Kona. We dream of it. We idolize it. We hope for it. We work for it. But how on earth do we get to Ironman World Championships in Kona!??? As an age grouper, I got there on my first attempt by heeding my own advice and I got lucky…
Well, putting aside the bigger discussions of time, talent, money, more talent, and luck, here are a few thoughts and tips for Kona qualification:
First, pick your course wisely! Pick one that suits your strengths and not the one that is closest, has your buddies going, or looks like a nice destination. Be realistic in your selection and pick a course that will showcase your talent. Are you a climber, for example? Then sign up for Lanzarote or St. Croix 70.3 and get it done!
Second: In a land far, far away… Select a course that is harder to get to and perhaps even (gasp) more expensive. If you pick courses that are centrally located and easy travel (ie, Eagleman) you can bet that everybody else will be there too! Include travel in your Ironman budget and go for Ironman races that are a bit out of the way.
Three: Play the game. Look at past year’s race results of your chosen race and decide if the odds support you winning your age group at a half-Irondistance race or if you should do a full distance race and hope for one of 2 to 6 age group spots. Do your research!
Finally: It IS about the bike, but the Ironman and the Road to Kona is paved with great running. The race is won or lost on the run and so are the qualifying races. Train to run a great marathon off the bike and run your way to the big island in 2012!!!
and don’t even HESITATE to hire a coach for such a huge event in your life!!
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Would be a dream to get to Kona, but feel my athletic ability may be the limiting factor in that equation! But everyone loves a dreamer so will be aiming for Hawaii! Entered in the Welsh Ironman next year, so just starting my training program, would love to hear your opinions on the best way to start out.