NAIROBI, Kenya, October 19 – Kenyan-based triathlete Berber Kramer has described her participation at the first-ever woman only Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona the past weekend as an out-of-this-world experience.
Kramer said she enjoyed competing with other women in addition to sampling the best sights and sounds that the course had to offer.
“Racing with women only on the course makes for a great competition, and it feels more fair, because it really is our own race, without men interfering either in the front or the back of the race. All participants were also super supportive of one another, there was a great sense of community, or ohana (family) on the Big Island,” Kramer said.
She added: “It was an amazing experience. This race is normally already extremely special, given that every person has to earn their slot; but on top of that, this was the first ever women’s only world championship for Ironman, and that made it even more special.”
The Ironman World Championships has been traditionally held in the west coast town of Kailua Kona since 1981 and brings together numerous triathletes from worldwide.
The course includes a 3.9km ocean swim, 180km of bicycle race before concluding with a 42km run that ends in Kailua-Kona.
Commenting on her performance in the competition, Kramer conceded she could have done better, especially when it comes to running.
“In terms of my race, I’m satisfied with my swim, bike, and the way I kept both my head and body cool. The main area where I would have wanted to do better was the run; my hydration and nutrition weren’t on point, so I got GI issues and couldn’t find a good run rhythm,” she explained.
Regardless, Kramer said she gleaned valuable lessons from the competition, which will come in handy for her on a rainy day in terms of future events.
“As a result, my time kept creeping up and I know I could have done so much better – even finishing sub 10 hours – with a better marathon. But every race we learn! Onwards and upwards from here!” she said.
