Norseman Series: Coach Al’s Debrief: Four Principles Guiding Lisbeth Kenyon’s Training for Norseman Xtreme Triathlon can be accessed here.
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Hi Gang!

Pursuit athlete Lisbeth Kenyon shared some of the photos taken during her race at the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon on Sunday, August 5 in Eidfjord, Norway. I think you will enjoy them.

Lisbeth had an outstanding day racing in the most challenging long course triathlon on the planet. She was third woman overall, finishing in 12:47:42, and together with the first two women finishers, demolished the existing course record. Needless to say, we are still on cloud nine–so happy for, and so proud of her.

These photos also give a glimpse into the kind of athlete she is to coach–upbeat, funny, and very, very determined!

3:15 am! Lis readies to board the ferry that takes the athletes to the swim start. Athletes jump off the ferry deck into the Hardangerfjord when it is barely light for an in-water start. The water temperature during the 2.4 mile swim was 56F. “Not bad at all,” Lis said, “someone smart told me being cold is just in your head, and he was right.”

Said Lis, and I quote, “Too late for regrets.”

The end of the swim in the Hardangerfjord.

The bike is 112 miles from Eidfjord to Austbygde. The race organizers warn, “Don’t push too hard during the first 40 kilometers.” The first hill takes you from zero to 1,250 meters above sea level. The ride wends through the Hardanger mountain plateau before the riders hit 45 kilometers of steep climbs and descents. The last climb is up the “Imingfjell” mountain, peaking at 1,200 meters above sea level, the steepest part of the bike leg. A 30 kilometer descent brings the athlete down to T2.

Said Lis, “I rode through all kinds of weather and temperatures ranging from pelting rain and bone-chilling cold to pleasant, sunny sections.”

Climbing is the word for the Norseman marathon. After 25 kilometers the steep hills begin featuring a 10.5 mile climb.

Always full of spirit, she says, “If you can’t cry, you might as well smile!”

Says husband Todd Kenyon of TTBikeFit–”Norseman run…this pic says it all: 23k into run, and the massive Gaustatoppen looms over a tiny Lisbeth. She/we are headed to the very top edge of picture over the next 19k – a mile vertical.

4752 meters from the top. ‘Nuff said.

“The mountain is not really a mountain, but more of a pile of rocks,” says the race manual. But the path is steep and difficult, and competitors are not allowed to walk this part alone. It takes the average competitor about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make it to the finish line from entry of the Gaustatoppen.

“An unbelievable journey,” says Lis. There is no doubt about that!

So what could possibly be next, you wonder? Lis will continue her incredible race year defending her age group title and course record at the Ironman World Championship in Kona on October 13. Stay tuned!