A bit more running tonight as I start to get this training week back on track. A bit of a run tonight, a swim in the morning and I think I will give this week a tick. Fitted the training into the week in a roundabout sort of way, but happy with the result so far. See if I can cram a good block into the weekend and then I think I will be happy to call the week of training a success.
Things are heating up on the Kona watching point of view. You know you are near race day when you are getting sick of seeing social media posts about it and I am just about there. I really can't blame people for being excited about it as it is quite a big deal and they are deservedly proud, but I find I have to pace myself. Don't want to be burnt out on Kona before we even get to race day. As exciting as the lead up week is, the big day is what it is all about.
On a race point of view I really not sure what to expect from the pros.
On the women's side I think it is going to be the battle of Ryf vs everybody else. I think the clear expectation is that she will dominate, but over the season we have been seeing glimmers of potential upsets. I haven't seen enough of a glimmer to think it likely, if I was a betting man I would still be putting my money on Ryf, but it is the World Championship and there are lots of talented athletes there, so anything is possible. As always I will be watching Lucy Charles with keen interest, she would be my pick of potential upsetters for Ryf, but there are of course plenty of other big names. Crowley has had a good season, Jackson is always worth watching, you would never rule out talent like Carfree. Loads of great athletes there, but not many that I can see rolling over the juggernaut that is Ryf. We shall see though.
In the men's race it is much less clear cut though I think. In fact I think the men's competition could really be something to watch. Obviously Lange is there and will be strong, he has clearly focused his season on a title defense and I have seen nothing to indicate that he isn't as strong as ever. Sanders will be the one I will be watching, he got close last year and I don't think he quite nailed his day, although he left nothing out there. Not sure how Sanders is travelling this year, but he will be a contender. Kienle is always good, but I can't quite see him up in contention for the win, although he will most certainly be pointy end. I will be watching Gomez and Currie with interest. I think Gomez is an unknown quantity here, but he is obviously a very talented athlete. If there is anyone with the potential to throw the cat among the pigeons then it is him. Currie has shown this season just how good he is. Once again I wouldn't pick him for the win, but I think he will be up there. Can Wurf do one better and finish off the day he started last year? While he faded hard on the run in 2017, there was talk that that was partly due to him losing some nutrition on the bike. If his race goes a bit closer to plan, then he could really put himself in contention. I really could go on and on, the men's list is full of guys who might not be up for the win, but on a good day could really mix it in the top 10, it is really hard to pick, so much comes down to what goes right or wrong on the day. Will be watching that one with a lot of interest.
While the pointy end of the men's field is compelling there are also a load of athletes for whom being at Kona is a massive success. Simon Cochrane from New Zealand and Nick Baldwin from Perth are two guys who fit that category. This will be the first time in Kona as Pros for both athletes and I really keen to see how they go. They are both talented, they wouldn't be there otherwise, and they have both shown that if they put together a good day then they will be competitive. Really hoping for good days for both of them.
Should be a very compelling competition. Not long to go now.
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