GOLDEN CHANCE FOR TRAINING TIPS
THREE-TIME Coolangatta Gold champion Courtney Hancock isn’t fazed by the prospect of her surf lifesaving rivals latching on to her precious race secrets.
The Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series champion has launched an online training program, enabling surf sports athletes on the Gold Coast and around Australia to train with her ahead of her bid for a fourth Coolangatta Gold crown in October.
As Australia’s first surf sports athlete to win the elusive Triple Crown – the Nutri-Grain series, Coolangatta Gold and Australian ironwoman titles – Hancock has plenty of knowledge to share.
And she doesn’t mind her trade secrets falling into her competitors’ laps. “I haven’t shared anything before about this race but I’m very passionate about it and I know how to get myself up and ready for this race,” the 31-year-old said.
“It’s exciting and I want to share my experiences with people and I’ll be racing as well so we’ll all be sore and in a bit of pain at the same time.
“I like and enjoy helping people and I want people to be living their happiest and most fulfilled lives and I think sport is a really important balance to have.
“It’s something I had to get out there and share with people.”
Hancock’s 16-week adult program starts on Monday, followed by her 12-week kids program on August 3.
Both online programs will aim to prepare participants for the gruelling 41.8km Coolangatta Gold or act as a pre-season training program with weekly coaching sessions, workouts, mentoring and recovery tips all included.
“It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time now and going through COVID-19 motivated me to push it out for winter,” she said. “The Gold is a community event and everyone can give it a go.”
The Coolangatta Gold in October will mark the first time Hancock has raced since January.
“For the first time in 10 years, I had an extended offseason break and took time to enjoy the beach every day and work on my program,” she said.