We'll see! I will definitely be racing something in Penticton but not sure if it will be the Full half or a relay. I can't even begin to describe how awesome it is to race in my hometown. My racing plans for the year were to 1.) Qualify for Hawaii and 2.) win an Ironman. Now that those are done the world is open! I could even take up crossfit! (not going to happen)
Kona is the ultimate goal for me, but I don't think 2015 is THE year. At 29 I want to set myself up for quiet a few good cracks at it! When I get back to Canada I am going to sit down with my coach Kevin Cutjar and see what he think makes the most sense long term. Our original plan for the season was not to have Kona be the focus, but rather have it as a bonus. Go in there with no expectation, just race it hard and see what happens. A similar to how I did my first Ironman in Los Cabos. We trained indoors during the winter and didn't really tell people I was doing it. We wanted just to have a solid expierence for my first one. It was great to have this under my belt when the pressure of being the local favorite really picked up for Challenge Penticton 2013.
"I think there is a lot to be said for continuing on the path and plan you set out. Look at the steady progress of your training and racing and not do crazy things if you an outlier race, good or bad." - That is a paraprhased quote from Jesse Thomas from his 2013 Wildflower tips audio clip.
I think there is so much mentally that goes into racing well at Championship races. How do you deal with pressure on both race day and more importantly in the weeks and months leading up! That's what makes sport so awesome! I also think that plays a huge part in guys having rough races at Kona. The pressure of Kona and having to come top 10 to get a paycheck is probaby massive! That why I get a little ticked off when I hear people say "look at results, the some pro should be there" Seriously? All of those guys are damn good! When on form they can do really well. Perfect example my friend and fellow Vancouverite Elliot Holtham. Crushed it to win Ironman Australia in 2014 and had a solid 3rd at Wisconsin. But he struggled with the resulting pressure from his IM Aus win and the fact that he still had to get points right up until August! He was the second to last pro finisher at Kona, but the dude can rip. He's going to have learned from that expierence and prove that this year.
I also see a pattern of guys ripping an upexpectedly awesome race in Kona one year. Not racing much (even jogging a ironman) and having an awful race the following year when they "save their chips". That's why I gain so much respect for Tim Berkel on Sunday. He had a TON of pressure on him. He was all over the magazines here! For him to keep his poise after a couple of rough lead up races and as he said a S(*$ race day, is awesome. Dude is legit!
That was long winded but I have had that asked a lot so I thought I would clarify well. My focus isn't won't be on saving chips it will be working hard each day to earn as many chips as I can!
Also, as you well know, we are all looking for any and every reason to spend quality time training in the Okanagan!!
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