I’ve not been to Kona before and am trying to figure out what kind of things I need to have on the “to do” list prior to the race (travelling to Maui after).
I arrive on Tuesday, October 4.
I understand there are morning swims but are these organized and if so what time are they?
I plan on driving out towards Hawi one day, then parking the car and riding up to Hawi and back down at about the time I think I will be there during the race to get a read on the crosswinds.
Is there a selected portion of the run that would be worth trying out before hand?
Beyond the pre-race workout regimen, what else can you fit in for fun ahead of the race? What is your schedule looking like in that regard?
The Big Island is one of the most dynamic places on Earth. Personally, I’d skip Maui. The Big Island has so much that you’ll never see it all. The top of Mauna Kea, South Point, Black and Green sand beaches, to active volcanoes and Volcano Nat’l Park, to rain forest, the water falls, Wapio Valley, the fauna and flora (90% of all native are endemic) . . . . then there are all the other beaches, sites, etc.
I plan on driving out towards Hawi one day, then parking the car and riding up to Hawi and back down at about the time I think I will be there during the race to get a read on the crosswinds.
It’s good to see this portion of the course and ride some of it for visual familiarity, but just know that the conditions, particularly the wind on the reconn, may be completely different on race day. It’s very variable!
I’ve not been to Kona before and am trying to figure out what kind of things I need to have on the “to do” list prior to the race (travelling to Maui after).
I arrive on Tuesday, October 4.
I understand there are morning swims but are these organized and if so what time are they?
I plan on driving out towards Hawi one day, then parking the car and riding up to Hawi and back down at about the time I think I will be there during the race to get a read on the crosswinds.
Is there a selected portion of the run that would be worth trying out before hand?
Beyond the pre-race workout regimen, what else can you fit in for fun ahead of the race? What is your schedule looking like in that regard?
Really starting to get psyched for this!
Focus on the race and not much else. The course will take care of itself. there are hills and turns. Someone will be in front of you and it’s rather well marked.
It’ll be windy on the bike course. If you insist upon riding part of it drive to *at least *Hapuna beach and head out from there. be warned though that’s at least 50 miles round trip.
Run: Don’t worry about it. If you really want to know what the energy lab looks like drive down into it and look. The turn around is about 1/2 mile (max) from the restrooms. Otherwise just make an easy run along Ali`i Drive or out onto the Queen K. Stay on the shoulders.
Swims are usually pick up style, the locals will be there around 6;30 and on. And there’s likely another group of triathletes at your speed heading out. Watch out to stay well clear of the boat area as the swim line is rather ill defined post tsunami. The IM turnaround buoy is back up again. (as of yesterday – it keeps floating away).
fun: If you’re a scuba diver schedule a Night manta ray dive AFTER the race. They do snorkel tours of the manta ray dive as well. Jack’s Diving Locker, Kona Honu Divers et. al. Mauna Kea after the race as well or well before (It’s at 13,700 feet). That’s where the telescopes are and it’s cold by most everyone’s standards (averages 27F). Hulahehe palace on Ali`i drive near the pier is an interesting few minutes. It’s not open 7 days though. Just look at the sign when you’re walking by.
That’s off the top of my head. There must be more. Off for my morning swim. Aloha.
How far is that exactly? My wife would probably do that but she’s a little paranoid in open water.
Beyond that, I’m doing the underpants run and watching the race. I will have a bike there so if anyone wants to do any swim, bike, or running let me know. My wife is going to be on the beach most of the time. Then off to Maui on Monday.
We’ll be about 700 yards out…just past the first orange race course buoy. We’ll anchor a lot closer to shore on Sunday after the race. If she can swim, she’ll be fine…there are all sorts of tourists that swim out. Had a lady swim out with her dog last year!
i’m using the CaptainCanada training plan, and he doesn’t believe in tapering. So none of that touristy stuff for me; the public nudity arrests would only get in the way of my training.
How far is that exactly? My wife would probably do that but she’s a little paranoid in open water.<<
Tell her don’t worry, it’s a beautiful swim! And there will be all sorts of people out swimming…fast, fit, slow, not fit, tourists, yada yada. It’s the best swimming! And coffee as a prize for swimming.
I haven’t been in the water for about 3 years. Don’t go much farther than 700 yds Albert.
