
How
would you describe Molokai2Oahu race?’
Obviously, I have never experienced this race before but to me
Molokai is one of the most special races in the world. The challenge of
being out in the middle of the ocean, all by yourself, on a board and
cover 52km. It is simply to me a huge mental challenge and a test that I want
to see if I can overcome.

image molokai2oahu.com
What
excites you most about competing in the race for the first time?
I’m excited to take on an unfamiliar challenge and head over
to Hawaii for the first time but at the same time I’m very nervous as it is
nothing like I have ever done before. I’m going to start a race and paddle from
one island to another, in the middle of the ocean. It seems crazy and I think
that’s what excites me the most. I know it will test me both mentally and
physically, more than anything I have ever done before. Going over and sharing
the experience with Matt (Bevilacqua) is also something that I’m really looking forward too.
What
have you done differently in your training to prepare for the event?
Our typical Ironwoman races can vary from 15mins-30mins and for the past 12
weeks I’ve had to teach my body to train for a 5-6 hour single discipline board
paddle. I’ve had to include lots of lengthy paddles to condition my
body, and basically extend all my other training sessions to be purely
endurance based. This has changed my fitness from having speed and power to
developing a large endurance base.

What has
your weekly training schedule been in preparation for the event?
My training has involved
lots of very lengthy board paddles learning how to control an 18-foot
paddleboard. This was a lot harder than I thought it would be. My
program consists of 4 swimming sessions approximately 6km, 4 board paddles
approximately 20km, 2 ski paddles ranging from 10-15km, 3 running sessions
(30mins) and 2 gym sessions (1 hour).

What
type of conditions would you like?
I’d love it to be super windy. I’ve grown up doing paddle backs
along the Gold Coast and they are definitely some of my favourite
sessions.
Who will
be on your support team and how will you be fuelling yourself during the race?
My Mum and Dad will be coming over to Molokai with me and be going
on the escort boat. Dad will get in the water and pass my all my drink
bottles/nutrition and Mum will do all the organising. I’ll be fuelling
myself with Body Science Intra Workout, Body Science BCAA’s and using the
Hydroxyburn Shred when I need a caffeine hit.
If you
could give 3 tips to anyone thinking of doing the event or similar endurance
board paddling event what would they be?
- Making sure you are swimming minimum 4 four times per week.
- Conditioning your legs through specific sessions (running/riding
or gym)
- Lots and lots of kilometres on the board!
Follow Brielle on @briellecooper

image molokai2oahu.com