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IM AWA Challenge - Louisville
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hadukla
Apr 5, 19 14:00
Post #1 of 71 Views: 7894
New thing from IM on the much maligned AWA program, perhaps a trial this year. Anyway, I know this thread may turn into a (sometimes fun) hate fest on the program. I for one, like one point on this list, the First in the Water thing. It may be a start of the 'elite wave' thing we have been clamoring for but it can't be ignored that in this case, elite=AWA which is not a true equation.

Quote:
The All World Athlete (AWA) Challenge is an exclusive event where current 2019 All World Athletes get to go head to head. This invitation only event will be hosted at IRONMAN Louisville presented by Norton Sports Health on October 13th, 2019, the same weekend as the IRONMAN World Championship. In addition to the 40 qualifying slots for the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship, there will be 26 additional IRONMAN World Championship slots that All World Athletes are eligible to earn. These additional qualification slots make IRONMAN Louisville presented by Norton Sports Health the best race globally for All World Athletes to qualify for the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship.

Below is a full list of additional features athletes can expect to see at IRONMAN Louisville presented by Norton Sports Health:

Additional Kona Slots
26 IRONMAN World Championship slots will be added that 2019 IRONMAN All World Athletes are eligible to earn. These slots will be announced after the 40 IRONMAN World Championship standard qualifying slots are announced. All together IRONMAN Louisville will offer 66 IRONMAN World Championship qualification slots.

First in the Water
All World Athletes will have the option of starting the swim through their own exclusive starting lane.

All World Athlete Lounge
IRONMAN Louisville presented by Norton Sports Health will be the test site of a new potential All World Athlete benefit. Athletes will have access to an exclusive All World Athlete lounge. This lounge will be open during IRONMAN Village expo hours and will offer athletes the ability to relax, socialize and prepare for race day with other All World Athletes. Refreshments and recovery tools will be provided by our partners.

Kona Viewing Party
The IRONMAN World Championship takes place the day before IRONMAN Louisville presented by Norton Sports Health and a viewing party will be offered for athletes who’d like to watch the 2019 Kona action with their fellow racers.

Welcome Ceremony & Awards Banquet Seating
To celebrate our All World Athletes, and our inaugural All World Athlete challenge, dedicated seating for athletes will be provided at both the IRONMAN Louisville presented by Norton Sports Health welcome ceremony and awards banquet.

If you have a dream of competing at the IRONMAN World Championship or are looking to qualify again for the IRONMAN World Championship then we’ll see you at 2019 IRONMAN Louisville presented by Norton Sports Health. There is not a better race globally to qualify for the 2020 IRONMAN World Championship.
808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [hadukla] [ In reply to ]
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Anton84
Apr 5, 19 15:02
Post #2 of 71 Views: 7819
Email is vague about how these AWA slots be allocated - fastest awa athletes? Fastest awa athletes by Ag? Allocated to AGs in proportion to # of AWA participants in each AG? Awarded to AWA participants base on their ranking?

This can be a bigger cluster than the regular AG slot allocation process.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [Anton84] [ In reply to ]
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CyclingClyde
Apr 5, 19 15:33
Post #3 of 71 Views: 7788
Anton84 wrote:
Email is vague about how these AWA slots be allocated - fastest awa athletes? Fastest awa athletes by Ag? Allocated to AGs in proportion to # of AWA participants in each AG? Awarded to AWA
participants base on their ranking?

This can be a bigger cluster than the regular AG slot allocation process.

I'm guessing similar to the regular allocation. One extra slot per AG (26 age groups) with reallocation/rolldown? I think that's what they are doing with the Women Who Tri initiative slots to 70.3 worlds.


Maybe you will have to be wearing your purchased AWA gear to claim your spot.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [hadukla] [ In reply to ]
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rjrankin
Apr 5, 19 16:10
Post #4 of 71 Views: 7753
It's complete garbage to allow AWA to start the swim first. For starters AWA doesn't mean fast by any means. It also gives an unfair advantage based on brand loyalty. My position shouldn't be dictated on whether or not I raced WTC the year before.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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abrowntd
Apr 5, 19 16:32
Post #5 of 71 Views: 7727
Remember, IM is a business. It is very common for businesses to reward their frequent/best customers with perks. Who boards the plane first? Wanna swim in the AWA “lane” become a frequent flyer, otherwise you will board with a later group.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [hadukla] [ In reply to ]
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DBF
Apr 5, 19 16:41
Post #6 of 71 Views: 7710
If you are not AWA, but plan on being in the top few in your age group, does this make any difference in KQ’ng?
I guess the question would be is if three dudes who are AWA are in an AG, and there aren’t enough AWA spots for them if they get top few spots, do they get the other spots?
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [abrowntd] [ In reply to ]
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rjrankin
Apr 5, 19 16:56
Post #7 of 71 Views: 7688
That comparison doesn’t make sense to me. When the end game for some racing is Kona qualifying, you can’t make it easier if you race more. In a wave start IM, this could make a massive difference in finishing times when some slots are decided by seconds.

