IM AZ Pros: Paul Ambrose

At 23, Australian Paul Ambrose is already making waves. He's been tearing up the 70.3 circuit this year, finishing third in Rhode Island with a smoking time of 3:57:48. Ambrose also nipped at the heels of German great Faris Al-Sultan in St. Croix and battled it out with a 4:03:35 finish at the California 70.3 earlier this year. He's decided to step it up a notch with Ironman Arizona, the first Ironman-distance event for this up-and-comer. We caught up with him this week ...

TS: You're young and have been at the top of a lot of lists of people to keep a eye on down the road. Does that pressure to perform motivate you?
Paul: To be honest, I don't really get caught up with what people expect or think of what I could do or how I'm going to perform for that particular race. I just go into every race the same, to try and perform my best and to possibly learn something that I can take from each and every event and the competitors that I may race against.

TS: Why race Ironman Arizona?
Paul: Well, I've wanted to race an Ironman for quite some time now, but being one of the younger competitors I just didn't believe that I had the aerobic engine to handle such a grueling event. Arizona worked out perfectly for a testing ground for my Ironman debut, as it will be my last race for the 2008 season, so I won't have to worry about upcoming races and how long I will recover from this type of event. And IM Arizona has such a prestigious history and showcases some of the best athletes from around the world.

TS: Did you do anything special to prepare for our dry, dusty, hot or windy conditions?
Paul: Yes, I went down to Boca Raton, Florida for six weeks to train for the Clearwater 70.3 world champs, which was a perfect lead up race for IM Arizona. This was ideal, with constant windy days, quite hot and humid at times, which I believe will be an ideal training prep for Arizona outside of training actually in Arizona itself.

TS: What's next after Ironman Arizona?
Paul: Well, I have to get through this IM first. So, I don't want to think that far ahead. I don't know how racing the IM will effect me both physically and mentally. I just want to go out there and enjoy myself as best I can. Though spit balling, I've always wanted to race IM Australia as my family and close friends could come an watch.


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