This Canadian has lived all around the world. Growing up with a swimming background. This interviewee has her Ph. D in Ancient History and Religion. In 2004 she completed her first Ironman, now competing at the Ironman is her full time career. Please welcome Sara Gross

KK: Please tell our readers about yourself. Where did you grow up?
SG: I was born in Canada, grew up in Kitchener, Ontario and United Arab Emirates.

KK: What sports did you play growing up?
SG: I grew up playing a lot of soccer. It was our move to the Middle East when I started to run and swim.

KK: Did you play college sports? Where?
SG: I swam at Queens University for 1 year.

KK: What is your degree in?
SG: I have my Bachelors and Masters from Queens University and my PhD in Ancient History and Religion from Edinburgh University, Scotland.

KK: When did you start doing triathlon?
SG: In 1999 when I was living in Canada. Then when I moved to Scotland I started taking my training more seriously.

KK: When do you do your first Ironman?
SG: I did my first Ironman in 2004 in Switzerland.

KK: How was your California 70.3 experience?
SG: It didn't go as planned. I was hoping for a better result. Two weeks ago my Cervelo was stolen and I receiver a new one the night before heading to California. My only ride on the new bike before the race was a spin on the trainer. When I arrived in California, my bike didn't show up on the plane. It finally arrived at midnight and I was having it assembled at 4am the morning of the race.  Kind of stressful.

KK: What got you into triathlon?
SG: I volunteered at a race and thought this was something I had to do.

KK: When you lived in the Emirates, did you take part in Tri Dubai?
SG: No, there was no Tri Dubai back then!

KK: How much time off did you take off after Kona?
SG: Last year I raced a lot, so I took more time off than usual. I took just about a month off before getting back into training. I wasn't training specifically for California; I was just staying active and working on things.

KK: What is your ultimate goal?
SG: My main goal is to have a good race in Hawaii.

KK: How many Ironman races do you have planed for 2009?
SG: I will be doing two maybe three. Brazil is coming in May and there are only a few Kona slots. So I am hoping to have a good race there.

KK: How well does your body hold up when racing so much in a season?
SG: I have only had one injury. It was a back injury that kind of comes and goes.

KK: What is your favorite distance to race?
SG: Ironman distance. I find it to be very fulfilling and it tests everyone on the course.

KK: You and I both raced Ironman Florida 2007. Wouldn't you agree the age group drafting was out of control?
SG: Yes, it was pretty bad. I saw groups of 40 or more.

KK: What is your take on the whole drafting issue?
SG: Drafting is cheating.

KK: Do you do anything special when training for Kona?
SG: I will usually train more at altitude and in the heat. Other than that my training will usually be the same I would do for my other Ironmans.

KK: How many hours a week do you train?
SG: I am good for 25-30 hours a week. I like to work on intensity so anything more than that and I will not be able to work as hard as I like to. 

KK: If there were anything you would change about racing?
SG: The pay. Prize purses have not gone up in a long time.  Race participation has increased and there are more races to do. There's no reason why the prize purses haven't increased.

KK: Do you still do duathlons?
SG: Occasionally. They are fun and good for training.

KK: Other than racing what else do you like to do?
SG: I really enjoy coaching. I am coaching some people and conducting training camps. Right now I am coaching a few athletes who are trying to do well in their age group and an entry-level pro. The people I like to coach tend to be athletes who have a high level of commitment to the sport.

KK: Do you do online or more hands on coaching?
SG: I do both; I try to see my athletes every 2-3 months. That is when we can work on technique.

KK: What keeps you balanced?
SG: Spending time with family and friends. Coaching also helps with balance.

KK: Where do you spend most of your time training?
SG: I split time training in Arizona and in Canada.

KK: What do you want people to know most about Sara Gross?
SG: The best is yet to come!

KK: Who sponsors you?
SG: Zoot does all my clothing, wetsuit and shoes. Their stuff is amazing.

IN 2009 Sara raced California 70.3, Ironman Brazil, Calgary 70.3, Lake Stevens 70.3 and Ironman Canada.

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