What kind of things do you recommend experiencing? With all the hoopla around the race and the week before, what should I "NOT MISS" or what should I take part in?
Before/After the race.
Thanks!
Before/After the race.
Thanks!
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Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
Mai tais at the Kona Inn restaurant.
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
underwear run is good karma for the race...for a good cause and lots of fun....
but a simple training run down ali drive the week before is something to experience....tons of fit people running absurd pace!!!!
Jonathan Caron / Professional Coach / ironman champions / age group world champions
Jonnyo Coaching
Instargram
but a simple training run down ali drive the week before is something to experience....tons of fit people running absurd pace!!!!
Jonathan Caron / Professional Coach / ironman champions / age group world champions
Jonnyo Coaching
Instargram
Re: First Time In Kona [jonnyo]
[ In reply to ]
Awesome. Will totally take part in that!
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
swim_corey_run wrote:
What kind of things do you recommend experiencing? With all the hoopla around the race and the week before, what should I "NOT MISS" or what should I take part in? Before/After the race.
Thanks!
Are you solo? With a spouse/SO? With kids in tow?
---------------------------------------------------------
The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -- A fake Albert Einstein "quote"
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
Kona during Ironman week is a great celebration of triathlon.
But....
I am going to Kona for two reasons:
1) To try to race well.
2) To have fun with my family.
Participating in the "triathlon party of the year" does nothing to enhance either of these goals. The atmosphere is too intense and high pressure in Kona. It is Not fun for people who have a high stakes race coming up (me).
It is not fun for people who don't care about triathlon (my family l)
I recommend instead:
1) Snorkeling in the coral reefs near Capitain Cook
2) Swimming in the waterfalls in Waimanu (other worldly but a long hike) or Waipio
3) Camping on the beach on the tropical/moist side of the island.
4) Stayiing in discount hotels in the high country such as Waimea.
You will hopefully see enough of Kona on race day.
But....
I am going to Kona for two reasons:
1) To try to race well.
2) To have fun with my family.
Participating in the "triathlon party of the year" does nothing to enhance either of these goals. The atmosphere is too intense and high pressure in Kona. It is Not fun for people who have a high stakes race coming up (me).
It is not fun for people who don't care about triathlon (my family l)
I recommend instead:
1) Snorkeling in the coral reefs near Capitain Cook
2) Swimming in the waterfalls in Waimanu (other worldly but a long hike) or Waipio
3) Camping on the beach on the tropical/moist side of the island.
4) Stayiing in discount hotels in the high country such as Waimea.
You will hopefully see enough of Kona on race day.
Last edited by:
Velocibuddha: Aug 17, 17 21:06
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
1. Lots of Lava Java stops after running on ali'i
2. Swim to the coffee barge - it's worth it! Just do lots of swims from Dig Me Beach - the energy is unreal.
3. Eat poke at Umeke's
4. Take a step back and ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE
2. Swim to the coffee barge - it's worth it! Just do lots of swims from Dig Me Beach - the energy is unreal.
3. Eat poke at Umeke's
4. Take a step back and ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE
Re: First Time In Kona [Velocibuddha]
[ In reply to ]
Velocibuddha wrote:
Kona during Ironman week is a great celebration of triathlon. Participating in the "triathlon party of the year" does nothing to enhance either of these goals. The atmosphere is too intense and high pressure in Kona. It is Not fun for people who have a high stakes race coming up (me).
It is not fun for people who don't care about triathlon (my family l)
I recommend instead:
1) Snorkeling in the coral reefs near Capitain Cook
2) Swimming in the waterfalls in Waimanu (other worldly but a long hike) or Waipio
3) Camping on the beach on the tropical/moist side of the island.
4) Stayiing in discount hotels in the high country such as Waimea.
You will hopefully see enough of Kona on race day.
i think that s more related to your mindset/personality. I dont consider the race week too intense or pressure too high... I found taking parts in the events keep many more relax while enjoying the experience.
That said, the activity you mention are definitly a must do!....
Jonathan Caron / Professional Coach / ironman champions / age group world champions
Jonnyo Coaching
Instargram
Re: First Time In Kona [jonnyo]
[ In reply to ]
I love the week leading into the race and for me it's a relaxed race. I think was 60th in my AG last time in just over 10 hours...so it's not like I'm gunning for victory! (2 years older, still in same AG this year...yikes!)
That said, I don't want be tired on race day because I want to do my best and enjoy the race itself too without feeling like the wheels came off.
So my suggestion is the underpants run for sure, the AWA Gold breakfast with Dave Scott and Mark Allen is a HUGE highlight for me...and something to share with the "AWA is just a useless frequent flyer points scheme." Yep...it may be...but I'm getting my pics with my heroes!
I think the main thing I'd do is write down specifically when you will do any training and for how long. Include time for bike set up or anything else you do or rituals you enjoy. Schedule the rest around that and hopefully you won't get stressed with "Am I having too much fun at the expense of my race?" Go in knowing what the time balance will be for you, accept it, and enjoy it!
That said, I don't want be tired on race day because I want to do my best and enjoy the race itself too without feeling like the wheels came off.
