Todd Israel checks in from Hawaii in the lead up to the Ford Ironman World Championship

6/10/2010 5:31:53 AM

Day One

I have had my first morning on Hawaii, the "Big Island", Kona. The weather has been cool with a little humidity but the water has been fantastic.  Fit and tanned people everywhere you look. To start off day one (today) Lisa Marangon and I had a great swim out on the official course. Just as we headed out the first guy back in commented that the water was so clear he could see a few sharks at the turn around point. Nice.

Following the swim I intended to head out on a ride of the bike course.  I got a couple of kilometres down the road and noticed that there was a broken spoke on the 808 Zipp back wheel that Duncan had very kindly lent me. Massive search for the nearest bike shop and some begging got the problem fixed by late afternoon you can imagine that the bike shops are a little flat out this time of year in Kona!  Turns out it was likely broken when the USA authorities searched the bike box before the flight from Honolulu to Hawaii.  I have run into several people who have had their bikes damaged this way. One woman was in tears that they had caused so much damage she was unlikely to be able to compete.

To make up for the change in plans I hit the bitumen for a run along Alii Drive.  This road hugs the coast and I saw some beautiful scenery for every step.  The cool had burned off by afternoon and it was very hot finally got a taste of that Hawaiian heat people have been telling me about.  I will be crossing my fingers for it to be a little cooler on race day.

I spent the time between run and bike rescue getting some nutrition into my body at Lava Java cafe with coffee and lunch.  It seemed to be the place to be, with 99% shaved and tanned legs under every table. 

To finish the day off I picked up the bike from being repaired and headed out onto the Queen Kaukini Highway for a speedy 70km ride. What a great road! The wheels felt fantastic Duncan and your 808 is as good as new.

Well that was my first full day in Kona and it was a great day with a few speed bumps along the way.

Cheers Todd    

Todd Israel

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