This is all based off my assumption that’s AWA athletes are eligible for their special slots as well as regular AG slots because it’s vague. If they’re not pulling slots from AG, or included in AG slots, then never mind
Last edited by: rjrankin: Apr 5, 19 16:58
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [hadukla] [ In reply to ]
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RowToTri
Apr 5, 19 17:05
Post #8 of 71 Views: 7675
The first in the water thing.... If you want to start first in the swim at Louisville or really anywhere that does the self-seeded start, just walk all the way up to the front of the line and start first. You do not need a special lane to do it. Just be prepared to be swum over if you do not belong there.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [abrowntd] [ In reply to ]
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quakertri
Apr 5, 19 17:24
Post #9 of 71 Views: 7643
Similar to what rjrankin wrote above, that comparison isn’t exactly in context, as in this case, it creates un-level playing field in a competition. The AWA program is obviously not about results, it’s about being a frequent “buyer”, and that is what it is - and true to your point that it is a business, after all. Heck, I know someone who got it last year who’s middle to back of the pack, but she did three races, so there ya go. But providing different start lines for a competition is just ridiculous. And just for context, it not only rewards the “frequent buyers”, but also hurts anyone that didn’t race the year prior for reason such as injury, pregnancy, illness, etc.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [hadukla] [ In reply to ]
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mdtrihard
Apr 5, 19 17:38
Post #10 of 71 Views: 7621
At the swim cancelled Chattanooga IM last year, the lowest numbers (AWA) got to start the bike first and us "mature" guys started last maybe an 1-2 hours later. That was a pisser. Had to sit in transition all that time. Don't they know us mature folk need to get home early so we can get to bed! No respect I tell ya.
Last edited by: mdtrihard: Apr 5, 19 17:45
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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DBF
Apr 5, 19 18:06
Post #11 of 71 Views: 7585
Agree. If you were an AWA seems like it would be harder not easier to qualify at a race with more AWA athletes competing for fewer spots??

Obviously not all AWA folks are fast, but still.

And if they can get regular spots too, then is that fair to folks who already signed up as now KQ would be more competitive.

Maybe I don’t understand it correctly.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [DBF] [ In reply to ]
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rjrankin
Apr 5, 19 18:13
Post #12 of 71 Views: 7576
Yeah I had to edit my original post to be clear I’m assuming they’re eligible for all spots, not just the new AWA spots. It doesn’t really make sense to be AWA if you’re only getting the 26 slots. It’s just another way to get into Kona if you’re not at the pointy end of your AG, at least that’s what I’m reading into it.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [quakertri] [ In reply to ]
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abrowntd
Apr 5, 19 18:15
Post #13 of 71 Views: 7573
I’m not so sure there’s an unfair advantage for starting in an earlier wave as everyone’s time starts when their waves gun goes. You could say there is more traffic on the swim, but that’s always the case for wave starts! My point is AWA is a way for IM to reward some of their best customers, want those rewards then become AWA.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [abrowntd] [ In reply to ]
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DBF
Apr 5, 19 18:21
Post #14 of 71 Views: 7563
If there are 4 kona spots, and 2 awa dudes get 3rd and 4th, do they both get spots and 5th and 6th get spots also?
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [abrowntd] [ In reply to ]
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rjrankin
Apr 5, 19 18:30
Post #15 of 71 Views: 7550
If they want to reward them, give them something. Some stupid hat or shirt. You can’t start the same race at two different times. How the hell am I’m supposed to be racing someone who started 45 minutes ahead of me (hypothetical based of my wave one year at FL70.3). You know what 45 minutes could mean in heat and wind in Florida? I shouldn’t have to spend money to get a start time with IRONMAN. The AWA program is a sham to begin with.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [DBF] [ In reply to ]
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abrowntd
Apr 5, 19 18:35
Post #16 of 71 Views: 7541
Sorry, I don’t know how those additional slots work!
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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abrowntd
Apr 5, 19 18:38
Post #17 of 71 Views: 7534
Read Ed’s reply above please. Louisville is not a age wave start, so what you described for FL doesn’t apply!
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [abrowntd] [ In reply to ]
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rjrankin
Apr 5, 19 18:44
Post #18 of 71 Views: 7524
It doesn’t apply at Lou, but could elsewhere. If they’re offering AWA slots at Lou, I’d assume they will elsewhere. Even if it isn’t 45 minutes though, all AG should start at the same time. Where else do races start at different times?
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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RowToTri
Apr 5, 19 19:01
Post #19 of 71 Views: 7485
Are there any Ironman branded races other than world championships that still do wave starts?
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [abrowntd] [ In reply to ]
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MOPinCO
Apr 5, 19 19:05
Post #20 of 71 Views: 7471
From the email above it sounds like they will allocate the normal 40 slots first and then offer the 26 AWA slots after.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [hadukla] [ In reply to ]
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140triguy
Apr 5, 19 19:09
Post #21 of 71 Views: 7465
I was in my warm house a few miles from the 58 degree rainy IM Louisville course in October, 2018. If the weather repeats itself, that special AWA Lounge may have to be a special warming tent.

