6 weekend and 5 Races

The last couple weeks has seen it's up and down.
Race #1:

On May 16th I went down to Orlando to race the Florida 70.3 with some friends. Before the race I think I was the calmest I have ever been before a race. I knew the training was there to rock the race, though I wasn't sure about the mental game. I had done this race in 2007 so I knew what to expect and was ready for it. The gun when off for the swim and I felt great. The last time I did this race I felt like I was going nowhere, this time I was flying past group after group of swim caps.

Libby and I before the race start

My time was by no means a PR but I felt great exiting the water and heading to my bike. The bike racks at Disney are crazy and over night someone had messed up my bike. The chain was knocked off (fixed before the race started) and for some reason I could not get cadence or power on my garmin. I forced myself to stay positive and relieve on feel. I was comfortable cruising for the first 20 miles picking off girls in my age group the whole way. At every turn I check behind to status check the one girl who had been shadowing me from T-1, but at every check she was about the same back. Finally around mile 35, I had caught the last girl leading my age group (counting her this was girl #10), but no sooner had I passed her than a pelton of 10 plus riders goes by me. The leader of the pelton is the girl who had been shadowing me and she was laying down the hammer. But tucked in the pelton where 5 of the girls who I had just worked so hard to pass. To say the least I was pissed, but I tried to stay positive and legally catch the back.of the group (staying 4 bike lengths back) This did not work, because as soon as I found the sweet spot the last man in the group flipped over his handle bars while trying to get water at the aid station and about killed me in the process. Once I recovered from his mistake, I had lost the group and my motivation. Normally, I would get pissed off and try harder but today I just found that it completely killed my motivation and desire. Even if I did catch back up with these girls it would be impossible to out run their fresh legs and I wasn't even sure I wanted to run. Kona's nightmare run still haunts my brain and my body did not want to suffer like it did that day ever again. At mile 45 of the bike, the race was over for me. My mind had quit, my body really did want to participate in the sport anymore, and my desire was gone. I finished the bike and forced myself out for at least one loop of the run. I ran/jogged a mile the best I could, but then the frustration crept back in. The why do we do this, question popped up? For once I did not have an answer. I have never quit a race before with out being physical hurt, but today I just could not find a reason to finish. So I walked the next two miles and cheered on my friends who where doing what they loved and trained so hard for. For me there was no desire. Finally, my friend Dan caught up with me and I had found a reason to continue (mainly just to taught him). The race became enjoyable and there was a purpose behind it, to help him stay in his game. I finished my first loop with him (his second) and asked him if he wanted my help. He said "NO", I guess I am not as much fun to run with as I thought. With that decision, I stepped of the course. My first DNF in a triathlon.

After the race, I found I need some time alone to sole search, Find my why again! Some friend convinced me to head up to Macon (the place where I complete my first half ironman in 2006) and return to the roots of why we do this.

Dan, me, and James

Race #2: - June 5th

Macon was a complete different story. Macon was fun, honest, and challenging all at the same time. I originally race my first half IM in Macon in 2006 with my friends Dan and James. At that race I wasn't even sure I could swim 1.2 miles, I had only biked over 40 miles twice and had never ridden a hill on a tri bike, and I had no idea if I could run 13 miles after biking 56 miles. Those days the swim was a 2 loop course and I almost quit after the first loop. I survived the swim in 39 minutes, bonked on the bike at mile 40 and wondered how I was going to get back, then crushed the run trying to catch my friends (the last miles on the bike where so slow that I must have freshen them up for a solid run effort). In 2006 I biked a 2:48 and ran 1:33 for a 5:07 finish.

Going into this years race, the only goal I had was to make sure I beat those splits. It was going to be interesting to see what 4 years of training, hiring a coach, a much more expensive bike, and racing experience would bring to the plate. I opted to start in the Open wave, meaning I got to start with the Pro triathletes, something rare for age groupers. The swim had been changed to one giant loop.

That me in the back, not last but behind before the first buoy.

