Hawai Sport November-December

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My First Kona By Crystal Banning As a new triathlete, I have spent the past year absorbing vast amounts of information: what makes a good swim stroke, how to improve my run form, how to best navigate a transition area, base training, nutrition and hydration, and endless facts about bicycles and accessories. I have swallowed gallons of seawater, dealt with a broken foot, and wobbled my way into being comfortable on my aero bars only to forget to clip out and almost go toppling over. I have been so immersed in these things that when it came time for the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, I couldn’t wait to go watch--to see professionals in the sport that has made such a difference in my life working at the highest level. What I didn’t anticipate was that it wasn’t the first finishers crossing the line that were the most inspirational--it was the last. I drove down to Kona from North Kohala with my boyfriend the night before the race and, since all of the hotels for the weekend have been booked for months, we pitched a tent in the back of his pickup and slept under the stars. It was muggy and hot and we hardly slept a wink, but we were determined to get there early enough to see the start. At 4:15 AM we were up and going, parking miles away and walking toward Kailua Bay. The sun was just rising as we arrived, and the water was calm. When the pros’ cannon went off at 6:30 AM, it was immediately clear that I was witnessing an entirely different level of athleticism. The speed with which their arms moved through the water, the sheer velocity of each stroke was incredible. Their white caps were out of sight almost before I could snap a photo. As the age group athletes took their places in the water by the pier, the anticipation of over 1500 people fighting their way to their dream of finishing at Kona was palpable. The cannon sounded, and they were off. It quickly became clear that this year’s Kona race was going to unfold differently than in years past. In the pro race, for both men and women, the leaders came in from the swim in large packs. First out of the water was Brandon Marsh with a time of 50:51, but it was Pete Jacobs in the lead out of T1. Meredith Kessler was first out for the women after a swim time of 54:06. First time Kona competitor Andrew Starykowicz quickly stole the lead from Pete Jacobs and led the rest of the bike leg, coming into T2 with a time of 4:21:50 for the 112-mile stretch. The women’s race was a back and forth affair between Meredith Kessler and Amanda Stevens with Rachel Joyce, Jodie Swallow, and Caroline Steffen making up the chase. By T2, however, Rachel Joyce had made her move and came in in the lead. For the men, Luke McKenzie led for the majority of the run before being overtaken by Frederik Van Lierde at mile 17. Mirinda Carfrae came flying from behind on the run to take the lead, seemingly effortlessly, at mile 15. Van Lierde took the win for the men with 8:12:29, followed by Luke McKenzie (8:15:19) and Sebastian Kienle (8:19:24). Mirinda Carfrae came in incredibly strong after setting a new course record for the run with a split time of 2:50:38 for a total time of 8:52:14. In second was Rachel Joyce with 8:57:28, and third was taken by Liz Blatchford with 9:03:35. I had assumed (yet another triathlon rookie mistake) that the largest crowd would be gathered for the pros’ finish, and indeed, people lined the finish line five people deep. As I expected, the mob thinned somewhat for the next four hours, but then something strange happened. People began to gather again. As the time went by, it began to rain but the crowd only got bigger. We had already vowed to stay until the end, but I couldn’t have torn myself away from the scene if my life depended on it. Athletes finished the race, bandaged themselves up, and joined those gathered on the sidelines to cheer on those still on the course. Music pumped, people danced, and each finisher was welcomed home with a roar of applause. The energy was unbelievable. Winner Mirinda Carfrae joined race sponsors in handing out samples and prizes and personally greeted each of the incoming athletes, many of whom had stories poignant and inspirational enough to bring anyone with a soul to tears. Gordon Haller, who won the very first Ironman race in 1978, finished in 15:37:47. Luis Alvarez crossed the finish line in 15:54:50 to complete his 100th Ironman race. Some staggered, some did cartwheels, and many broke down into tears. As the clock neared the 17-hour mark the crowd grew thunderous, and with just over three minutes to spare the oldest contestant, Harriet Anderson, age 78, came around the corner to a frenzy of screaming spectators. She crossed the line in 