Echoing what others wrote, I have a friend who has shelled out major bucks to be an AWA bronze “winner.” She’s definitely an MOP/FBOP (front of the back of the pack) athlete. I assume that many of us agree that this is a (somewhat successful, monetarily) frequent-flier Club. The costs to IM are minimal (silicon Swim cap, a “VIP” area, preferred racks in T1), but IM keeps getting those $750 entry fees.

AWA is yet another vehicle for people to brag on social media, to take it up a few notches. It’s not enough anymore to have the tattoos (“Say, did you do an Ironman race??!”).

AWA is perfect for triathletes. Grudging respect to IM for cashing in on their vanity.
Last edited by: 140triguy: Apr 5, 19 19:13
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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rjrankin
Apr 5, 19 19:21
Post #22 of 71 Views: 7451
I honestly don’t know if fulls are, I think some halfs still do. Even still, you can’t start the same race at 2 different times, even if it’s as little at 10 minutes. Seconds separate some qualifiers.

Then hypothetically an AG has 2 slots and 1 AWA slot. 1-2 accept their slots, 3-5 aren’t AWA, 6th is. Is 6th AG really getting a slot ahead of more deserving people because they race IRONMAN more last year. The gap between 3rd and 6th can be pretty big. I thought they were running out of room on the pier. If they can find that many spaces, is there not a more deserving group?
Last edited by: rjrankin: Apr 5, 19 19:58
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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Sbradley11
Apr 6, 19 3:06
Post #23 of 71 Views: 7288
From a business perspective? No, there is not a more deserving group than your most loyal customers.

Louisville is, and always has been, a rolling TT start. No one races head to head there anyway. That argument holds no value there. I don’t think any fulls use AG wave starts. Definitely not in the US. That is more of a 70.3 thing.

Additionally, no one deserves to race Kona. Or anywhere else for that matter. If you want to race Kona badly enough, there are multiple methods to get there. Some might take longer and more money than others, but they exist.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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DBF
Apr 6, 19 7:01
Post #24 of 71 Views: 7193
I am still confused.
Let’s say there are 3 K spots. The 3rd one is a AWA. Does the 4th place person get a spot?
Does the next awa guy get a spot becasue the first awa got a regular spot?

If The second is the case, that should discourage folks on the bubble from choosing Louisville.

Excuse typos, not fact or grammar checking until Jan 2021.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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Savage8778
Apr 6, 19 7:07
Post #25 of 71 Views: 7187
RowToTri wrote:
Are there any Ironman branded races other than world championships that still do wave starts?