By the first buoy I had been dropped by the group (yeah, my swimming is still weak compared to the pro's). I was hoping to hold someones feet, but alas I was left with wide open water. This allowed me to concentrate on my stroke and just enjoying the water. I felt great (slow but great). I knew there where at least 2 girls and one Sports Factory guy behind me (not being completely last was a nice feeling) so i was pretty positive about my effort. When I exited the water my watch said 30:30. I was grinning ear to ear! A new PR in the swim (official the time was 33 something because they include the 400 run up hill to T1). My bike was pretty easy to find since all the other pro's where out off on their bikes. I decided to settle down, enjoy the ride and hills. Not once did I look at my power or speed. Age group guys keep zooming by but I was content to take the ride and scenery in. Around mile 35, one of the girls that finished the swim behind me caught up. From then on in I just shadow her moves. She helped me stay focused for the last 20 miles and it was nice to to feel not completely lost and alone in the GA countryside. Unlike Disney race, I was able to stay calm which allowed me to get my nutrition down and not get overwhelmed by the crowds. The bike was a success as I rolled in at 2:42 ($10,000 bike, 4 years of training, and I only gained 5 minutes - this I had to giggle at).

Heading back into the park on my bike, I saw a good friend/pro triathlete heading out on her run. Joey tells me she has 10 minutes on me off the bike and is the 3rd women. I figured that would be the last I see of her. In transition, I drop my bike off quickly and head out for the run being told I am in 6th place (how the hell did that happen I will never know). The 4th and 5th place girls are right in front of me coming out of T2. The 5th place girl was Marni, a triathlete from Jax, who is a great swimmer and cyclist, but struggles on the run. The 4th place girl had run a 3 hour marathon earlier this year so I knew she could be trouble. This race has money to the top 5 finishers and I just could not believe that I was in the mix heading into my best event. By the first mile, I have moved into 4th place. Knowing that 3rd place is 10 minutes up I just try to stay relaxed and find my stride. My legs where on fire that day, I could not get them to slow down. Until mile 9 the run was effortless and I felt like my old self again. At mile 4, I recognized the stride of April (3rd place) just ahead of me. I had made up the 10 minutes and moved into 3rd place. The sun got hot after that and the course seemed to head up hill. I worked as hard as I could to close the gaps on the number 2 girl, her bike was just to strong for me that day.

Nina Kraft, Amy Kloner, and me

I held on for 3rd place with a run time of 1:29. I had meet all my goals for the day. 1st goal was to finish, 2nd goal to beat all my times from 2006, and 3rd finish in the money against pro-triathletes. My finishing time was a legit 4:46 and the love for the sport was back.

Race #3 - June 12th
After missing the first BFAST, I was ready to see what I could do in a sprint. This year dynamic where going to be different as my friend Libby has developed into an amazing triathlete (solid in every discipline) and I wasn't sure how much a lead Mallory new bike would give her (since no one can keep up with her on the swim). But bad new struck my friend Libby and her dad was hit while out on a bike ride. She rushed to his care and did not get to race. This race is never as much fun without her and we are hoping her dad has a speedy recovery!
The swim took off and I watch the caps of Mallory and Sara dash away. I could not even grab their feet they where so lightening fast. The start of the swim was brutal, everywhere I moved I had to fight for free water. This was BFAST, what the heck? Finally we reached the first buoy and the swim settle down. I was swimming stride for stride with one other girl from then on. I would have felt good about myself and this except she swam the entire way with her head of the water. Imagine how fast she could be if she put her face down. The nice thing about this was I didn't have to worry about sighting as I knew she would lead us there. Exiting the water Joey yelled I was 1:40 back. Yes! I was still in the hunt ( I figured I could not let Mallory get more than 2 minutes ahead of me before run if I was to catch her).
I hopped on my bike and got to work. I didn't look at the my speedometer or power once, I just wanted to push as hard as I could for as long as I could. Before Micklers ended, I caught Sara (tired from all her IM training) and moved into second place. Now it was time to try and catch Mallory. At the turn around I saw that she had about a minute on me ( had had gotten back 40 second) and this encourage me to keep pressing. Each person I passed on the bike brought her one cyclist closer and it worked out perfectly because I caught the back of her wheel right at the bike finish.
We headed into T2 together and then off on the run together. I pressed the first mile knowing that running is her weak point. Impressively enough she did not drop as much as I thought she would have at the turn around. I pushed the last gears I had and turned for home. I was just nice to have a solid race and take home the gold one week after last saturdays half ironam. I just wished my friend Libby could have raced with us.

