WX wrote:
Agreed. I'm optimistic because I had only just started riding a bike a few months earlier, but then again, I have to stay positive. If I can't pull together a 4:25-ish 70.3 at the end of this year then I'll definitely re-assess. No one said this would be likely - but all it takes is a couple hundred dollars and a dream! High-level strategic question - I can do Texas as well in lieu of Cabo. Any thoughts?
Cabo: 3rd place last year in 10:15, but a harder course. Low heat acclimatization.
Texas: 3rd place in the 9:30-ish range in the past, no wetsuit swim (bad for me), fast bike course (comparatively worse for a smaller guy like me). But it gives me 45 more days of training, which is non-trivial.
Optimism is good, being realistic is better. The course doesn't matter, what matters is where you place in regards to Kona qualifying. The faster times in Texas are simply a matter of the course and conditions, NOT the level of competition. Don't try and make the course fit your ideals of splits. Look, I appreciate your enthusiasm but I am being perfectly honest with you that you have not even the slimmest of chances. Qualifying for Kona is hard..because it SHOULD BE. Look at my signature line. I have never done a WTC race where I have finished worst then 4th in the AG I was in. I have never done a WTC race where I didn't qualify for Kona or 70.3 W.C. So at my first IM I made the show and have ever since. At my first 70.3 I made it to 70.3 WC and have ever since. I have even won my AG and finished 4th at 70.3 W.C. I am not trying to impress you, I am simply trying to impress upon you that sometimes if you are fast right out of the box, it can happen. You opened the box and aren't close enough, yet. Your open marathon time is great but meaningless in regards to the topic. Now based on the impact on your personal life to try and do what you are physically incapable of doing at this time, I think you should SERIOUSLY reconsider and maybe work on qualifying for 70.3 Worlds next year as a stepping stone.
-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project