How to Qualify – An Introduction
This initial article in our How to Quality series focuses specifically on advice for the athlete who wants to qualify for Kona. Through the series, past pieces are referenced where I addressed similar issues — so if you really want to get stuck into the topic then we make it easier for you.
The entire series is in it’s own library section: How To Qualify For Kona.
Let’s get started.
When writing about top age-group athletes, writers typically focus on the work required to get good, the athletic background or genetic talent required, and favorite training sessions. We’re going to address all that (and more) in this series.
Before you can train like a Kona Qualifier, you need to learn how to train and create a life that will support that training.
What are the key components?
Understanding Time – I have two rules-of-thumb with my schedule:
- It takes all day to train all day.
- Double the duration the time you spend working out to understand the time it takes to workout.
The practical implication is the Kona Qualifier’s quest needs four hours per day everyday, and all day twice a month. My next article for this series will explain how best to allocate your time and create your Basic Week.
Can’t do it? You just gave an edge to the competition.
Nutrition – You don’t need a scale to get to Kona. You need a strong, lean body that’s well prepared.
What really matters?
- Limit your intake of sugar.
- Fuel yourself for performance and rapid recovery.
- Settle at your strongest training weight.
- Eat real food.
Can’t figure it out? That’s another edge to the competition.
Stability and Routine – It takes many years to get good and you will need to be very good to qualify for Kona. Make an honest personal inventory of :
- Financial stability
- Geographical stability
- Emotional stability
- Your weekly routine
The ability to set your own schedule is huge for creating stability in your life. It is probably the most common thread in the life structure of elite amateurs, especially those with full-time workloads and families.
Your life structure needs to lead your training plan.
Considering it base training for life!
Recommended Reading
Live Like A Pro – Nine Way You Can Get An Edge
