Day #1 in Kona
Aloha!
Indeed, driving down Ali’i Drive was deja vu. I haven’t been back to Kona since 2003 and I am thrilled to return. This time, however, I am not racing – and couldn’t be happier not to be. 
I am looking forward to enjoying “The Big Show” as purely an athlete supporter.
Professionally, it will be great to see the athletes I have worked with “do Kona”. There is no joy greater than watching those who have worked very hard, whom you’ve helped guide, reap the benefits of their hard work:
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to support Scott Rigsby as he battles the day to become the first double-amputee athlete to complete an Ironman on prosthetics. Those running his foundation asked if I would come out to assist him in the days leading to the race. How could I refuse? Additionally, three athletes from Atlanta qualified for Kona in their FIRST Ironman. Amy Amlicke (from my IMCDA group), will be here after her dominating race in CDA. Karen O’Riordan will be getting it done with a follow-up to her stellar race at IM Brazil. Amy Stewart took Florida by storm last year, giving her a full year to plan for Kona. I will feel like a proud momma watching these 4 do their thing.
This doesn’t even get into all the friends I have who are here this year: My Timex Teammates, the whole Boulder crew, the gang from Atlanta, and of course, I will love having the opportunity to support Joanna after she spent the last 2 weeks supporting me…
Today began with a swim in the Bay at 7am. Some of the race course buoys were out, so tons of athletes were there this morning getting in a swim. The hour went by soooooo quickly. Talk about distractions! I spent more time off course due to the strong current, but also being mesmerized by the dozens of different tropical fish species within close range. These waters are magical, crystal blue to see everything around for what seems like miles.
During the swim I saw someone headed my way. As he swam by I noticed it was Brad Seng (from the Boulder crew). I popped up and yelled “Brad!” …. he lifted his head and looked back, “I thought that was you, Carole!” We laughed and chatted for a few as we treaded water, and then continued in our opposite directions. How random! There had been no less than 100 swimmers out there but I somehow saw Brad. Funny.
After the swim, I jumped on my bike for a couple hours. This bike fit is definitely better. While riding along the hwy I saw Natascha with her coach, Tony, driving alongside her. I only saw her for a split second but she looked as fit as ever. At age 41, I can only applaud…
After some lunch and down time, I finished the day with an hour run ….. no sooner did I finish did I notice the sun was setting. I quickly mixed together a recovery drink and headed for a perch with a great view of the water. Ahhhhhhhhhh…. there is nothing as relaxing to me as the sun setting on the water… the colors of the sky mixed with the setting sun to explode with radiant oranges, reds, pinks, and even some purple. Just gorgeous!
Mahalo!