When you say Ironman brand, I am assuming you mean both 70.3 and 140.6 - I was shocked to see that Florida 70.3 is a wave start this year. Personally I like it way better for an AG race. It is a lot more fun to know when and where your opponents are in relation to you. Last year at Muncie was the first time I had done an IM branded 70.3 with a self seeded start and quite honestly it zapped a lot of the competition out of the air. I damn near lost part of my soul the last 1/3 of the run chasing down a guy in my AG, but had started right at the front of the race; just under 2' ahead of me.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [DBF] [ In reply to ]
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RowToTri
Apr 6, 19 7:14
Post #26 of 71 Views: 4265
My reading is that if in an AG there are 2 normal spots and 1 AWA slot, it would work like this:

Results and status
1. Bob AWA
2. Frank
3. Steve
4. Will
5. John AWA

If there are no rolldowns, Bob and Frank would get the two normal slots. John would get the AWA slot.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [Savage8778] [ In reply to ]
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RowToTri
Apr 6, 19 7:20
Post #27 of 71 Views: 4255
Yeah, I meant both distances. I agree it makes racing more difficult. At Louisville in 2017 I turned myself inside out when a guy in my AG passed me half a mile to the finish and I beat him... But he started 90 seconds ahead of me so I was ahead the whole time.

I'm an advocate for the mass start for everyone that wants a podium or Kona slot. Rolling for everyone who wants the calmer swim experience.
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Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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DBF
Apr 6, 19 8:33
Post #28 of 71 Views: 4228
In theory then, the race should attract awa who have a chance to KQ because they have an “extra” chance, and reciprocally discourage bubble dudes due to the likelihood of stiffer competition.

Of course, none of that might play out that way. But if a pesron is choosing a race that should be factor. It affects a very small % of participants. WTC knows what they are doing, lots of bubble people will see this as an opportunity to increase their chance by racing a lot and becoming awa.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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CPT Chaos
Apr 6, 19 14:56
Post #29 of 71 Views: 4135
It says they are doing the 40 normal slots first then the 26 AWA ones. So, I think it will go to the 40 as normal, AWA or not, then the 26 will go the AWA that come next on the same split out, bypassing any non AWA in the rankings.

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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [CPT Chaos] [ In reply to ]
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RowToTri
Apr 6, 19 15:09
Post #30 of 71 Views: 4123
Isn't that what I described?
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Ed O'Malley
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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CPT Chaos
Apr 6, 19 15:19
Post #31 of 71 Views: 4113
Yep! Should have said I was agreeing with you...

"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." T.S. Elliot | Cycle2Tri.com
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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daustin
Apr 6, 19 16:23
Post #32 of 71 Views: 4084
rjrankin wrote:
I honestly don’t know if fulls are, I think some halfs still do. Even still, you can’t start the same race at 2 different times, even if it’s as little at 10 minutes. Seconds separate some qualifiers.

Im not sure I’m following you exactly. IM Chattanooga, for example, is a rolling start. There’s no seeding per se. If you want to get started at the front of the swim you need to get in line early. So you may have two athletes in different age groups starting far apart.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [mickison] [ In reply to ]
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rjrankin
Apr 6, 19 16:53
Post #33 of 71 Views: 4066
Okay, so perhaps I jumped the gun and over-reacted. Assuming the AWA start lane starts at the same time, it isn’t really an issue. I still don’t get how you give a Kona slot to someone who finishes behind another just because one is AWA and the other isn’t, but such is life.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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daustin
Apr 6, 19 17:01
Post #34 of 71 Views: 4061
rjrankin wrote:
Okay, so perhaps I jumped the gun and over-reacted. Assuming the AWA start lane starts at the same time, it isn’t really an issue. I still don’t get how you give a Kona slot to someone who finishes behind another just because one is AWA and the other isn’t, but such is life.

I was AWA a couple years ago just because I had done a couple HIMs and IM over 1.5 year period. No idea what it got me, if anything. Some bag tag and swim cap is all I recall. From what I remember, at IM Chattanooga, the rolling start moved quickly. They were able get people in the water pretty quickly. But my perspective is that of a MOP to slightly above MOP so I’m not concerned about the same things as somebody hoping to qualify for Kona
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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hadukla
Apr 6, 19 17:04
Post #35 of 71 Views: 4060
rjrankin wrote:
Okay, so perhaps I jumped the gun and over-reacted. Assuming the AWA start lane starts at the same time, it isn’t really an issue. I still don’t get how you give a Kona slot to someone who finishes behind another just because one is AWA and the other isn’t, but such is life.

