Ultraman Hawaii Day 1 and 2

Day 1 started out very early arriving at the Kona pier at 5:30. In the morning darkness the athletes and crews prepared their equipment for the swim. Zane and I launched the kayak about 6:10 while the athletes got last minute instructions. I paddled out about 300 yards off shore and watched as the swimmers got into the water waiting for the mass start at 6:30. It was lighter, nearly dawn over the Kailua-Kona harbor as each athlete started their swim, while looking for their escort in the crowd of kayaks, stand-up paddlers, and small outriggers. Finally Scott caught up with me and we were in the race. In the kayak I carried 4 bottles of carb/electrolyte mix for Scott. We would stop periodically and he would drink one of the bottles. No problem there. At about 30 minutes into the swim making the first drink exchange the unexpected happened. I rotated my body to reach behind the kayak seat to get the first bottle and my balance shifted enough to flip the boat. Fortunately everything on the kayak was secured and that which was not floated as I gathered them in. We righted the kayak, I hopped in, and then we made the bottle exchange. This was a total adrenalin rush and kept me hyped for the entire swim. Up to that point current and surges were pretty strong and after losing precious minutes to my mishap, I prayed desperately for smooth water in the hopes that Scott could make up some time. say what you want but over the next 30 minutes the ocean did smooth out and stayed that way until just before our turn into Keauhou Bay. Scott swam well and was out of the water in 18th place overall. With a brief transition he was off for the 90 mile bike to Volcano National Park, the end of stage 1. I went back to the condo and took a nap.

Day 2 for Scott was a 6:30 start from the national park through south east Hawaii, up to Hilo, Kamuela, Waimea and across the island to the finish at the Kohala Village Inn in Hawi for the night, approximately 170 miles. By the time he finished he had moved into 12th place and looking forward to the double marathon tomorrow and hopefully finish in the top ten. One athlete DNF stage 1 and one more finished late on stage 2 so tomorrow for the run there are now only 35 runners. The course is direct: Hawi, Kawaihai, Waikaloa, down the Queen K. highway to the Old Airport Road park, 58 miles or so.

Since I had no responsibilities today and we were 90 some miles from the start of stage 2, in support of some friends back in Washington who are doing the Seattle Half Marathon Sunday, I ran my own unofficial half here in Kona. I basically ran the Alii Drive loop Kailua-Kona pier to Keauhou shopping center and back with a couple of side streets to make the distance. I was unassisted but fortunately there were a number of beach parks along the way if I needed facilities or water. I carried G2 and plodded along for 2:45 to complete the distance.

Tomorrow morning while Scott is running I'll swim part of the Ironman swim course in the harbor. A hui hou, and I will see you at Digg me Beach in the morning or on the road, at the finish of Ultraman Hawaii.

Thanksgiving and Ultraman on the Big Island

Started the morning off with a short run 3.25 miles, 40 minutes. Then off to the Ultraman Hawaii Championships breakfast and pre-event meeting.

Crewing again for Scott Beasley along with his parents Jack and June Anne, fiancée Karen and her son Zane here in beautiful Kailua-Kona Hawaii. Ultramanlive.com is the event website if you want to learn more about it.

Stage 1 starts early tomorrow morning at 6:30 with a 10k swim followed by 90 mile bike. Day 2 171.4 bike around east and north of Hawaii. Day 3 is a double marathon run. My responsibility is swim escort in a kayak as Scott swims the 6.2 mile course from the Kailua-Kona pier to Keauhou Bay. Conditions were good today, air temps. mid 80s, winds light. Looking forward to an awesome start. After the swim we will follow Scott's progress virtually until we meet up again Saturday at the end of stage 2.

If you're here on the Big Island be watchful for the competitors on the road this weekend, there are some outstanding entrants from all over the world supported by the Ultraman organization and each with their own personal crew assembled from friends and family to facilitate each athlete's successful completion of the race.

Hope to see you out there, a hui hou, see you on the road.

Last day on Maui, Kona tomorrow

It was a little warmer this morning as I headed out for my last ride this trip on Maui. Not a cloud in the sky riding south from Honkowai on the Honoapiilani Highway. Sun shines brightly just ahead and to the left streaming over the West Maui Mountains. On the right, the ocean, waves crashing, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolave, a handful of surfers and stand up paddlers, and unfortunately, lots and lots of cars. Fortunately the shoulder and bike route is wide. Every once in a while, there is a break in the traffic and you can hear the sounds of the water, doves and mynahs, and the breeze rushing by your ears. It was a beautiful morning. I worked hard an the inclines and pushed the flats. Trade Winds were light but head on as I rode out. Took a break midway on this out and back route just before the start of the Pali. My complete ride took 2 hours and covered about 28 miles. It was a great morning.

