The reigning IRONMAN world champion reveals a glimpse into his race plans for the year, and what he loves about the North American season opener in California.
Jan Frodeno brings a welcome hype to any start line he toes. Next month, the IRONMAN season will roll out with a splash in North America with the best-loved event in Oceanside, Calif. The German pro is excited to reveal that he'll be racing the event—a race he won in 2014 and 2015 but missed out on last year due to injury.
We chatted with him briefly about what he's looking forward to about kick starting his season in the birthplace of triathlon.
IRONMAN.com: What are you looking forward to most about kicking off your season in Oceanside?
Jan Frodeno: "I really missed not racing in Oceanside last year. I always enjoy the energy around the event, it seems like the unspoken awakening of tri hibernation—even though it's a round-the-world-trip for me."
Can you tell us a bit about how you’ve structured your season this year?
"After only four races last season it felt like an eternity between highlights, so I've chose a more active racing calendar. A few halfs to kick off the season, one in Barcelona, an IRONMAN in July, and possibly another pre-Kona half to break up the training block."
Has this past winter, off season, pre-season of training been different in any way than in past years? How?
"I didn't break or tear anything in February. This is my early season achievement—the first in years and without any result on the board I am already happy with the year so far.
What are some of your favorites things about IRONMAN 70.3?
"The carefree factor. Show up, go hard, hope to hang on, and be able to walk normal the next day."
Any comments on the course?
"Oceanside is unique because no one ever gets to go on the whole course. It's race day only and nice to see the community give us the access. The run is also pretty cool along the beachfront; you get to be a tourist and racer at the same time."
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to about being in Oceanside besides racing?
"I always enjoy a short stint in the US. It's such an overload of consumables, restaurants, and general stimulation. Plus, a lot of my long term sponsors are in the area, which generally means a good dinner and a bottle of wine after the race."
Follow the race on April 1 here at IRONMAN.com and on Twitter @IronmanLive.