Not that I support this slot thing (I'll admit I like being AWA for races with cancelled swims, pays to not wait 2 hours) but I must add that this is not very different to XC, just cheaper.
808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [hadukla] [ In reply to ]
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rjrankin
Apr 6, 19 17:11
Post #36 of 71 Views: 4054
So we all agree AWA is pretty much a “frequent flyer” program? I’ve got no issues with it. The Kona viewing party (Lou), priority rack position/bib number, and swag are all good I guess. I just don’t see how you give world championship slots away to people just because they’re “frequent flyers”. From someone on the Kona “bubble” it would suck to finish 4th in AG, just miss a slot, then watch a guy who finished 6th get one because he raced IRONMAN more last year. Then again I got an email today that I could buy a slot via auction (I’m aware this has always been a thing), or race 12 ironmans and get in, so why does this surprise me?
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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stevej
Apr 6, 19 17:38
Post #37 of 71 Views: 4039
If this is truly setup as others are saying then I would suggest to IM the AWA status needs to (at a minimum) be rolling like airline/hotel frequent flyer programs are. If you aren’t AWA this year.... maybe because you were hurt last year or didn’t have time to race due to life/work events..... you are F’ed. At least you could spend the first half of the year earning your status with some 70.3’s so by the time October comes around, you could be AWA.

I do think AWA needs to completely change but that’s a different conversation.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [DBF] [ In reply to ]
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turningscrews
Apr 6, 19 20:04
Post #38 of 71 Views: 3992
DBF wrote:
I am still confused.
Let’s say there are 3 K spots. The 3rd one is a AWA. Does the 4th place person get a spot?
Does the next awa guy get a spot becasue the first awa got a regular spot?

If The second is the case, that should discourage folks on the bubble from choosing Louisville.

Excuse typos, not fact or grammar checking until Jan 2021.

It is not like everyone that is AWA is not Kona material. There would be many folks on the bubble that are AWA.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [turningscrews] [ In reply to ]
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RowToTri
Apr 6, 19 20:45
Post #39 of 71 Views: 3972
This is true. If you're a bubble guy you can be AWA just by doing 1 race a year.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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DBF
Apr 7, 19 3:37
Post #40 of 71 Views: 3937
Hmm. I did not race last year. Before that I was always awa but never thought about it at all except once I got to skip a big line at check in, which made me feel bad but I did anyway.
I just looked at the criteria, do you think you would be awa for Louisville by getting first or second at one 70.3?
I am racing once before the fall and am picking a fall IM.

Glad I did not sign up already for Louisville, just as easy to do Maryland. Was 51/49 for Louisville anyway just cuz I did Maryland before.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [DBF] [ In reply to ]
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RowToTri
Apr 7, 19 5:46
Post #41 of 71 Views: 3892
I need to look but I think if you place in the top 5 in your AG (at least if it's a big AG) you will be bronze after 1 race - but not until next season so if you're not already AWA you're out of luck for Louisville this year if you want one of the bonus slots.
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Ed O'Malley
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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ericMPro
Apr 7, 19 6:11
Post #42 of 71 Views: 3879
this is why I just go for AWA Platinum... avoids all this mess.

RowToTri wrote:
I need to look but I think if you place in the top 5 in your AG (at least if it's a big AG) you will be bronze after 1 race - but not until next season so if you're not already AWA you're out of luck for Louisville this year if you want one of the bonus slots.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [ericMPro] [ In reply to ]
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RowToTri
Apr 7, 19 6:33
Post #43 of 71 Views: 3869
Lifetime platinum? After you race 1,000,000 miles with Ironman?
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Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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Allan
Apr 7, 19 11:03
Post #44 of 71 Views: 3813
How full was Louisville last year? I know that the swim was shortened and the weather was crappy. Do people think this will add a lot of extra competitors? As was mentioned earlier, the people on the bubble might come for the chance to qualify but there can't be a huge number of them.

I did IM Lou back in 2009 and it had a pretty big field and I enjoyed the race. Now that it is October is it wetsuit legal?
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [Allan] [ In reply to ]
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HuffNPuff
Apr 7, 19 11:36
Post #45 of 71 Views: 3805
It was wetsuit legal in Oct 2015 when I did it.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [Allan] [ In reply to ]
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abrowntd
Apr 7, 19 11:57
Post #46 of 71 Views: 3798
Last 4 years it has been wetsuit legal.
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DBF
Apr 7, 19 16:10
Post #47 of 71 Views: 3730
Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [DBF] [ In reply to ]
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140triguy
Apr 7, 19 16:50
Post #48 of 71 Views: 3709
I think they’re trying this AWA thing at Louisville bc Louisville has had lots of history that has made it more traditionally an unpopular race. First, this was bc it was in August, and the heat was usually unbearable (two of the three races I did there, 2008-10, T2 temps were 94 degrees), and bc the water was warm, ppl couldn’t swim in wetsuits. Then, when it was moved to October, the weather has been cold and miserable. Participation is down, or at least not near capacity. They’re trying to attract racers again.

