Lori Bowden shown in the picture at right just had a baby and is not competing this year. Nina Craft who I met last year is serving a suspension for taking illegal drugs. So the only woman in the race that has recently won the championship is Natasha Badman. Karen Smyers is also doing the race and she won the race about 10 years ago. As I did with the man I could easily pick Natasha to win. But as I mentioned on my gossip post earlier not all may be well in Badman camp. I think that coaching relationships that turn into husband/wife relationships can result in too much conflict. Now I am just proposing a possible scenario and using this as an excuse to not pick her.

I will mention some of the contenders and then make my prediction.


Kate Allen. This woman surprised all at the Olympics running and incredible split to tak the gold. She could be capable of surprising all. She won Ironman Austria earlier this year.

Michelle Jones. Every time I see her she impresses me. She is Kona rookie and that is a problem. Plus her run was not impressive under perfect conditions last year at Ironman Florida. But I am going to guess that she prepared even better for Kona based on her Florida experience.

Lisa Bentley. Lisa finally skipped racing at Ironman Canada and that is a plus. She can be a contender for sure but may run out of real state before getting to the front.

Kate Major. Kate is perhaps a bit too young to contend in Kona. But you just never know.

Belinda Granger. Belinda can be surprise from what I read and hear. I do not know much about her,

Joana Zeiger. Joana won her first Ironman down in Brazil. She will be strong on the swim and bike and if her training went well she may hang for a top 5 placing.

Jo Lawn. Jo can benefit form really bad conditions. She will place if the winds are bad and it is hot our there.

Heather Fuhr. Heather had an injury and will not be 100% otherwise she would be a very top contender.

1. Michele Jones
2. Lisa Bentley
3. Natasha Badman
4. Belinda Granger
5. Heather Fuhr

I will report tomorrow with some great race photos. I had no chance to train at all today. I may still go for a 30 minute run tonight. I bet Alii drive will be deserted.