Race #4 - June 12th

2010 Run for the Pies

Because one race in a day is never enough, I opted to run the Elite Race in the Run for the Pies. I have done this double for the last 3 years and had some good results. Based on my training I figured I was in 17:50-18:00 shape, but the new talent in town was going kill me even with that time. The course had been changed to a 6 loop 800 meter run around downtown because of construction on Bay Street. Upon arrive to the race, I ask about the race director about the new course and the start. I was told the race started at the corner of Bay and Pearl, so 10 minutes before the race I head to that starting location to find no one! Luckily, I jog around the course to find the starting line around another corner and get there as they are lining the women up. Upon lining up with the 20 plus other elite girls, I relieved that I am the only old school runner left. I have been running this race for over 10 years now and not one other person was around (or running) back then. I can tell you, I felt old! But it time to step up to the plate. I have always said 5k are to fast for me and I don't even settle into a pace until 3 miles, but for some reason I always find myself racing the Pies 5k. The cannon sounds and the girls race takes off 2:30 in front of the boys race. The leaders have dropped me by the first turn (god I feel old and out of shape). After the second turn, I take the tangent only to run smack into pedestrian #1 who thinks it fun to walk out on the road in the middle of a 5k. I shake it off and get back into the race. At the end of loop one I am sitting in 6th place hoping that some of the runners in group 2 will come back to me. Each loop is suppose to be 800 meters, but I finished the first loop in 2:25 in so doing the math I knew the course would be short. The guys race merged in with us on the first loop adding to the chaos. I just tried to clip each loop off and not lose ground. My garmin chirp at mile one 5:27. In my head I think I am still in the race, but mile the garmin chirps 5:19 which is when I knew something was wrong. On the 6th lap, i ran into my second pedestrian of the night when she stops on the course right in front of me. I finish the last loop not losing an ground to 7th place, but not gaining on 5th place. I cross the line and my watch says 3.08 in 17:12! I know that my effort was by no means a 17:12 effort but it was cool to see it none-the-less. I figured my effort was around 18:00 but I will never know.

Later in the results, I was credit with running 18:28. while the girl who originally finished 15 seconds behind me was now only 5 seconds. Not sure how they came up with that time, but very disappointed with how the race organizers handle the entire situation. I guess this is just a reminder of why I don't run many 5k anymore.

Race #5 - June 19th
Since the last Sprint was so much fun and I decided to hop in the Jax Tri Sprint #1. A couple of friends where doing their first tri here, so Joey wanted to watch. A bunch of other hammerheads where going to racing, so it sound like fun. The past week I had pretty much been a slacker. I hadn't ridden my bike since Sunday and the only swim I got was on Friday morning. I wasn't sure how I was going to roll, but that the fun of a local sprint. The water doesn't get much flatter than it was Saturday. When the gun went off, I found myself with open water chasing only 2 girls in front of me. I never lead a swim, so inside I was loving it. I ran out of the water and Joey told me I was :45 second back. I went to put my bike shoes on and found my missing sock from last Sunday rides (I guess that why it beneficial to ride between races). Once I removed the sock and got myself situated I ran out of T1 with my bike into the lead. The bike course here was a little more dangerous than I would have liked. The road was open to traffic, so not only did I have to move around the men who started in front of me, I had to plan it around cars on the road. To top that, I went to take a drink out of my aero bottle to find one week old carbo pro left in it. I almost threw up right there. Next time I need to remember to wash my aero bottle after long rides. At the turn around I saw that I had company, on my back wheel was a girl geared out with a disc wheel and aero-helment. I pressed the bike as much as I could, because I knew there was a triathlete from Tallahassee who had run for FSU. But my 404 wheels, dehydrated legs where no match for the disc and aero-helment. When she finally moved around me I just tried to minimize the damage and hang off her back till we got to the run. She only ended up putting 20 second on me in the run, but I figured I was running for 2nd place.
I took off on the run in my normal fashion and tried to stay positive. You never know what can happen or how hard she pushed the bike/affecting her run. Before I knew what what going on had closed the gap. I was only 10 seconds back, then 5, then right behind her. Finally at the turn around I caught her. Normally when you catch someone on the run, you move right by them, but not her. She matched me stride for stride, surge for surge. This girl had heart and the winner of this sprint was going to have to earn it. At mile 2 she put a gap on me again, but after a sip of water and some yelling at myself in my head I was back in the game. Once again the battle continued stride for stride, neither one of us backing down but both us praying the other does. Then it finally happened, she cracked (for once my experience and persistence payed off). With less then a half mile to go I put in one more surge she could not match. I held on for dear life until I cross that finish. I will say was the hardest win in a sprint I have ever earned, so much for it being a relaxing race. I was great to be back in the game, to be able and willing to fight for each inch. This was something I felt I had lost last year so I am happy to be out there fighting for each gain that god grants me with!

