Els Visser is preparing for Kona, the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, and Amacx is fueling every step of the journey.
For most triathletes, Kona isn’t just another race. It's the dream race for almost all triathletes who want to conquer the full distance. With traditions, lingo and rituals of its own, Kona is always special. Best professionals of the world, racing on the same day as the best amateurs (or if you're used to the tri lingo, "age groupers"). It's ultimate test: a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, and a 42.2 km marathon run, all against relentless heat, humidity and crosswinds.
This is also the year that female triathletes will have Kona all to themselves for the last time before the race returns as a dual gender event next year, which makes it extra special.
For Els Visser, this will be her second time on the start line, and she is ready to give it all.
A Course Like No Other
Kona is legendary for a reason. The Queen K Highway stretches for miles under scorching sun and gusting winds, where athletes are stripped back to their rawest form: just body, road, and elements. And then comes the infamous Energy Lab — a section of the marathon where the heat radiates off the tarmac and every decision from earlier in the day is exposed.
Els thrives on these challenges. She sees the Queen K as a place of honesty, where the strongest strategies rise to the surface. And for her, the Energy Lab is not just the hardest part of the race, it’s the most exciting. If you’ve managed your race well, it’s where you can finally push.
Preparing for Kona
This season, Els is determined to deliver her best performance to date. More than chasing a specific placing, her focus is on putting together a complete race – physically, mentally, and strategically. That means tailoring every detail of her training to Kona’s unique demands: more heat preparation, earlier starts, and key blocks that replicate the demands of the course. Recovery has been fine-tuned to keep her fresh and resilient, while travel and acclimatization are planned down to the smallest detail.
"Every detail matters" isn’t just a saying, but it’s the foundation of Els’ approach. By shaping her preparation so specifically to the race, she gives herself the confidence that nothing has been left to chance.
Fueling with Precision
Behind Els’ confidence is a nutrition plan that leaves nothing to chance. She never under-fuels, whether in training or racing, and she builds her strategy around a clear understanding of her body’s needs. That means knowing exactly how many grams of carbohydrates she can absorb per hour, what hydration levels she requires in different climates, and how her gut reacts under stress. Every element is tested extensively in training, then adjusted for the race ahead: hotter conditions call for more fluids and electrolytes, while cooler races allow her to push higher on carbohydrate intake. It’s always about striking the right balance and having backup options ready if things don’t go to plan.
That preparation comes to life on race day. On the bike, Els takes in as many carbs and fluids as possible, making the most of the body’s ability to handle higher volumes while seated and steady. Once on the run, the focus shifts to precision which means smaller, more frequent intakes that keep energy stable without upsetting the stomach.
Her golden rule:
"Don’t wait until you feel empty, fuel ahead of time."
Amacx products play a central role in putting this plan into practice. In training, Els sometimes mixes it up with Amacx bars, Amacx isotonic drinks, and different Amacx gels to support her long sessions and keep variety. On race day, however, she streamlines everything for simplicity and reliability: Turbo Gels and Turbo Drink products she knows she can trust when the intensity is highest.
Training Beyond Limits
Els’ training often raises eyebrows: three-hour bike sessions at 60 RPM, or triple run days. But every session is carefully designed with her coach Brett Sutton to stretch both body and mind. Over time, she has developed an understanding of how her body responds to different stresses, when to push, and when to recover. It’s this balance of experience and self-awareness that helps her arrive at Kona prepared for anything.
The Mental Game
Els knows long-distance triathlon, like Kona, is often underestimated. It’s not just fitness – it’s strategy, mental strength, and the ability to execute under pressure. Success is never left to chance. Every decision, from pacing to nutrition, is part of a bigger plan to reach the finish line strong.
Eyes on the Big Island
This year makes Kona even more special. For the second time, the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii is a women-only race — a historic moment for the sport. Els will be lining up with the best women in the world, ready for her third attempt on the Big Island.
She brings with her the lessons of past races, the precision of her preparation, and the trust in a fueling plan built around Amacx products. For Els, Kona isn’t just about chasing a result. It’s about racing with no regrets, breaking through, and giving everything the island demands.
Advice from Els to triathlon newcomers:
“Start practicing your nutrition early. Don’t wait until race week. Try different products and timings in training, and get your gut used to the fueling demands of a race. Don’t just copy someone else’s plan but understand your own needs. And above all, never race under-fueled – it’s the easiest way to sabotage all your hard work.”
Summary
Els Visser is Kona-bound for her second Ironman World Championship — a women-only race in Hawaii’s brutal heat, winds, and humidity. With training built for the island’s demands and a precise fueling plan powered by Amacx, she’s ready to give it all. For Els, success means racing with no regrets.
