What ‘Kona Shift’ tells us about why women race triathlons

The starting line for the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona is a remarkable display of human emotion. Looking around, you’ll see differences in the way athletes meet in the moment: some laugh or cry with strangers who will become friends over the next few hours of swimming and bike running. Some close their eyes and take the moment to meditate. Some look at the water, contemplating the years it took to reach the Super Bowl in triathlon.

But what does it actually take to get there? I’m not talking about the elite physique required to qualify for Kona – I’m talking about the driving force that keeps women motivated to become one of the best athletes in the world. My colleagues and I recently published Study in European Society of Medicinelooks at 83 female Kona racers from the 2023 race to better understand the psychology of endurance.

Our findings reveal a surprising shift: As women in triathlon get older, they become more mature Primary motivation Evolving. Their motivation has moved from an external focus to an emphasis on internal growth and ambition. Understanding this evolution isn’t just about learning what makes women in triathlon special—it’s key for all athletes looking to build the resilience and joy necessary for lifelong athletic longevity and deep personal self-actualization.

The four pillars of motivational psychology

To understand the psychology of motivation, we consider the four pillars used in this study: physical health, social, achievement, and psychological motivation. Within these pillars are specialized concepts such as weight control, a sense of belonging, competition with others, and the meaning of life. These are considerations for all triathletes, even for Kona qualifiers whose reasons for exercising may range from body and ego goals to finding connection with others.

The great diversity in sports gives room for independence in our identity. Research shows People are more likely to engage in physical activity when their needs are assessed and supported. They are likely to maintain That exerts motivation even when confronted Physiological changes associated with aging Which can affect their sporting behaviour.

What motivates women in triathlon: Nature over numbers

In our study, there were several concepts that were important in understanding women’s motivations in triathlon. The most pressing motivation was a “sense of belonging to nature” for all women aged 50 and over. But it was not a motivating factor for 38% of women aged 49 or younger.

Emerging research work Exposure to nature in specific settings is shown to increase vitality and can increase the satisfaction of self-identified motivational needs for autonomy, relatedness, and competence.

Feeling of self-worth

Other concepts had notable differences between age groups. For example, all of the older women felt that “improving self-worth” was a reason to race, while this was not a strong reason for 28% of the younger women.

Those who have a healthy mindset as they age are more likely to be compassionate with themselves. Self-compassion unlocks the ability to accept change during aging, whether physiological, biological, or psychological. Older women in triathlon are likely to anticipate the challenges associated with aging during practice, preparation, and race participation.

Weight loss does not carry any weight

The lowest-rated motivating factor, down by more than half of the study’s participants, was “reduce my weight.”

Most people will read that and think, Of course not, because most of the women who race in Kona are already normal or underweight. They will not be motivated to lose more weight. However, we did not have a conversation with the participants in this study, nor did we collect their weight/height, so we will not cite this as a reason. What we will check is that these elite athletes are similar to other female athletes who have been studied In previous researchwho were, by BMI standards, overweight – and weight loss was one of their least motivating factors as well. This seems to be a prevalent theme among women athletes: weight is not a motivator, but physical health is.

Harnessing the Kona Spirit: Essential Lessons for Every Triathlete

The trip to Kona is one that demonstrates longevity in preparation and endurance in execution. To achieve their goal of racing in the IRONMAN World Championship, these athletes were motivated by various factors that supported their selection, connection, and ability to race.

This holistic view of motivation is what can help an athlete stay focused when race day seems too far away, when brick-and-mortar workouts make your legs feel like bricks, or when other aspects of your life take a backseat.

Motivation doesn’t just happen by checking boxes during the process, and your motivation may change over time. This is why having a talisman (or several talisman) to act as a guiding light is helpful. It can remind you of who you are. It can prevent you from feeling fatigued before a race. It may also be what keeps you racing into your 50s, 60s and beyond.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by data and PR pursuits, try these coaching mindset shifts to discover your new source of motivation.

1. Run or ride twice a month entirely by feel, focusing only on the environment rather than your watch or power meter.
2. Consider joining a group swim or riding to the local club specifically for coffee and conversation afterwards, not for speed.
3. Reward yourself when you achieve a new goal in your preparation process.
4. Think about how triathlon fits into your value system. This may change, but knowing your priorities in life can make a difference in how you approach training – no matter your age.