Hammerhead in full force!

Race Report

Some days it is all you do to make it to the finish line. You prepare as much as your enviroment will allow, but in Kona that is never enough.

Pre-Race

Joey and I met Shawn in the lobby at 5:15 a.m. Hoping I had everything, we start the mile walk to transition. Halfway there, I realized I had forgotten my front water bottle straw and sent Joey back to the hotel room to secure it. (poor guy had to run to the hotel then try to find me in the crowd - all for a straw). But he got it done!

We walked into the body marking area, with zillons of volunteers. You have to find your number's area, so they can mark you and check you off a list. From there you get to go to your bike. They have volunteers with pumps, but you have to figure out how to hold your bike and pump your tires (as they only offer you the pump). Once the bike was set up with my water bottles and air in tires (I almost forgot to put my bike computer on - my brain was just not working well and the race had not even started). As I approached the swim check in, I see everyone applying sun block. The race guide said NO SUNBLOCK until after the swim, so I had packed my sunblock in my bike bag (never a good move). The cool note of the morning, as I check in my pre-swim bag I looked at the girl in front of me and it was Chrissy Wellington (the winner of the last two years and later course record setter this years).

One last kiss from Joey and I was off to the water. I got in just before the pro's took off! 150 of the world's best triathletes where there to duke it out. It was pretty cool to see them all day long during the race course. 15 minutes later, it was the age groupers turn. Treading water for 15 minutes, was crazy. Before the race has even began I was being swam over and kicked. What I later learned, would only a precurser to the day.

The Swim

One of the hardest and scariest things I have ever done. As soon as the cannon fires, 1600 swimmers go vertical. I am expecting to get swam over and kick right away, but the start was not bad. As soon as we got outside the cove, the story changes. Every guy decided that I looked like a good punching bag. I was dunked, kicked, slapped, and just plain run over more times then I could have ever imagined. It was the first time in my life I can remember crying in a swim. Halfway to the turn around bouys, I see the hotel off on the shoreline. I had to fight every urge not to steer myself out of the dangrous swim and head back to the hotel. Everytime I wanted to quit, I thought of you guys back home and I kept moving forward. At one point, a surfer/life guard was following me as I am pretty sure he saw how much I was getting beat up. A lot of prayers later, I reached the turn around point and atleast it seemed doable to make it back in. At the turn around my swim angel appeared. A girl who was swimming the same speed as me came by and for some reason I decided to jump on her feet. She lead me out of the chaos into safe waters and we stayed there until we made it back to the cove area. I am pretty sure she was God's answers to my prayers. Back in the cove I lost her feet but the swim finish line was now in sight. I had a straight line to the finish line with open water in front of me, but for some reason some girl thought I had not been a abused enough. 200 meters from the finish she decide she needed to swim on top of me, dunk me one last time. Then for good measure breaststroke kicked me square in the chest (my stomach is still sore from her the next morning). After some choice words I continued on my way to the swim exit. I had survived the scarest swim of my life.

