Name: Patti Lawrence
Hometown: Atlanta
Number of Ironmans Completed: 5
Number of Hawaii Ironmans Completed: 1
Where You Kona Qualified: Ironman Texas
Tell us about your road to the Big Island--the good, the bad, and the ugly!:)
I am so thrilled to be here racing Kona for a second year in a row. There was enough 'ugly' happening last year, that I'm happy to report that 2019 has all been good!!! My year started off in January with a fantastic training camp in Tucson with Hillary and her coaching team.
![](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0181/0353/files/unnamed_c25b1386-f82b-4761-84c8-8ef66ae33702_grande.jpg?v=1570659728)
That put me on the right path to conquer Ironman Texas in April to earn a spot back to Kona. I love to compete in triathlons, but I also love the social part of this sport. IMTexas was stacked with SFQ teammates, and we had a blast getting together and cheering for each other on race day.
![](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0181/0353/files/unnamed-1_c30759ac-3062-487f-b853-428c4e3313f0_grande.jpg?v=1570659931)
![](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0181/0353/files/unnamed-2_13f32edc-77a2-4245-8b48-e125b1f9e4a8_grande.jpg?v=1570659958)
What are your goals for race day?
Last year, I was just so overwhelmed being here that I didn't push my effort level. And my goal was to enjoy every minute and smile all day. This year, I'm healthy and excited to see what can happen. I will go into the day with the goal of having my best race.
![](http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0181/0353/files/unnamed-3_18e377a8-05b5-44f8-8d78-d8124e89f6af_grande.jpg?v=1570659996)
What will you be wearing in the lava fields?
The beautiful new Tie-dye aero top and 5" tri shorts.