3 times KQ has helped me with a number things.
First and foremost, spending too much money on going there, race fee, accommodation etc. It's not cheap.
For the first 2 races I did, I traveled and race with some of my best friends and training partners. Incredible memories to have as we trained and then race on hallowed ground for triathlon.
On a more tangible level, it has helped me become a brand ambassador for a couple of products that reduce my expenditure a little, though by far, not enough to make up for the costs of Kona.
But I have also had the chance to not only meet Jan Frodeno, but spend time translating live for him during a triathlon sharing session. My profile as an athlete certainly helped me have that incredible chance. I have also got to swim and ride with Tim Don in non public rides; talking with him on an easy ride for a couple of hours, I learned more about triathlon than I had ever known in the past. And I also go to do a run session with TO and Rinny, something that taught me I do not actually know how to run, I simply plod along. I have seen TO pass me on the run at IM 70.3 Taiwan before, he runs like a a really fast human being! But watching Rinny demonstrate some techniques I realized that she flies, barely touching the ground. Really awesome to see that!
And finally, Kona has connected me with friends from around the world who share my passion to train long hours and really push hard to race. Some may criticize the arrogance of triathlon, especially amongst the KQ set, and that can be fair. But I have been lucky to meet really genuine people, some of whom have true athletic gifts, and others like me who just really like to put the work in and see how fast they can go.
I'm going for my third trip this year. My friends have a dream for 2020, and thus I will try to make it the fourth time to be on Hawaii with them again. But after that, I will take my tri budget and spend it on some other bucket list experiences and races around the world.
louisn wrote:
Sorry for the apparently silly question. I'm interested in knowing what does a "ticket to Kona" (i.e. qualifying) mean actually ? Especially for the AGers.
Are all expenses paid by Ironman company ? Or the lucky "winners" still have to pay themselves for everything, airplane tickets, hotel rooms, food and,etc...?
Thanks for your enlightment !
Louis :-)