So my suggestion is the underpants run for sure, the AWA Gold breakfast with Dave Scott and Mark Allen is a HUGE highlight for me...and something to share with the "AWA is just a useless frequent flyer points scheme." Yep...it may be...but I'm getting my pics with my heroes!
I think the main thing I'd do is write down specifically when you will do any training and for how long. Include time for bike set up or anything else you do or rituals you enjoy. Schedule the rest around that and hopefully you won't get stressed with "Am I having too much fun at the expense of my race?" Go in knowing what the time balance will be for you, accept it, and enjoy it!
Re: First Time In Kona [KonaCoffee]
[ In reply to ]
Traveling with my family!. They are coming a day after me, I'm 22 years
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
Drive to this beach, drop the family off and ride to Hawi, have a coffee and meet up with them afterwards for some family time. Best advice I was given.
https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/kohala/hapuna-beach-state-park
https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/kohala/hapuna-beach-state-park
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
For first timers to Kona it often over-whelms, and even for some, under-whelms!
As others have said, there is a tendency to be a bit too serious, about it all - but that's the way some are.
There will be a thread posted up shortly by KonaCoffee, that will be titled the "2017 Kona Survival Guide" - KC will talk about many of the "must-dos", and those chiming in and contributing will be all kinds of tips and advice for Race Week - things to do and things not to do!
I find for the first timers, this thread and the tips on it are invaluable. Make sure you check in when the thread is up.
Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog
As others have said, there is a tendency to be a bit too serious, about it all - but that's the way some are.
There will be a thread posted up shortly by KonaCoffee, that will be titled the "2017 Kona Survival Guide" - KC will talk about many of the "must-dos", and those chiming in and contributing will be all kinds of tips and advice for Race Week - things to do and things not to do!
I find for the first timers, this thread and the tips on it are invaluable. Make sure you check in when the thread is up.
Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
Take a half day or so trip up to Parker Ranch in Waimea.
Take a full day trip to enjoy the LONG drive to Volcanoes National Park and see some of the Volcanoes highlights. Pack a picnic lunch and eat at the visitors center,
Take a half day trip to Pu'uhona O Honaunau ("Place of Refuge") for an amazing thoughtful retrospective on Hawaiian culture. Be sure to bring your swimsuits and pack a picnic for Honaunau beach right near there.
All are good family trips that take you away from the Kona race frenzy. Plan them around your expo visits, registrations, gear drop off, etc. You'll get the right blend of race frenzy and insider view of Big Island.
BrokenSpoke
Take a full day trip to enjoy the LONG drive to Volcanoes National Park and see some of the Volcanoes highlights. Pack a picnic lunch and eat at the visitors center,
Take a half day trip to Pu'uhona O Honaunau ("Place of Refuge") for an amazing thoughtful retrospective on Hawaiian culture. Be sure to bring your swimsuits and pack a picnic for Honaunau beach right near there.
All are good family trips that take you away from the Kona race frenzy. Plan them around your expo visits, registrations, gear drop off, etc. You'll get the right blend of race frenzy and insider view of Big Island.
BrokenSpoke
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
Enjoy.
That's it.
You can try to see some of the things mentioned and others: volcano, maybe a coffee farm or the coffee museum, beaches outside of town, Mauna Kea observatory visitor center, Pololu valley (that's just past Hawi). Etc... BUT! Don't spend your entire time there travelling from one place to another. Relax. Enjoy. That should come first.
Do swim in Kailua bay. Swim to the coffee boat. That's a riot! There are dolphins there especially early in the morning.
If you want a beach out of town but not too far try Kua Bay. Drive north past the airport and when you see a sign for veterans cemetery to the right instead turn left at the same intersection.
That's it.
You can try to see some of the things mentioned and others: volcano, maybe a coffee farm or the coffee museum, beaches outside of town, Mauna Kea observatory visitor center, Pololu valley (that's just past Hawi). Etc... BUT! Don't spend your entire time there travelling from one place to another. Relax. Enjoy. That should come first.
Do swim in Kailua bay. Swim to the coffee boat. That's a riot! There are dolphins there especially early in the morning.
If you want a beach out of town but not too far try Kua Bay. Drive north past the airport and when you see a sign for veterans cemetery to the right instead turn left at the same intersection.
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
Drive or ride the Kohala Mountain Road between Waimea and Hawi. I love the Green Sand Beach at the southern tip of the island. About 2 miles from the end of the road unless you have a 4 wheel drive vehicle. You can visit on the way to the national park. Going down into the Waipio Valley is worth the walk, but its a very steep climb on the way back up. Bodysurfing at Magic Sands Beach along Alii Drive. Fish pond at black sand beach at Kiholo Bay is about a mile off the Queen K and is a very tranquil spot to get away from the hype of the race. Enjoy!
Re: First Time In Kona [swim_corey_run]
[ In reply to ]
My original thoughts was to put on a big marketing push for the Premier Tactical bike.
We are about sold out of product now - so I have decided to just enjoy the event.
I will have a small tool kit with me as I walk around and visit with people. Anyone who needs some help with a bike, has a panic moment on fit or just wants me to give their bike a once over to make sure its ok after the flight - just flag me down. I'll have a Premier T-shirt on. Happy to look things over for any brand.
