Interview with IRONMAN Competitors with Team Chocolate Milk

The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Built with Chocolate Milk.

They DID IT!! Apolo & Jen with Team Chocolate Milk finished the IRONMAN! I had the privilege of interviewing Gold Medalist, Apolo Ohno, and the Fitness Director at Women’s Health Magazine, Jen Ator, before their incredible IRONMAN experience. But first, here is the last video footage before the race…

[youtube=http://youtu.be/L_OIrprdoqI]

Apolo Ohno:

Apolo Ohno: America’s most decorated winter Olympian, know for 40-second bursts on the ice, trains to go the distance in one of the most grueling mental and physical competitions…the IRONMAN.

Q. Of course your training has to be very different, what do you love most about the new training program – and what do you like least?

A. I love the intensity of IRONMAN training, but I have not enjoyed training for the run so much. I’m not exactly a runner!

Q. One of the biggest questions people have when training for an endurance sport is what to eat before the event. What is your favorite pre-workout fuel(food)?

A. I’ll usually grab an energy bar, pre-race. On Saturday, I’ll be up early and having a bar before the race.

Q. People often talk about carb-loading before a distance sport, what is your meal plan, or key foods, you will rely on to prepare you for the IRONMAN days and hours prior to competing?

A. For dinner the night before I’ll have fish and salad or vegetables. I’ll get my carbs in throughout the day, but I won’t eat them at night.

Q. After doing Dancing with the Stars, which relies heavily on the musical backdrop, what was your first thought when you were told the IRONMAN didn’t allow music or any electronic devices during the event? And do you have any tricks to keep your mind off the pain?

A. I always train with music, so it’ll be tough without it on Saturday. Especially the bike – that’s the longest hardest part – but no doubt there will be so many people on the course to talk to for distraction!

Jen Ator

Jen Ator: fresh out of ACL surgery 20-something year old Jen Ator’s was thirsty for a life-changing challenge. Through her “day job” is Fitness Director at Women’s Health Magazine she learned about IRONMAN and wondered if she had it in her to compete. Just a regular girl, competing on the world’s stage…she’s one motivating, inspiring athlete!

Q. Out of all the training you’ve done over the years, and for this event, what is your favorite type of training – running, cycling, swimming, weight training, yoga…?

A. I used to be a lacrosse player and have also done a lot of weight training in the past. For this, I’ve really enjoyed getting outside on the bike and running around Manhattan (West Side Hwy and Central Park, specifically).

Q. Since most women are interested in shaping their physique or controlling their weight with exercise, how has training for the IRONMAN affected your weight or physique?

A. I’ve gained weight because I’ve built so much muscle, but I’m a little more toned that I was before, that’s for sure!

Photo Credits:
Larry Rosa