A new coach has sparked Angela Naeth as she chases her Ironman dream while exploring the world.
The former Prince George Track and Field Club athlete has competed in triathlons or Ironman events in Panama, Abu Dhabi, St. Croix and Las Vegas in 2012 as she works towards her ultimate goal of one day completing the Hawaii Ironman.
"I'm just continuing training and focusing on the Ironman distance [70.3 race series] and going wherever the sun shines in the U.S," said Naeth. "This year I've travelled a lot more. That's part of the sport and part of my love. I want to see the world. I want to experience things. I've never really been a homebody person."
On her personal blog, the 30 year old wrote her goal is to be able to fit all her worldly possessions into her car.
"I have a tiny, tiny car right now and have to ship a few things, but yes, all my worldly possessions fit," said Naeth. "It makes things simple. Everything I get extra I get rid of right away."
She's spending the summer in Boulder, Colorado training for two World Championship races in September with her new coach Mark Allen - a six-time Ironman champion in the United States.
"A change was needed," said Naeth about parting ways with former coach Chuckie Veylupek. "It's very complicated, but in the end the last year it just wasn't working anymore. I had to look for a coach I believed in.
"To be able to work with [Allen] has just been a huge opportunity," she added. "It was something I wanted to do."
In addition to working with Allen in Boulder, Naeth said as much as she enjoys the sun's rays beaming down on her they're just too hot in Tucson, Arizona, where she owns a small condo, during the summer months.
The first world event is the 2012 Hy-Vee Age Group Triathlon in Des Moines, Iowa which is followed by the Ironman World Championship 70.3 on Sept. 9 in Las Vegas.
After competing in Vegas, Naeth said she plans to relocate from Tucson to Sin City.
"Paul [Duncan, her boyfriend and business partner] lives in Vegas, but also the riding there is absolutely phenomenal," said Naeth. "It's a beautiful place. I went there this spring and just fell in love with it."
Naeth began competing on the professional Ironman circuit in 2008 though work commitments kept her from competing in 2009. She missed the world championship last year due to injury.
But Naeth has recovered well from the injury having placed first in three events this year to go along with second, third and sixth place finishes.
The graduate of Prince George secondary school set the course record May 6 at the Ironman 70.3 in St. Croix.
"It was one of my best races," said Naeth. "It was pouring rain. I had a flat. There was a lot of adversity so to come out with the course record was pretty phenomenal."
Other races Naeth has competed in this year were: the 70.3 Ironman Panama, Feb. 12, where she finished first and had the fastest bike split time; the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, March 3, finishing second; the Leadman 125 Las Vegas, March 31, another first place finish and top bike split; and in St. Petersburg, Florida at the St. Anthony's Triathlon, April 29, finishing sixth.
After St. Croix, Naeth placed third at the Rev3Tri Half in Connecticut, June 3, again having the fastest bike split.
Having started running with the P.G. Track and Field Club in sixth grade, Naeth said she doesn't know why she's taken to the bike.
"I just got lucky I guess," she said.
The swim portion is Naeth's kryptonite and she's working on trying to speed up her times in order to become a more complete competitor.
"One thing people don't realize is triathlon is one sport not three sports," said Naeth. "If you get stronger swimming then you have more ability on the bike and, if you're stronger biking your run is going to be better. It's an accumulation of all three and putting them together."
In addition to her training, Naeth is in the process of starting an online coaching business, Outstrip Endurance, with Duncan. The couple's website is www.outstripendurance.com. Naeth and Duncan can be reached via email for more information at [email protected] or [email protected].
Naeth's passion for triathlon and Ironman events has allowed her to find balance in her life.
"It's the only thing I've found in sport with character and ambition that's allowed me to have that mind, body, everything connection," said Naeth. "I can't even explain it. It's where everything is quiet in you and you're giving it your all."
