Kona training trip in early august

Triathlon Forum
1

i recently grabbed my kona slot for 1010, and ive been thinking about going to kona in early august for a week to get some training in on the course. im 21, so i cant fly to kona too early (professors aren’t always lenient and med school interviews), but id like to get myself use to the course. im aiming for sub 915, so the course preview is not of the type of ‘casual interest’. i want to know what the conditions will be like, and what that run course feels like.

im new to the ironman distance, so im not really sure how necessary this is. any advice on if the trip isnt worth it (i can shift some funds from scholarships to pay for it, but still tough from a financial standpoint)? anyone opposed to having training experience on an entire ironman course? as in, making it mentally different on race day?

and anyone going to be in the kona area in august down for some rides or runs? i usually train solo, but it would be nice to have a buddy for some long rides.

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I have never raced in Kona but I have trained on the course.

In my opinion, if you can swing the time away from school and you can afford to go then do it.

You have heard about the ride, the run, the heat but it is something that you need to experience. The ride up to Hawi is very interesting from a hill standpoint and a wind standpoint. The run it just hot and you are out in the open.

In my opinion having some time out on the course is valuable (but not required). I have raced and completed 4 IM’s and have trained on the courses every year prior to the race.

In addition to getting some quality training in the place is just beautiful. I am going back there in June to race the 70.3 and am looking forward to it.

Good luck.