JoelO wrote:
Eric, how often do you race and what distances?
If training is your hobby and you’re not racing…sure, moderate volume year round is fine. Your definition of moderate seems a bit out there though at 16-19ish hours a week (5-6 hours swim, 7.5 -8.5 hours bike, 4-5 hours run, plus pre and post wardrobe changing, etc…). I think most people are fine with that for a build to a big race but not for normal weekly training. For people that work, that doesn’t leave much free time for family, friends, household chores or other hobbies.
IME you need to average about 20hrs per week training to make BK status. I made it in 2020 and as you noted I had several things going for me: I wasn't working (retired), we were in lock down most of the year due to COVID and so there were few family distractions, and of course there was very little racing going on. And, most importantly, I didn't get injured or burned out from the "BIG" training.
Last year, 2021, I didn't score as well as 2020 because I raced a lot (and a return to family outings)! My racing performance was probably my best ever which I attribute to the high volume I put in during 2020 so it was very much worth the time and effort (and in full disclosure I also was the young guy in a new "old" age group this year).
IMO, the BK challenge is slanted toward athletes that would rather train than race and who can train a LOT without getting injured, burned out, and/or distracted by what the rest of society would consider normal living;) Given those parameters I don't see a lot of growth in its participation although I will be the first to recommend users join for the training camaraderie.