April is widely considered the start of the racing season. There aren't that many triathlons in March, because it's still a bit too chilly. But Ahhh April. Trainers start collecting a bit of dust as bikers make their way onto the streets, long sleeves and leggings are packed away in favor of the shorty's, and the farmer's tan across the bicep is a warmly welcomed resident. Today is an extermely special day for a select few. Ironman Kona announces the winners of their lottery slots for the National Championship race in Hawaii.
I can't help but get caught up in the excitement of the racing season. I shop for bikes every year, even if I don't need one, because they are always changing and I love triathlons for very the same reason as I love working in my wood shop... I love the tools. So, added to the normal excitement of planning your season's race calendar and whipping your body into shape, I can only imagine the excitement you must feel on a day like today if you were to hear that you had won one of these coveted slots. "But Honey... it's Kona... I NEED the 5k dollar bike!" The average TV viewer might see the Hawaiian Ironman on TV and think that if you're crazy enough to decide to do it, the biggest obstacle is behind you. That is far from the truth. There are only three ways to get to Kona... Qualifying, Charity, Lottery.
Only the best can qualify for Kona. It's much like the Boston Marathon, there are certain qualifying races and you must place high enough in those races to receive one of the available slots. This is quite the accomplishment to be proud of.
Supporting a charity is the most reliable method of assuring yourself a chance to participate in Kona. But be prepared, you don't just pick a charity and have all the pieces fall in to place. There is a lot of work involved. I don't know all of the ins and outs of charity racing, but the little I have read about Kona definitely impressed me. The good news is there are organizations out there that will actually help you organize your fundraising efforts. Or, if you're rich, you can do what the celebrities do and find a charity that has done all of the work and purchase one of the slots that they are auctioning off. I have seen slots for Kona go for tens of thousands of dollars.
The Lottery is the easiest way to get to Kona, but possibly the least likely way you will ever get there, considering the thousands of people you are going up against for one of the 200 available slots (150 dedicated to US citizens and 50 dedicated to internationals). But wait, you still have to do a bit of work to make this happen. You must pay to apply for the lottery, and if you are lucky enough to get one of the slots, you must complete a half IM or greater within one year of the race to validate your lottery position.
So Congratulations to this year's Lottery winners. Here's a shout out to a few that were chosen right here in my back yard.
Amy Barr - The Woodlands
John Laskowski - The Woodlands
Laura O'Connor - Houston
William Davenport - Missouri City
Cindy Reeves - League City
And as far as all Texans chosen, there were also three from Austin, and one each from Dallas, Ft. Worth, Frisco, and San Marcos. Good luck to all of today's Lottery Winners, and who knows, maybe next year. I'm plannning on doing IM Wisconsin 2011, but this Lottery thing might be worth a shot.
Sunny with a high of 80 today... I can't wait for the shipment of my new cannondale slice, However, I have gotten used to reading my "Triathlete" magazine and watching the TV while I train on the stationary at the Y. Oh well... I AM more excited about getting my first sunburn of the season!!!!
Soulrider.
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