OldTryGuy

1-Anyone here, been there done it? If so, how'd it go?

2-Anyone here, entered for this year? If so, where are you staying and when are you arriving there?

3-Anyone here, in the lottery for this year? If so, will your training be any different than that done in the past?

OldTryGuy

1-nope

2-nope

3-yup and just going to be a bit more focused.

I figure that I have as much of a chance of being picked as a snow storm in Death Valley. At 64 this year with physical limitations ever increasing, I might as well try. I could be the only US income tax payer looking forward to April 15th.

Gonzo Bob

1 - yep. Qualified in 1991 when I was 30yo. The swim went great - really relaxed and swam about the split I expected (1:06). Bike was really crowded for the first 40 miles and I wasted too much energy trying to pass folks. Went through a tough stretch around 90 miles but felt better entering Kailua and for the remaining miles down to the Kona Surf hotel (different T2 than current course). I think my bike split was around 5:30. I roasted in the run change tent. I had gotten sunburned on my shoulders during the bike and the tent was really hot and I felt so bad I almost didn't want to start the run. But I felt better once I got out of the tent and felt OK for the 8-mile shuffle up to Kailua on Ali'i Drive. But I struggled to get up the hill to the Queen K and once on the Queen K, it got hotter and I suffered. I walked each aid station after that and did quite a bit of walking between 20 and 23. But I ran most of the last 3 miles and finished right around sundown in 11:05. Way slower than I was hoping for but I was just glad to not DNF.

2 - nope.

3 - nope.

OldTryGuy

Thanks for the reply. That was an awesome swim you had and a good bike too. Getting cooked by the sun is one of those, by the time you realize it-it's too late, situations. BTW, you're not to old to try again.

Gonzo Bob

I tried a few times between 2000 and 2002. But the difference is that in 1991, I qualified at a 1/2IM (most slots were at 1/2IM races back then) and in the 2000's the races were full IM. And I am not nearly as good at full IM. I may give it another try when I'm 60

OldTryGuy

Oh well, didn't get in. Met a gentleman at a 70.3 this weekend and he got in a few years back on his first lottery try.

Next year will work out better anyway since we can make it my wife's and my 65th birthday, her retirement and our 42yr anniversary trip.

MikeD1

Just joined the forum and saw your post. Sounds like next year will be Perfect for you to do the big one! I'm betting you'll get in, sounds like one heck of a trip