Off to the bike

A quick run into Transition where the ladies help me get my gear on, but no one wanted to help me put sun block on. I threw on the sun block as best I could and was off running to grab my bike. The hope was for a sub 6 hour bike session, but I had never ridden in Kona before and had no idea what was in store for me. The bike route took off heading south for 4 miles, then a quick u-turn back you settle on to the Queen K (Hwy 19) for the next 40 miles. With a slight tailwind and lots of rolling hills I settled into the long ride. I made sure to conserve energy as I know the return trip is suppose to be tough (I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS IN STORE FOR). The ride out was pretty uneventful. I was suprised at how many pelatons of age group men went by me (for all you non-triathletes this is very illegal). The officials where doing their best to keep the race fair, but they could not see everyone at all time. Queen K runs along the coast line and the views are amazing! In the race itself, it seemed for every girl I passed on a bike 2 more passed me. These girls where tough cyclist, like nothing I had seen. 41 miles into the bike ride, Queen K ends and we turn towards the city Hawi (pronouced Hi-V). No one told me about these huge rollers and to top it off we now had to peddle into a headwind. The ride got pretty hot at this point. The pro's should be heading back to us at this point, so I kept pushing with excitement to see who will come back at us first. Then it happens, the guys on TREK bikes come screaming pass us. There where no other cyclist in veiw. Chris Leito was just flying, and flying solo. A mile later, the 2nd and 3rd riders passed. Then behind them a pack of men all legally pacing went by. It was awesome to see these guys in action and try to figure out who was who. Next was Chrissy in full ZOOM mode. At mile 70 on the bike she had a lead of over 3 miles on the next girl. She is just amazing! After Chrissy passed it was time to concentrate on my own ride, as I was approaching the 5 mile climb to Hawi. Up the hill I was rolling 10-13 mph and passing people. The wind was stronger than ever but you just had to put your head down and grind it out. The top of the hill meant the turn around and the return to Kona. After working as hard as I could up the climb for well over 25 minutes we reached the top and the decent was well worth it. Screaming down the hill at over 31 mph not peddling was so much fun. But this is where I made my second rookie mistake of the day (remember the first was trying to apply sunblock by myself) and secondly I had ran out of water. Up to this point it had seemed that there was an aid station every 5 miles, but the point I run out of water, I did not find another station for well over 30 minutes. The sun had started to bake us, with no relief in sight. Trying to minmize the damage, I sipped on my carbo hydrate drink as much as possible. Then the aid station arrived. I grabbed 3 water bottles (one for my front bottle, one spare, and one for my head). I began dumping water on my head at every aid station since mile 15. Finally, it was time to turn back on the Queen K and head back to Kona. I looked at my computer and it read 4:00 and 35 miles to go. Doing some quick math in my head, I thought I had a 5:30 bike split in the bag. But I was wrong! When I made the turn, the wind iwas howling! A straight head/cross wind. The only thing to do was to put your head down and grind it out. I was averaging speeds anywhere from 10 - 15 mph at this point and it was all I could do to move forward. About mile 85, I saw a man stranded on the side of the road attempting to walk his bike down the road. I watched as rider after rider just rolled passed him. I rolled up on him and ask "What do you need?" I thought he said tire, so I pulled over next to him and cut off my spare tire from the undercare to hand to him. Upon handing it to him, he says "CO2". He just needed the CO2 so I twist my CO2 off and my adapter and hand them over to him. Then I am back on my bike with my Chrissy moment (she flatted last year in the race and had to wait on someone to help her). 15 minutes down the road I heard someone yell out "Hero" (the flat tire guys yelled out) as he goes flying by. I was never so happy to help someone. Now back on the bike to fight out the last 25 miles.

We finally get in town, and my bike split is so slow that the lead men are heading into the natural engergy lab. I get another chance at fame as I almost took Faris Ali-Salton (he won the race before and holds the fastest bike split here ever) as he crossed the street in the energy lab and I am riding passed it. Whoops! The last couple miles of the ride I got to watch most of the lead men run past (Macca, Stadler, and more), but the best part was seeing Chrissy all by herself, again. I yelled "Chrissy, you rock" and she smiled. After that I finally made it to the bike finish line. It took well over 2 hours to make that last 35 mile stretch into the wind, but now it is time to run.

The run (or walk)

Off the bike I run into transition where the ladies help me. The first thing I yell for is sun block. I can feel my shoulder melting as I did not do a great job of applying sun block there by myself. From there they open my bag and ask me what I need. My brain is not working and I have no idea what I need. I grab my running shoes and visor and get ready to run off, then they ask me if I need my nutrition (whoops, that would make for a long run). I grab everything and run out the door, only to forget to empty my pockets from the bike. Crap! I got my bike tire flat fix gear and 6 empty gu packs. I throw the trash away, but can't find the ladies to give my flat gear too (so I had to throw it to Joey - in my mind the $5 I had in there was not worth losing).