Got some beach time, water was red flagged so I didn't swim too long or far. Walking the beach today we could see Humpbacks breaching in the channel. Only in Maui! Later in the afternoon we went to a few stores and returned the Specialized to West Maui Cycles.

This evening we watched the Huskies almost beat Kentucky (on t.v.) at the Maui Classic. Also saw an amazing sunset. then dinner on the barbecue poolside. Not sure what training I can do tomorrow, have to make the plane to Kailua Kona. Maybe a short run in the morning. Until tomorrow, a hui hou, see you on the road.

Still on Maui

Another beautiful day for a morning bike ride. There are a couple of things that I have learned while biking West Maui. First of all many of the areas do have nice shoulders and bike lanes on the main highway. Off the highway or areas away from resorts this is not the case. Roads are narrow and well travelled. Secondly, rides are definitely affected by winds and terrain. My mileage has dropped. This also may be because I have enjoyed the scenery and haven't been pushing. I'm riding without a computer so I have to estimate turnover and distance. Bottom line is that I am enjoying the rides.

Today I headed out towards Kapalua, followed the highway past Fleming Beach, turned around a bit after that at the end of the bike route as the road narrowed. It was certainly passable one lane in each direction but not much room for cyclists and cars going the same way. I opted to retrace my route back towards Lahaina. Kept going towards the south taking a break at Launiupoko Park. Had a great visit with veteran teacher Renee from Redding. She just finished surfing and came up to talk about the bike I was riding. This 2011 Specialized Roubaix is great to look at and attracts attention wherever I go. Aloha to Renee and back on the road to Honokowai. Time on the road about 2:30, approximately 30 miles.

After a good rest by the pool it was off shopping and that is always tough, trying to find that perfect gift. I don't want to give away anything to my followers but found some nice trinkets. Best store for unique items is Hale Zen on Dickenson Street. Kind of a home furnishings store with more. It's two blocks off of Front Street and it is a must visit for sure. Shopping is tough work so after a few hours it was time for some "ono grinds." Headed off to Da Kitchen for Saimin and one big Hawaiian Plate: Laulau, Chicken Long Rice, Kalua Pig, Lomi Salmon, Macaroni Salad and rice. Washed down with some Maui Brewing Co. Coconut Porter, so smooth. Check the pix.

One more ride tomorrow morning. A Hui Hou, see you on the road.

Training Summary Nov 15-21

Five workout days, two days for travel. 15 hours total: 3:00 yoga and weights; swim just under 4 miles 3:20; bike 66 miles 5:00; run 15 miles 3:40; total distance 85 miles.

Travel always affects consistency but here on Maui and on the Big Island I have sunny days, the ocean to swim in, roads to run on and bike. So I'll see you on the road, A Hui Hou.

Maui No Ka Oi

Awesome day here on Maui. Low 80s for air temps so I'm not missing the snow at home. first thing this morning I went for a easy ride from Honokawai to Olowalu, about and hour and forty five minutes. Riding the Specialized Roubaix SL2 from West Maui Cycles is so smooth. For the entire ride I had the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Pretty good shoulder, more traffic going out and only a little head wind on the way back. Beautiful riding. There is a section of the highway in Lahaina where the locals are adding road medians and planting strips. Both ways the road is reduced from two lanes each way to one in each direction. Not too good for cars but cyclists can move right along. Looking forward to another ride tomorrow.

We also spent a few hours up in Waikapu at the Makani Olu Ranch and my ancestral family plot. Everything looks beautiful up there. You can see the ocean on both sides of the island and Haleakala. Pretty spectacular. The ranch is growing with more and more land developed for pasture, horses, longhorns, goats, hair sheep, mules, donkeys, pheasant, and numerous flowers. Just in the last year Avery has added an office/tack room, a new arena, and upgraded the saddle up area. if you like you can find the Makani Olu website for more details.

Finished the day pool side at the barbeque taking in the sunset over Lanai. Maui is definitely the best (no ka oi). A hui hou, see you on the road.

