My Ironman journey is nearing the end. My passion wanes and my body complains. While my gratitude for being able to participate in this amazing sport and meet so many amazing people cannot be overstated, my career is nearing the end.
Like the fish you’ve had on the line for a while makes one last attempt to free itself from your hook, I’m making my last attempt to do something I have only dreamt about . . . podiuming at Kona (Ironman World Championships).
On one hand, it’s a HUGE goal, on the other, at 70 there’s a lot less competition! But if you believe the other amazing athletes are just going to hand me a trophy you’d be very wrong.
2025 is actually my “age-up” year (to 70 – 74) so I could qualify for the Ironman World Championships this year, but unfortunately for me, they’re in Nice, France. Nothing against Nice, it’s just that course, specifically the bike course, freaks me out. I’m fine going uphill but going downhill isn’t my strong suit. And besides, I really wanted to podium in Kona, so that means I’ll have to wait until 2026 when I’m 71. Oh well. Not the worst Covid story you’ve heard.
I reckon I’ve completed over 250 triathlons in my time, 17 which were full Ironmans and five of those were in Kona -- a career I’m quite proud of. I’ve had some ups and downs in that time with some very vivid memories I wouldn’t trade.
Highlights? My first Ironman World Championship in Kona was in 2010. Somehow I talked my mother and son into coming to watch me. They were waiting in the lobby of the King K Hotel for me when I finished, and I was a mess (who isn’t after 140.6 miles). My mom said, “You’re dad would be very proud of you today.” I started sobbing. That hit me like a ton of bricks. He’d died 30 years prior and was the one that pushed me into sports. Thanks dad!
Enroll in a “premium” TriDot package by 3/1/25 and you’ll also get:
- 2025 race plan.
- Video swim analysis.
- Kona training camp 10/14 – 10/21/25 (optional – air, hotel, meals extra, $3,000 value)
Not ready yet? Go to WiiseCoaching.com and get a FREE two month TriDot trial.
Coach Ron Saetermoe
Phone: 949.795.1900
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