Question: What inspired you to begin cycling in 2006?
Ruth Corset: I used to do triathlons as a way of enjoying sport after finishing school. I then got married and had my two children, Stephanie (13) and Caitlin (11) at the moment. I tried again to get back into triathlons after the girls were more settled, although it was just too difficult with a young family and work commitments, to train for swimming, running and cycling. My husband (who was a cyclist and help develop junior athletes) encouraged me to pursue cycling, as it would be easier to train more specifically towards one discipline. After training well for 6 months and showing some potential as a climber, it was decided that I would compete at the -2006 Sunshine Coast Club National Championships' where I won against some of Australia's best. It was after returning from a holiday in Europe that we decided to see how far I could develop in cycling.
Question: How does it feel to be only the second woman in History to win the National Road Series twice?
Ruth Corset: I didn't realise that I was the 2nd women in history to have won the NRS title twice, as competition in Australia has certainly developed over the years. It is great that women's cycling is beginning to build and become more recognised. I am grateful to be able to help others develop in the sport, whilst improving the level of competition. As the current National Road Series Leader (currently leading the series with only 4 races remaining, I would again be privileged to win the NRS title for the 3rd time.
Question: What is a typical day like for you?
Ruth Corset: A typical race day involves waking up at about 4:30 am to train, scoffing down breakfast, then taking the girls to school, before work (I am a business/owner of Massage business - 30 -40 hrs/week). After school, I then become a taxi driver to either take the girls to violin practice, track cycling training, gymnastics or swimming (we want to give the girls every opportunity, so to ensure that they don't miss out).
Question: What is your weekly training schedule?
Ruth Corset: As I am coached by my husband, my training revolves around the principle of -QUALITY IS BETTER THAN QUANTITY' - due to my hectic schedule (my training schedule ranges between 400 – 700 km each week, depend on competition duration and type). Specific training is structured and developed around the type of upcoming competitions (e.g. hilly tours, more focus is given to particular hill sessions or T.T stages – intervals with time trialling and sprinting, involving interval sessions, to improve optimal race performance).
Question: How does your diet affect your performance?
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