Category Archives: Triathlon Central

Kona 2015 Race Report

Posted on October 11, 2015 by Al

Brief race report as explanation (NOT excuses) for my race: Swim: 1:41. I just kept moving my arms, but they don’t seem to have the oomph they used to, at least in a rough water non-wet suit swim. Explanation: bike … Continue reading →

Posted in Races, Triathlon Central | 1 Comment

Kona 2015 Race Plan

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Al

This is not so much a traditional “plan”, but list of attitudes and mental states I intend to carry into the race. If you notice my sig line below, my goal for the year has been “Crack the Kona code” … 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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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 →

Posted in Hawaii Stories, Training Diary, Travelogues, Triathlon Central | 5 Comments