Race Previews

Iron Questing...Updated...

Tuesday, 04 October 2016 05:10

IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - How will Minnesotans fare in Kona next Saturday? We can't wait to find out. Like you, we're sure, we'll be following the race closely.

Here are some of the Loon State triathletes we will be following:

- MICHELLE ANDRES (photo below L) - Minnesota'a all-time fastest Ironwoman, she set her PR--9:50:23--at Kona in 2013. She received the "Performance of the Year" award for that effort. The MMA Committee will not announce their POY nominees until after Ironman because we hope that Michelle, who has won two POYs for IM performances, will rock another POY-worthy effort on the Big Island. (Kona Bib# 1085)...

- SEAN COOLEY  (photo L) - Sean has been a star for half a decade, but he truly upped his game in 2016. He's destined to receive MMA nominaions for Triathlete of the Year, Performance of the Year and Most Improved. His IM experience is limited and his PR is 9:39:03, but he's capable to going much faster. Weather permitting, we think he'll go under 9:20 on Saturday. (Kona Bib# 1922)

- ERIN KLEGSTAD (photo below R) - Erin's PR is 10:45:30. She set a half IM personal best at Superior Man. We hope that she follows that up with an IM best on Saturday. (Kona Bib# 1848)

- SARA CARLSON - Carlson set a 70.3 personal best at the wetsuitless Toughman Minnesota. We believe that she is also ready to go to the next level at 140.6. Her PR is 10:57:11. We think she's capable of breaking 10:50, maybe by a lot. (Kona Bib# 1818)

- NICOLE HEININGER - Our fingers are crossed. We're hoping that Heiney has an awesome performance this weekend. If she does, there should, once again, be a spot for her on Team Minnesota. Her IM PR is 10:57:28 which doesn't adequately reflect her talent and potential. We'd love to see her pop a 10:30.

- STEVE MORRIS (photo below center) - Steve was basically off the MMA Radar until he popped a 9:36:07 at Ironman Wisconsin last fall. His 2016 season has not gone as well as he had planned, but a great effort on Saturday should bring the happy back. (Kona Bib# 2222)