Hey everyone! A couple of notes on the way I qualified. I did my first HIM last October and later found out that it was a qualifier for Worlds. Basically, here is what they do. They have 2 qualifying races. Last year they were: Cats Half Ironman at DeGray Lake, Arkadelphia, Ark.
USAT National Long Course Championship, Aug. 20 and
Great Floridian Triathlon, Clermont, Fla.
USAT National Ultra Distance Championship, Oct. 22
Each person that places top 15 gets a qualifying spot. But keep in mind that, I believe, if someone posts a better time, then they will get the spot. On USATriathlon's website they have the caviat of, "Priority will be given to the higher finishing place".
I did the Great Floridian 1/2. Since I didn't do the Full, it became a "B" Quailfier. What that means is that I have to place top 15th in my A/G in a regional qualifier. I placed 6th in my A/G
(30-34
) with a 5:12.16.
So then I put my application in and waited. I didn't get an automatic slot because I didn't do the full.
Yes, you can get a slot simply by being in the right place at the right time. Just like someone that places 30th in their A/G could get a roll down slot for KONA. That person would have qualified yet not been in the top 10. As we all know, 30 - late 40's is the most competitive age groups for Triathletes. So to see an under 25 qualify and want to go to Worlds only means, to me, that it's a long road of victories ahead. Unfortunately, I started at age 30. Not bad for 6 months training after hamstring surgery.
I can thank BT for everything training-wise so far. I used the Olympic training program and then I used the Beginner HIM plan because I had NO clue how to train. I followed the plans
(FREE
) and supplemented some other workouts. Masters swim practice and biking with roadies. I am also going to use the IM workout that is on the site for IM MOO this year.
GLF33, I don't think anyone takes offense to that question. It's a valid one! Keep in mind that Worlds is for Age Groupers. No pro's or elite's can quailify. It's for the "Average Joe/Jane". You can't compare it to Boston because Boston has a set qualifying time. But like the Olympics, they have a set qualifying race. If you're not on your "A" game that day, too bad. Ask Dan O'brien a couple of Olympics back.
TriComet, GREAT JOB and keep up the good work. I wish I had been able to compete when I was a bit younger.
If anyone is interested, I think I am going to put my workouts from last year on my logs. Right now I just have this years. Keep the inspiration up for us and everyone else this year! You guys rock!