Thanks to all those that have read this blog, posted comments, sent me e-mails, and generally offered encouragement along the way.
It was a great experience, one that I learned a lot about myself, and how lucky I am to have such great family and friends around me.
This is the conclusion of the story - thanks for reading!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Things to do better next time... Things I did well...
Areas to improve...
(notes so I don't forget - may help you in your next race too!)
- Don't try too hard or overthink things on race day - enjoy the race, trust my training, nutrition and hydration plan - NOTHING new for the race
- Train in conditions that simulate the race, then race the same as I train - don't over compensate for conditions
- Monitor fluid intake better - too much fluid dilutes nutrition and makes me weak
- Keep it simple - stop over-thinking things, simply visualize the race from start to finish keeping it as simple as possible
- Get better at open water swimming
- Fix the swim goggle issue
- Get in the water much earlier - don't wait until 5 minutes before race starts to get in the water (10 minutes at least)
- Stay focused in transitions, dump the transition bag on the ground so nothing is forgotten
- Run the last 6 miles as hard as I can - don't wait until the last 3 miles
- Do some practice rides on tire pressure identical to race day tire pressure
- Check spare tubes before the race
- Smooth shifting during the race, expecially at the start when things are exciting
- Stretch my back when applying sun tan lotion
- Ice in the hat and shorts work good on hot days - not required at every water station
- If I'm staying cool, no need to drink so much
- Don't be afraid to skip water stations on both bike and run
- Keep better track of electrolyte intake
- Pay attention to the morning temperatures - limit fluid intake on the bike for the first 15 minutes or so, just a few sips until sweating begins
- take 2-3 electrolytes right away on bike leg
- Remove deraileur when transporting bike
- Wrong race mottos "Drink early and often" and "Stay Cool"
- Instead of "Are you doing your best", stick with "Catch the next age grouper" - worked in Florida!
- More practice in windy conditions - head down, ass up
- Open gels and bars on the bike before the swim
- A practice swim, followed by a medium (40 mile) bike would have let me know if the salt water was going to affect my hydration
- More mid-day naps leading up to the race
Things I did well...
- Swam straight
- Started the run conservatively and built from there
- Getting off the bike was smooth
- Bike start was smooth
- Didn't loose focus even when I felt like crap
- Ran the entire marathon except when absolutely necessary - mile 5 porta john and puke stop at mile 20
- Ice in the hat and ice in the shorts was inspired - remembering a hat is a good start
- Vaseline on the feet was a great move (no blisters even though I ran most of the race with wet feet)
- Closed my eyes when my goggles leaked
- Practice swims were a smart move
-Family vacation was great
- Messages by Jan
- Stayed calm
- Finished strong
(notes so I don't forget - may help you in your next race too!)
- Don't try too hard or overthink things on race day - enjoy the race, trust my training, nutrition and hydration plan - NOTHING new for the race
- Train in conditions that simulate the race, then race the same as I train - don't over compensate for conditions
- Monitor fluid intake better - too much fluid dilutes nutrition and makes me weak
- Keep it simple - stop over-thinking things, simply visualize the race from start to finish keeping it as simple as possible
- Get better at open water swimming
- Fix the swim goggle issue
- Get in the water much earlier - don't wait until 5 minutes before race starts to get in the water (10 minutes at least)
- Stay focused in transitions, dump the transition bag on the ground so nothing is forgotten
- Run the last 6 miles as hard as I can - don't wait until the last 3 miles
- Do some practice rides on tire pressure identical to race day tire pressure
- Check spare tubes before the race
- Smooth shifting during the race, expecially at the start when things are exciting
- Stretch my back when applying sun tan lotion
- Ice in the hat and shorts work good on hot days - not required at every water station
- If I'm staying cool, no need to drink so much
- Don't be afraid to skip water stations on both bike and run
- Keep better track of electrolyte intake
- Pay attention to the morning temperatures - limit fluid intake on the bike for the first 15 minutes or so, just a few sips until sweating begins
- take 2-3 electrolytes right away on bike leg
- Remove deraileur when transporting bike
- Wrong race mottos "Drink early and often" and "Stay Cool"
- Instead of "Are you doing your best", stick with "Catch the next age grouper" - worked in Florida!
- More practice in windy conditions - head down, ass up
- Open gels and bars on the bike before the swim
- A practice swim, followed by a medium (40 mile) bike would have let me know if the salt water was going to affect my hydration
- More mid-day naps leading up to the race
Things I did well...
- Swam straight
- Started the run conservatively and built from there
- Getting off the bike was smooth
- Bike start was smooth
- Didn't loose focus even when I felt like crap
- Ran the entire marathon except when absolutely necessary - mile 5 porta john and puke stop at mile 20
- Ice in the hat and ice in the shorts was inspired - remembering a hat is a good start
- Vaseline on the feet was a great move (no blisters even though I ran most of the race with wet feet)
- Closed my eyes when my goggles leaked
- Practice swims were a smart move
-Family vacation was great
- Messages by Jan
- Stayed calm
- Finished strong
The following days
The day after Ironman, I took Sena, Rachel and Erika to the airport for a noon flight. Erika and I had some nice father/daughter time at the beach before we headed to the airport.
I spent some time with my mom and my sister Liz that afternoon, then went to the awards banquet, that evening. Met an old German dude, that turned out to have placed in his age group. The speeches from the finishers were pretty good.
On Monday I took a 40 min bike ride along the coast, packed, finished my last blog entry, drank a lot of beer and relaxed. My flight back was a red eye, leaving from Kona at 11:15pm on Monday and arriving in Philly at 7:30pm on Tuesday.
At the airport, I met a guy about my age that finished Kona in 2005, but bonked at mile 90 of the bike this year and called it quits. I felt a little guilty for complaining about my mediocre race. I also met a woman who came to see the race - she is a race official, but wasn't officiating this race, just a spectator. She helped clarify a few rules for me.
The day after I returned, I went back to work, with 3 full day workshops and some key deliverables due by end of week - whew - I'm just starting to catch my breath.
I spent some time with my mom and my sister Liz that afternoon, then went to the awards banquet, that evening. Met an old German dude, that turned out to have placed in his age group. The speeches from the finishers were pretty good.
On Monday I took a 40 min bike ride along the coast, packed, finished my last blog entry, drank a lot of beer and relaxed. My flight back was a red eye, leaving from Kona at 11:15pm on Monday and arriving in Philly at 7:30pm on Tuesday.
