Chasing Kona

Kia Ora guys and Merry Christmas!

At the top of any triathlete list of events is Kona and with only 10 weeks until IM Taupo we are laying some solid foundation and will begin dialling in a few solid race course simulations to fine tune my nutrition and race strategy to make sure I can give it my best shot out there in March chasing the Kona dream to make it reality.

It’s funny how our ambition can change, only 5 weeks ago I was talking to my mates about setting myself up to represent New Zealand at the long distance world champs however, after recently receiving an invitation to join the age group team at Penticton, Canada in August I have decided not to take the spot and gamble on the all or nothing approach by focusing on this build to Kona.

Now when I talk about chasing that Kona dream I am in no way going to target events where my chances of getting a spot are potentially higher, I recently had a few mates fire through different races throughout Asia-Pacific saying that they would give me my best shot. I know that is potentially true but, I'm not interested in traveling the world to make a dream a reality, my heart tells me, if I can't make it by racing in New Zealand or potentially at Port Mac, Australia do I really "deserve" to be there?

I'm not sure if that sounds arrogant or not and in no way do I frown upon anyone that does chase qualifying spots but, after I competed and won my age group in 2014 at Putrajaya 70.3 and gave my spot up to a local he was in tears thanking me because he thought I was going to take it, I would hate to think I am taking that moment that I am chasing away from someone else locally who potentially does not have the chance to travel and race.

That was by far one of my memorable moments. I was reminded of this moment when I happened to be sitting outside the roll down area at Taupo 70.3 this year and seen a guy that took my spot to 70.3 worlds who had a big grin on his face and was celebrating with his girlfriend as they lined up.

It’s moments like this that make me love this sport so much and I am so thankful for the drive it had given me to rebuild my life but more importantly the friendships that have evolved because of it and contributed to my personal development.

With that said, I hope everyone has an amazing holiday period and takes the time to spend it with those closest to you and make sure they know it.

Until next time, “Don’t dream your life, live your dream”

​Robo