time to build, time to write... time to think about Kona 2011

After 10 months of idle time, I decided to blog again with a specific focus. Ironman - the road to Kona and everything that comes with it will be the center of attention.
Ironman Hawaii 2010 took place less than 2 weeks ago but I am still inspired (and that should stay that way for some time!) and decided to finally get serious about the whole thing. After completing Ironman Canada in 2009 in just under 11 hours, I feel it is time again to take another go at it - this time with Kona qualification in mind. Yes, a bold goal, but, hey, you gotta think big.
For the last 3 years - basically since I started doing triathlons - I have been riding my Trek Madone (which I love) fitted as much as possible for tri racing. I decided it is time to upgrade to a triathlon bike. I talked about it for a long time, my friends are sick of hearing about it. But I needed to take my time to feel that I deserve that bike!
On Wednesday,  I will get fitted and measured on a computrainer to figure out the "ideal frame" (or at least something that works well!) for my style of riding. I hope that they suggest the Scott Plasma ...
As far as training goes, I have kept the momentum  and have been swimming more diligently than I usually would - there is that Kona goal and a really great new swimming coach - Jan Venca Francke - who is a great triathlete and especially swimmer.

I am not sure if I will ever be able to swim 1500 meters in 19 minutes but I actually don't have to. An hour for 3.8K will do....
Another reason for my longing to race Kona one day is Mike Aigroz (www.mikeaigroz.ch), a pro triathlete that I got to know in summer 2009 when he finished second overall in IM Canada and qualified for his first Ironman Worlds in Kona.

Not that I aspire to be as fast... but I feel I can learn from guys like him.
So, what next? The plan is to ramp up the swimming mileage and work on technique. Do some running while weather permits, get out on the bike while it is dry and somewhat sunny.
Eventually, I will get some coaching...later this fall. I think, I prefer to be challenged by choice...  (www.jensegger.com)
So many ideas.... enough for now. Need to get ready for swimming...