At the airport, I met a guy about my age that finished Kona in 2005, but bonked at mile 90 of the bike this year and called it quits. I felt a little guilty for complaining about my mediocre race. I also met a woman who came to see the race - she is a race official, but wasn't officiating this race, just a spectator. She helped clarify a few rules for me.
The day after I returned, I went back to work, with 3 full day workshops and some key deliverables due by end of week - whew - I'm just starting to catch my breath.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Kona - Race Day - Long Version
For the shorter version of this, click here
What you're about to read is the good, the bad, and the ugly. Overall, I had a great experience - I tried to share as much as I could remember - enjoy...
Getting to the Race
The alarm on my mobile wakes me at 4am - I slept pretty well considering this is race day. Not yet awake enough to be nervous. The calm waters of Kialua Bay encourage me as I sit on the lanai chugging liquid calories, eat a banana, take my electrolytes, and start hydrating.
What you're about to read is the good, the bad, and the ugly. Overall, I had a great experience - I tried to share as much as I could remember - enjoy...
Getting to the Race
The alarm on my mobile wakes me at 4am - I slept pretty well considering this is race day. Not yet awake enough to be nervous. The calm waters of Kialua Bay encourage me as I sit on the lanai chugging liquid calories, eat a banana, take my electrolytes, and start hydrating.
At 5:20am Sena and I begin our walk to the start - the streets are loaded with buff athletes and their families heading for their biggest race of the year, and for some, the biggest race of their life.I'm feeling a bit cold and put on an extra t-shirt over my race tank top. This also helps alleviate the ropes from my water filled pack digging into my skin.
The Transition Circus
The transition area is ordered chaos. The energy level is high and tense - I try to smile and stay relaxed and focused. Race volunteers are herding nervous racers to the entry point of the transition area. Sena and I get separated and I take my cell phone so I can find her later to give her my bike pump, sandals, glasses, etc.
In the transition area, I load up my bento box, fill my water and fuel supplies, and pump my tires. A race volunteer holds my bike while I pump - I fill the rear to 130psi, then add one more pump 'for good measure' I say to the race volunteer. The rear tire is rated at 145psi, and they say the heat from the morning sun has a tendency to blow your tires if over inflated. My earlier training ride was at 130psi. My front tire is rated at 165, and I fill it to 135 because it is difficult to pump much higher and this makes me nervous.
Several people borrow my bike pump and extra water as I get my bike ready - people seem to be very nervous-friendly - looking for someone to talk to in order to avoid thinking too much about the race.
It takes some time to find Sena, and I'm glad I brought my cell phone which simplifies the task. We find a quiet spot near one of the top women athletes to just relax and enjoy the moment. Sena wishes me the best and I head back into the transition area to wait for the start.
At 6:40, the US Coast Guard kicks off the event by sky diving into the race start. In a short while, the pros start, but I don't have a very good vantage point. A race volunteer directs a group of us to a fairly desirable starting point, where I have one more opportunity to pee before the race begins. I wait until 6:55 to get into the water and then make my way to the start.
I go Swimmin'
The cannon booms at 7:00 sharp and we're off. The next 80 minutes are surreal. My plan was to swim to the left and avoid the
masses, but somehow I ended up going straight at each buoy - I think I was corralled like a school of fish all going in the same direction, never really getting a choice, just trying not to get bumped and jostled too much. My goggles won't stay sealed (again!) and I just try to swim straight with my eyes closed as much as possible, only stopping to clear my goggles about a dozen times. Swimming with my eyes closed is actually more relaxing than seeing all of the body parts floundering around you, but occasionally leads to a kick to the head.At some point I look up and see the turn around boat and think that this isn't too bad, but then it seems to take forever to actually get to the boat. At the boat, we swim west for 100meters, then head back to shore. Things seem to get a bit less congested when I realize that I am actually swimming slightly inside the buoys. Except for salt water burning the crap out of my eyes and my arms starting to feel like lead, the rest of the swim was ok. It was great to see the 50 foot blow up Gatorade bottles on the shore, but again it seemed to take forever to finally reach the sandy bottom. (did I mention that I suck at swimming)
Sunscreen anyone?
I run through the transition area noting that I finished in under 1:20, which is good because my expectation was between 1:15 and 1:30. In the changing tent I trade my swim cap, goggles and
skin suit for a heart rate chest strap and race number. I then start looking for the volunteers that are supposed to be spraying suntan lotion on us. Keep in mind that I left my eye glasses with Sena almost 2 hours ago, so my near sighted vision, the burning salt water, and the glare from the morning sun are all conspiring to make me a stumbling blind man running through transition yelling 'sun screen - who has sun screen'. Unfortunately several volunteers point me in a direction the eventually leads to my bike without ever finding a sunscreen volunteer. Fortunately I have my own sunscreen in my bento box, that I get a non-designated sunscreen volunteer to spray on me. While I'm putting on my helmet and prescription sunglasses, the volunteer decides to spray himself with my sunscreen instead of doing a really good job on me - missing the inside of my shoulder blades, which I should have remembered from previous races.Lost Chain and Flat Tire in the first 12 miles
After running through the transition area with my bike, then mounting my bike, I am finally doing something I am good at. There is only about 50 yards before you have to climb a hill, so it is important to get some speed, get your feet in the shoes and be ready to go before you start to climb (my family saw one crash and many near misses at this point in the course because people were having trouble clipping in quickly).
There are a lot of short climbs and turns in the first 11 miles of the bike course... Up Palani (~100 steep meters), left on Kuakini (~3/4 mile), right (up) Malaki (~1/4 steep mile), right on Queen K (~1 mile), right (down) on Palini (~200 steep meters - no passing zone), left on Kuakini (~3.5miles rolling, ending with a steep uphill), then turn around to Queen K the same way you came.
I started passing people right away and, as I expected in this field, I also get passed occasionally too. My cadence sensor got bumped in the transition rack, so I have no idea what my cadence is - oh well, I'll live. I lose my chain going up Kuakini about 5 miles in, and am frustrated that I have to get off to fix it instead of just getting it back on by shifting down and pedaling.
Once I get on the Queen K, I start feeling good, thinking "I'm freaking doing the Kona Ironman"... and then boom, my rear tire blows - flat in an instant. Fortunately I didn't crash. It takes me a minute to realize what is going on, then I get busy changing the tire. My first tube has a hole in it - crap! People are flying by on their bikes. Something is going on about 15 meters from me, but I'm trying to stay on task. Ok, this tube is working out. I over hear someone saying Natasha is out of the race, doesn't look good... I look over and see a guy across the road on his cell phone looking at the group of people huddled 15 meters from me. I see a woman sitting on the ground - it's Natasha Badman. No time for autographs, I've got to get my tire fixed.
