The Best KQ Video- A MUST watch

At Ironman Maryland, my friend and teammate, Denise "Biebs" Hiller, won her AG and qualified for Kona.  She won, literally, by passing the lead female in the finishing chute.  Denise had to run her down.  Here it is, caught on film.  If you watch closely, you will see Denise in Wattie Ink yellow pass a female.  The athlete that is passed by Denise falls down moments later and has to crawl to the finish line.  Can you think of a better way to win an AG than a battle that lasts the ENTIRE race?  Amazing stuff. 

Denise's journey has taken its twists and turns.  She has been out of the money a few times, had some injuries, and had mechanicals in races that forced her out.  Someone that didn't want to go to Kona as bad as Denise did would have quit way before this.  But, she didn't quit.  Here are a few things you can learn from her:

1.  Have a back up Ironman in mind in case something goes wrong with your plan A.  Denise had a great race at IMAZ last year.  She had a big PR, but was 1 spot out of a KQ.  She started making plans to develop a race plan to reach her goal.  She was signed up for IMLOU, but had to pull out of the race due to a bike issue she could not fix.  She immediately signed up for IMMaryland.  She kept pushing forward.   

2.  Change coaches if you do not have the right fit.  I remember at IMTX 2012, we were all eating dinner and talking about our race.  We were all in agreement that Denise needed a coach change.  Something wasn't jiving (And I can't for the life of me remember what it was), but we all encouraged her to really get a good coach.  She did.  And he has been just as invested in her journey as she has been.  You can check out Coach Flanny here.

3.  Surround yourself with people as invested as you are in your dream.  Denise had her family there to support her.  Her husband (And my coffee flavored Patron shot partner) was all over the course giving her splits).  Her coach was 100000% invested in helping her get to Kona- gave her the plan and the encouragement.  I NEVER heard him say she couldn't do it.  Instead, he was always encouraging her and telling us how well she was training.  Invite positive people into your life that share your dream. 

4.  Get the equipment you need.  Now, this is a little bit of a sore spot for me as I just can't afford to upgrade anything these days, and that is frustrating.  But, the truth of it is, if you really care, you need to make sure you have good equipment.  It doesn't have to be the very, very best, but it needs to be competitive.  Denise upgraded her bike this year, borrowed a fast helmet, and made sure she had good, comfortable clothing from Wattie Ink.  She paid attention to the details. 

5.  And, finally, commit to your dream.  Who cares if no one else thinks the dream is worthwhile?  Go for it because YOU want it. 

6.  Oh, and dare I say, don't you EVER give up in a race.