Author Archives: Al

Fashions ebb and flow among the triathlete tribe. With a world-wide membership, there are always new perspectives and opportunities for cross-fertilization. In the ’80s, the dominant Americans favored bright neon outfits and oversized, wrap-around sunglasses. In the ’90s, Europeans brought … Continue reading →

A key attraction for the true Kona Pilgrim is the opportunity to see and be a part of the evolving legend of triathlon. Our sport is young enough that the founders, early adherents, and initial superstars are still with us, … Continue reading →

Tonight at the IronGents and ladies dinner, an annual affair for Kona competitors 60 and over, Mike Reilly allowed as how “Kona is my favorite race, because after all it is the Mecca of our sport.” Many people come from … Continue reading →

Just about 42 years ago (October 6, 1973), Syria and Egypt launched a surprise attack on Israel, beginning what became known, variously, as the Yom Kippur, Ramadan, or Arab-Israeli War of 1973. Although it took a bit longer than the … Continue reading →

The Big Island of Hawaii provides a twist on the old saw heard around the Midwest: “Don’t like the weather? Wait a minute, it’ll change.” Here, it’s “Don’t like the weather? Drive a few miles.” Or in our case, bike … Continue reading →

The Hawaii Ironman run starts at the pier, @ mile 0 of Ali’i Drive, just past the corner with Palani. Since the finish comes down Ali’i to same spot, the run rises up Palani one block, turning right onto Kuikini … Continue reading →

Kamehameha I, the king who unified the Hawaiian Islands, could have put his vacation cottage anywhere – he was King, after all. He chose Kailua Bay, as the most pleasant place in the entire volcanic chain. The west side of … Continue reading →

I first came to Kona during race week in 2004, five years into my triathlon career. By that time, I had absorbed a lot of the Big Island lore, the history of the race, the iconic landmarks, the rumors about … Continue reading →