After changing the tire, I ride slowly by Natasha and wish her well, encouraging her to rejoin the race if she feels up to it. She smiles and tells me to have a good race too - very cool lady.
Trying to Find some Rhythm
Riding down the Queen K, it takes a while for my legs to start to warm up again. I start passing loads of people and try to put my 10 minute delay into perspective - it's a long day out here - 10 minutes doesn't mean much - just do your best on the day. I worry about another flat, because I don't have a spare tube. Fortunately I don't get another flat the rest of the day.
The winds are fairly light for the next 30 miles along the Queen K, but I just don't feel good. I'm drinking plenty of water, and taking electrolytes and fuel - just like training, but more water than usual - hard to say how much I am actually drinking - there are so many water stops and I just keep filling the tank. For some reason body just isn't absorbing the water, making it hard for the nutrients to get into my system. I had the same problem at the NY Marathon a few years back.
Normally I get into a great rhythm about 25 miles in, but here I am over 40 miles into the ride and things are going south. The winds start picking up at the turn toward Havi and I start to get nauseous and a headache. I see a sign 18 miles to Havi - not so bad, then I start to see the pros - ok, I'm only an hour behind, I lie to myself. The next 18 miles are tough - mostly up hill and windy - I pass fewer people. A Spaniard age grouper and I trade places for the next 30 miles - he doesn't appear to speak English and he is in no mood for joking - eventually he falls back. I skip my special needs bag since it only contains extra protein drink that I'll only need if I go over 6 hours... hmm.
A Blustery Downhill
The ride down from Havi is hairy. Intense side winds, but lots of downhill, so you're going fast. Some riders just take it easy going down, but I keep pedalling and bracing myself against the winds. Riders are literally leaning into the wind, but then the wind stops, or a car passes and you have to adjust. The balance of cyclist is really an amazing thing.
At the bottom of the hill, my bike computer tells me 'memory full' - damn, I knew I was forgetting something. Oh well, I decide not to bother with it on the run.
The Blast Furnace
The ride back is rough, and I keep asking myself - 'are you doing your best'. It's a simple mantra - everybody needs one on a long course. I think about the pre-race meeting and how they said to try to enjoy the day because it goes by too fast, but my head is splitting and I want to puke. The wind has picked up throughout the day and the sun is beating down - it's a blast furnace. This is my low point for the day, and I look out across the Pacific and think about my brother-in-law Jim Walker who died earlier this year - I have dedicated this race to Jim and I will get through this... I push myself those last 30 miles, each one seems to take longer than the last.
Bike to Run Transition - a muddled mess
I stumble through the bike-to-run transition. The volunteer in the changing tent was the least helpful volunteer I've had in all of my Ironman races. When other volunteers come to over to help me he shoo's them away because he was there if I needed him. One thing that surprised me was when I went to put vaseline on my feet, the tube was so warm that it just came squirting out all over. After leaving the tent twice and returning because I think I forgot something, I finally get it together, still forgetting my water bottle (as it turns out, that was probably a good thing), and forgetting my gel packs, which isn't such a good thing.
Running in the Ironman - cooler than I thought it could be
On the run course I start feeling better. I fill my hat and shorts with ice every chance I get.
Ice in the shorts might sound... uncomfortable, but it all just goes to the elastic band on the legs and keeps the hamstrings and quads cool, while dripping cool water down your legs. I also put sponges in my shirt. Fortunately, I don't get blisters on my feet very easily (especially with vaseline on my feet), so I run the whole marathon with wet feet. I am really comfortable for the first 12 miles or so, but by overcompensating on staying cool and hydrating a lot, I probably am not sweating enough, so I start to get that bloated and pukey feeling again. I keep a steady pace for the next 4 miles, but then start struggling big time, but won't let myself walk - 'are you doing your best'.Will you be able to walk down the Aisle?
During the first 15 miles I kept trading places with a super studette 23 year-old. She seems to have quite the following along the entire course. We start talking in those bleak volcanic fields and she tells me that she was going to be married in 3 days! I ask her if she will be able to walk down the aisle at her wedding after this race, as I pass her for what turns out to be the last time.
What is the Energy lab anyway?
Going down into the Energy lab is like going to hell - you go down, it gets hotter and doesn't seem to end. It took me a while to figure out what the Energy lab is. Turns out, it has nothing to do with the race giving you an energy boost - it's a government research facility that turns changes in water temperatures into electrical power - it just happens to be the last turn around point in the marathon.
A kind Gesture
Once you get out of the energy lab you're coming up on mile 20, where my body decides to give back all of that fluid I have been dumping into it all day. It takes about 5 times to clear my system. A 60 year old stud comes up behind me and pats me gently on the back and said some kind words - that really meant a lot at the time. After about a mile of recovery I started feeling good again, and at mile 23, I decide I could push the pace to the finish, and I move pretty well for those final three miles - steady, focused strong. My strongest final Ironman miles!
The Finish
The run down Allii drive is the best finish line spectacle I've ever seen - I only now wish I would have slowed down and enjoyed it more - I barely heard my family calling my name as I sprinted to the finish and didn't see them until 20 minutes later. I hear my name, I cross the finish, I pump my arms, I get my lei - what a great feeling!!!A couple of really great race volunteers walk with me to the family meeting area. I stop at a shower and rinse off, telling the race volunteers that I'll be ok. I wait in line to get my medal, and I wait, and wait, and I'm surrounded by people and I can't breath, and my legs are going weak, and I'm getting tunnel vision, and I realize I'm about to pass out. Fortunately there is a race volunteer right there to help me to a bench, where I recover for about 10 minutes.
I begin talking with an old dude from Australia that's been at this for 20 years - he is in bad shape like me. The race volunteer gets me water and my medal, and then Erika and Rachel find me, called Sena. We try to help the Australian guy find his wife, but can't figure out how to call her out-of-country number.
Salt and Family - good combo after a long race
After some pictures, we walk over to my sisters hotel a block away, where my mother and sister are waiting.
I shower and eat Tostidos (they really hit the spot), and tell them all about my day and they tell me about all of the cool things they saw all day long. What a special way to finish this race.Kona - Race Day - Short Version
There's a long version and short version to every story, so I'll start with the short version and you can go to the long version if you want the nitty gritty...