This is a big event, lots of work, crazy training and money spent - if I can help in any way please feel free to ask.
Dan Kennison
facebook: @triPremierBike
http://www.PremierBike.com
http://www.PositionOneSports.com
We are about sold out of product now - so I have decided to just enjoy the event.
I will have a small tool kit with me as I walk around and visit with people. Anyone who needs some help with a bike, has a panic moment on fit or just wants me to give their bike a once over to make sure its ok after the flight - just flag me down. I'll have a Premier T-shirt on. Happy to look things over for any brand.
This is a big event, lots of work, crazy training and money spent - if I can help in any way please feel free to ask.
Dan Kennison
facebook: @triPremierBike
http://www.PremierBike.com
http://www.PositionOneSports.com
Re: First Time In Kona [dkennison]
[ In reply to ]
Dan, I'm so glad you've had such great acceptance. Congrats on a job well done! I only wish I were there to have a chat and take a look at what appears to be an amazing product!
To the OP, you have some great suggestions. My first time there I felt I was stretching myself think with being on my feet all day and taking in all there was to see. When I saw my coach there and told them I was making those mistakes, he said, "it's your first time in kona, right? I replied, yes....to which he said, No, you're doing everything right." Take advantage of being in the Mecca of triathlon and soak it in. We are all just one car missing a stop sign from ever going back......enjoy and savor. The journey is the prize.....
I'm jealous, and will be back again some day. Enjoy, savor and treasure it.
Gary Geiger
http://www.geigerphoto.com Professional photographer
TEAM KiWAMi NORTH AMERICA http://www.kiwamitri.com, Rudy Project http://www.rudyprojectusa.com, GU https://guenergy.com/shop/ ; Salming World Ambassador; https://www.shopsalming.com
To the OP, you have some great suggestions. My first time there I felt I was stretching myself think with being on my feet all day and taking in all there was to see. When I saw my coach there and told them I was making those mistakes, he said, "it's your first time in kona, right? I replied, yes....to which he said, No, you're doing everything right." Take advantage of being in the Mecca of triathlon and soak it in. We are all just one car missing a stop sign from ever going back......enjoy and savor. The journey is the prize.....
I'm jealous, and will be back again some day. Enjoy, savor and treasure it.
Gary Geiger
http://www.geigerphoto.com Professional photographer
TEAM KiWAMi NORTH AMERICA http://www.kiwamitri.com, Rudy Project http://www.rudyprojectusa.com, GU https://guenergy.com/shop/ ; Salming World Ambassador; https://www.shopsalming.com
Re: First Time In Kona [jonnyo]
[ In reply to ]
jonnyo wrote:
underwear run is good karma for the race...for a good cause and lots of fun.... but a simple training run down ali drive the week before is something to experience....tons of fit people running absurd pace!!!!
I have a distinct memory from last year running 2 days before the race and running 7 min pace and getting passed/blown away by guys and girls running what must have been 6-6:15 pace. Everyone was also skinner then me to, I felt highly inadequate.
2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz
For me last year, also first time, I would echo what many others have said:
- Underpants run for sure
- Swimming at dig-me beach (with free gear check)
- I loved the 'special' things around Kona - getting sweat tested by the folks at Gatorade? Awesome!
- Customized Boa shoes (bring a spare pair of running shoes)
- Shwag, shwag, shwag (I have no shame) -- I think I got 5 t-shirts, 5 hats, and enough Clif products to last me a good 6 months
- IronKids is great if you've got kids (and free!). Sign up ahead of time.
If you're anywhere close to the finish, come back for the midnight finishers. That's just awesome. I met Frodeno, and got to watch the oldest finisher come through. And of course, the heart-breaking "non-finishers" just after that.
And just enjoy the whole experience. The personalized escort at bike check-in (how great is that!).
It is definitely a skewed perspective around Kona Ironman time. You might start to think that shirtless + HRM is a standard look (it's not!, please don't!).
And if you've never been to the Big Island before, you have to check out the LIVE VOLCANO! I mean, come on, how often do you get to see one of those?
- Underpants run for sure
- Swimming at dig-me beach (with free gear check)
- I loved the 'special' things around Kona - getting sweat tested by the folks at Gatorade? Awesome!
- Customized Boa shoes (bring a spare pair of running shoes)
- Shwag, shwag, shwag (I have no shame) -- I think I got 5 t-shirts, 5 hats, and enough Clif products to last me a good 6 months
- IronKids is great if you've got kids (and free!). Sign up ahead of time.
If you're anywhere close to the finish, come back for the midnight finishers. That's just awesome. I met Frodeno, and got to watch the oldest finisher come through. And of course, the heart-breaking "non-finishers" just after that.
And just enjoy the whole experience. The personalized escort at bike check-in (how great is that!).
It is definitely a skewed perspective around Kona Ironman time. You might start to think that shirtless + HRM is a standard look (it's not!, please don't!).
And if you've never been to the Big Island before, you have to check out the LIVE VOLCANO! I mean, come on, how often do you get to see one of those?