Ironwoman Courtney Hancock has been dotting her i’s and crossing her t’s in preparation for the upcoming Coolangatta Gold, utilising her connection with the Gold Coast SUNS to ensure she is in peak condition for Sunday’s race.
 
A previous winner in 2011, Hancock is far from immune to hard work and doing what is required to cross the line first in the gruelling endurance event. But in preparation for this year’s race, the 26-year-old has paid greater attention to detail.
 
In the lead up to Coolangatta Gold, Hancock, a SUNS ambassador, has been training at Metricon Stadium to prepare herself for the 41.8 kilometre long-course.
 
Hancock has placed a much higher emphasis on recovery between training sessions, using Gold Coast’s facilities to accelerate the process. A move she believes has her preparing smarter than she has in the past and could assist her in winning her second title in Coolangatta.
 
“I have been really lucky to be able to go out to Metricon (Stadium) and use their ice and hot baths and things like that,” Hancock told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

“It has really helped seeing what other athletes do in a different sport, especially AFL because they are competing week after week and their recovery is pretty much their first priority as soon as they are finished competing.

“Getting an insight into that made me think I could lift my game and the recovery makes a big difference. I’m training well and I have been recovering a lot better.

“For me I’m a bit older now and it’s about being smarter. I’m a changed person and I’d love to come across that line and try to lift the tape up.”