Short version:
The Kona Ironman lived up to it's reputation as being one of the most gruelling races on the planet, and it was a fantastic, satisfying experience. Throughout the day I tackled every challenge with a good result. I was constantly amazed by the caliber of athletes on the course throughout the day, and truly felt privileged to race with them.
I finished in 11:23, with a swim time that I expected (1:19), a bike time at the slow side of what I expected (over 6 hours), and a run time a bit better than expected (3:43). I felt really good in the last 3 miles of the race (so good, in fact, that I didn't slow down through the finishing chute to enjoy the moment).
Having my wife, Sena, and my daughters Erika and Rachel at the race and supporting me every step of the way leading up to the race was incredible. Having my mother and sister join me in Hawaii, and my other siblings and friends supporting me from 'the mainland' really meant a lot to me.
Short version:
The Kona Ironman lived up to it's reputation as being one of the most gruelling races on the planet, and it was a fantastic, satisfying experience. Throughout the day I tackled every challenge with a good result. I was constantly amazed by the caliber of athletes on the course throughout the day, and truly felt privileged to race with them.
I finished in 11:23, with a swim time that I expected (1:19), a bike time at the slow side of what I expected (over 6 hours), and a run time a bit better than expected (3:43). I felt really good in the last 3 miles of the race (so good, in fact, that I didn't slow down through the finishing chute to enjoy the moment).
Having my wife, Sena, and my daughters Erika and Rachel at the race and supporting me every step of the way leading up to the race was incredible. Having my mother and sister join me in Hawaii, and my other siblings and friends supporting me from 'the mainland' really meant a lot to me.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Kona Day 7
Tomorrow is the big day. Sitting here on the lanai with the waves crashing against the rocks less then 20 yards from me, I can see the second half of the swim course. They have placed the big orange buoys what looks to be 300-400 meters apart for the length of the course. It kind of freaks me out when I look at the distance from the shore.
It was another beautiful day today here in Kona - I hope the weather is the same for tomorrow, with a mid afternoon cloud cover.
Today was spent preparing my bike and race bags, and just chilling out and carbo loading.
Bike check-in was a unique experience. You get a personal guide to show you around the entire transition area and ask all the questions you want. They don't let you go back to your transition bags after you have hung them on the rack, which is different from other Ironman races I've done. Of course I didn't know that and didn't put my prescription sun glasses in my swim-to-bike transition bag. Fortunately I'll be able to leave the sunglasses with my bike tomorrow morning.
Went out to dinner with the family - I have been eating potatoes and spaghetti all day, so I just joined them and picked at their ahi tuna and french fries.
My mood keeps shifting from anxiety, to excited and race ready, to totally relaxed. Writing the blog is kind of therapeutic.
It was another beautiful day today here in Kona - I hope the weather is the same for tomorrow, with a mid afternoon cloud cover.
Today was spent preparing my bike and race bags, and just chilling out and carbo loading.
Bike check-in was a unique experience. You get a personal guide to show you around the entire transition area and ask all the questions you want. They don't let you go back to your transition bags after you have hung them on the rack, which is different from other Ironman races I've done. Of course I didn't know that and didn't put my prescription sun glasses in my swim-to-bike transition bag. Fortunately I'll be able to leave the sunglasses with my bike tomorrow morning.
Went out to dinner with the family - I have been eating potatoes and spaghetti all day, so I just joined them and picked at their ahi tuna and french fries.
My mood keeps shifting from anxiety, to excited and race ready, to totally relaxed. Writing the blog is kind of therapeutic.
Kona Day 6 - Part 2 - Banquet Dinner and Pre-race Meeting
Last night was the banquet and pre-race meeting. I met a few nice people and was into the Hawaiian spin they added to the race, but beyond that, uch of the format and content was similar to previous Ironman dinners and pre-race meetings. I did learn a couple of things about the rules that I hadn't before realized.
Once you begin to pass someone on the bike, you must complete the pass or incur a penalty. Apparently a lot of people get called for this one. I don't think I like this rule since the person you are about to pass may decide to speed up just as you begin the pass, making it very difficult to pass. Well, hopefully I don't get any penalties.
I also learned that once you tell them you want to quit the race, they mark your number down and give you a DNF - if you have a change of heart after they write your number down and you actually do finish the race, you still get a DNF - so apparently you have to be very careful what you say out there to the race officials (like this sucks, I'm never going to finish).
They did have a 'preview' of the special interest stories that I'm sure will be part of the 1 hour special they put together. A double leg amputee trying to finish; a 19 year old navy seal hopeful trying to build his resume with an Ironman; etc.
Once you begin to pass someone on the bike, you must complete the pass or incur a penalty. Apparently a lot of people get called for this one. I don't think I like this rule since the person you are about to pass may decide to speed up just as you begin the pass, making it very difficult to pass. Well, hopefully I don't get any penalties.
I also learned that once you tell them you want to quit the race, they mark your number down and give you a DNF - if you have a change of heart after they write your number down and you actually do finish the race, you still get a DNF - so apparently you have to be very careful what you say out there to the race officials (like this sucks, I'm never going to finish).
They did have a 'preview' of the special interest stories that I'm sure will be part of the 1 hour special they put together. A double leg amputee trying to finish; a 19 year old navy seal hopeful trying to build his resume with an Ironman; etc.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Follow along on race day - my number is 606
Ironman Update: Mobile Experience presented by AT&T
» Enjoy Athlete Tracking on your cell phone (SMS / Text messaging)!This free* feature is perfect for friends, families and race enthusiasts who are on the move, but would like to follow their favorite athletes' progress on the course. Enabling Athlete Tracking on your cell phone is simple - here's how it works: 1. Sign up and specify up to three athletes that you would like to track.2. During sign up, you will be able to send a test message to make sure that your phone supports this service.3. Every time your athlete crosses a timing location or there is a major race update, your phone will receive the updated splits, in real time!Sign up now* Standard text message rates may apply* Available only on US-based mobile phones.
» Go to ironman.com on your mobile phone! Brand new for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship, selected Ironman.com content will now be available on your mobile phone! Using your phone's mobile browser, head over to ironman.com and check out all the stories, interviews and excitement that is the Ford Ironman World Championship! Presented to you by the New AT&T. Your World, Delivered.
» Enjoy Athlete Tracking on your cell phone (SMS / Text messaging)!This free* feature is perfect for friends, families and race enthusiasts who are on the move, but would like to follow their favorite athletes' progress on the course. Enabling Athlete Tracking on your cell phone is simple - here's how it works: 1. Sign up and specify up to three athletes that you would like to track.2. During sign up, you will be able to send a test message to make sure that your phone supports this service.3. Every time your athlete crosses a timing location or there is a major race update, your phone will receive the updated splits, in real time!Sign up now* Standard text message rates may apply* Available only on US-based mobile phones.