The run begins and all I can think is put one leg in front of the next. Just keep pushing for as long as you can. In the beginning I am cruising 7:40's comfortably, catching girls left and right. I am doing all I can to stay positive. In my head if I can make it to mile 13 everything will be ok. But at mile 13.5 the inevitable happened, my body just wouldn't go! Ironman Louisville had finally caught up with me and 6 weeks proved not to be enough time to recover. There was nothing else I could do but walk. I had seen enough Ironman video's to know there is no shame in walking (only not finishing). So walk I did. I had hoped that a one mile walk would be enough for my legs back to start running again, but that did not happen. I walked to mile 14, then mile 15, then 16, turning into the engery lab I had hoped I could get the body moving again but it wouldn't work. So I walked mile 17. Just before 18 we hit the turn around to head home, I tried jogging but there was still nothing there. Finally at 18.5 I took some prezels from the aid station and got my legs to shuffle, then before I knew it I was running again. From here, I just focused on counting the miles down and making it to the finish. It took everything I had but I was going finish this race running. I kept reminding myself of how cool running down Ali'i drive was suppose to be, and before I knew it I was there. A quick shout to Joey and I was on the finishing stretch, FINALLY! Mike Ryan, yells "Jennifer you are an IRONMAN!" That had been what I wanted to hear all day. Tears swelling up in my eyes Susan Wallace, who was volunteering, caught me and walked me over to Joey.

Thanks to all who supported and followed me throughout the day. You guys are the only reason I finished Kona! Your vibes and hopes carried me through this very long and tough day!

Friday is rest day

Today is suppose to be a rest day. Once again still not adjusted to Hawaii time, we both woke up at 5 am without an alarm. We opted to head out for an early morning run. It was awesome to watch the sun rise while cruising the town. We did the "Hi" test (saying hello or good morning to fellow runners and see who responds) and found triathletes to be really unfriendly while the locals usually said "hello" back.

After the run and some strides (boy, triathletes look at you funny when you do strides. I guess they are not use to seeing people run fast) we stretched by the waterside. The sun was still just getting up so it was so pretty to watch.

Next, we where off to the swim start to do one more practice swim. I wanted to see how the current felt when I wasn't holding anyone's feet and to see how hard sighting was (looking for bouys). The goal was to swim to the coffee boat and back. The problem was, it was to early and the coffee boat was just heading out as I was coming back in. The current pushes you towards the peir, I learned today.

From the swim, breakfast at Lava Java again. I had the Non Fat Matt (oatmeal, egg whites, and friut) and Joey opted for a HUGE muffin and an egg sandwich. During breakfast, Desiree Ficker joined the table next to us for breakfast. Yes, Dan hate's me right now.

After some food, I was ready to tackle setting up my bike. I got a spare rigged on, three water bottles, and the last fix a flat in town attached. Race number secured to the left (copying Chrissy Wellington style) and Scott (the name of my bike) is all ready to roll. Checking in your bike at Kona is like nothing I have ever seen. They have people taking pictures of your bike as you walk up. They want to know what bike frame, what saddle you sit on, what wheels you use, even what kind of water bottles you have. I have never seen a production like this in my life.

After all that excitement it was time to put my feet up till dinner. For dinner we ate at the hotel restaurant. We had pasta and chicken as the sun set over the Pacific. I can only hope tomorrow night is just as pretty.

Alive and well in Kona!

After 3 separate flights totaling 10 hours, 29 minutes and .09 seconds of flying time (yes Joey timed every second from take off to touch down) we arrived in Kona at 5pm Hawaiian time. We are now forced to trick our bodies into believing it is 5pm and not 11pm (the beds look so comfortable). We where both doing ok until the sun went down (the sun is down at 6:30 here).
To jump start the night, we braved the crowded roads for a 4 mile run. I felt like we where flying down the road, only to learn that the miles where only 7:30's. I guess thats what happens when you fly all day and try to run at midnight(Estern Time). On the run, we checked out the pier and circled the Kona Aquatics center. The run was really pretty, but we finished the run soaked in sweat and the sun had set before we even started. For the most part, it felt like Florida in the middle of the summer.

After the run, we walked across the street from the Royal Kona to "Bongo Ben's" a restrauant owned by Ben Stein with a Latin Flavor. I had a taco salad which was ok, but Joey really enjoyed his Hawaiin chicken sandwich. This was a second dinner of the day (pizza in the Honalulu airport). Now completely tired and starting to get really crankie we both decided that 9 p.m. was a good time for bed.

