Kona showdown for the F 40-44 AG

So, I first want to say how proud I am to be part of this amazing age group and that what it shows you is that with hard work you can continue to go fast and even go faster by training smart and listening to your body. And having the right coaches around you. I know some of these women but not all but from the Northeast region of the US we have some incredible talent going to Kona this year, Becky Paige, Angela Bancroft, Mary Holt Wilson and Marybeth Romagnolia ( ? spelling). That's who I know right now, I may be missing someone but these are the names I know.

Becky I met at Providence 70.3 she not only won our AG but I believe she placed top 10 OA including Pro's. She went on to do a 9:57 I believe at Ironman Germany, won her AG and qualified for KONA. I'm thinking she's gonna be competitive, don't you think?

Angela Bancroft from Maine, had an amazing race in Lake Placid and won her AG by over 30 minutes. Heading out to the run in LP she was first overall amateur on the course but I believe she passed around mile 16 or so, not sure, that being said, she had a race of her life, absolutely incredible day and earned her KONA slot there. I believe she was also in the top 10 for women including Pro's, crazy, crazy fast. Absolutely a force to be reckoned with.

Mary Holt-Wilson- local hero of mine, tremendous talent, only getting faster, had an amazing Boston Marathon this year, Top 3 at Mooseman 70.3, had a PR at Pumpkinman half this year and if she wasn't ill starting IMLP she probably would of had her sub 11 on that day but the GI bug and puking on yourself during the swim doesn't make for a pleasant day in LP. That being said she has the mental fortitude of nobody I know and based on her race report from IMLP it sounds like she doesn't remember much of the last part of the race and spent a ton of time in medical. She still finished in the low 11's and got her KONA slot, VERY MUCH DESERVED and i believe she is going to have an amazing day in KONA and I can't wait to follow her.

Marybeth Romanolia, QT2 athlete is going to KONA after qualifying I believe at IMLP, she also had a great time and is getting faster everyday. I believe she is from the NY region.

These 4 ladies are going to represent the NorthEast in amazing fashion and I predict all of them are going to be in the top 25 if not top 10 of our AG.

I am so very proud to be in this age group. Kick some major ass next week ladies, make us all proud, bring home some hardware.