We have a few words with American short course pro, Lauren Goss. She recently announced a new title sponsor, new bike sponsor and very big change of scenery.
Slowtwitch: Thanks for your time, especially considering you just finished St. Anthony’s!
Lauren Goss: No problem, it is a good reason to be off my feet! Thank you for thinking of me.
ST: How is the season shaping up so far?
Goss: I had pretty high expectations going into 2013 based off of my consistent training on a new program with [coach] Cliff English. I did not study the course enough in Alcatraz and [went off course]. I had a decent result in South Beach, but not where I thought I would be at this point. Sure, I had mixed emotions after both events but as I step back and look at the big picture I am actually quite pleased to be where I am right now. As I mature as an athlete, I have learned that I have to earn my achievements in sport and this comes from simply doing my time. I still am learning so many things about the ups and downs of racing and I try to gain as much knowledge from the veterans in the sport at every event I compete in.
ST: How did St. Anthony’s go?
Goss: It went okay. {laughs}
ST: The field was super deep… I think the men’s field must have had forty guys.
Goss: Yeah, I think Ben Collins was 20th place.
ST: David Thompson got 19th with something like a 1:51 – a really fast time.
Goss: Yeah, it was crazy. I got 11th or 12th. Slowtwitch had me in 10th, but I think someone’s chip fell off. I didn’t get any money.
ST: That seems wild that – in round numbers – two-thirds of the women’s field and three-fourths of the men’s field didn’t make any money.
Goss: Seventh place was something like seven hundred dollars… there was really no money.
ST: As a professional athlete, do you look at that and say, ‘I’m going to find a different race next year’? If it’s not profitable, do you look for something else?
Goss: The only reason I did that race is because I could drive there. I wouldn’t fly there. At the same time, there are so many points for Hy-Vee; I got 400 points for 12th place… which is like getting 2nd place at a low point race.
ST: How far down did the Hy-Vee points go at St. Anthony’s? Does everyone get points by finishing?
Goss: I think they go to 15th place. For me, the race is definitely more of an investment into getting a start at Hy-Vee.
ST: We understand that you recently announced a big change of scenery?
Goss: I did! I’m moving from Clermont, FL to Tucson, AZ. I have been flirting with this idea ever since starting with Cliff in September 2012 (he is based in Tucson). Since I have minimal background in cycling and running, my technique really needs some attention. I am looking forward to having more opportunities to work one-on-one with such an experienced coach.
I was fortunate to have a 4 week camp in Tucson as sort of a trial period to see if Tucson is a place that I will be able to [train well] and also a place where I will be happy. Tucson attracts me with its hilly riding, gravel trail running, diverse culture, and hot climate.
ST: Will you miss Clermont?
Goss: I moved to Clermont with practically nothing exactly two years ago. Sara McLarty took me under her wing and taught me so much of what I know about being a professional athlete and really became a good friend and mentor of mine. The years post-college are very interesting because you are away from the girls you spent the last 4 years with and you have a sense of feeling alone. The girls in Clermont really supported me and will continue to be close friends of mine for the rest of my life. As for training, I am craving new challenges and I know that Tucson has plenty in store for me.
ST: We see you’re on a new bike this year?
Goss: This year I am riding a Cervelo P5.6. I am thankful and thrilled to be on such a well-designed product. Leslie Loughlin at Cervelo and Davis Wheelworks worked hard to get me dialed in on the bike so early in the season. The bike is in high demand and there is a limited supply. At Cervelo, both professionals and amateurs are treated equally when it comes to who gets the next bike (which I respect completely). I did not expect to be on the bike until mid-season so to be on it now is so exciting!
ST: Anything else new in sponsorship for 2013?
Goss: TYR came on as my title sponsor for 2013. I am looking forward to the new line of products they have coming out in fall and being an ambassador for the company (I’ll be wearing their apparel and wetsuits). I also am working with Cervelo (as mentioned), Garmin, First Endurance, CeramicSpeed, ISM, 110% Compression and Davis Wheelworks.
ST: You seem to be quite in to creative cooking… beet brownies?
Goss: I have really gotten into cooking and baking. I get a little obsessed with a certain ingredient and see how many things I can make with it. Beets were a big hit in my house the past months and my roommate is probably a little tired of them. Right now I am way into coconut oil and cabbage… cooking is fun but you won’t see me on Food Network anytime soon. I’m no magician.
ST: What does the rest of your 2013 season look like?
Goss: Busy! All Olympic distance races for me. My real goal is the Lifetime Fitness series, but I’m also going to try to qualify for Hy-Vee. I’m also doing a couple Rev3 races.
I am racing 4 times in the next 5 weeks and then make the big move so after that I will have a huge training block and prepare for the second half of the season.
ST: Do you see yourself going to long course at any point, or are you not even thinking about that yet?
Goss: Oh, I’m not even thinking about that at all. For a long time. {laughs}
ST: Anything else you’d like to add?
Goss: If you are training in Tucson this summer please contact me through my website www.laurengoss.com. I would love to meet as many people as possible!