Bc Louisville may have lower numbers and not a traditional base of racers, AWA might as well try it here to test the concepts and refine. They’ll want the racer who already has events planned this year to add one more race (for $750!!) by dangling possible KQ’s and the usual trinkets and SWAG. As a late-season race, it’s not sold out, so this may give it a push. For a racer just outside KQ for 2019, this race could be the one to take a chance on, since the qualifiers will already be in Kona, and a few additional slots may open, based on the results of 2018 AWA.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [rjrankin] [ In reply to ]
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BT_DreamChaser
Apr 7, 19 17:59
Post #49 of 71 Views: 3682
rjrankin wrote:
If they want to reward them, give them something. Some stupid hat or shirt.

I just got my AWA keychain and a sticker in the mail.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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BT_DreamChaser
Apr 7, 19 18:02
Post #50 of 71 Views: 3680
RowToTri wrote:
The first in the water thing.... If you want to start first in the swim at Louisville or really anywhere that does the self-seeded start, just walk all the way up to the front of the line and start first. You do not need a special lane to do it. Just be prepared to be swum over if you do not belong there.

If you want to be one of the first in the swim line at IMLOU you have to get there around 4AM and claim your spot. The line get's very long as the morning gets later. So yeah, it's a big perk!
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [BT_DreamChaser] [ In reply to ]
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Anton84
Apr 7, 19 18:48
Post #51 of 71 Views: 3463
They changed from first come-first serve to self-seeded in 2017. Now you can walk straight to the front if you want to.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [BT_DreamChaser] [ In reply to ]
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RowToTri
Apr 8, 19 5:49
Post #52 of 71 Views: 3410
BT_DreamChaser wrote:
RowToTri wrote:
The first in the water thing.... If you want to start first in the swim at Louisville or really anywhere that does the self-seeded start, just walk all the way up to the front of the line and start first. You do not need a special lane to do it. Just be prepared to be swum over if you do not belong there.

If you want to be one of the first in the swim line at IMLOU you have to get there around 4AM and claim your spot. The line get's very long as the morning gets later. So yeah, it's a big perk!

You can just walk up to the front. You don't have to get there first. I saw several people do that in 2017. No one is going to stop you and why should they? It doesn't affect them and it's better for everyone if the self seeding is done correctly.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [RowToTri] [ In reply to ]
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BT_DreamChaser
Apr 8, 19 9:41
Post #53 of 71 Views: 3333
RowToTri wrote:
BT_DreamChaser wrote:
RowToTri wrote:
The first in the water thing.... If you want to start first in the swim at Louisville or really anywhere that does the self-seeded start, just walk all the way up to the front of the line and start first. You do not need a special lane to do it. Just be prepared to be swum over if you do not belong there.


If you want to be one of the first in the swim line at IMLOU you have to get there around 4AM and claim your spot. The line get's very long as the morning gets later. So yeah, it's a big perk!


You can just walk up to the front. You don't have to get there first. I saw several people do that in 2017. No one is going to stop you and why should they? It doesn't affect them and it's better for everyone if the self seeding is done correctly.

Ah, times have changed. In 2012 era, if you "cut the swim line" a brawl might have ensued... For the IMLOU swim I don't think time seeding is as important as there is a lot of water space!
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [140triguy] [ In reply to ]
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mgreer
Apr 8, 19 10:25
Post #54 of 71 Views: 3312
140triguy wrote:
Then, when it was moved to October, the weather has been cold and miserable.

I'm thinking you might have some recency bias here. While last year was about as miserable as it could have been, the previous couple of years it's been fantastic weather.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [turningscrews] [ In reply to ]
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Gtjojo189
Apr 8, 19 11:40
Post #55 of 71 Views: 3280
Yeah, I mean most people who are 1-2 slots out in the AG 25-55 probably race an ironman once a year. I would describe myself as slightly off the bubble but would hope to contend. Usually I score high enough in a single 70.3 that I have AWA status for the next year.

