While I was in Phuket two weeks ago I got a remarkable opportunity to interview the current Ironman European Champion, Ironman 70.3 World Champion, and Ironman World Champion: the one and only Daniela Ryf.

Also on iTunes.

She was staying at Thanyapura in the build-up to her last race of the year, which is happening this weekend. The Ironman 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain is not only a regional championship, but it also serves as the last of the three races comprising the Nasser Bin Hamad Triple Crown. The person who wins all the races in the series would be awarded a special bonus of $1 MILLION, and only Daniela has been able to win the two previous races at Challenge Dubai and the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.
Fangirl mode, ON!

As podcasts to end the year may go, this one was pretty epic especially for a small blog like Kikay Runner. To be able to sit down and pick the brain of one of the strongest competitors in long-distance triathlon was eye-opening. She was down-to-earth, honest, and super accommodating!

This year it's been such a privilege to talk with and observe world-class athletes. As the years go by it only becomes clearer to me that those who make it to the top of their game have that slight bit of crazy that allows them to think and act outside the box, to dream larger and go where most of us don't dare.

Daniela Ryf is at the top of her game in only her second year doing ironman... and she believes she can still go faster.

Show Notes:
Daniela's thoughts on peaking for the last race of the Nasser Bin Hamad Triple Crown and being the potential "million-dollar baby"
What she changed in training to be more 70.3-specific, after training for Kona’s full distance
What coach Brett Sutton understands about his athletes to help them break through
Why she doesn't keep a training diary
How she trained and picked her races this year
How she deals with pressure to win a race
Who she relies on for support and advice
How studying and going to school has brought balance to her life
What she would like to do post-triathlon career
What her general goal is in the sport
What offseason looks like for Daniela Ryf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LGeD5fyDaU

Thanks to Bahrain Endurance for the access to one of the best athletes in this generation. Godspeed, Daniela!