One woman's challenge to qualify for Kona 2021

Ribble's very own Dee Allen is determined to make it to the start line of the iconic Ironman World Championships next year. Here is the story of one woman's challenge to qualify for Kona 2021.

If it's raining, Dee still be training.

Ribble's Dee Allen has set her sights on the iconic race that all triathletes dream of; Kona.

The Ironman World Championships are held in Hawaii with thousands of people each year aiming to claim a spot to race on the idyllic island. But Dee, who is the workshop's team leader at Ribble, is determined to make that dream a reality.

Winter is the start of training so on a wet and windy day (Dee's day off), we caught up with the triathlete to see how training is going.

Dreams of Kona 2021

Training.

Dee, it's a pretty wet and dreary day - but I guess training never stops for you. How has training in lockdown been?

Training isn't as smooth as I would like or as I hoped it would go. Obviously with a lot of restrictions, specifically with the pools being closed, it hasn't been ideal for training. But I am still getting out and doing what I can. It's the next best thing. I am still working my arms for the swim by using resistance bands, just so when I do eventually get back in the pool, I hopefully won't need armbands!

Race ready.

First Ironman.

How long have you been into triathlon and have you ever done an Ironman before?

I've seriously been into the sport for around eight years. I haven't done an Ironman before, but I was hoping to change that this year. But unfortunately, due to Covid, I wasn't able to do that. So now that is the main goal for next year, that's where the focus and the drive really is.

One woman's challenge to qualify for Kona 2021

The bike.

So come on, you could have your choice of many bikes, working at Ribble, so which have you gone for?

Usually, I ride the Ultra Tri, an incredible and fast piece of equipment. But at the moment I have switched to the Endurance SL R road bike. This is for the base miles and building up endurance on the hills. It's so much fun to ride and I get a lot of enjoyment out of this bike.

Weapon of choice: A CustomColour Endurance SL R

There are so many events, what is it about Kona?

Kona has always been a dream of mine. The history and the stories behind Kona have always inspired me. It really has given me the drive and the passion to be in this sport and it really is the ultimate goal for me.

"Nothing is impossible."

And do you think you can achieve it?

Yes why not? Nothing is impossible. If you put your mind to a goal, or a dream, you just have to dedicate yourself to that dream and make it a reality. I also have a tattoo on my left forearm of a wave and a Hawaiian flower. It's a constant reminder when I'm out training, running or on the bike or in the water, to follow your dreams as no dream is impossible.

"Here's to hopefully a more competitive 2021!"

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Ready for a challenge? Watch Darren Hardy aim to tackle ten Ironman challenges in ten days.