Three Kona Things Thursday

How much KONA can I fit in one post??

Hmmmm-I have lots to say....

Coach's feet post Kona -ouch...but this has got to be the best picture ever!!

Kona Thing #1

First and foremost, CHRISSIE!!

Yes, as in Chrissie Wellington. As you know, we are bff's.

Yes...we are. Do I have to put up pics again??

And you probably know that she freaking KRUSHED IT IN KONA.

Now, on any given day she is an animal. A powerhouse. Just an insanely talented athlete.

This woman is made of pure guts.

Well, if you had any questions just how tough this gal is then listen up.
Remember that "little bike crash" Chrissie had just before Kona? Well, there was some pretty good road rash but she did not disclose the extent of her injuries. (read about it HERE)
but here's a line from the article that will sum it up for you-

"...doctors discovered tearing in an intercostal muscle and her left pectoral...The swim that sent Wellington to the hospital five days before the world championship was her final session leading into the race. She missed several swim workouts that week."

yup, she came from 12 back to fight for the win.

Kona Thing #2
I have to give a big shout out to several ladies who kicked A$$ in Kona over the weekend.

And how about my super awesome amazing COACH Sonja!!

photos courtsey of Sonja Wieck

Hello!! Sonja totally rocked it in Kona and finished in 10:08:44-and just check out that finish photo!!
She's amazing-I love her spirit and energy.
Swim- 1:06:42
Bike- 5:26:36
Run- 3:30:16

I am so psyched & honored to call her Coach!

Then there is Maine great, Angela Bancroft.

This summer she did Lake Placid in 10:19 and then went on to finish Kona in 10:26:00
Swim- 1:04:41
Bike- 5:37:15
Run- 3:34:57
I am so proud of her-she is such an inspiration to me.
If Sonja was not my coach, Ange would be sitting at the top of that very short list.

Then there's Mary-IronMatron- another Maine connection and awesome lady!
Mary finished Kona with a smile and executed her day as planned. She finished strong with a time of 11:21:19. Congrats Mary!!

I enjoyed following the Pro's and those triathlon buddies who were competing in Kona on Saturday!

Kona Thing #3:

I am sure most of you are aware that like the prestigious Boston Marathon, Kona is the "mecca" race for triathletes. And like Boston, you need to qualify to race unless you (Boston) run for a charity or (Kona) get a slot via lottery. This week WTC CEO Andrew Messick announced that you can now get a Kona slot if you complete 12 or more Ironman races. The more IM's you do, you will move to the top of the lottery list.

“We’re changing how our lottery works,” Messick explained. “For athletes who have done 12 or more Ironman over their career – and who are still racing – we are going to make sure that they have a chance to race Kona.

“It might take a little bit of time to cycle them all in but we feel that you should have an opportunity to race Kona once in your life if you’re a serious triathlete, are serious about the sport, are dedicated and are loyal but you just happen not to be fast. I believe that being a long term triathlete and demorating by doing twelve or more fulls…you deserve it as much as people who are super quick.

“We’ll start by the people who have done the most and start ticking them off every year and eventually we’ll get through all of them.

I get it. I really do. I have no issue with those who run the Boston Marathon as part of a charity team. I can see how this gives those triathletes who have a ton of money to spend on 12+ races who are dedicated to the sport a chance to race Kona.It just reeks of another way for the WTC to make even more money (well, they are a business and Ironman is a brand). Remember Access Ironman??

But for ME personally-
these feet will not run from Hopkington to Boylston Street until these feet run fast enough to qualify for it.
and respectively,
these arms will not stroke

these legs will not pedal

and

these feet will not run

the hallowed grounds Ali'i and Queen K until I qualify.

I might be 99 years old but...that is how I feel about it FOR ME.

(feel free to ask me again when I am 60 and still gunning for a Kona slot!! lol)

Speaking of an insane amount of Ironman races...

I have someone to introduce you to very soon.

He is on a mission and looking to break another world record.

Not for his own sake but to help a great cause.

Find out why he is Tri'ing to Give a Dam.

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Did you enter my Tough Chik giveaway yet?

There is only a couple more days to enter-

make sure you check it out