» Go to ironman.com on your mobile phone! Brand new for the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship, selected Ironman.com content will now be available on your mobile phone! Using your phone's mobile browser, head over to ironman.com and check out all the stories, interviews and excitement that is the Ford Ironman World Championship! Presented to you by the New AT&T. Your World, Delivered.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Kona Day 6
This place is friggin' awesome - you can just feel the energy level at this place. Just walking down the street you bump into some of the top athletes in the sport - they have all been really cool and happy to spend a few minutes talking. You also see so many hard bodies running and biking it's like the city of the master race.
At breakfast we saw some people walking down the street in their underpants on their way to the underpants run. We got to see a bit of the run after we finished our breakfast. I would have definitely joined if I had some running shoes with me.
I got a chance to talk with Michael Lavato, one of the best US Ironman racers - really friendly guy - I hope he kicks some ass on Saturday.
Sena got her picture with Michelle Jones (last years female winner) while I was getting another ART message from Jan Wanklyn and her magic fingers. Sena said Michelle was really nice and not bothered by the picture taking at all.
We made it to the expo and bought all kinds of stuff, then we headed off to Hapuna Beach with my sister Liz, and we all met my Mom there. It was a real nice day trip. On the way home we stopped at my mother's time share - huge place on a golf course - she was so proud of it.
Banquet tonight followed by the pre-race meeting. Tomorrow, is bike check in.
Getting close...
At breakfast we saw some people walking down the street in their underpants on their way to the underpants run. We got to see a bit of the run after we finished our breakfast. I would have definitely joined if I had some running shoes with me.
I got a chance to talk with Michael Lavato, one of the best US Ironman racers - really friendly guy - I hope he kicks some ass on Saturday.
Sena got her picture with Michelle Jones (last years female winner) while I was getting another ART message from Jan Wanklyn and her magic fingers. Sena said Michelle was really nice and not bothered by the picture taking at all.
We made it to the expo and bought all kinds of stuff, then we headed off to Hapuna Beach with my sister Liz, and we all met my Mom there. It was a real nice day trip. On the way home we stopped at my mother's time share - huge place on a golf course - she was so proud of it.
Banquet tonight followed by the pre-race meeting. Tomorrow, is bike check in.
Getting close...
Kona Day 5
Did an easy swim this morning, followed by an ART (Active Release Therapy) message from Jan. She was concerned when I told her my left leg goes numb sometimes on the bike - "that's not normal" she smiled as she proceeded to put my hip flexor through the ringer.
Afterward Sena, Erika, Rachel and I took our first full family outing in a while. We drove 1.5 hours to the southern most point on the island and walked 2.5 hilly, rocky, dusty miles to a beautiful green sand beach. It really was worth the trip, but we all got a little sun burned and a tad dehydrated. I'll post some pictures later.
Had a nice dinner at 'oodles of noodles', then picked my sister up from the airport.
Time for bed now.
Afterward Sena, Erika, Rachel and I took our first full family outing in a while. We drove 1.5 hours to the southern most point on the island and walked 2.5 hilly, rocky, dusty miles to a beautiful green sand beach. It really was worth the trip, but we all got a little sun burned and a tad dehydrated. I'll post some pictures later.
Had a nice dinner at 'oodles of noodles', then picked my sister up from the airport.
Time for bed now.
Kona Day 4
I took a short swim early, focusing on open water skills (sighting for race day, drafting, etc.) and planning my race day tactics. I saw a sea turtle about ¼ mile into the swim, and stopped and followed it for a while - pretty cool.
My mom got in last night and she met us at the condo after my swim for a trip down south, to the ‘Place of Refuge’ and the ‘Painted Church’. We were also going to pick up some Coffee for Rachel’s boyfriends parents, some “Donkey Balls”, and do some more snorkeling while we were down there (fyi - Donkey Balls are chocolate covered macadamia nuts - nothing to do with the wild Donkeys crossing over Queen K highway at dusk ; ).
After our excursion down south, Sena dropped me off to pick up my registration stuff. They checked my ID about 10 times before they gave me my race number and goodie bag. The goodie bag is half the reason I do these races. The hat they give you is definitely cool memorabilia, but the bag itself was a generic Ironman bag - nothing that said Hawaii or World Championship. Not as much cool stuff as I had hoped - I just hope my registration fee gets me some cold water on the course. I guess I'll need to go shopping.
After I got back to the room, we chilled in the pool for a bit, then I took my mom to the grocery store and ran into Ken Glah and his wife Jan (also my message therapist). She told me to come and see here the next day for a pre-race tune up message.
Later we checked out the “Parade of Nations” - we had some fun with it - cheering on the well represented Swiss and the one guy from Hungary alike.
Ken Glah had his own car in the parade and had some trouble throwing lollipops to us, saying this is why he does triathlons and not baseball ; ). Paula Newby Frasier and Natasha Badmann each had their own cars at different points in the parade.
Later in the evening we picked up my eldest daughter Erika at the airport (yeah!). She was fully of energy as always and I could hardly believe she had just flown in from South Carolina.
My mom got in last night and she met us at the condo after my swim for a trip down south, to the ‘Place of Refuge’ and the ‘Painted Church’. We were also going to pick up some Coffee for Rachel’s boyfriends parents, some “Donkey Balls”, and do some more snorkeling while we were down there (fyi - Donkey Balls are chocolate covered macadamia nuts - nothing to do with the wild Donkeys crossing over Queen K highway at dusk ; ).
After our excursion down south, Sena dropped me off to pick up my registration stuff. They checked my ID about 10 times before they gave me my race number and goodie bag. The goodie bag is half the reason I do these races. The hat they give you is definitely cool memorabilia, but the bag itself was a generic Ironman bag - nothing that said Hawaii or World Championship. Not as much cool stuff as I had hoped - I just hope my registration fee gets me some cold water on the course. I guess I'll need to go shopping.
After I got back to the room, we chilled in the pool for a bit, then I took my mom to the grocery store and ran into Ken Glah and his wife Jan (also my message therapist). She told me to come and see here the next day for a pre-race tune up message.
Later we checked out the “Parade of Nations” - we had some fun with it - cheering on the well represented Swiss and the one guy from Hungary alike.
