Interview With Greg Watson after Powerman Grand Canaria Victory

Greg Watson is a 32 year old duathlete who also works full time in Wilmington, Delaware. Watson's 1998 results include a second place at Powerman Alabama, second at Dannon Arlington, first at Dannon Atlanta, second at Dannon New Orleans, first at Dannon Charlotte, and a first place at Dannon Chicago, as well as first overall in the Dannon point standings.  duathlon.com talked to Watson about his race.

duathlon.com:  How was the first run?

Watson:  The first run, probably for the first couple of kilometers there was a pack of about 10.  I went through 5k in 15:15 along with Smissen and Apilluelo [The second and third place finishers].  At that point I backed off because I didn't want to go to hard.  Smissen and Apilluelo stayed together and finished the first run in 30:20 while I was just over 31 minutes.

duathlon.com:  When did you take the lead?

Watson:  I caught Apilluelo within 2 or 3 miles of the bike leg.  I caught Smissen at mile 7 and stayed behind him a little while.  I was concerned about my speed because I haven't raced in awhile.  Then a couple miles later I went by him pretty hard and he didn't respond.  The course was 3 out and back loops so I could tell that my lead was growing.  By the second transition I had a 3 minute lead. 

I went really hard the first 5k of the second run because I didn't want Smissen to see that he was gaining on me.  At 5k I still had a 3 minute lead.  I started to fade in the second 5k but at that point I had a large enough lead. 

duathlon.com:  Were you happy with your race?

Watson:  Yes.  I had an excellent race.  It was probably one of my best races of the year.  I was really strong on the bike. 

duathlon.com:  How were you able to train on the bike this time of year, given the weather and the lack of daylight?

Watson:  On the weeknights the weather is not a factor because I do all of my training inside on the Computrainer.

duathlon.com:  Will you race Powerman Honolulu, Powerman Alabama, and Powerman Zofingen next year?

Watson:  I won't do Powerman Honolulu, but I will definitely do Powerman Alabama.  I am undecided for Zofingen.  I am not committed to it yet.   I am starting to swim and I am considering doing some triathlons next year. 

duathlon.com:  Are you considering Ironman?

Watson:  Yep.  And that is the only reason I am working on my swimming.  I figure right now I could do the swim in 75 minutes, and I have to get that down to an hour if I am going to do it.