So You Really, Really Want to I.Q.? by Coach Kevin Konczak I can't tell you how many athletes have asked me if they think it is worth their time and the sacrifices to attempt I.Q. (I.Q. = Ironman Qualification). How are they going to do it? Should they get a new bike, or the new space age aerobars, or Stretch-Armstrong-like flexy wetsuit? Should they hire a past Ironman World Champion to give them "secret training keys to success" or get a massage every week? How about brand X versus brand Y electrolyte drink... protein in that drink or not? What these athletes are stating is: "I have a goal, and want confirmation if I should pursue it from an expert's point of view."    The answer is: You can anything you want if you put your mind and heart to it. Once you realize that is what you desire, a good coach can help you map out a plan.    Looking for Ironman qualification? Hire someone with experience, getting there themselves, or having background as a coach. If you were a sprinter, would you hire a marathon coach? If you want to be a short course athlete, look for experienced short course coaches, and for Ironman, look for someone who specializes in Ironman races. Want to race the full spectrum? Find someone with both credentials. They’ve been there, done it, they know how it is done.    After you have established the goal of say… Ironman and you hire a coach— which race are you going to choose? Are you better at half irons, or full? What is your best sort of course, hilly, rolling, flat? Are you an early season racer or late season racer? Pick the race that will give you the optimum chance at the Big Dance in Kona. Many pick Ironman Canada because most of the big gun age groupers have already qualified and don’t want to race that close to Kona. Some pick Ironman Florida, as it is shortly after Kona, and many feel the big guns are resting for the winter at that time. Some pick a very early race like Ironman New Zealand, because they figure it is waaaaaay over there, and who would be ready to race well in the middle of North America’s winter? Problem is, you will run into good racers anywhere, anytime. The days of when it was easier to qualify for Kona as a pro than as an age grouper are over. The gap between pro and age groupers is vanishing. So what are you going to do?    Look at the results from the previous two or three years. Look at the IQ times of the last slot, and plan on training for 10 to 15 minutes faster. If you like flat courses, go for a race like Ironman Florida, or a flat half Ironman. If you are a strong hill runner/biker, pick one of the many hilly races. Early races are your best? Pick one in March or April. Learn the results of who finishes where. Take down names, and splits, and see where they race. Just studying the results will tell you how fast you need to be to qualify, and often, who you have to beat. If you have to dodge the big guns at certain high profile races and do a less competitive race, do it. Dodge them all you can, it is your goal you are aiming for. If you are on the cusp of a slot, or not too far from that Holy Kona Grail, there is no honor lost for doing everything in your planning to get that slot. Whether it is some race that has slots in the swamps of South America or a remote island. Provided you get that slot, you’ll have all the chance in the world come October to race the big guns. Location, location, location. I cannot stress enough how important it is to pick a race that suits your abilities the best, as well as those with the least chances of the big guns showing up on race day. Sounds chicken, but it is your time, your money, and your goal—achieve it like a smart athlete. Nobody will remember or care where you qualified at, or who was there on the start line. When you finally do line up on Dig Me Beach, the only thing that will matter to anyone is that you are actually there, in the World Championships. Best of luck qualifying and I hope you get that coveted slot!    Kevin Konczak is a USAT certified coach. He can be reached for personal coaching at kevin@d3multisport.com. Back to D3 Tips