Ken Glah had his own car in the parade and had some trouble throwing lollipops to us, saying this is why he does triathlons and not baseball ; ). Paula Newby Frasier and Natasha Badmann each had their own cars at different points in the parade.
Later in the evening we picked up my eldest daughter Erika at the airport (yeah!). She was fully of energy as always and I could hardly believe she had just flown in from South Carolina.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Kona Day 3
Today we decided to ride up to Hawi, the turn around point on the Ironman bike course known for it’s long uphill ascent and extremely windy downhill. Sena and Rachel were going to meet me at a small snorkeling spot at the bottom of the hill.
On they way there, I stared out the window at mile after mile of desolate lava fields with the sun baking down on the occasional bike rider. Man oh man, it's going to be a long day on Saturday.
The hill leading to Hawi is fairly gradual and I was surprised when we actually got there because I didn’t think we had climbed enough. At the top of Hawi, we got out and I reassembled my bike (it wouldn’t quite fit in the trunk without removing my wheels and aero drink holder) and took a couple of photos for the bike club at home (wearing my WCCC Jersey of course).
Sena and Rachel decided to stop and get sandwiches in Hawi for later as I started my short 7 mile ride down the hill. It was still a bit early for the high winds and I didn’t see any white caps in the ocean below.
I flew down the hill at speeds between 27 and 35mph, occasionally getting a blast of wind from the side, but nothing serious. I got to the snorkeling spot really fast - Sena and Rachel weren’t there yet, so I started to climb back to Hawi until I saw them ata at a fairly slow pace (13-16mph). When I saw them coming in the opposite direction, then I turned around and met them for sandwiches and snorkeling.
The snorkeling was interesting – and old sugar factory with massive chains and machinery at the bottom of the ocean floor. The fish were somewhat sparse, so we made it a fairly short swim, then the long ride back to Kailua Kona.
Back at the condo, I took a 6 mile run up to Queen K highway in the heat of the day. Unfortunately, there was a lot of cloud cover, so I didn’t get a feel for the conditions that I might encounter on race day, but it was still a tough run, particularly the short ¼ mile up Palani road which is about mile 11, and then the long gradual return on the Queen K to Palani – which is about mile 25 of the marathon course.
The rest of the day we hung out at the pool, went shopping, drank some beer and just relaxed.
On they way there, I stared out the window at mile after mile of desolate lava fields with the sun baking down on the occasional bike rider. Man oh man, it's going to be a long day on Saturday.
The hill leading to Hawi is fairly gradual and I was surprised when we actually got there because I didn’t think we had climbed enough. At the top of Hawi, we got out and I reassembled my bike (it wouldn’t quite fit in the trunk without removing my wheels and aero drink holder) and took a couple of photos for the bike club at home (wearing my WCCC Jersey of course).
Sena and Rachel decided to stop and get sandwiches in Hawi for later as I started my short 7 mile ride down the hill. It was still a bit early for the high winds and I didn’t see any white caps in the ocean below.
I flew down the hill at speeds between 27 and 35mph, occasionally getting a blast of wind from the side, but nothing serious. I got to the snorkeling spot really fast - Sena and Rachel weren’t there yet, so I started to climb back to Hawi until I saw them ata at a fairly slow pace (13-16mph). When I saw them coming in the opposite direction, then I turned around and met them for sandwiches and snorkeling.
The snorkeling was interesting – and old sugar factory with massive chains and machinery at the bottom of the ocean floor. The fish were somewhat sparse, so we made it a fairly short swim, then the long ride back to Kailua Kona.
Back at the condo, I took a 6 mile run up to Queen K highway in the heat of the day. Unfortunately, there was a lot of cloud cover, so I didn’t get a feel for the conditions that I might encounter on race day, but it was still a tough run, particularly the short ¼ mile up Palani road which is about mile 11, and then the long gradual return on the Queen K to Palani – which is about mile 25 of the marathon course.
The rest of the day we hung out at the pool, went shopping, drank some beer and just relaxed.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Kona Day 2 - Part 2
Just got back from my run. That Burrito (and last night's pulled pork) were a big mistakes - I had to make 2 pit stops in 8 miles and was extremely fortunate that there were two beaches with facilities fairly well placed and aligned my very impatient digestive system. I've got to get with it - only 5 days until race day - trying to enjoy my vacation and get ready for the Ironman is proving more difficult than I thought.
When I returned to my condo after the run, I realized that I left my key in the last bathroom I was in, so I had to run back (only about 1/2 mile) and ended up with a 9 mile run. I grabbed a cold water and went to this nice little garden court yard next to the condo to stretch while enjoying the sun glimmering across the ocean waves.
So one thing I learned is that the first 10 miles of the marathon 'may' have some shade. I'll try to check it out tomorrow at the right time of day when I think I'll be at that point in the course.
For me, staying cool is critical. That means finding as much shade as possible, running on the white lines on the road, hoping for cloud cover and rain, dosing myself at every aid station - whatever it takes. My afore mentioned stomach problem were not solely due to my poor dietary choices of late, but in large part, due to the heat and humidity. I felt fine at first, but it caught up with me after a few miles and my blood began to boil.
After today's run, I've decided I need to do at least one more run (maybe tomorrow) that includes a few miles in the lava fields.
I got a feel for the'furnace blast' feel on the bike course yesterday, but as soon as the clouds came out, it was fine. So I'm really hoping for cloud cover or I'm toast - literally ; )
Anyway, when I got back to the Condo, I noticed Sena picked up some cold Stella Artois - yum.
When I returned to my condo after the run, I realized that I left my key in the last bathroom I was in, so I had to run back (only about 1/2 mile) and ended up with a 9 mile run. I grabbed a cold water and went to this nice little garden court yard next to the condo to stretch while enjoying the sun glimmering across the ocean waves.
So one thing I learned is that the first 10 miles of the marathon 'may' have some shade. I'll try to check it out tomorrow at the right time of day when I think I'll be at that point in the course.
For me, staying cool is critical. That means finding as much shade as possible, running on the white lines on the road, hoping for cloud cover and rain, dosing myself at every aid station - whatever it takes. My afore mentioned stomach problem were not solely due to my poor dietary choices of late, but in large part, due to the heat and humidity. I felt fine at first, but it caught up with me after a few miles and my blood began to boil.
After today's run, I've decided I need to do at least one more run (maybe tomorrow) that includes a few miles in the lava fields.
I got a feel for the'furnace blast' feel on the bike course yesterday, but as soon as the clouds came out, it was fine. So I'm really hoping for cloud cover or I'm toast - literally ; )
Anyway, when I got back to the Condo, I noticed Sena picked up some cold Stella Artois - yum.
