#382 - Ironman Race Director - Ken Hammond

There are many racing questions out there, so we brought on Race Director, Ken Hammond (Race Director of Ohio 70.3 and Musselman) for an in-depth conversation on how he, his staff, and Ironman have been approaching a race season hampered by a pandemic. He talks about the current state of racing, registration trends for upcoming races, and what changes might stick in the sport. He also gives us insight into a lot of challenges they've faced that most of us don't think about, like why Muncie 70.3 is on, but Ohio 70.3 isn't.  Topics:  What's a race director do without racing? how did he deal with the final cancellation of his races? Race directors relationship to Ironman Protocols with cities Ironman's mindset from the beginning of Pandemic How open are cities to changing dates? How does he mentally handle losing TWO races? How they're figuring out what actually works and makes Why some cities are racing, some are not Muncie is going, why can't Ohio? Discussion points for possibly localizing races Medical support and volunteer hesitation Return to racing initiative Self-support racing What possible changes he thinks will stick? His thoughts about racing progression right now Proposed changes to limit contact in expo, transitions, etc Looking at the new finish line His biggest worry through all of this Will this pandemic actually grow the sport? Will people be more active or just work more? Race registration trends for 2021 Will late season racing be open if you want them? Race Director's perspective to negative Facebook groups What it was like losing an athlete at Ohio 70.3 Where to find the grumpiest people on race day The communication channel between athletes and Ironman The C26 Online Hub is now open to the public! Click here to learn more about what's in the Hub and take advantage of our "Pay What You Want" for a limited time. Looking for an awesome coach this season? Former Professional triathlete, Jessica Jacobs is now coaching for C26 Triathlon. Check out her bio and contact information at our Coaching Page on C26Triathlon.com  If you're looking for a great custom coaching plan, please check out the new C26 Systems Plan for 2020 at the new c26triathlon.com. Coach Robbie will lay out your entire season (from 12-40 weeks) culminating at your A-Race. Take the confusion out of your entire year for only $499. The package includes team events, access to our online hub resource library, priority camp registration and more.  Big Shout out to podcast listener and Wordpress designer Bobby Hughes for helping get the new c26triathlon.com off the ground. If you like what you see and may need a website, check out Bobby's work at https://hughesdesign.co/ You can also slide by www.crushingiron.com which is now the official blog page for the podcast. Community and coaching information are at www.c26triathlon.com  Our 2020 C26 Camps are sold out (other than swim camp) Find out more on our Camps Page. If you'd like to support the Crushing Iron Podcast, hit up our Pledge Page and help us keep this podcast on the rails. Thanks in advance! Are you thinking about raising your game or getting started in triathlon with a coach? Check out our Crushing Iron Coaching Philosophy Video Please subscribe and rate Crushing Iron on YouTube and iTunes. For information on the C26 Coach's Eye custom swim analysis, coaching, or training camps email: [email protected] Facebook: CrushingIron YouTube: Crushing Iron Twitter: CrushingIron Instagram: C26_Triathlon www.c26triathlon.com Mike Tarrolly - [email protected] Robbie Bruce - [email protected]