STEELY RESOLVE FOR IRONMAN TEST

A NEW coach, technique and diet have helped triathlete Zoe Adams rise to a new level.

Based in Belmont, Adams (left) is on her way to the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in New Zealand next year after running a personal best time this month.

The 31-year-old finished in four hours, 26 minutes on the Sunshine Coast in the half Ironman distance on September 8 to qualify for the international event.

Adams won the overall age group title in the event.

Since joining Beckworth Racing at the start of the year, Adams has worked on her running and swimming technique, as well as a refined diet.

“I cut out processed food and sugars and lost a bit of weight that helped with my running,” she said.

“I felt stronger, I could hold my form a lot better in the run.”

On the road to the world championships in Taupo on NZ’s North Island in November next year, Adams will take on events including the Noosa triathlon and a full Ironman event in Port Macquarie.

In her last appearance at the world championships in 2016, Adams finished eighth in her age group.

Her coach Adam Beckworth said Adams had improved dramatically this year.

“All the hard work she’s put in through the winter has paid off,” he said.

“We tried a different way of training than what she was used to — we didn’t do as much volume, it was more training smarter.”

An occupational therapist, Adams said she squeezed in time to ride to and from Apollo Bay or run the Barwon River when she could.

During the long-distance races, she said her mind was limited to the next task.

“I’m pretty competitive, so I’m often just thinking about catching the person in front of me,” she said.

“I just think about getting to the next turn around and getting to the next bike.”

I CUT OUT PROCESSED FOOD AND SUGARS AND LOST A BIT OF WEIGHT THAT HELPED WITH MY RUNNING. I FELT STRONGER, I COULD HOLD MY FORM A LOT BETTER IN THE RUN.” ZOE ADAMS