Katy and Michelle are twins from Australia! But they aren't just identical twins, but Ironman twins. They both have found success at the distance, and each have qualified for the Ironman World Championships this weekend. They will both be competing, and we thought it would be fun to ask them some questions leading up to the race:
Coeur: How many times have you raced in Kona?
Michelle: This is #2.
Katy: This is my first time!
Coeur: What age group will you be racing?
Michelle and Katy: 25-29
Coeur: What is your bib number?
Michelle: 2026 - please cheer for me if you see me! :)
Katy: 2062
Coeur: What's your favorite thing about this course or if this is your first time what part of this course suits your strengths?
Michelle: It's the ultimate test of mental strength. I love the bike, but you face the raw inner demons out there, only the strong will prevail.
Katy: I'm looking forward to the run out in the lava fields. This will be incredibly tough, and require incredible mental stamina. This is my strength
Coeur: What do you find the most challenging about this course or what do you think is going to be the biggest challenge?
Michelle: The descent from Hawi will be my biggest challenge. Once I hit the bottom, I will be one happy racer!
Katy: Getting some clear water in the swim!
Coeur: What products will you be using on race day?
Michelle and Katy: Kit - Coeur! Bike - Specialized, Sunnies - Ryders, Helmet - Rudy Project, Nutrition - Shotz, Shoes - Saucony
Coeur: Your meal the night before?
Michelle: Fish and Rice
Katy: Pasta :) Gotta love a good carbo load.
Coeur: Meal the morning of?
Michelle: Honey on toast with a cup of tea
Katy: Toast, banana, coffee
Coeur: Favorite thing about Kona?
Michelle: The vibe. It doesn't get better than this!
Katy: The atmosphere. This place attracts the best of the best. We are all here to push our body to the limit, and I love being a part of that. It is simply awesome!
Coeur: Do you have a favorite local food or bevie or what are you most excited to try?
Michelle: All the cocktails on the menu!
Katy: Not as yet, but I am only new to this. So I will have to keep you posted!
Coeur: Do you get nervous before races? If so, how do you work through them leading up to the race and on race day?
Michelle: I do! I channel my energy and remind myself that I've done everything in my power to be ready for this race. Time to show off all the work I've done.
Katy: Nervous?! YES!! But that's all a part of the experience. That's what we live for. To work through them I simply remind myself of the training that I have done to be both physically and mentally prepared for this. Then it's game on!
Coeur: What will be your post race treat?
Michelle: Sleep ins and beer - can't wait!!!
Katy: Anything with salt in it probably. Chips! Pizza! Beer! yum
Thanks so much ladies! We wish you the best of luck on Saturday! Go get 'em! #heartandcourage