cmscat50 wrote:
Quote:
And many age groupers are basically pros - train full time and work on the side.
This.
Is this fair? Is it any more fair than TG winning an "AG" race? I think there should be Kona slots for those with real jobs. Maybe slots for those that work 20 hours, then 40, then 60? Is that fair?
I think the solution for those that didn't win yesterday that thought they could is simple. You must go faster. I'm sure that sounds like a dick statement and it's not intended as such, but racing is racing. There's always someone faster. I hope I'm healthy enough and lucky enough to mix it up with the big boys down there next year.
Easier solution to all of it. Without a Open Elite (purse <$5k) or a Closed Pro Elite Wave (Purse >$5k) for a race with more than 1000 participants, you simply don't recognize a overall winner. Or more accurately, without a mass start, how can you fairly award an overall win. Hard enough on rolling starts and multi-wave starts with an AG to have a fair AG race.
They don't usually recognize overall amateur winners in 70.3 races without pro fields. So why the big deal for IM.
I was branded an complete asshole when I brought up the same point at IM Maryland last year.
I think we all have our own hurdles in life. No need to make special recognition of those that sacrifice more or less. We all have choices to make. Honestly, even person that trains more than 10-12 hours a week and has a family is being somewhat irresponsible and has selfish priorities. It's just a fact. I'm guilty myself. Some might argue your setting a good example for a healthy lifestyle and chasing you goals. But OTOH, your spending less quality time with your family. Less is less, just as training more is more. Years from now I'll be proud of my accomplishments but I'll also have some regrets for being a bit absent for almost 2 years to train more. Then I took on a little coaching on the side too.
I'd say most amateurs put in a lot more hours training, working and family time than pros. They mainly sacrifice sleep and general downtime and aren't spending as much time stretching, core work, gym time, massages, chiro visits, etc. But there's a price to pay on all sides as I've said. Pros usually have to scrape out a meager living.
TrainingBible Coaching
http://www.trainingbible.com