This is our second interview with rising female triathlon star Beth Anderson of the University of Colorado. Beth capped off her first serious season with a victory in the 18-24 age group at the Hawaii Ironman on October 6, 2000. We had the chance to sit down with Beth and listen to her thoughts on this season and beyond.

DC: We last spoke to you prior to the Buffalo Springs Half-Ironman in Lubbock, Texas. You ended up qualifying for Hawaii as planned. Tell us about the rest of your season.

BA: This summer was kind of experimental. I wanted to get a flavor for racing and what would happen if I dedicated more time to the sport. I raced Vineman, Boulder MS, Chicago and then Hawaii.

DC: Based on the fact that you had a good summer, what were your expectations going in to Hawaii?

BA: After I qualified for Hawaii, I really felt like I wanted to do well in a long course race. I was confident going in, I had no injuries all summer and really no other problems. I didn't have many doubts. I had a time goal this year. I wanted to go under 10 hrs. It didn't happen for whatever reason but I still think I was and am capable of going that fast.

DC: What is the atmosphere like in Hawaii in the days prior to the race.

BA: Tense. There are some people who are simply so happy just to be there. You know, maybe they have been trying to get in the lottery for years or they finally qualified. For the most part though people are so focused, heads down trying to ensure they are mentally where they need to be. It's not exactly a warm atmosphere. I just think it's the reputation of the race that keeps people coming back year after year. You always hear if you are a triathlete Hawaii is the race you have to go to.

DC: You won your age group this year up from 4^th last year. Tell us about your day:

BA: I learned so much this year. The conditions were bad. I've never experienced wind like that in my life. I had to concentrate just to stay on the bike. In fact Tim (Tim DeBoom 2^nd overall male) said he saw somebody get blown off his bike. I felt a little inconsistent the whole day, especially on the run. I was disappointed with the run. My legs were a little flat and I lacked the speed I had in training. Also I'd catch myself kind of zoning out. You know, not really pushing myself, then I'd have to pick it back up. In the end I was pleased to win the age group but I was not pleased with the time regardless of the conditions.

DC: Beth you are at a bit of a crossroaads now. You're 23 you can finish grad school (Education) and begin a career teaching. Or you can give sport a full-commitment for a few years and see where it leads you. What is in your plans?

BA: Well, I've pretty much decided I am going to take some time off school and give this a go as a professional. I am really excited to give sport a full commitment. It was good this year going to school I mean I had a nice balance in life but I was not getting the rest I needed, I couldn't travel to races much and I was probably not giving quite as much to school as I should. I need more focus to do this right. There is a risk for me. There is no security. I realize there will be a financial struggle for a couple years to get established. I know I shouldn't worry but how am I going to support myself initially? It's all pretty exciting really. I just have this passion to create the space to go after this.

DC: What about the rest of this year?

BA: I will finish this semester at CU then I have two semesters left which I will delay indefinately. I am taking Oct. mostly off then I'll get going and I'm going to do some winter sports like Tele-skiing and snowshoeing and maybe even some racing in those sports to keep fresh. I'm also excited to work on some form issues particularly in running. I didn't run cross country in high school. I'm essentially a recreational runner. I'd also like to do some road racing (cycling) in the spring. I think it helped me a lot this year riding with the CU cycling team. So I'd like to hook up with a team and maybe do some traveling.

DC: Beth this has been great talking with you. For any other young women out there with ambitions of racing a long course event. Would you say a few words for their benefit?

BA: Sure. One of the big things I learned is that I think the tendency is actually to overtrain. What I mean is people expend too much energy just piling on the mileage and are always tired. This comes down to quality vs. quantity. I used to think I should always be tired You're better off getting in two quality distance days a week and getting enough recovery between. I think that helped me this year. Tim and Nicole (DeBoom) helped me out a lot in terms of guidance. Also my friend Yoli Casas (former Olympic Trials Track Runner) gave me a lot of good advice. So I'd say to seek out good, knowledgeable company.

DC: Beth, Congratulations on an outstanding season and we look forward to tracking you and rooting for you in your professional debut next season.