Been reading Herbert’s daily updates and thought I’d add a slightly different perspective. I’m in Kona for the first time to ‘work’ and watch IM. I got here Wednesday afternoon and when I stepped off the plane, the first thing I noticed was the humidity. I’ve been here before, but for some reason I don’t remember the stickiness. Being from SoCal, we don’t deal with humidity like this and from what I’ve been told, this year is a bit worse than usual. The tradewinds are supposed to pick up over the next couple of days, making it a little less stiffling. As we came into town, three things stuck out - 1. The town of Kona is very accomodating to the race and the athletes. Everywhere you look there are signs welcoming the athletes. The driver of the rental car shuttle even reminded us that the triathlon was going on and to be aware of cyclists and runners. It’s a much different feeling than Athens. 2. Your bike should cost more than your car. Uberbikes everywhere. 3. If you’re not competing, and even if you are, you can feel fat and out of shape without blinking. As my wife pointed out, even the older AGers are in wicked form.
We are staying about a mile outside of town, which is good and bad. We’re away from the crowds, but away from the action. We had a really nice time at the reception Wednesday night, saw all the same folks as Herbert, except for Herbert (I think he’s avoiding me ; )). Yesterday, we went to the pier around 8:30 for a swim. It’s an incredible venue. Some of the top pros were down there doing their last bit of training. After my 11am meeting, we headed into town for some shopping, well actually the wife did…I just carried the credit card and the bags. Something else I noticed, to compete here your uniform should color coordinate with your bike, shoes, helmet, hat, etc. This rule applies to, not only pros, but AGers, as well. Ran into Keith from Xterra Wetsuits 3 or 4 times yesterday. He thought we were stalking him, but it worked out for him in the end…new pair of GEL-Cumulus.
I had talked to Cam Widoff in the morning and we were supposed to hook up after the pro meeting, but I’m sure things got hectic…between media and sponsor stuff. I did run into Lori Bowden, however. She was hanging out, resting, carbo-loading and smiling (of course). She couldn’t wait to show us her race day ensemble. I had seen the shoes because I had some special GEL-Magic Racers made to match her uniform. BTW, check out www.loribowden.com, you can bid on her race-day uniform and replica ASICS race shoes with all proceeds going to her favorite charities.
The excitement of race-day is gradually shifting to tension, you can feel it. You hear about how there’s something magical about Kona and the race. Until you’re here it’s hard to grasp. I’ve been lucky enough to have gone to a couple of Olympics and numerous World Championships for track and field, there’s definitely a different vibe to this event. One more day 'til race day, can’t wait. Good luck to everyone competing.
Shawn-ASICS America
do. Check out Cowman’s outfit. It’s scary. I go down to Kona at least once a month to train on the IMH course (I’ve done it twice, through qualifying). People can say all they want about how tough the bike course is at IMC and IMLP, but Hawaii’s bike and run courses are just flat-out set up to drain the life from your legs. Never have quite figured that out.