On Saturday 1st August 2009, Daz Carter will line up pool-side in Staffordshire as the race favourite for the Enduroman Double Iron UK. After Daz's fantanstic 3rd place in the 2008 DIUK, and a sub 9-hour finish at this year's challenge Roth, Daz is looking the red-hot '1-2-watch' at this years Double Ironman. Enduroman's Steve Haywood talks to Daz about the 2009 DIUK:

SH: After your fantastic 3rd place in last year's DIUK, how have you prepared differently for the 2009 race?

DC: I will be approaching the 2009 race in a similar way to 2008. My body doesn’t like heavy mileage so I tend to train to Ironman level, but throw in some long/ultra runs in the winter and long bike rides in the spring. I always do a short multi-day bike ride that involves at least 3 days of 100-150 miles/day.
One aspect of the 2008 race that I really struggled with was nutrition. In an Ironman I can get by on a minimal amount of calories, and just about scramble over the finish. In the double last year, once the stomach closed-in on itself it became very difficult to get calories on board. So I will be focusing a lot more on that. My crew will give me a good kicking if I get lazy!

SH: More than half the field in 2009 are Double Iron 'Newbies', what are your top tips for them?

DC: As well as nutrition I’d recommend containing the pace a little during the swim and the first few hours of the bike. If you’re moving up from an Ironman background it’s very easy to get into an ‘Ironman’ frame of mind, and try to power through. Also recommend buying a good set of strong bike lights and trying them out in advance, at speed. I saw all sorts of lights last year from mini Topeaks to something resembling car headlamps!



SH: On paper Daz, you are the race favourite, does this add to the pressure or is it something that helps with your preparation?

DC: I realised last year that Ironman times/PBs don’t necessarily mean a thing in the Double. So I’m not expecting anything. Personally, I try to enjoy every race I take part in, appreciate the positives and then work on the negatives. Saying that, I ‘m quite competitive with myself to achieve target times. I think you have to be if you want to push yourself to improve. And this year I have a time to beat!

SH: What is it about the event that brings you back for a second year?

DC: We’re all masochists? There are a number of reasons I have returned. I really struggled with the event last year and would like to see if I can better my time. I also enjoyed the challenge, the atmosphere and the camaraderie of the competitors, crew and staff. It was an ‘enjoyable’ weekend.

SH: As you know from last year, athletes go through many highs and lows during the race, how did you beat the blues and finish so strongly?


DC: I had two very low periods during the race. The first was the start of the bike coming off a pool swim at too high an intensity. The second was around 3-4hrs in to the bike when I just couldn’t stomach any more food and hit the wall. If it wasn’t for a few choice words from my crew and the race organisers (yourself) I may have quit at that point, it was 50/50. It really is useful to have good crew backing to get you through these moments. You have to remind yourself before the race starts that there WILL be low moments during the race, and you just have to ride/run them out. I had to keep reminding myself that it’s all about getting over the finish, and not necessarily how fast you do it.

SH: We receive many emails asking us about the 'Devil's Staircase' and 'Blair Witch' woods. Do you have any advice about these to the other runners?

DC: ...the best part of the run! The Devil’s Staircase isn’t too difficult, although I defy anyone to try and run up it 8hrs in to the run! The woods are great if you have a vivid imagination. Personally I think a soundtrack and cardboard cut-outs should be added for more effect. Have to mind your step in the woods (the roots are marked), but just fly through and enjoy it.



SH: So what's your race plan for 2009?

DC: That’s not fair, only my crew and I should know that!
There will probably be several back-up plans for the race! For certain, I will be pacing myself a lot better this year and consuming more calories. I will also be taking more extended breaks during the bike.

SH: How are you planning to deal with the nutritional needs during the race?

DC: I only had an ‘Ironman Breakfast’ last year. This year I will be on a Double-English! I want to get a good head-start on the calorie front.
I will have a couple of (slush-puppy) energy bottles poolside for the swim. On the bike I will try to get on board around 300-400cals/hr and 750ml liquid, with a little less on the run. I have asked some friends to bring along some chips, MacDonalds again this year for the run. Normally I wouldn’t go near these foods, but in the Double I will be desperate!

SH: Do you listen to music in training? Is so, what floats your boat?

DC: I love my podcasts (Frank Skinner, Adam and Joe, Collings and Herrin, IMTalk). Apart from that I will listen to anything from Indie, Rock, Hip Hop, 80s, Electro. The very long runs I like a bit of easy listening (Enya etc) to zone-out.

SH: OK, so its 2nd August 2009 and you win the Enduroman DIUK... how do you celebrate?

DC: Whoever wins the event, I’m not sure they’ll have a lot of energy left to party! Personally, I’d probably delay it a week and then go out for a few drinks. It’ll take that long to get out of bed....

SH: Thanks for the chat Daz, see you in a couple of weeks..