Category Archives: Hawaii Stories

The Last Ironman

Posted on October 15, 2022 by Al

Ten o’clock now, and a waxing gibbous moon faintly illuminates the Queen Ka’ahumanu highway 6 miles from the pier in downtown Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I left the relative bustle of the Energy Lab flats behind a hour ago, and the yellow … Continue reading →

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Xterra World Championship, 2004

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Al

An orphaned post, from 2004, in which I reach my highest world championship finish ever, matched again in 2019… Xterra World Championship Race 2004 In previous years, I have stayed at the host resort, the Outrigger (now a Marriott). The … Continue reading →

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Kona 2019 “Race” Plan

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Al

Race in quotes because I’m doing this as an “event”, not a race. It’s my seventh time doing this, and only once was I satisfied with the outcome – the first time, in 2006, when I beat my qualifying time … Continue reading →

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Kona Pilgrimmage: The Finish Line

Posted on October 14, 2015 by Al

“Coming down Ali’i Drive to the finish line at Kona” – is there a more iconic image in all of triathlon? I’ve had the privilege to be there seven times. Each one remains memorable and unique for me. 2004. I … Continue reading →

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Kona Pilgrimmage 8: The Underpants Run

Posted on October 7, 2015 by 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 →

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Kona Pilgrimmage: The Tribe Vibe

Posted on October 6, 2015 by Al

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 →

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Kona Pilgrimmage: Station 6, The Queen K

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Al

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 →

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Kona Pilgrimmage: Station 5, The Energy Lab

Posted on October 4, 2015 by Al

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 →

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Kona Pilgrimmage: Station 4, the Road to Hawi

Posted on October 3, 2015 by Al

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 →

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Kona Stations: The Little Blue Church

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Al

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 →

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