Kona 2015

[ADe]

How about some predictions for this weekend's Ironman World Championship?

 

Here is mine:

 

1. Frodeno

2. Vanhoenacker (more hope than anything, he deserves one good Kona)

3. Kienle

4. Bocherer

5. Van Lierde

 

The SAffers:

 

Top 10: Buckingham 

Top 20: Trautmann

[Shebeen]

How about some predictions for this weekend's Ironman World Championship?

 

Here is mine:

 

1. Frodeno

2. Vanhoenacker (more hope than anything, he deserves one good Kona)

3. Kienle

4. Bocherer

5. Van Lierde

 

The SAffers:

 

Top 10: Buckingham

Top 20: Trautmann

is #1 not considered a saffa?!

 

Has he done much this distance?

What's happened to cunnama?

[shawnvan]

Podium will be a German sweep - Kienle,  Frodeno and Frommhold (in that order).

 

Ryf for the women's race.

 

Trautman will finish ahead of Buckingham. 

 

Cunnama has had a rough season with injuries, didn't qualify.  Did well last week (2nd) so getting back on track

[MAVERICK 13]

is #1 not considered a saffa?!

 

Has he done much this distance?

What's happened to cunnama?

 

1. You could say that 

 

2. Frodeno came 3rd last year, so has a good chance.

 

3. Cunnama not racing. Just there to support! 

[ScottCM]

Garmin is interviewing athletes in a count down to Kona, Here is Michelle Vesterby:

 

In our Countdown to Kona, a Garmin triathlete will take over the Garmin Fitness Instagram each day and share some of their training and race day tips. A professional triathlete since 2012, Michelle Vesterby recently won in Copenhagen, has placed several times in Kona and has her eye on taking the top place this year. This is her method for race day success.

 

Preparation for a big race is pivotal to performing your best. I have a secret routine (not so secret now) that makes me feel confident about the upcoming competition.

The night before a race, I drink a Corona beer. It makes me relax! I make sure I have everything packed and ready to go. I charge my Garmin, I pack my race suit and anything else I need for the big day. Next, I never forget to bring my little pink lucky troll with me!

 Before I fall asleep, I visualize the race. I see myself in the water in T1, on the bike in T2, on the run and crossing the finish line with a big smile. Visualizing a happy win inspires me to do well in the race. 

Finally, on the morning of the race, I always have coffee to get everything started. It is so important for me! Then I grab my gear, and I’m off to make my visions a reality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ScottCM]

Next UP Ben Hoffman:

 

In our Countdown to Kona, a Garmin triathlete will take over the Garmin Fitness Instagram each day and share some of their training and race day tips. Ben Hoffman has been a top contender in almost every triathlon he’s participated in since 2010. Last year, Ben was the runner-up in Kona. This year, he plans to take the top prize. Before he competes, Ben shared with us his three biggest motivators for success.

 

Every race is different from the course, the challenge and even my motivation. But for every race or training, there’s a few things that constantly drive me to be better – and, of course, to win.

1. I love a personal challenge and pushing myself to see how good I can actually be. That challenge is my cornerstone of every race. Pushing to see my potential gets me out of bed in the morning and onto the road. It’s never easy – I work every day, spend hours researching, logging my training, noting gains and working on weaknesses. Nothing comes easy, but that’s what makes it worth it.
2. The lifestyle that fitness has given me drives me to keep going. I love being outside and feeling the wind rush past me. Traveling and meeting new friends and sponsors is fun, and you never know what to expect. Fitness is a community, and being a part of that community is one of the things I really love about what I do.
3. The feeling of victory. I’ve been lucky enough to know what it’s like to place and to do your very best. Winning, competition, financial success and recognition from this community all serve as my biggest motivation. It’s in my nature to do my very best at whatever I do, and I love getting that medal at the end.

Each of these things will push me this weekend while I’m racing. My drive has never been stronger and keeping in mind each of these motivators will push me to achieve my goal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[IceCreamMan]

I reckon the Belgian lad got a good chance this year to mix it up with the germans.

[Sidekick Racer]

I think you have heavily under estimated Matt Trautman...

Has recovered well from his injury and ran a 1.09 off the bike the other day in a Budapest.

 

Top 10 for him... Kyle top 20.

Kienle to be too strong on last half of bike and to hold off a hard charging Frodo at end of run.

 

Freddy Van Lierde to stop the all German podium.

Raef to put too much time into Rinny on the bike for her to run down, taking the win, while Rinny runs like a machine into 2nd.

 

BOOM!

[Rocket-Boy]

Podium will be a German sweep - Kienle,  Frodeno and Frommhold (in that order).

 

Ryf for the women's race.

 

Trautman will finish ahead of Buckingham. 

 

Cunnama has had a rough season with injuries, didn't qualify.  Did well last week (2nd) so getting back on track

Yeah was gonna say that I think Matt will beat James just based on recent form.

[Garfield2010]

If van Lierde can emulate his performance in South Africa he must be a favourite.  He destroyed the course here which is really difficult.

 

Frodo must be a favourite as he beat Kienle by 11 minutes in Frankfurt.

 

It is all about form so it should be interesting.

 

I would back Kienle for the win and then behind him Frodo and van Lierde.

 

Vanhoenacker could go top 5.

 

The problem with predicting runners up is that when five athletes are in the running for the win after the bike 2 of them are guaranteed to blow up "going for the win" whereas if they do their own race they would have still ended up top 5.

 

A guy like Vanhoenacker for example doesnt want a podium, he wants a win.  So it is almost win or DNF for him as this is potentially his last shot due to age.  This also causes other guys to make the top 10 that should really not have.

 

Ivan Rana is a darkhorse for me.

[Garfield2010]

My internet cap will take shots on Saturday evening. 

[rudi-h]

we have a good shot at a SAffer winning the amature ladies category.  Annah Watkinson has been doing some badass training!

[travisza]

No ways Trautman will finish top 10. He's a good athlete, but not top 10 Kona yet.

 

Men:

1. Kienle

2. Frodeno

3. Van Lierde

 

Women:

1. Ryf

2. Carfrae

3. Joyce

[ScottCM]

Igor Amorelli's 2 Essentials for Every Triathlon

 

In our Countdown to Kona, a Garmin triathlete will take over the Garmin Fitness Instagram each day and share some of their training and race day tips. Igor Amorelli is a Brazilian triathlete who travels the world for his sport. As Igor prepares to race in Kona, Igor told us the two things he needs most for a race.

 

When I get ready to race, I have a few essential items that I cannot race without.

I need my technology to add value and measure my efforts for all training and racing. I make sure that I have my Edge 1000 and Vector 2 so that I am never without data and metrics that will help me push further. I wear my Forerunner 920XT as well so that I can refer to whatever I need while I’m training or racing. I love using expert technology to benefit my training – in case you couldn’t tell. 

Of course, I also need to make sure I have the right basics to compete. I have my tennis shoes, my cycling helmet and more to make sure I’m suited up and safe for my race. I also carry with me drinks and food supplementation to make sure that I’m protecting my body on the outside and on the inside.

 

 

[SwissVan]

Hmm all this Hawaii pre race talk is kind of motivating don't you think?? 

[IceCreamMan]

Hmm all this Hawaii pre race talk is kind of motivating don't you think?? 

Like when I watch Rossi and co, then get on my superbike...I know I am at least 3 times faster