if you have an SO or kids on the course , definitely stop and take pics!

My better half had a rough first kona... We have a great picture taken around mile 14 (me spectating, her running)... Definitely something that we cherish from the day

Fun maximization ideas....

1)Thank every volunteer you come across. EVERY volunteer.
2)Get crowds to do The Wave when you ride by on the bike riding no-handed
3)Ride a downhill going Full Superman such that your body is 100% laid out flat on the bike with stomach on the saddle
4)Do a dance at every aid station on the run
5)Make a sandcastle on the beach after you finish the swim
6)Bring phone and get as many selfies with volunteers and spectators as possible
7)Put a large chocolate birthday cake in your run special needs bag along with candles and matches. Light the birthday cake candles and sing Happy Birthday on while you run
8)Do you know anyone who owns a Chewbacca outfit? Borrow it for part of the bike
9)Start the run in a Gorilla outfit (just don't run next to someone on a bike and get them DQ'd)
10)Run with a flyer in your hand showing a lost dog and ask everyone you come across if you've seen that dog

Some of the above may get you DQ'd (not sure phones, Chewbacca costumes and Gorilla outfits are allowed), so read the rules first.

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Tad

It took awhile, but I finally discovered that its not the destination that's important, but rather the journey.

i think i would try to help others on the run by pacing them / running along side them.. Makes a difference i think for alot of people when the are struggling.. Good luck!

Very costume and prop-centric ideas. The thought of a costume and the associated sweat terrifies me!

And yes, I plan to be quite chatty with the volunteers this time!

Will file the sandcastle under "to-do"

Yes, that's on the list. Haven't stopped to do that since the very first "let's just finish this thing" IM with one kid and now there are two IronKids to be in the photos!

Good thread! You wont be the only one at IMLP trying to have fun instead of “racing.” I’ve had quite a few issues. I couldn’t start training until March and just recently had to take 3 weeks off... At this point it’s going to be a struggle just to finish but I’m thinking about driving up alone and having it be a spiritual walkabout type of trip. Camping and all. we’ll see how it goes! I’m usually the type to be very stressed out before the race so I’m hoping to be in a completely different mindset! haha

How about just accepting the fact that you will not PR every race for the rest of your life and just enjoy the experience?