Category Archives: Hawaii Stories

Kona Pilgrimmage: Station 2, The Pier

Posted on October 1, 2015 by Al

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 →

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Kona Pilgrimmage: Station 1, Running on Ali’i

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Al

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 →

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IM Hawaii Build: Lessons from the Last War

Posted on August 4, 2015 by Al

Looking ahead to my next race, IM Hawaii, I would very much like to hit the same time I had in Lake Placid. Since it’s a non-wetsuit swim, that means anything I lose in the swim I’d need to make … Continue reading →

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EN Athlete To Attempt Kona on a Unicycle

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Al

I’ve been doing triathlons since the end of the last millennium, and this year will see my thirtieth attempt at the Ironman distance, including my sixth go-round in Hawaii. Things are getting a little stale, so I’m going to try … Continue reading →

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Ironman World Championships (aka Kona) # 5

Posted on October 14, 2014 by Al

If you’re expecting one my my typical race reports, sorry, this really is a Race Rehearsal, and only #1 @ that. Saturday was race rehearsal #1 for this year’s A +++ race, my fifth IM Arizona. It happened to be … Continue reading →

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Inroman Hawaii 2014 Race Plan

Posted on September 29, 2014 by Al

INTRODUCTION   This is IM # 27, of which 3 were DNS, and 3 were DNFs (one each in Kona, unfortunately). The DNFs are all instructive in terms of helping me learn about race execution. I have another IM this … Continue reading →

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The Double

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Al

There’s a lot I’d like to cover in a proper race report, and maybe I will some day soon in an epilogue. But for now, I really, REALLY need some serious recovery time. All things considered, I’d rather be skiing. Continue reading →

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Ready for Xterra

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Al

I did this pilgrimage to Kona and Maui two years ago, watching the Ironman and finishing second at Xterra. Now I’m back doing both the races, a dream I’ve had for seven years. I’m been trying just to enjoy it, take it all as a gift, and leave any expectations at the door. Continue reading →

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On To Maui

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Al

But Wait! There’s More! In 2006, I did the “Hawaii Double”, meaning the Ironman and Xterra World Championships. That journey begins here: Continue reading →

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The Day(s) After

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Al

Wednesday, October 25, 2006 SUNDAY TDA. The day after. Surprisingly, I felt rather spry all day. Not enough inflammation in my legs to get them really sore yet I suppose. My only injuries were on my feet: another black toenail … Continue reading →

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