Sleep came, but a 1:30 am we both woke up every 15 to 30 minutes until 5 am. (1:30 was 7am for us back home).

Thursday
At 5am, I was wide awake, so I decided to attempt to put my bike together. I got everything locked back together except the pedals (and some crossed wires) which Shawn later fixed for me.

At 6:00 a.m, the sun started come up and from our balcony we could see an entire pack of dolphins playing in the Pacific, just outside our room on the swim course. It was so cool to watch 40 plus dolphins just cruisin by. Next, it was time for my own swim. I met Shawn down in the lobby to walk down to the swim start.

After checking in our stuff with the Gatorade volunteers, we walked down the steps to the water entance. As we entered the water 2x Ironman champion Norman Stadler start his swim with us. Shawn gave me some advice about things to avoid (sea urchants for one), and Joey even decided to join us in the swim (his first swim in a year and a half, since the Mullet Man). Joey had fun chasing Nemo and other fish. I decided to latch on to Shawn's feet and hold them for as long as possible. We swam out to the halfway point to the turn around and back (2100 meters total) with a stop at the coffee bar/boat. The swim was AWESOME. You could see everything and everyone around you. Schools of fish went by, coral is everywhere and even came across a sign for coffee on the sea floor. I might actually enjoy swimming if every swim was like this.

With the swim complete, we got to stand on the sidelines and watch the underwear run shuffle pass us a couple times. Joey took a liking to the Borat and the underwear clad women on the road. Starving from the morning activites, we headed to Lava Java (the cool local triathlete hang out). The only table open was a table for 6, but Joey and I took it over anyway. I order the "BREE BRULEE" and it was sooooooooooooo yummy (oatmeal, bananas, brulee with a cup of fruit). Joey got whole wheat pancakes and eggs. After sitting for a while, a guy from Miami asked to join us. He graduated FIU a year after Joey (what a small world). We find out he is a coach but not just any coach, he is Lisbeth Kristenson's coach (a very fast Female Pro Triathlete). To top it off, she joins us for the rest of our meal.

After breakfast, it is time to check into the race and check the expo out. Race check in was every smooth and easy (I still hate that scale, it depressing to see how much you weigh after tapering for 10 days). The expo was fun, we spent way too much money but I now own a USA K-Swiss jersey, a cool visor (you can never have too many of these), and more stickers. I was disappointed in the fact that they did not have any IM jersery left or beer glasses (my two IM staples). At the Expo, I got see Scott Risby, Desiree Ficker, Tim Marr, and a few friends.

By now it was time for lunch but I still had a bike ride to start. Joey ate the Biggest pulled pork BBQ sandwich I have ever seen, while I stuck to the safe chicken sandwich (though what I really wanted was his BBQ sandwich). From here, we packed the bike up and drove out to the Natural Energy Lab. The down town scene in Kona seemed too crazy to attempt a bike ride. Here comes the final test to see if I am truely ready for this bike course. There are lots of rolling hills that no one ever tell's you about. Nothing as crazy as Louisville, but still gentle rollers. The wind was in my face on the way out. The highlight of the ride was a sign "DONKEY CROSSING"! I told Joey we are driving out there later for a photo of this sign. The wind on the way back gave me a nice push home. I hope it does this on race day (I am dreaming, I know).

Lastly, the Ahtlete Dinner came and went. The Hawain dancers where amazing, the food was typical IM food, and the directions took forever. The best part of the night was the fire dance, and this 21 year old kid, Rudy, who will be the first above the knee double amputee to do/finish an Ironman! The kid has no quads or hamstrings and has to bike and run completely by using his Glutes to power his two prostetic legs. Amazing! He was once clocked running a sub 6 minute mile. How many of us can do this with our legs?

By 9 pm, we where ready for bed again. Time for some rest before Fridays race preparations starts!

Until then ALOHA!
JC

6 days and counting

Welcome to my Ironman World Championships adventure. Tonight started off with a send off party from all my great friends. Thanks to everyone who made it and all the well wishes.

Tomorrow is my last real day of reality (swim, work, then we start packing). I am excited to get organized for the trip on Tuesday.

My hope is keep this updated everyday through the IRONMAN so you call all travel along in the adventure. Thanks for following!