The story of today will read for years to come that Craig Alexander reclaimed his Kona crown by redefining his bike leg at Kona, and Chrissie Wellington likewise will be remembered continuing her legacy while answering the final question of her ability: How she would fight with her back against the wall.
But for me personally, after spectating the Hawaii Ironman for a second here, the take home messages were more subtle but equally profound.
Alexander the Great tried the new Specialized Shiv within the last three weeks, believed in the science fundamental to its innovation, and biked some thirteen minutes quicker than his previous best during four prior Kona outings. That’s simply phenomenal. It reminded me of material reporting Lance Armstrong’s drive to better not only his physical ability, but optimize every part controllable measure pertaining to race performance. However great the athlete, it takes a holistic approach to be the fastest that ever raced on the island – a feat he now ownes in 8:03:56.
How privileged I am to be working with a bike company committed to “The aggregation of marginal gains” law. Continually a pushing the frontier of development. And to see class equipment make visibly make such a big difference today was note-to-self moment.
Yet, that doesnt take away a drop of admiration for the man I’m continually awed by while living out of Boulder. Mostly for the fabled sessions he produces but parallel the that the integrity with which he conducts family life, business, profession. He works like no other, and the bike simply fits in with all that. There were others on the same new bike today…
From Wellington, well I’ll be honest and say I was a doubter early on. When she struggled out the swim way slower than usual and went on to loose plenty daylight to Julie early on the bike I verbalized my doubts. But she held steady later in the ride and then ran such a gutsy closing marathon. I look forward to reading her personal report a few days on for that didnt seem a simple day.
And my personal steal from it is that age old truism to never stop believing, to stay in the fight, to pursue the fight. It reminded me of the year Armstrong was clawing seconds over Ulrich, crashed on the final mountaintop ascent, but still delivered the goods. Truly incredible.
As a flip side to the inspiration is the brute savagery that is this race. So few get to leave pleased with their performance. It’s such a particular cocktail of climatic challenges here. I’m intrigued but not naive.
A massive congrats to all who set out to pursue a goal and did just that. Success is personal, and for many I hope it was.
One Response to "Ironman World Champs 2011"
Well said Mr. Hugo. I look forward to reading about your personal pursuits and efforts on the big island one day.