Kona Day 2
Did another swim today - felt a bit more comfortable in the open water, finishing approx 1.2 miles. Sena came to take some video, but lost track of me with all the other swimmers. Rachel chilled back at the condo.
After the swim, we headed down south for some snorkeling. It was really nice to get some time with Sena and Rachel (but we missed Erika so!). It took forever to get the the spot we had picked due to road construction - and there are very few alternate routes on Kona.
For lunch we had 'Bitchin Burritos'. I tried to stay somewhat healthy, with a fish and black bean burrito, which turned out to be pretty good. Now I'm just trying to digest so I can go for an 8 mile run.
After the swim, we headed down south for some snorkeling. It was really nice to get some time with Sena and Rachel (but we missed Erika so!). It took forever to get the the spot we had picked due to road construction - and there are very few alternate routes on Kona.
For lunch we had 'Bitchin Burritos'. I tried to stay somewhat healthy, with a fish and black bean burrito, which turned out to be pretty good. Now I'm just trying to digest so I can go for an 8 mile run.
Kona Day 1
Well I made it to our Condo in Kona late Friday night (11:30pm Hawaii time; thats 5:30am Saturday Eastern standard Time). I was pretty wiped out by the time I got here, not sleeping well on the plane due to a muscle cramp in the middle of my back. I somehow managed to unpack and get to sleep by 12:30.
At 6:30am on Saturday morning and put my bike together. I wanted to get a swim in fairly early, so I ate a hammer bar for breakfast since I hadn't gone grocery shopping yet. The swim start is less than 1/2 mile from our hotel and I got there about 8:30 - swam about a mile. On my way there I crossed paths with Michelle Jones, womens winner of last years Ironman World Championships.
It was a really nice swim with the fish, clear water, and fairly calm surf. Unfortunately a 1/4 mile into the swim, the salt water and my skin suit conspired to chafe my arm pits (I didn't think to put on body glide). About 1/2 mile in I decided the fire under my arms would not heal very well if I kept going at the same rate, so I pulled the top of my skin suit down and headed back to the start. I finished in about 37 minutes with plenty of stops - I'm only guessing that it was a mile.
On the way back to the hotel, I stopped at a local farmers market and picked up some organic bananas. Yum. When I got back to the hotel, I finished a few items on my bike assembly and hit the road for a 2 hour ride. It was a really nice ride and I met a couple of nice folks from Australia. I got back to the hotel, scarfed whatever food was handy, then headed for the grocery store. At the store, I was kind of out of it, and picked up a few random items, knowing that I was tight on time - I had to pick up Sena and Rachel at the airport at 2:50.
Before heading to the airport, I scarfed a couple of PB&Js and a glass of milk. Once at the airport, the parking lot was full, so I waited roadside for a while, waiting for a call from Sena which didn't come. Long story short - their flight was 2 hours late and I just sat in the car waiting and waiting.
All ended well when we got back to the condo and had a nice meal and an early bedtime.
At 6:30am on Saturday morning and put my bike together. I wanted to get a swim in fairly early, so I ate a hammer bar for breakfast since I hadn't gone grocery shopping yet. The swim start is less than 1/2 mile from our hotel and I got there about 8:30 - swam about a mile. On my way there I crossed paths with Michelle Jones, womens winner of last years Ironman World Championships.
It was a really nice swim with the fish, clear water, and fairly calm surf. Unfortunately a 1/4 mile into the swim, the salt water and my skin suit conspired to chafe my arm pits (I didn't think to put on body glide). About 1/2 mile in I decided the fire under my arms would not heal very well if I kept going at the same rate, so I pulled the top of my skin suit down and headed back to the start. I finished in about 37 minutes with plenty of stops - I'm only guessing that it was a mile.
On the way back to the hotel, I stopped at a local farmers market and picked up some organic bananas. Yum. When I got back to the hotel, I finished a few items on my bike assembly and hit the road for a 2 hour ride. It was a really nice ride and I met a couple of nice folks from Australia. I got back to the hotel, scarfed whatever food was handy, then headed for the grocery store. At the store, I was kind of out of it, and picked up a few random items, knowing that I was tight on time - I had to pick up Sena and Rachel at the airport at 2:50.
Before heading to the airport, I scarfed a couple of PB&Js and a glass of milk. Once at the airport, the parking lot was full, so I waited roadside for a while, waiting for a call from Sena which didn't come. Long story short - their flight was 2 hours late and I just sat in the car waiting and waiting.
All ended well when we got back to the condo and had a nice meal and an early bedtime.
The trip to Kona (October 5th)
Saint Sena
Getting up before the alarm this morning was easy – my trip to Kona lay in front of mean and I was ready. The day was going to be a long one, with 2 significant mainland layovers; I would leave Philly at 10:15 and arrive in Kona 15 hours later. Using frequent flyer miles isn’t always as great as it sounds, but I sleep pretty well on planes and am pretty good at keeping myself busy reading, writing, drawing, and listening to music.
Sena, drove me through early morning rush hour traffic to Philly airport where I arrived 2 hours before my flight to ensure I didn’t have any trouble checking my bike. For some strange reason, I felt extremely calm as we drove to the airport. Sena, on the other hand, was anxious about the whole family trip, the coordination required and responsibility she felt getting all four of us to the Island at different times. Believe me, I don’t take it for granted that she has taken on the majority of the burden in planning this.
Extra Airline Charges for your bike
Over the past two days, I spent many hours disassembling and packing my bike. I had gotten both my bike container and my checked bag down to under 50 pounds each in an effort to avoid additional, costly airline fees. Based on the American Airline web site, I expected the airline to charge me, at most, $100 each way for my oversized bike case (greater than 67 diameter inches). Based on my last airline trip with my bike and some additional research, I know that the check-in clerk has some discretion in this matter and how they interpret the rules. The conversation with the airline check-in clerk went something like this..
“Good morning, how are you?”
“Is that a bike?”
“Yes, my pride and joy”
“You know we have to charge you extra, right?”
“I understand, but sometimes they waive the charge if it is under 50 pounds”
“Well it’s going to be 160 dollars”
“Hmm, I looked it up on-line and my understanding was that at most it would be 100 dollars”
“Ok, well it says if it is collapsed in a hard case, under 50 pounds, and less than 67 inches, there is no charge, so I guess I don’t need to charge you”
“Here, let me print this out for you and you can show it to check-in on your return trip”
Hopefully I have the same fortune on my way home. As it turns out, I think she was charging me $160 round trip, which is $80 each way, which is what the printout said. I’m fairly certain my bike case is over 67 diameter inches, but I’m not sure she knew what diameter inches meant, so I lucked out.