Back on Maui

There is no training report today but a short account of the round-about-trip to Hawaii. We were up at 3:00 am with the goal of arriving at the airport in Seattle about two hours before our flight, scheduled to leave at 6:30. We were in security about 5:45 and thankfully went through without incident, however we did witness several passengers getting the pat down aka the sexual violation. This is particularly acrimonious if you are not inclined towards the same gender. I was kind of embarrassed just to watch, a bit of voyeurism. We did board at 6:00 but waited unknowingly because the First Officer had called in sick and we waited for a replacement. Finally the new crewman arrives and we take off about 25 minutes late. Did I say round-about? That is correct, this flight was winging toward San Diego and Cabo, no directs out of SeaTac this morning to Maui. The flight was uneventful but arrived about the time our connection was scheduled to depart. There were eight of us so thankfully they held the flight. We hopped off one and jumped onto the next without taking a breath. Boy am I glad I went to the bathroom before we landed.

The San Diego to Kahului flight was completely full. No problem though but a long flight, about 6 hours. There were many families, particularly large ones with tiny tots to teens. the energy in the plane was shall we say not restful. By the time we got to Maui we had flown nearly nine hours. Tired but happy to arrive we sought out our rental car which turned out to be a mini van. Then to Costco for a few supplies and on to Kaanapali.

We stopped at the West Maui Bike Shop in Lahaina. I wanted to rent a road bike for a few days. It wasn't cheap but I have to say a great find. I wanted a 58 and they were all out. Sadly I was ready to try again tomorrow and the owner said to one of the minions "Bring up that 58 Specialized." At that the young man from the back produces a brand new Specialized Comp Roubaix, full carbon to which he affixed my pedals. It was way more bike than I expected but very nice. The picture doesn't do it justice but I'll have more later. I rode for about 15 minutes just to get the hang of the Sram sifters and then it was dark. Can't wait until tomorrow.

We had checked in at the Papakea in Honokawai, a little north of Kaanapali. Unloaded our gear, took a breath and then headed out to get some food. By now it was 6:00 pm HST, and we were running low on energy. Went to the local market and bought a few items then over to the Honokawai Okazua for some awesome takeout: Mahimahi fish and chips and Lemon caper Ono, and believe me they were both mighty fine.

Well that's the story for today. Planning a ride in the morning, then off to the old family plot in Waikapu to visit my interred relatives as well as friends Avery and Mary owners of the Makani Olu Ranch. Then hopefully a swim or run in the afternoon.

Today the winds were light, some showers off and on and temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. The Maui Invitational NCAA basketball tournament is all this week so the island is filled with lots of people for that.

Looking forward to a great day tomorrow. Hope your's is awesome as well. A hui hou, see you on the road.

"Recovery" week

Due to travel to and from California this last week was hit and miss. Really spent more time on the road than training. With only this week before leaving to meet up with Scott in Kona for the Ultraman championships, it looks like I will have to put in a lot of time. The northwest is dark and cold this time of year so I am not very motivated to get out and train. The plan is to get after it this week and then in Hawaii do what I can. I will run and swim and hope to rent a bike while there but realistically, it is hard to make the commitment. Particularly since I have to leave Maureen to train. Just have to see how it goes.

Training summary: 3 days. Swim 1.25 mi., 1:05; bike 15 mi., 1:10; run 7 mi., 1:10. Total 23.25 miles and 3:45.

Keep training, a hui hou, see you on the road.

Start of Daylight Savings in Palm Desert

Left for Palm Desert on Monday, two days on the road. Worked out Wednesday through Saturday. Short moderate runs at Chaparral. Discovered the Palm Springs Swim Center. Awesome outdoor 50 m. pool. Lanes are cross 15 by 25 yds. I had great weather 80s and low 90s, swam twice, shared a lane once. Great place to swim. Hope to get there at least one more time before leaving for home.

Training was limited to running and swim only. Swim 2.33 mi. 1:40; run 13.5 mi. 2:55; total 15.83 mi. 4:35. Not a great number but not bad for only 5 workouts.

Same thing happened last year during these few months. It seems that I kept losing training time because of travel commitments. It's a mixed bag, I like to be able to go but I also need to train. At least this time I found the Swim Center. I can see that if I had my bike I could get some good training here minus the weight training. Next time I'll have to find a place to do that as well.

Planning to train Monday and Tuesday, travel Wednesday and Thursday, back on schedule at home Friday. Until then, a hui hou, see you on the road.