16:56:51, over two minutes faster than her finish last year.. One contestant remained on the course. After losing a foot in an accident while cycling several years ago, Karen Aydelott has been on a mission to finish at Kona. She made it to the run in 2012 before having to drop out, and this year was ushered into the home stretch by thousands of supporters screaming and chanting her name. She missed the cut off by just fortyeight seconds, completing the course in 17:00:48. Despite the near miss, she was all smiles as she stood at the finish line. I imagine that we will see her again in 2014. These stories are why I love the sport of triathlon. There is no feeling like overcoming whatever holds you back, and the Kona Ironman Championships are the culmination of this fight. To see the determination on each face as they neared the end and the pure exhilaration of competing such a monumental challenge was a wonderful reminder of how strong we can be, regardless of age or setbacks. The crowd, only growing in size and energy as the hours wore on, welcoming those who struggled to the finish line with even more vigor than those who won, is a prime example of the welcoming and communal spirit of this sport. My first Kona experience, though only as a spectator, was one that will never be forgotten. As I progress in my training and face each new race I am reminded that I am surrounded by a community of incredible strength and that everything I need, I have inside. Congratulations to each of the Kona competitors. Your dedication is inspirational to many--you truly deserve the title of Ironman! C rystal is a former ballerina and new triathlete. You can follow her training and read more about her adventures at www. b a l l e r i n a s d o n t r u n . b l o g s p o t . c o m or www. f a c e b o o k . c o m / B a l l e r i n a s D o n t R u n
REGISTRATION ___________________________________________________ Name SUNDAY: DECEMBER 15, 2013 Manoa Valley District Park [2721 Kaaipu Ave. Honolulu, HI 96822] 7 AM local time ABOUT US This is a FUN 5k run/walk! All proceeds from this event will go to benefit the Institute for Human Services (IHS); the largest homeless shelter on Oahu. For more information or for any questions, email us at homewardbound5k@gmail.com. Also visit our website: http://homewardbound5k.blogspot.com. 5K: The USATF certified course starts and ends at the Manoa Valley District Park. Awards: Prizes for top 3 finishers in each age group. Packet Pickup: Packet pickup will be held on Friday, December 13 from 4 PM – 7 PM. and Saturday, December 14 from 10 AM – 2 PM @ the Running Room; 819 Kapahulu Ave. Honolulu, HI 96816 T-shirts: Sold on race day for $10. Timing: Chip timing provided by Pacific Sport Events & Timing. Sponsors: MAHALO to Atlas Foundation, Island Insurance Foundation, Honolulu Marathon, Running Room, D.R. Horton, Green Fleet Hawaii, Lex Brodie's, Topa Financial Center, Datahouse and Matthew Lum, A.I.A and many others! * Make checks payable to: The Institute for Human Services (IHS) * Mail entries to: IHS, The Institute for Human Services, Inc ATTN: Development - HB2012 546 Ka'aahi St., Honolulu, HI 96817 To register online visit www.flpregister.com or scan ___________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ City State Zip Code ___________________________________________________ Phone ___________________________________________________ Email Address Gender: Male Female Birth Date ____/____/____ Age: _____ ENTRY FEE FREE – kids under 5 $15 if postmarked by December 11 $25 at packet pick-up (December 13/14) $30 on race day (December 15) Additional tax-deductible donation to IHS Total Enclosed: $_________ SIGNED WAIVER REQUIRED: I hereby release the Homeward Bound 5k organizers; the City and County of Honolulu; the State of Hawaii; and all governmental agencies whose property and/or personnel are used, and other sponsoring or co-sponsoring company(ies), agency(ies), volunteers, or individual(s) from responsibility for any injuries or damages I may suffer as a result of my participation in this event. I will additionally permit the use of my name and picture in broadcasts, telecasts, newspapers, brochures, etc. I also understand that the entry fee is nonrefundable. As a participant, I certify that all information provided in this form is true and complete. I have read the entry information provided for this event and certify my compliance by signature below. Signature _____________________________ * Parent or Guardian must sign if participant is under 18. Individuals under the age of 14 must have a parent guardian chaperone with them. Contact IHS at 447-2810 for more information.
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Hawai Sport November-December

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