Race week

I didn't do any workouts on Monday unless you call packing 2 bikes into a bike box a workout. It's nice to have a day off here and there. I went in to work to make sure everything was squared away.


Tuesday morning I arrived at the airport 2.5 hours before my flight was scheduled to leave. I lucked out with the bike box, no fee. The line for security took 30+ minutes. I found a spot for breakfast and surfed the web. Did you know some airports charge to use the internet? Not Sea-Tac. I looked down at my watch and noticed the plane was boarding in 10 minutes. I walked over to the gate and saw only a few people left. Not only did they board early, we left early and arrived almost an hour early.

More time on the island. I picked up my bike and waited for a Thrifty car shuttle. I walk up to the first one, full. I see the second one approaching, full. Finally, I see an empty shuttle. I am the last one to get on the shuttle. Lifting 75+lbs onto shuttle is work, especially if you have to do it several times. If you ever use Thrifty, I strongly recommend signing up for Blue Chip. It is free. As we were driving along, the driver asks if anyone has it. I am the only person out of 10. I tell him my name and he radios it in. Everyone gets off at the first stop. I have to unload the bike box, so everyone can get off. We load it back on and he drives me to a different spot. I give him a big tip for all of his help with bike box. I walk into Thrifty and there is no line. I am in there less than 3 minutes. I walk out and the minivan is waiting in front with the keys already in the ignition. Awesome!!! Do you remember me mentioning 3 shuttles full of people were in front of me. I would have waited in line with them. It took me awhile to figure out how to lay the seat down.

On the drive south, I stopped at Costco to pick up bottled water. Next stop was the bike shop to pick up a new aero bottle. I couldn't find it before I left. I pulled into the hotel at 1:30. I unloaded everything, took a quick shower, and changed into shorts and a tee shirt. I headed over to my favorite stops, BASIK. They make the best Acai bowls. I put my bike together and went out for a quick spin.

In the first few minutes, I had trouble shifting gears. Luckily I was on the bike for only 10 minutes. I put the bike away and got ready for a quick run. I was supposed to do a few intervals at race pace. After 10 minutes of waiting for GPS, I said oh well. I ran by perceived effort. I felt really good in the heat.

I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing. I ate dinner at Lava Java. I had fish tacos. More relaxing and then out cold before 8PM.


Wednesday morning, I headed to the pool for a short swim. I felt really good. I finished with 1900 yards. I drive straight to Lava Java for breakfast. I had a Belgian waffle, eggs, and iced americano. Great way to start the day.

I took the bike to Bike Works. The cables busted. I'm glad I decided to take the bike to the shop before the workout. It would have sucked to be 10 miles away and be stuck in one gear. While waiting around, I ran into the Scott and Julie, who are the owners of OOMPH SPORTS. They showed me some of their new gear. Their arm coolers piqued my interest.

Thanks to Nick and his crew at Bike Works for getting my bike squared away. I headed out for a short ride on the Queen K. I had a few intervals to make sure I had my pacing nailed for the race. The cross winds were no fun. Last year the only time I noticed cross winds was in Hawi. The cross winds made for excitement whenever a large truck would drive by.

Once cleaned up, I headed to Lava Java for lunch (poke wrap and iced americano). I met a couple of guys (Frank & Miguel) from Miami. It was there first time here. There are here seeking the coveted Kona slots. After lunch it was back to the hotel to get the feet up and relax. I chose to eat at the hotel for dinner. I ate a chicken burger with a sweet onion bun. Later that night I got a craving for chocolate. I headed to the ABC store for dark chocolate covered macadamian nuts. Delicious!!!

This morning I went out for a short run just before 6AM. I ran a few intervals at pace. I felt good. I am at Lava Java. I chose the breakfast stack. It is 2 over easy eggs with bacon, avocado, tomato, and arugula on top of home made wheat toast. Awesome!!! After some internet surfing, the plan is to drive down to Waikola. I am going to pick up my race packet and check-in. Shortly afterward, I will pick up the crew.