Introduction
Few people are more prolific on the Irish Triathlon scene than Elena Maslova. She pulls out over 10 race wins a year and I can’t remember here not making the podium in the last three year. Domestically she has won the National Series for the last three years, but is now looking towards ironman events internationally, as well as working as an triathlon coach. So we let Elena tell us in her own words where she’s come from, what’s she’s achieved and where’s she’s going.
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What have you been up to recently? Enjoying the off season?
EM: I’ve just finished a Cycling Ireland coaching course and I’m setting myself up as a Triathlon coach. It will be done through www.coachelena.com which should go live in the next few weeks.
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That’s a new step for you.
EM: Yes, I’m planning to race Ironman as a professional next year, so coaching work should allow me to do this. As I see it, I’ve got 5 years left, where I can still race at a high level, so I need to start racing Ironman now, if I’m to get some good placing before I ease back.
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Wow, that’s a very focused view at your athletic career. Maybe it’s worth telling people where you’ve come from, athletically.
EM: I’ve been racing competitively for 24 years now. It all started back in Russia when I was 9. I raced Biathlon (cross-country skiing and shooting). No, I didn’t have a gun, when I was 9!!! We started skiing, then got the guns when we were teenagers. I raced on the Russian team for a few years, but that stopped when I moved to Ireland in 2000. Most of 2001 was out with injury, but I got into marathon running in 2002. Did three marathons. It wasn’t until 2004 that I started Triathlon.
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I remember you really came to prominence in 2005 in the battle for the National series with Tara Nolan.
EM: Yes, it went down to the wire that year and was decided at the Dublin City Tri. The next year (2006), I was again 2nd, this time to Trudy Browne. Since then it has been easier, so I’m lucky to have topped the National series for the last three years.
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The national series has changed quite a bit over those years. I remember the last time I raced it, back in 2005, it was all about doing well in all the tier 1 races, as there were only 4 that year. Now it’s more about trying to get into races.
EM: Yes, and for women it’s a bit strange, as you’re points are determined by the men’s results. You can be the first woman, but get 20 points less than the top man!!!
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So will you be back to defend your title in 2010?
EM: I would like to. With the Ironman and 70.3 races, I won’t be racing as much domestically, but I would like to win it again. Maybe I won’t be doing a repeat of TriAthy, with 2 races in one day!!!
I’m looking to get my own sponsors next year, to help pay for racing Ironman, so I’ll need to race domestically for domestic sponsors.
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So what international races will you be doing?
EM: Ironman Zürich and Barcelona Ironman Challenge are the two main goals. My aim is to be in the position to finish top 5 in the next few years. I know that I’ll have to do a time similar or better than Tara Nolan 9h50min to finish top 5, so it may not happen in Zürich, but soon hopefully.
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Tell us a bit more about your coaching and website.
EM: First thing is the website name www.coachelena.com I’ve a bachelors in sports education as well as a cycling Ireland coaching qualification, so I’ll be doing a mixture of
- Club coaching session
- Head coach for Triathlon Clubs
- Group sessions
- One to one strength and conditioning coaching
The website should go live in mid December.
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Can you give a feel for your typical training?
EM: I’m starting a 20 week programme at the moment, with 25-30hours per week. Now, you have to remember that I’ve 24 years in competitive sport, so I won’t be recommending other people do this amount unless they have a very strong background. For example, I’ll be giving a athletes I coach programme like
Sprint distance Tri: 6-8hours
Olympic distance Tri: 8-12hours
Half-Ironman: 10-15hours
Ironman: up to 25 hours
One thing that I’m finding really important, now that I’ve stepped up to Ironman is diet during training. You’re eating during a cycle session, not for that session, but to allow you to do the swim session that evening.
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End of interview
We’ll update this post when Elena’s website goes live at www.coachelena.com
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