My Road to KONA 2009: Result

KONA Qualification

My road to KONA began on the 7th March 2009. I was on the start line of Ironman New Zealand awaiting the second blast of the cannon to signal the start of the age group race. I had spent many months preparing myself for this race, both physically and emotionally. My goal was to race the best Ironman that I could and win myself a Kona slot. I felt faster and fitter but probably more significantly I was mentally tougher. As the starting blast sounded across the lake I thought 'game on' as 1400 athletes punched, kicked and surged ahead.

I swam, cycled and ran my way to a 10 hour 48 minute finish, collecting a KONA slot at the roll down meeting the following day. Waiting to hear if I had a KONA slot felt like the longest day of my life! Now that I have it I'm out to prove I have earnt the right to own it!

I hope you enjoy following my progress over the next 12 weeks as prepare to line up on the start line alongside the best Ironman athletes in the world.

Thanks for your support, interest and encouragement!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Result

Hi Guys - quick post to let you know my result -
11:02 Finish = 1:17 Swim, 5:44 Bike, 3:52 Run - 24th Age Group
2nd female kiwi age grouper over the line across all age groups!
Will post a race report tomorrow!

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What is KONA?

KONA is the defining race of Ironman distance triathlon and is the World Championship event in the Ironman series. To put it simply, for most endurance triathletes there is no bigger day in the sport than this one.

To get to the start line you must win yourself a qualifying spot at one of the qualifying Ironman events held around the world. Over the course of a year tens of thousands of triathletes try to get a qualifying slot and only 1,800 succeed. I grabbed my Kona slot at Ironman New Zealand in March this year.

Kona is flagged as the most difficult and testing Ironman course in the world due to its tough ocean swim, lava covered volcanic terrain and intense heat. Distances are the Ironman standard 3.9km (2.4-miles) swim, 180km (112-miles) cycle and 42.2km (26.2-mile) marathon run.

I am fortunate enough to have a month in Kona prior to race day so that I can familiarise myself with the course, altitude and 40 degree heat! You get one shot to race at Kona each year so I'm planning on taking the best shot I can!

Sponsors

Jeff Duval and Anne Fournier - EFRET
Jeff and Anne have sposnsored all the equipment I need to train and race at KONA. The most significant piece of equipment they have sponsored has been my cycleops powermeter. This is proving to be an invaluable training tool, ensuring that my power output and cycling efficiency is maximised.
http://www.europeantransportation.com

John Fay - Olympic Pool and Fitness Centre
I continue to be fortunate enough to have a sponsored membership to the Olympic Pool and Fitness Centre in Newmarket, Auckland. With a 50m pool and comprehensive gym I have the best facilities to improve both my swimming and strength.
www.theolympic.co.nz

Professional Crew

It takes a whole team of people to get you to the start line of every race in the best conditon possible......

Tony O'Hagan - Ironman Coach
'If it wasn't hard it wouldn't be Ironman'
I have been coached by Tony since September 2007. His training regime has seen me qualify in two consecutive years (Jan 2008, Jan 2009) for the New Zealand World Championship Long Distance Triathlon Team and this year for the Ironman World Championships. Tony is a coach highly commited to his athletes and getting the best out of them both in training and on race day.
http://www.challenge-yourself.com/

Alison Rainbow - Results Nutrition Centre
I started seeing Alison in November 2008 and I am now considerably lighter and faster! The last 11 months have been a massive learning curve about what my body actually needs to perform! Alison has a huge amount of knowledge and expertise in nutrition and understands the needs of an endurance athlete (and the female brain!)
www.rnc.co.nz

Paul Harris - Strength and Conditioning
I've been working with Paul now for several years, initially to improve my running strength which soon progressed to overall conditioning and strength training for Ironman. He is based at the Olympic Pool and Fitness Centre.
physicaltrainer@ihug.co.nz

Tania Foote - Massage Therapist
I certainly struck gold when I met Tania in the pre race massage tent at Ironman New Zealand in 2008. Based out of the Health Zone at the Millenium Institute she is by far the best massage therapist I have ever seen!
Millenium Insititute 09 4772000

Dene Coleman - Physiotherapist
A fellow Ironman that understands both the needs and training schedules of an endurance athlete. Has successfully managed to patch me up and keep me injury free!
Shakespeare Road Physiotherapy - 09 4864652

Roger Gooch - Body Smart
I started working with Roger in May this year to improve both my activation and understanding of muscle patterning specific to endurance triathlon. I have been working on strengthening key muscle groups with Roger using a programme tailored to my specific needs. Roger is also a massage therapist and an oracle on all things related to Ironman!
www.bodysmart.co.nz

My Road to KONA 2009