duathlon.com: How do you feel about your 1998 season?

Lucy Smith: I feel sad that it's all over! It was a very exciting season for me; I dove into triathlon whole-heartedly with great success, I continued to hold my own in duathlon and also ran some personal best running times. I made Canadian National Elite teams in all three sports, and competed in two World Championships and three National Championships. And, outside of all that, I made some wonderful friendships, had some remarkable experiences around the world, and improved my French. I'm pooped but exhilarated!

duathlon.com: Were you happy with your 5th place finish at Worlds?

LS: Yes, I was happy and satisfied that I had raced to the best of my abilities that day. I had prepared very thoroughly, both mentally and physically for that event, and although there is slight disappointment that I might have made a tactical error that cost me a podium finish, I am happy with the outcome.

duathlon.com: Do you plan on racing the 1999 Duathlon Worlds?

LS: Yes, certainly.

duathlon.com: Are you shifting your focus more towards triathlons?

LS: Though I am shifting my focus more towards triathlon than I have in the past, I am not moving away from duathlon or running.

duathlon.com: What are your racing goals for next season?

LS: Lance (my husband and coach) and I have yet to finalize how or what I will race next year. It's a difficult thing to do, as I want to race in all three sports and be my best in all three as well! Next year will probably look a lot like this year, with the addition of some of the World Cup triathlons. I was hesitant to start in these races this year because of my swimming and we're hoping that after another winter of very focussed and comprehensive swim training, I will be able to compete in these races in 1999.

duathlon.com: Do you have plans to race Powerman Zofingen?

LS: I have never raced Zofingen, but the race appeals to me. It's just a matter of deciding on when I will focus on such a long distance event.

duathlon.com: Have you set a date for when you would like to race Hawaii?

LS: No date for Hawaii either, though it also appeals to me! I am confident that I could do well at the long distance- I've run a 2:38 marathon - but I am not yet ready to commit myself to the different volume and type of training that these events require. I am happy challenging myself where I am right now and I am dedicated to achieving my running potential over the 5 and 10 km distance - I love running fast.

duathlon.com: Which do you enjoy most among duathlon/triathlon/running?

LS: I find it hard to pick a favorite because I really love each sport and each one provides quite distinct challenges for training and racing. Any race that I prepare for and execute to the best of my abilities is what it's all about for me. I love all three, which is probably why I continue to fit all three into my yearly schedule. I'd throw mountain bike racing in there too, but I just don't have time to practice!

duathlon.com: What is your most memorable duathlon?

LS: Hmmmm...I have two that I can't choose between. Powerman Emmenthal in 1996. This race was a 10-60-10km (but I think it was closer to 12-63-12) and so hard! The hills were so steep on the run that you had to power walk up them the second time! I discovered that flat coke is the greatest thing to drink after three hours of racing, and this saved my day! (Thanks to the advice of Heather Fuhr who had told me this after I completely bonked the week before in Czech Republic). It was one of the longest, hardest races I had ever done, in one of the most beautiful parts of Switzerland, and we had a homestay with such nice, friendly people who fed us incredible food! The other race that is particularly memorable is World Championships 1996 in Ferrarra, Italy. It was my first drafting race and quite disorganized as the junior men and women were on the course at the same time which wasn't fair. I spent the first few kilometers of the bike being pretty upset about the drafting problem, then I got caught by the main pack of senior women and decided I had better get a grip of myself and concentrate a bit more on the important stuff. I came off the bike with about 12 women and outran them all, passing Natasha Badmann only 800 meters from the line. I had the run of my life and won the silver medal.

duathlon.com: Do you have a job outside racing? What are your outside interests?

LS: I am a qualified elementary school teacher, and I usually work part time 'on-call' with a local school district. I also occasionally give presentations and hold workshops with kids and adults on the topic of goal setting and making positive life choices, mental preparation and cross-training. I am very interested in the field of gender and education, especially girls and physical education, but my work in this area is basically limited to reading and researching at the moment. I am a passionate cook and foodie and I spend lots of time in the kitchen and at local markets, reading cookbooks and dreaming up dinner party menus! I also dabble in writing, and love to create things. I am interested in many outdoor activities but my training takes top priority in my life right now.