2010 Ironman World Champion Mirinda Carfrae crosses the finish in the K-Swiss K-Ruuz racing flat on Saturday, Oct. 9. (Photo courtesy of PRNewsFoto/K-Swiss)

Kendra Mahon | Ironman

There are a lot of things we already know about Australian professional triathlete, Mirinda Carfrae.

She began her racing career in 2000, at the age of 19. In 2007, she went on to win the title at the Ironman World Championship 70.3, setting a course record of 4:07:25, an achievement that qualified her to race in the be all, end all of triathlon–the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona.

Proving herself to be a clever strategist, Carfrae deferred her entry to the following year to give herself time to prepare for the longer distance, which would also be her first attempt at a 140.6-mile Ironman triathlon.

Carfrae celebrated a second-place victory at the 2009 Ironman World Championship and broke champion Chrissie Wellington’s 2008 run course record, finishing in 2:56:51. The next year, in 2010, she proceeded to take the crown at Kona.

There is no doubt about it — Carfrae is a powerhouse athlete. But what lays beneath that fierce and determined exterior we see on the course? As she gets ready to race this weekend at Ironman 70.3 Lake Stevens, we wanted to get to know the Mirinda without the bib number.

Why do you race?

I love the challenge of the race itself, putting in all that work, day in day out for that one big race. I am constantly amazed with what the human body is capable of and am excited to continue pushing my limits to see what my potential is.

Who is your hero?

Loretta Harrop. Although she is retired now, she was the toughest competitor I have ever seen.

What made you decide to go pro?

I don’t know if it was my decision, I just kind of progressed through the Australian Junior Elite program into the PRO field. I don’t think I ever really raced in the age group division.

What were you doing before you went pro?

Studying physiology and kinesiology in university and playing a lot of basketball.

What is your biggest fear?

Losing a loved one.

What trait do you admire the most in others?

Patience.

What is your happiest memory?

My childhood — running around the farm with my brothers without a care in the world. Yes, I was a little tom boy – boys had way more fun than the girls.

What is your proudest moment?

2010 Kona

What do you consider your biggest strength?

Resistance to injury, so that I can be consistent in training.

What is your motto to live by?

“To give less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

What is your favorite music to train to?

The Foo Fighters or David Guetta … depends on my mood.

Is there a specific talent you wish you had?

I wish I could sing.

What do you admire in an athlete?

I love an athlete who is a fighter, relentless in their pursuit of excellence. I also admire a humble champion.

What is your favorite thing to do?

I love an evening run or walk. It always puts me in a fantastic mood and I feel at peace with the world.

Who is your favorite person on the planet?

Timothy O’Donnell.

Who is your favorite person to race against?

Julie Dibens.

What do you feel when you cross the finish line?

If I have done my job right, I feel completely smashed – but in a good way.

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