(at left, Lucy is on the right)

duathlon.com: Do you do your winter training in Canada? If so, do you have to do most of your bike training inside?

LS: I do most of my winter training in Canada, crazy as it sounds. Just for the record, Vancouver has one of the milder climates in Canada. I have windproof and waterproof  tights and socks and jackets, gloves, booties, head warmers, fleece long underwear and a big hot breakfast when we get back. Sometimes it's really miserable here in Vancouver but it rarely gets cold enough to snow in the city. I occasionally use the wind trainer, especially if it's really bad out, or when I work and it gets dark early. I prefer to ride outside as I really enjoy being outdoors, which is one of the reasons I am a multisport athlete, but sometimes I wish I had a better windtrainer for those really stinky days. Running, you can do anywhere anytime. I grew up on the East Coast in Nova Scotia and got really good at snow running and jumping curbside snow drifts. And Vancouver is excellent for swimming. We have great facilities here - both 25 and 50 m pools and great groups. However, Lance [her husband] and I are looking for a warmer place to train this winter, we're thinking February in California or Arizona, or somewhere else good for training - any suggestions?

duathlon.com: Can you give details of an actual mid-season training week

LS: Here's a sample of what I did late March while getting ready for Powerman Alabama and Powerman Holland:

SUN        AM bike 95km base       PM swim ez
MON AM swim / AM 2- run 50 min ez PM bike 90 min spin
TUE         AM swim ez PM run intervals 1x400m; 4x600m; 4x400m
WED AM bike tempo 50km PM swim
THU        AM run tempo 30 min PM bike fartlek 8x5min w/2min
FRI        AM swim/ AM 2- bike 60 min spin
SAT        AM run intervals 4x 1km ; bike intervals 6x 5km
SUN AM run 90min, then bike 90km; PM swim ez

duathlon.com: Can you give details of your 7days of training leading up to the 1998 Duathlon World Championships?

LS: Much of my season was a lead up to worlds, from the early Powerman races to spending May and June and early August racing in Europe. The worlds were on a Sunday and we arrived at our team's hotel on Monday. I did a tempo run of 25 min before the drive from Paris. It was a pretty long drive and we arrived late at night. We were about a thirty minute drive from the race site of St Wendel so our week was planned around seeing the race course and finding a swimming pool for those of us who were also going on to Lausanne for the World Tri Championships a week later. Most of my pre-race preparation is geared towards mentally getting ready for the effort and dynamics of racing, stretching, and getting my bike cleaned and ready. Tuesday was a swim (Lance, who was Canadian team coach for the event found us a great outdoor 50 m pool where they welcomed us like heroes everyday. We had to swim in our wetsuits because there was no heat!) Later Tuesday an ez 30 min run. We drove the course that day as well. Wednesday: another swim and then a fartlek run on the race course: 2x 3min, 3x2min (with 15min warm up and cool down). Thursday: early in the morning we rode 60 min on the bike course, doing light pick-ups on the technical crucial sections. Rest of day off. Friday: complete rest day. Registration in St Wendel. Sat: early ez run with a few strides for leg speed. Rest of day off. Sunday: RACE Sunday evening: awards, went for pizza with friends! 

duathlon.com: You come from a running background. Did it take you long to pick up cycling?

LS: No, actually. I felt instantly comfortable riding, but I had been commuting on a mountain bike for years. I was thrilled by the speed when I got my first Cervelo road bike! In my first season, I used to bonk during a two hour ride! I would eat for cycling like I was going for a run. I wouldn't have much breakfast and then I failed to take any food with me. I remember riding around light-headed one day, frantically looking for a corner store and a chocolate bar! Then I discovered that I could eat a big bowl of porridge before riding! And I learned how to eat PowerBars while riding.

duathlon.com: Are you shooting for the 2000 Olympics? If so, in running or triathlon?

LS: Yes and Yes.

duathlon.com: Are there any changes that you think should be made to help the sport of duathlon?

LS: I think race series are very good for the sport. Like the Dannon Series. The European Triathlon Union has an incredible duathlon series in the summer with good prize money and a lot of support for the athletes - travel, accommodation - so the athletes can attend many events. It is very strong now, and we find that duathlon specialists are in greater number in Europe.

duathlon.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?

LS: Well, I would like to add that I am able to compete as an athlete because of the support of many people. Lance, who is my coach, manager, agent and massage therapist, as well as my wonderful life partner deserves a lot of credit for my accomplishments. We are a team. The role of a coach cannot be underestimated and I have had the benefit of many good coaches throughout my career as an athlete. As well, I have terrific partner/sponsors in NIKE, PowerBar, Cervelo, Nimble wheels, and Kinesys Sport Body Care.