In April, I completed Ironman California 70.3. After a battling a couple infections over the offseason, I went into the race knowing it wasn’t going to be my best race. My goal was to see where my fitness I was and grab an Ironman Canada slot. While my age-group had Kona slots, I knew I wasn’t going to be fast enough to get one.
The race went just as I had anticipated, I swam just under 30 min, rode around 2 hr and 30 min (slow but expected) and ran around 1 hr 20 min. The run was solid and only 2 seconds off the fastest amateur run of the day. My finishing time was just under 4hr 30 min and good enough to be on the first page of results and 6th in my age-group. I was 2 min off the podium but hey I am not fit so something I readily accept.
Afterwards, I talked to a few friends who managed to place well enough to get Kona slots. I was happy for them just about everyone I knew had a good race or one that represented there fitness level.
The good/bad news about California 70.3 is they have spots for other ironman races. All you have to do is finish, wait for the awards to end and then get you place or maybe fight for it with your time if too many people want in. I was planning on getting one for Canada and traveling up there with several friends. Because I had a couple friends on the podium, I made it to the award ceremony early to show my support for their great performances.
The magic started in the women 25-29 where a friend got a roll-down spot for Kona. She was coming back from an accident so it was great to see. It continued in the women 30-34 where my friend Charisa got here stop. She was planning on Canada as well but It was great to see he get a spot. In the men 30-34 Patrick finished 2nd and earned another trip to the big island.
Now it was the 35-39. It had 2 spots and the first two guys passed. There were two competitors remaining on the podium and with 2 spots I didn’t think about getting one. The third place finisher took the spot, a friend from my days in CO Tim Hola. The announcer looked at the final guy on the podium and asked if he wanted the place, he shook his head no. I glanced over at Patrick and the look on his face was priceless. I had the spot. As the announcer went to find my name on the sheet, my friends exploded in applause before my name was called off. I grabbed my wallet and moved my way through the crowd to claim my spot.
I was in shock. I never dreamed I would have a Kona slot. I thought maybe before the season started but after all the problems in the offseason, I knew I wouldn’t place high enough. It turns out the roll-down gods where good to me. I was on my way to Kona. I think the smile on my face was permanent. The best part was seeing the genuine happiness of my friends for me. While I didn’t win anything, I have never felt so great after any award. I was on my way back to Kona and several of my friends would be there as well. I can’t wait..
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