I was planning on targeting IMchoo again this year and hadn't signed up yet, but after the announcement I've considered dropping back two week.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [Gtjojo189] [ In reply to ]
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DBF
Apr 8, 19 14:55
Post #56 of 71 Views: 3230
Would you wonder if others would be doing the same making it actually harder?
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [DBF] [ In reply to ]
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The GMAN
Apr 8, 19 15:29
Post #57 of 71 Views: 3219
DBF wrote:
Would you wonder if others would be doing the same making it actually harder?

I've done two "enhanced" slot races. One was a 70.3 and the other an IM. The IM wasn't a regional champ race like IMTX but a race they threw 100 slots at. My personal experience with those two race were they tend to get real top heavy and the placing was harder. It can be hard to compare the same race times from one year to the next but weather was similar-ish enough for times to be in the same ballpark, and participation numbers were also similar.

The 70.3 with enhanced slots I came in 21st in my AG. The next year that same time would have had me in 10th or 11th.

My IM time at the next year's race would've placed me at like 40th AG instead of like 115th or whatever it was the year I raced. I had a decent time and saw my placing and was like, "Wow... all the fast dudes showed up." I'm better at 70.3 than 140.6 so it wasn't like I was chasing a KQ slot anyway.

Both races in M40-44 AG.

The male AG's are so competitive now that you can no longer cherry pick races to KQ at if you're a bubble KQ'er. Unlike the female AG's were one can still cherry pick races.
Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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timr
Apr 8, 19 15:55
Post #58 of 71 Views: 3198
Here is a video of Ironman explaining the system.

https://www.facebook.com/...ts/2109524495830701/
http://www.sfuelsgolonger.com
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [timr] [ In reply to ]
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anthonypat
Apr 8, 19 19:50
Post #59 of 71 Views: 3130
“Ay Wah”? WTF?
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [timr] [ In reply to ]
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alex_korr
Apr 8, 19 20:06
Post #60 of 71 Views: 3124
Gotta say I am still somewhat confused about how the slots will be allocated. The dude's explanation is a bit vague... but it seems that the AWA folks will essentially have their own rankings that will exclude the AWA racers that have been allocated a slot through the normal process of qualification or via a rolldown. Am I getting this right?
Next races on the schedule: none at the moment
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [The GMAN] [ In reply to ]
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MOPinCO
Apr 8, 19 20:46
Post #61 of 71 Views: 3110
I tend to disagree with your comment that women can cherry pick races to KQ. Women’s age groups at the pointy end are pretty competitive and we are also dependent upon who shows up on the day.

Last year I picked Chatt as my hopeful KQ race and based on past results and start lists thought I’d achieve it but a fast former pro who was not on the psych sheet showed up and won the age group. I got third just missing the KQ.

I then turned around and raced AZ which historically is a very fast race likely leaving me out again but it was a slightly slower field and I got 2nd plus a ticket to Kona.

Pick a course that suits you, show up, race your race and see what happens.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [alex_korr] [ In reply to ]
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ivantriker
Apr 9, 19 1:29
Post #62 of 71 Views: 3078
After listening the video explanation: 1 slot extra per AG for the first AWA not classified within the normal 40 Kona Slots. So, it is a loyalty gift specially for any of the AWA athletes from low participants AG.

Let's say that this Ironman takes places the same weekend of Kona, so I think is also an extra motivation for AWA athletes (specially from AG with less participants) to go to Lousville. An extra motivation for AWA athletes who didn't qualify for Kona during the year for a second chance...

Theoretically many of the "top AG" would be racing in Kona...
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [DBF] [ In reply to ]
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Gtjojo189
Apr 9, 19 3:59
Post #63 of 71 Views: 3048
Yes. That thought has entered my mind. IMTX usually seems like a blood bath for people showing up for that "extra" slot. Honestly, I probably won't change my plan. I'm doing IMFL too (I have signed up for that) and Louisville is a little too close, I'd have to skip some personal stuff, and IMchoo I can train on the course since it's so close to me.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [Gtjojo189] [ In reply to ]
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Allan
Apr 13, 19 15:27
Post #64 of 71 Views: 2923
What counts as AWA? I had a less than stellar performance in one race last summer in Tremblant and ended up as a bronze athlete ranked 7?? in my old man age group. Does this mean I am actually eligible for one of these slots or do I have to do some 2019 qualifying races? I just signed up regardless of the rules anyway so that I feel I have something to focus on after having to pull out of Boston due to injury.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [Allan] [ In reply to ]
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timr
Apr 13, 19 16:10
Post #65 of 71 Views: 2894
Yes, you are AWA Bronze you are eligible. It is explained in the video that it will be by fastest finish time, not based off AWA points. If you are bronze and finish 2nd but the next guy behind you, in 3rd, is Gold, you get the Slot.
http://www.sfuelsgolonger.com
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [abrowntd] [ In reply to ]
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PJC
Apr 13, 19 16:19
Post #66 of 71 Views: 2884
abrowntd wrote:
Sorry, I don’t know how those additional slots work!
DBF wrote:
If there are 4 kona spots, and 2 awa dudes get 3rd and 4th, do they both get spots and 5th and 6th get spots also?

