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Angela Naeth: Taking on Ironman Arizona and launching her new women’s triathlon team

 

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TMC checks in with Angela Naeth about her upcoming race plans and the launch of her new women’s triathlon team, IRaceLikeAGirl.

Can you tell us about your recent win at Ironman 70.3 Los Cabos?

After a year of rehab, surgeries and hospitalization, the ability to get to a start line for a 70.3 race meant the world to me. I’m so grateful that I was able to race and with full steam. It’s been a long year for me with a lot of ups and downs. My goal was to have fun with the process, the race, the post-race soreness… everything. Smile. And do what i do best, just go hard. I believe I achieved that.

Heading into the upcoming stacked pro field at IMAZ, you’re a favourite given your Ironman North American championship win last year. Do you prefer the full distance to the half?

I do prefer the longer distances — especially in training. The longer the ride, the happier I become. I love riding my bike and I believe that shows when I race.  We slowly built up the run mileage to gear up for the race. It’s going to be a big jump come race day but I’m very very eager to see what I can do.

What are your race plans after IMAZ?

I’m excited to travel again and I am headed to the Middle East! It’s been a year of watching my traveling bags get covered with dust. I love racing in the Middle East. Every race I’ve done has done a fantastic job and the community is very supportive. I have gone to Bahrain before when it was a Challenge race and had a fantastic time. I’m eager to get back there.

You recently launched a women’s only triathlon team, IRaceLikeaGirl. As an advocate for women in sport, how do you think this project will positively impact women in triathlon?

As a professional female triathlete, I believe I have a responsibility to help women succeed in the sport. I want to draw in new women and help support established triathletes. IRaceLikeAGirl will be a community of women and girls, providing encouragement and opportunities for female triathletes. Ideally we will inspire runners, cyclists, swimmers, yogis, and many others to consider the sport of triathlon.

The mission is to support, encourage and inspire one another in the sport of triathlon, promoting fitness, positive change, and connecting women across the world.   The platform will provide a unique opportunity for new triathletes and seasoned veterans to be part of the same team, participating in a community that brings out the best in each athlete.

Monthly challenges, ranging from social media initiatives, to blog contributions or team event participation, will enable each member to be entered into a monthly drawing for giveaways from team sponsors throughout the year.

Applications for the 2017 IRaceLikeAGirl Team are being accepted through December 2016.  Membership fees are $300 annually.  Funds raised by the team will support  the Max Cure Foundation, a national childhood cancer foundation created in 2008 and inspired by a little boy named Max and his brave battle with a rare form of cancer known as B Cell Lymphoma. The foundation funds research for pediatric cancer drugs, and provides financial assistance families with children battling cancer. 

The first 100 individuals to join the team will receive the initial team package, including a Pearl Izumi team race uniform and cycling kit, Headsweat Team Visor, XLAB water bottle, XLAB bottle cage, a POLAR M400, The Feed 10$ voucher, and a series of initial team membership giveaways.

This summer you moved the Boulder, which is a triathlon mecca in the US. How is it training there compared to other places you’ve lived in the past?

It’s a great place to train and live. I love the mountains and greenery and honestly, that is the what pulled me to the area. The athletes and community in the are a bonus. I love climbing in the mountains and the ability to do that all summer long. Compared to other places I lived, the community in Boulder is very active all around and liberal. Very simply, it makes me happy!