Maybe the economic downturn will correlate with slower Kona times as less people decide to go or even attempt to qualify. Not trting to get any enjoyment out of people being worse of, but if some really fast guys decide to stay at home and or let a slot roll down then that should make it easier to get in.
Yes I should simply man up and accept that a M 35-39 has to go sub 10 hours and more likely 9:45 to 9:30 to get to Kona, but I can’t as I’m not good enough so the only hope for me is lottery or some other factor come along to reduce the times, it looks like the economic downturn could be that factor
On the other hand, there could be a load of people with a lot more time to train.
Thats a good point and I remember the early 90’s when I was under employed and spent my spare time working out, shame I did not know about triathlaon back then as I might gave been able to use that training to get a kona slot instead of working the bod all week to try and impress girls during the Friday night drinking session. As it turns out they were not impressed with my biceps and super tight t-shirt, I’m not sure anybody was except me.
Anyway if times go up I think I will change focus and become strictly recrational in my athletic pursuits as this training 20 hours or so per week, working and then knowing I am still 45 minutes short of the goal time is just demoralizing. What is it that Clint Eastwood once said, Man’s gotta know his limitations
I really don’t think it’s going to make any difference. People at this level will be doing what it takes to get to Kona, just like they always have. I think there might be less people visiting just to watch (rumor has it that watching the race can cost upwards of US$3,000).
Like any other sport, people will be cutting corners to do what they want.