Simon Ward: Kona 2017 update #3

With a month and a half to go to the IRONMAN World Championships, Simon Ward has been... on holiday. Here's is why - and why he's happy with that decision.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Simon Ward’s ‘100 Day to Kona’ continues

Set for Saturday 14th October, the 2017 IRONMAN World Championships in Kona is fast approaching. A frequent visitor to the island over the years through work, Simon will be racing for the first time this year.

His preparations for the event have involved more than just a pure focus on absolute performance. Life – in particular the recent death of his best friend – put lots of things into perspective, and lead to a recent ‘road trip’ in the USA.

The best preparation for an Ironman? Almost certainly not – but Simon explains why he is content with his decision

You can see Simon’s previous updates here: PART ONE | PART TWO

#GBKona coverage 2017
#GBKona coverage 2017
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Casper Stornes Kristian Blummenfelt Gustav Iden IRONMAN World Championship in Nice 2025
Norwegian stars map out 2026 – and get in light-hearted dig at Dubai T100 lap-counting fiasco!
Kate Waugh wins the T100 Triathlon World Tour finals in Qatar.
Who were triathlon’s biggest earners of 2025? And how is the prizemoney picture looking for the year ahead?
Sam Laidlow run Roundhay Park IRONMAN Leeds 2025
Former IRONMAN World Champ teases Barcelona Marathon bid to kick off 2026
Spencer Matthews finishes PROJECT SE7EN 2025
“Not a pro – but a pioneer”: Where Spencer Matthews fits in the new endurance landscape
T100 Pro Series collage
IRONMAN Pro Series versus T100 Triathlon World Tour – who came out on top in 2025?
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
247 Endurance

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...