Okay so this is how they work.

If there are 4 spots in say the men’s 40-44 the first 4 get the spots.
Then if there are 2 away slots in the 40-44 then the next 2 highest awa people get them.

Simple really.

I still think it’s BS. They should just make all the other spots lottery spots to all finishers and do a random draw at the awards and you must be there to claim your spot.
Rhymenocerus wrote:
I think everyone should consult ST before they do anything.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [PJC] [ In reply to ]
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BigBoyND
Apr 13, 19 17:13
Post #67 of 71 Views: 2861
PJC wrote:
I still think it’s BS. They should just make all the other spots lottery spots to all finishers and do a random draw at the awards and you must be there to claim your spot.

That would have the downside of Kona dilution without the upside of monetization. What would be the point in that? They already have a yearly lottery anyway
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [BigBoyND] [ In reply to ]
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PJC
Apr 14, 19 1:30
Post #68 of 71 Views: 2805
BigBoyND wrote:
PJC wrote:
I still think it’s BS. They should just make all the other spots lottery spots to all finishers and do a random draw at the awards and you must be there to claim your spot.

That would have the downside of Kona dilution without the upside of monetization. What would be the point in that? They already have a yearly lottery anyway

My point if you are going to just hand out more spots, let it be a bloody party.

Imagine the feeling at awards with peoples numbers called out randomly
Rhymenocerus wrote:
I think everyone should consult ST before they do anything.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [PJC] [ In reply to ]
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travisfodor
Apr 14, 19 1:54
Post #69 of 71 Views: 2800
PJC wrote:
BigBoyND wrote:
PJC wrote:

I still think it’s BS. They should just make all the other spots lottery spots to all finishers and do a random draw at the awards and you must be there to claim your spot.


That would have the downside of Kona dilution without the upside of monetization. What would be the point in that? They already have a yearly lottery anyway


My point if you are going to just hand out more spots, let it be a bloody party.

Imagine the feeling at awards with peoples numbers called out randomly

Just to provide another perspective, as a bubble guy, this is nice.

I made AWA this year, but not because I raced a ton. I was barely off the podium for my AG for my only two HIM's last year, so I made AWA. I'm racing Louisville this year, and made that decision before this AWA stuff. I think there's cases where it's a "pay to play" here, but for plenty of folks like me it's not. The shitty part could go like this:

- In my AG, 1 and 2 get normal slots.
-3rd place beats me by 5 minutes, misses slot because they aren't AWA.
- I finish in 4th, and get an AWA slot.

That seems a bit shitty to me. I still feel like I'd want to be right off the podium (no gaps) to actually earn a slot.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [travisfodor] [ In reply to ]
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Ktri
Apr 14, 19 12:55
Post #70 of 71 Views: 2741
Then go ahead and feel shitty about it.....for exactly 10 seconds! Then jump around because you just EARNED a golden ticket by playing the game the way the rule makers made them.

Those who poo poo a KQ because it didn't come via straight up "qualifying" have no idea what they're missing. Kona is AWESOME however you get there! Nobody there asks/cares how you got there.

I did KQ in Louisville in 2017. Its a great race venue. Good luck to anyone taking a shot. Be unapologetic about your goal.
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Re: IM AWA Challenge - Louisville [Ktri] [ In reply to ]
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HuffNPuff
Apr 14, 19 14:51
Post #71 of 71 Views: 2712
I'm looking forward to it this year as a legacy qualifier but I will be highly surprised if it makes my top five list. The one I want to really do and possibly be my last is IM Wales. It just seems so much more epic. Hopefully Kona will prove me wrong!
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