Kona: Day Two - Monday

Race week has officially begun here but the whole race/Ironman thing feels pretty far off.  Yeah, there are tons of super fit people all over, but the masses just aren't here yet.  I think this will change over the next two days.

This morning started off great.  I got up around 4am again and hung out with my still not-adjusted kid for a while.  The game plan will be to keep getting up this early, but try and nap every day from here till Saturday.  I normally rise around 4-4:30 back in Boulder as a time to spend by myself (alone time) so this is nothing different.

First thing we did was go down and grab some breakfast at around 8.  I am a huge breakfast fan.

Then, as planned, I got on the bike for a 42 mile ride up the Queen K and back.  I kept the effort at IM pace for 80 percent of this ride and felt okay.  The winds were awesome, and by awesome I mean non-existant.  I was able to hold 22mph avg on about 190w, and that was amazing.  I would absolutely love to have these conditions on race day.  Chances are we will not be this lucky.

I met my family back at the pier for a swim.  I don't know if it was the time or what, but the crowds that usually gather at dig me beach were not there.  Like I said, I think this will all change over the next few days.  For the swim, I just hopped in and swam a mile.  First time swimming with a garmin 910xt so it was very cool to know how far I went.  Water was very rough, but clear.  This is my favorite swim course in the world...  It's a coral reef the whole way.  When I got out far enough, shark week popped into my mind and scared the shit out of me.  I made it back to the pier much faster than on the way out.  Thanks Discovery Channel.

Walked for 30 minutes in Kailua and hit the Rudy Project site for some cheap glasses for Beth and myself then headed back to the hotel to sit until it was time for a luau.

Evening ended with a great dinner/show right downstairs at the Sheraton Luau.  We did this last year and it was a hit with Aiden, so naturally, we ended up doing it again.  What a great way to top off day #2.

Race registration opens tomorrow am - it's about to get real.

Dad and Aiden this morning before breakfast

Lava, lava, and more lava

Out on the Queen K highway.  This is what much of the course looks like.  It makes for some mental challenges

Looking at fish before hopping in for swim

Beth and I posing for the exact same picture as last year

Kailua

Interactive part of the Luau.  Poi balls

Kona: Day One - Sunday

Over the next week, I am going to keep a log of the events leading up to the 2013 race.  I will keep this as a personal journal, and to share the experience of an amateur athlete racing one of the greatest endurance events in the world.


First full day in Kona.  First full day of awesome.

This is my second time racing here in as many years and the difference in how I feel about being here this year vs. last is HUGE.  I came into the 2012 race as a last minute qualifier in Louisville, KY.  I entered Louisville last minute as well.  Getting to Kona was never really a thought until I got a slot in Kentucky, so being in Kona was completely unexpected.

I wanted to be here in 2012 to have some fun and enjoy this race/enjoy Hawaii as much as possible before racing IM Florida (also with my wife - her first IM) a few weeks later.  I love Hawaii - We come here two or so times per year, but for some reason it was not relaxing at all in 2012.  My subconscious took over and did not let me chill.  Yeah, I had many beers and many great times, but it just wasn't what I imagined.  I was constantly thinking of this race that I had never done - I was thinking of what the bike course was like, how windy it would be, and all that other stuff.  I was subconsciously scared of the unknown.  The crazy number of fit, intimidating Europeans/Australians didn't help either.

My feelings about being here this year are different so far.  I am much more relaxed about this thing.

Our flight was great yesterday.  Beth, Aiden and I were able to get the non-stop from Denver which was good for a toddler.   Got to the Sheraton and had a great dinner.  Then, this morning we did the Path 10k/5k.  The Path road race is the kickoff event for the IM week and its a chance to give one last harder effort before Saturday.  I did the 5k last year, but since I broke my foot a few weeks back, I wanted to do the 10k at a bit more of a relaxed pace.  I aimed for my open marathon pace and did just about that.  I ran a 39:00 for the 6.34 miles (a bit long) and felt fairly okay.  My dad also did the 10k and my wife did the 5k.

After the run, we came back to the hotel and grabbed some breakfast before watching Broncos football.  Great game, great win.  After that, I took a 30 mile ride out on the Queen K.  Day ended up at Sam Choys restaurant for some fish and poke.

Lots of athletes are here, but it hasn't totally picked up yet.  Registration opens on Tuesday, so I suppose it'll start to get a little crazy then.  The party is slowly starting.

Anyways, it was an awesome first full day.

Day started at 3am with Aiden.  4 hour time change.

Pap - my dad and Aiden at the end of the Path 10k

Aiden and Beth got some pool time

Aiden and mamma stretching before the Keiki run. 

Path 10k start - perfect way to start the Ironman WC week

This is how family photos should look

My parents, wife, and kid

First selfie ever - about ready for beer

beer #1

Kona taper: day five

Today was a simple one.  I did nothing but finish packing in the morning then walk around an airport and get to Kona.  Travel day!

Flight went well and we are all here.  I love it.  Always great to be in Hawaii.

I will start posting some Kona stuff tomorrow.  I'll do as much age group coverage as possible.  Mostly, I intend to post lots of pictures.

Probably his 10th trip to Hawaii.  My parents live on Maui part of the year.  Spoiled and lucky kid.

Steady diet of beer and fish for the next few days before the race.  It's worked in the past... If it aint broke, don't fix it

Kona taper: day four

I had a single workout today consisting of an 8+ mile run.  A little warmup, then 4 miles around open marathon pace (6:20-6:25) then 4 at IM marathon pace (7:10-7:25).  I felt pretty good and legs felt nice.

Went on to my first day as a special ed para at a school in Longmont - I am very happy to have a job to come home to.

Then a massage pre-flight and a little packing.  Off to HI in the am!

My car after leaving FAC (flatirons athletic club) this am.  First snow of the year.