Today we recap the Ironman World Championship and look at racing strategy, the coverage, and what lessons we can learn as age groupers from an unbelievable race. We look at Iden and Blummenfelt and what their real training secret likely is. We talk about the big swim pack, drafting on the bike, and what all that did to set up the run. We talk about the shift in qualification standards, the move to make things seem easier, and fast shoes. Our belief that “once you get too hot, it’s over” played out again as did “you don’t have to catch them, they’ll come back to you.” Lots of interesting topics to go over from KONA, but we also bring it back to the amateur level and ask important questions about your dreams of getting faster, including, “Are your buddies slowing you down?”  Topics:  KONA is a special place, but should the race rotate locations? The 2 Day format . . . good or bad? Breaking down the broadcast  Advertising overload? The quest to make everything possible  A mother wins  Easier and easier to qualify - does it lose its luster? The big swim pack in the men’s race  The bike and drafting  Shower, dry off, 5k  Penalties  The swim game has changed  Not as much separation  Iden and Blummenfelt worked together the whole race  Laidlow upset the apple cart  Iden’s Hat Bike fits  Fast Hoes Once you get too hot, it’s over Iden and Blummenfelt’s REAL secret sauce  You don’t have to catch them, they’ll come back to you Are your buddies slowing you down? Coaching Inquiries: Mike Tarrolly - CrushingIron@gmail.com Robbie Bruce - C26Coach@gmail.com www.c26triathlon.com www.crushingiron.com