero- this is the bike for you!

Briefly;
Kestrel Airfoil Pro
50cm frame- carbon
650cc clincher wheels

Full details on ebay Australia, item # 200320805683 (click on advanced search and copy the number in)

Charlotte

Happy Birthday Husband!

32 today:)