Todd Israel has only two days left until the Ford Ironman World Championships

8/10/2010 6:49:00 AM

Hi BTC,

Tuesday night here in Kona and the place is really starting to buzz with athletes. I swam the course in the morning and ran up Palani hill and onto the Queen Ka HWY for my morning session with Lisa. The water was so nice, but I received a few stings from the local jellyfish and needed a dose of vinegar to take the edge off the sting. On the run leg Lisa and I came across the two time World Ironman Champion Craig Alexander heading out for a ride with his posse close by. He looks so fit!

After a break and a bite to eat for lunch I headed out to the Natural Energy Lab (NEL) which is roughly the 25 km mark of the run course. The NEL is where they have all the solar power panels and other renewable energy sources. The area is well known for it's unbearable heat so it was a must experience before the race and it lived up to its reputation. There is no wind at the turn around point, heat and humidity are full on and it feels like you have just stepped out of a hot shower. My heart rate has jumped about 8 beats up and my pace run slowed. Just the feeling every triathlete loves.

The day finished off with the Athletes March Past which went along Alii Drive. The road was lined with people cheering each country. It was a good feeling to walk with the other Australian athletes past all the cafes and shops. Looking for an easier day tomorrow.

Cheers Todd

Todd Israel

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