Hawaii Catch-Up

(Photos:)

Windy Waikaloa ~25 Miles before the

bike turn-around at Hawi. (Above) Wicked Intimidating, huh?(Top) Welcome Dinner and the Lonely Road to Hawi.

Thursday, We took a little break from the Ironman scene. But first, Matt and I started the day driving the car along the bike course. The road conditions are excellent, but it's a long ride. I think the mental challenge results from seeing the contour of the island and knowing where you have to go and actually seeing it; the problem is it takes time to reel in the destination!!

As advertised in the playbook, it is pretty windy along the bike course. There are a fair amount of rolling hills allowing for recovery, a couple respectably short and steep climbs, but quite a few long steady "false flat" type climbs which I am sure are challenging in the wind.

We stopped along the way a few times to stand in the wind and "feel it". It feels like wind! The course is beautiful and very special since I used to fly between the north shore of Maui and Upolo Point while living on Oahu years ago. I remember crossing the channel in a little plane looking down at the white caps!!! It is windy there!

I was also reminded 112 Miles is a looooong way!!

Once we arrived back at the condo, the rest of the crew loaded up the MINIVAN and we drove about 90 miles to the Volcano Winery. I was the designated driver and didn't partake in any of the wine tasting. After spending a little time there, we stopped in at the Volcano National Park and did the 50 MPH "Forced Family Fun" tour of the Park. It is spectacular. A must see if you are on the Big Island; start early so you are not rushed.

After another 90+ miles back to the Condo, we all changed and went to the Ironman welcome dinner. While checking in, I did a short video clip for Ironmanlive. "Hi, I am Dan Seluk and I don't have any idea what to say now that this camera is pointed at me . . . . . " You'll see it on Ironmanlive.com when you do the live raceday tracking.

The dinner was very well run and is another great part of the "Kona experience." I was pleased to find out there is a former Tour de France cyclist in the race. He has won four stages, worn the yellow (leaders) jersey and generally validates the type of athletes that participate here. Lots of very, very, very strong fit people here. I think I am the only one who hasn't shaved my legs (yet).

Thursday was a training rest day.

Wednesday evening after I posted, I had the pleasure of talking to my friend Debbie who has competed here as a pro 5 times during the mid-nineties. Her advise and insight were invaluable. Thanks Debbie. The bottom line is, its Kona, take it in, and enjoy the day. Of course, she wants to hear about the suffering, the heat and the wind too. I am looking forward sharing the details.

That is it for now. Matt and I are going to go swim and I will test ride the bike and maybe jog real quick too.

More later today after the adventures unfold. Thank you for all the e-mail's and calls!