At the 2014 Ironman Asia-Pacific championships Paul Matthews was second in 8:02:14, his best result to date. He recently partnered with Craig Alexander and we expect to see even more from this Aussie. Some folks folks already suggested that Matthews really needs to be watched in Kona, but will he be the heir apparent?
ST: Thanks for the chat.
Barny: Thanks for your time Herbert
ST: Nice one in Melbourne. It seems that this race seems to suit you.
Barny: You always enjoy going back to a race that you’ve done well at. Even as a junior I always raced well at St. Kilda and 15yrs down the track I still love going back.
ST: All went well in the swim we suppose.
Barny: Yes, the swim was good. Got out near the front early then settled in around 6th position. I could see the stand up paddle boarder the whole time so I knew I was near the pointy end.
ST: We noticed some colder weather gear on athletes on the bike. How cold was it early on during the bike segment?
Barny: Coming from an American winter it was fine. I know Santa Cruz isn’t the coldest or the warmest place in the states but I didn’t think it was cold at all.
ST: So you just wore your tri kit on the bike?
Barny: Just a normal two-piece tri suit. No sleeves or anything
ST: Were you at all surprised about the size of the group on the bike, and who was in and who was not?
Barny: I sat 3rd and 2nd wheel all the way out to the first turn so I never really had a chance to check out how many and who was actually in the group. Once we made the turn I was surprised to see no Crowie, Mckenzie and was pretty happy about how far they were behind.
ST: You were happy to see your mentor Crowie far behind?
Barny: Haha, as a competitor yes, as a friend no!
ST: Some guys got popped from that group, so how hard on the throttle were you?
Barny: The start of the second lap Zeebroek was on the gas and I was riding above my threshold for a fair while. Hoping he would slow down and then when he went again just before the turn.
ST: When Dellow and Zeebroek pulled away, were you in a bad position to respond or was it about not having more gas?
Barny: No I was in a great position, I was in 3rd wheel at that stage. Axel was just riding better than all of us in the group. He was on the front basically the whole time and when he went coming out of the tunnel into the last turn I knew it was too hard for me and I had to be smart. I had been running well in training and had to have confidence in my run leg, which in the past I haven’t.
ST: As the run started how did you feel?
Barny: As soon as I started the run I knew I had good legs. The stomach was a little funny at the start but then it settled down and I got into a nice rhythm.
ST: Were you aware at that time where Crowie was?
Barny: I saw where he was after every turn and then we ran passed each other at the start of the run about 1km into it.
ST: When you took the lead did that change your mindset?
Barny: Not really I was just trying to hold my pace but there was a bit of extra attention with the cameras and guys riding their bikes next to you. Hopefully it is not the last time I’m leading a big race!!
ST: Oh, that infamous bike pack that follows the runners in Melbourne.
Barny: I never really noticed anyone behind me but I could definitely see a group riding next to Dellow up ahead. It actually made it much easier for me to see where he was
ST: Did Dellow fight back when you caught him?
Barny: He did. I’ve known Dellow for 12-13yrs and I knew he never gives up without a fight. You could see when he finished that he had given his all. He’s a real competitor!
ST: You walked apparently soon after. What was going on?
Barny: Very soon after hitting the front I could feel some cramp coming.
I wasn’t cramping yet but there was still 12-14km to go and I knew I had to get some salt tablets in me and stretch my hamstrings out a little otherwise I wasn’t going to make it to the end. About 4km later the salt had kicked in and I felt a lot better.
ST: When Bockel came by, did he look strong?
Barny: He looked strong all day. As soon as I saw the start list I knew Dirk was going to be one of the guys to beat. He’s always thereabouts.
ST: What about Dellow?
Barny: Dave was breathing hard when I caught him but he could have been breathing hard since the first kilometer. I’ve known him too long to ever discount him
ST: How did you get past Dellow at the end?
Barny: I just concentrated on getting back into my rhythm and getting from aid station to aid station and Dave came back to me. I passed him but then but with about 1500 meters to go my right hamstring cramped like I’ve never felt before and he actually went passed me again and after what felt like an eternity it came good and then I had to chase him down again and overtake him again with about 700 meters to go.
ST: Were any words exchanged?
Barny: I think I said something to him the first time I caught him but then after that no words had to be exchanged. We both knew what each other were thinking.
ST: Finishing second in this field must have given you a real high.
Barny: Last year wasn’t my best year. I’ve always prided myself on always being thereabouts in every race I do and I think last year I lost a bit of motivation and love for the sport but having Crowie to talk to gives you so much inspiration. He has so much passion for the sport it rubs off on everyone he comes in contact with and the last 4 months is the most excited I’ve been about training and racing I’ve been for a couple years so to do so well at home and in such a good field was a great result.
ST: How did that Crowie coaching situation come up?
Barny: I’ve known Crowie since 2001 and I have watched him train for his Kona titles. I know how hard he works and I’ve always rung and talked to him the last 6-7yrs if needed any advice, so it was a good fit. I knew he was thinking that Kona last year was going to be his last crack there and thought now would be a perfect time to ask him for some help. I sent him in email a few weeks before Kona and then we sat down for a chat a couple days after the race and it’s gone from there. He’s a wealth of knowledge and knows how to win the big races so it was a no brainer to ask him to coach me.
ST: And 8:02:14 is your best IM time.
Barny: That was my quickest Ironman thus far. I’ve done 4 Ironman races and finished 3 and done 8.05, 8.04 and now 8.02.
ST: That sounds pretty consistent.
Barny: I think I’ve just picked fast races! You don’t start the day thinking I have to do a certain time. I would rather win the race and do 9hrs then do 8.05 and come 6th. It’s a cool stat but winning is more important.
ST: What did Crowie say to you after?
Barny: He asked me if I had stuck to the plan and I said yeh
ST: So what is next?
Barny: Next race will be St George 70.3
ST: Why that one?
Barny: It has the most money! Its hilly, hard and I can have a little break after Melbourne then get some training done for it.
ST: Oh, and you are still a newlywed of sorts.
Barny: Sort of. Almost a year now but we’re finally having our honeymoon this week!
ST: Where are you headed?
Barny: I’m sitting at the airport in Kuala Lumpur on our way to Phuket.
ST: Talk about your sponsors? When did the Trek / K-Swiss thing fall through?
Barny: I’ve just signed on with Blue Bikes so looking forward to getting on it when I arrive back home. Also have great support from Fuel Belt, Smith Optics and SRM.
Trek was moving into a different direction so I decided not to re sign and was lucky enough to sign with Blue who has some great looking bikes.
ST: You still got space on your kit we suspect.
Barny: Definitely have some space left. Not only am I working with Crowie, but I’m also excited to be part of the Human Interest Group Management Company working with Franko and Michael.
ST: Any other thoughts?
Barny: It was really a no brainer asking Crowie to coach me. It was exactly what the doctor ordered. I know there is till a lot of hard work and sacrifice to come but I know we’re moving in the right direction and I’m more excited than I’ve ever been to train hard and keep improving to reach the goals we’ve set!
