We're Back B*tches #2: Getting more women into triathlon with USAT CEO (and Kona first-timer) Vic Brumfield
·40 min
Kelly, Sarah, and Kona interview Vic Bromfeld, USA Triathlon champion and first-time Kona Ironman World Championship competitor. Unlike elite qualifiers, Vic accessed Kona through Ironman Foundation fundraising, supporting local Hawaiian community rather than just economic impact. Core interview reveals Vic's obsessive preparation: 7-hour bike rides, runs, combined with sauna training protocol escalating from 10 to 25 minutes daily to simulate Kona's brutal heat/humidity. Strategic decision to get nauseous after 6-hour ride plus 2-hour run sauna session to 'really live the conditions of Kona.' Hosts discuss women-only race energy benefits (physical therapist noted no athletes jumping in front of cars—'because it's the women's race'). Vic's racing philosophy centers on making friends on the run and finishing strong rather than fast—drew from experience helping Mid-South DNFer complete race; still friends. Visualization practice with housemate participants discussed; Vic plans to make friend on Saturday (not Sunday) race day. Ends with calm confidence about completing despite uncertainty about exact experience, with humor about potential midnight birthday finish.
