Getting Started

Wednesday Morning started with some fresh Kona Coffee and Hawaiian Sweet Bread! The whole crew slowly woke up and we all gathered on the lanai to enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian morning. We have a beautiful view of the ocean from one side and an equally stunning view of Mauna Loa on the other. After taking a few photos and cleaning up, we drove about 6 miles on the infamous Alii Drive towards Kailua-Kona. I was hoping to swim in the ocean on the swim course and also check-in for the race. Alii Drive was full of super fit cyclists and runners. All the major sponosor like Zoot, GU, and others have houses along the course. While most of the athletes are in a Zen-like state preparing for the race, most of the volunteers and support crew are here to help, work and have a GREAT time (aka PARTY). Let me tell you, the setting is magical. It is very special.

My father-in-law Michael and I went to the King Kamehaheha Hotel to check-in for the race. It was very organized, professional and smoothly operated. Two spots in line behind me, was last year's champion Norman Stadler. He too, had to show his ID and pay his $9 fee for a one-day USAT pass. I said hello and wished him a good race. He was whisked in quickly and attended to right away. Pretty cool. For the record, he weighed about 180 lbs. I was 160. I am sure the extra 20 lbs are on his quads. He is an incredible cyclist!

My father-in-law took turns carying the baby and actually ran into Sister Madonna, the infamous Ironman Nun! She took a peak at little Dan and said (Andrea) is a very good mother!

We had a great lunch across the street from the swim start and followed it up with some Shaved Ice!

Its been real neat seeing all the great pros out and about getting ready for the big day. For me, I am feeling rested, and will just try to do the minimum until Saturday. The weather is strange. Its warm and humid, but the sun is absolutely intense. I am very concerned with racing smart and conservative. The conditions here will not forgive early overexertion. Tonight, I will pick up my brother Matt, and tomorrow I hope to drive the bike course up to the infamous climb to Hawi!!!

We have taken some photos, but are not equipped enough to post the photos right now.

Sorry, this is a bit out of order, but after picking up my packet, I hopped in the water for a swim along the course. The water was perfect, and pretty calm. I don't have much experience training in the ocean, but I think it will go alright. The water is very salty and there were plenty of swimmers so I wasn't too concerned about being out there "alone". After going about 10 minutes, I met up with another athelete, Rich. He actually won a lottery spot and has completed five Ironmans! After chatting for a bit, we swam back to shore as a team and chatted some more.

That is it for now!