I finished in 9:43, was 4th in the AG, the last slot went 9:59, I think it was the first year all M35-39 qualifiers finished sub 10. I was also lije the 12th amatuer OA. In 2009 I was 3rd with a 9:20 at IMAZ and I don't think any M40-44 qualifiers went sub 9:30. The point isn't so much the OP's time it's his placing. Placing is ALL that matters in Kona Qualifying. That's it. So being 10th at a 70.3 and then wanting to be 1-2 at a full is a big ask.

So focusing on time is irrelevant, everyone fighting for Kona slots is fast and getting faster. Had the OP been in the 70.3 podium, say top 3, then that would say this guy has the goods to step up and deliver given enough preparation. 10th says to me this is going to take more time then he has allowed for.

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-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
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