The subtleties of bike packing
The flight to Chicago (my first layover) was uneventful and I was able to snooze for about an hour, then practice bladder control in the Window Seat. As we sat on the runway waiting to deplane, I had a birds-eye-view of the baggage handler as he removed my bike from this plane. As he slammed it on the transport, I remembered something a my friend Joanne told me on my last trip – make sure you remove your derailleur when packing your bike. I wish I would have remembered it yesterday when I was packing my bike! I won’t find out if there is a problem until I’m in Kona 10 hours from now.
Is that Bruce Jenner?
So while I’m sitting at Chicago O’Hare airport for a layover in route to LAX, just finishing a McDonalds grilled Chicken sandwich. I look up, and there is Bruce Jenner sitting 30 feet from me. I figure that is a good omen on my way to Hawaii.
Taking Bets
I spoke with my sister Liz on while I waited for my first flight. Liz is my sister whose husband Jim died earlier this year and he is who I have dedicated this race to. Liz will be joining my in Hawaii, but she told me that she had a fear of the big island due to the volcano and no where to run. This strikes me as kind of funny, and I made a few jokes about only the good swimmers would survive, but I think she is really nervous about the whole thing. However, she really wants to be there, particularly since the race is dedicated to Jim.
Anyway, Liz tells me there were a bunch of people down in Florida betting on my finish time. Now I really feel like a pro athlete! I started to think of all of the bets you could place on a race like this – odds against finishing at all; odds against finishing in the top 50% in the age group; odds against finishing in the top 25% of the field. The weather on the day of the race will have a significant impact on finishing time, so betting on finishing time is a bit like betting on the weather. In any case, if you’re reading this and betting on me, good luck!
Venkat
Last week, out of the blue, an old friend (Venkat Ramanan) from Los Angles called. It has been 20 years since we last spoke and it was really good to hear from him. If I had thought ahead, I would have realized that I had a 4 hour lay over in LA that we could use to get together. By the time I realized the potential opportunity, it was too late as Venkat had business meetings late Friday afternoon, but he assured me when he visits his son at UPenn during the fall, we will get together and talk about old days.
Getting up before the alarm this morning was easy – my trip to Kona lay in front of mean and I was ready. The day was going to be a long one, with 2 significant mainland layovers; I would leave Philly at 10:15 and arrive in Kona 15 hours later. Using frequent flyer miles isn’t always as great as it sounds, but I sleep pretty well on planes and am pretty good at keeping myself busy reading, writing, drawing, and listening to music.
Sena, drove me through early morning rush hour traffic to Philly airport where I arrived 2 hours before my flight to ensure I didn’t have any trouble checking my bike. For some strange reason, I felt extremely calm as we drove to the airport. Sena, on the other hand, was anxious about the whole family trip, the coordination required and responsibility she felt getting all four of us to the Island at different times. Believe me, I don’t take it for granted that she has taken on the majority of the burden in planning this.
Extra Airline Charges for your bike
Over the past two days, I spent many hours disassembling and packing my bike. I had gotten both my bike container and my checked bag down to under 50 pounds each in an effort to avoid additional, costly airline fees. Based on the American Airline web site, I expected the airline to charge me, at most, $100 each way for my oversized bike case (greater than 67 diameter inches). Based on my last airline trip with my bike and some additional research, I know that the check-in clerk has some discretion in this matter and how they interpret the rules. The conversation with the airline check-in clerk went something like this..
“Good morning, how are you?”
“Is that a bike?”
“Yes, my pride and joy”
“You know we have to charge you extra, right?”
“I understand, but sometimes they waive the charge if it is under 50 pounds”
“Well it’s going to be 160 dollars”
“Hmm, I looked it up on-line and my understanding was that at most it would be 100 dollars”
“Ok, well it says if it is collapsed in a hard case, under 50 pounds, and less than 67 inches, there is no charge, so I guess I don’t need to charge you”
“Here, let me print this out for you and you can show it to check-in on your return trip”
Hopefully I have the same fortune on my way home. As it turns out, I think she was charging me $160 round trip, which is $80 each way, which is what the printout said. I’m fairly certain my bike case is over 67 diameter inches, but I’m not sure she knew what diameter inches meant, so I lucked out.
The subtleties of bike packing
The flight to Chicago (my first layover) was uneventful and I was able to snooze for about an hour, then practice bladder control in the Window Seat. As we sat on the runway waiting to deplane, I had a birds-eye-view of the baggage handler as he removed my bike from this plane. As he slammed it on the transport, I remembered something a my friend Joanne told me on my last trip – make sure you remove your derailleur when packing your bike. I wish I would have remembered it yesterday when I was packing my bike! I won’t find out if there is a problem until I’m in Kona 10 hours from now.
Is that Bruce Jenner?
So while I’m sitting at Chicago O’Hare airport for a layover in route to LAX, just finishing a McDonalds grilled Chicken sandwich. I look up, and there is Bruce Jenner sitting 30 feet from me. I figure that is a good omen on my way to Hawaii.
Taking Bets
I spoke with my sister Liz on while I waited for my first flight. Liz is my sister whose husband Jim died earlier this year and he is who I have dedicated this race to. Liz will be joining my in Hawaii, but she told me that she had a fear of the big island due to the volcano and no where to run. This strikes me as kind of funny, and I made a few jokes about only the good swimmers would survive, but I think she is really nervous about the whole thing. However, she really wants to be there, particularly since the race is dedicated to Jim.
Anyway, Liz tells me there were a bunch of people down in Florida betting on my finish time. Now I really feel like a pro athlete! I started to think of all of the bets you could place on a race like this – odds against finishing at all; odds against finishing in the top 50% in the age group; odds against finishing in the top 25% of the field. The weather on the day of the race will have a significant impact on finishing time, so betting on finishing time is a bit like betting on the weather. In any case, if you’re reading this and betting on me, good luck!
Venkat
Last week, out of the blue, an old friend (Venkat Ramanan) from Los Angles called. It has been 20 years since we last spoke and it was really good to hear from him. If I had thought ahead, I would have realized that I had a 4 hour lay over in LA that we could use to get together. By the time I realized the potential opportunity, it was too late as Venkat had business meetings late Friday afternoon, but he assured me when he visits his son at UPenn during the fall, we will get together and talk about old days.
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