#672 - Jackie Hering: The Return to Full Distance Racing – Insights from a Pro Triathlete

Jackie Hering, a pro triathlete with 15 years of top finishes, unveils her approach to racing at 40. She shares how releasing pressure, managing expectations and embracing unexpected race-day curveballs transform her results in IRONMAN racing

In this episode, you'll discover:

What Jackie considers are her strongest assets and how she's training smarter, not just harder.

Her secrets to managing expectations and why 'releasing' them can be your fastest path to success.

How setbacks like mechanical issues or illness can be an opportunity, not a disaster, in race strategy.

The value of adaptability: how a puncture in Hamburg or a change in race schedule can become a game-changer.

Insights into the psychology of professional women athletes and the supportive roles they embrace - Jackie's own "mother hen" approach.

You'll also hear how Jackie's balance of motherhood, racing, and podcasting provides a fresh perspective in a sport often defined by its relentless intensity. She shares her plans for upcoming races, her views on Kona's elusive magic and the importance of enjoying the process rather than obsessing over the results.

00:00 - Introduction

02:34 - The Evolution of Women's Triathlon

05:40 - Supportive Dynamics in Female Racing

08:27 - Balancing Family Life and Professional Racing

11:07 - Return to Full Distance Racing

14:03 - The Challenge of the Pro Series

16:42 - Expectations and Race Performance

19:34 - Navigating Race Challenges and Adaptability

22:03 - Strategic Race Planning

24:23 - Navigating the Pro Series Challenges

25:46 - Balancing Ironman Races and Recovery

26:27 - Lessons from Recent Races

28:22 - The Kona Experience: Challenges and Goals

30:15 - Training Evolution and Consistency

33:45 - Assessing Strengths and Weaknesses

34:59 - Future Race Plans and Goals

LINKS:

The Women's Race Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-womens-race/id1895478355

Jackie Hering's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jackiehering