This was tough. Hot, humid and long.
I already had a high regard for the Ironman triathletes that compete in the annual World Championships here, but now I consider them pretty incredible, whether they are the elite or the back of pack. This marathon started at 5:30am to avoid the worst of the heat but the triathletes do it after a 3.8km swim and 180km bike ride.
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| Our target |
The flag you can see on the right side of the finish line was actually flown on the front line in Afghanistan
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| Getting ready to head off |
The event was well organised. There were 20 drink stations, on average just over a mile apart stocked with Endura, water, ice and coke. As is often the case the volunteers were great. You really have to admire the volunteers, the race would be so much tougher without them. And they're always smiling!
Once the day dawned, there was a nice cloud cover for a while. This kept the sun off you but was not to last. By the time you got out onto the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway it was hot, no shade and long, long stretches. Still, there were people dressed up in grass skirts, pink skirts and one guy dressed as a volcano! Go figure. I was dressed trying to imitate a runner.
I was feeling pretty good on the way out, chatting to a few people, passing the miles and trying to run my own race. This was never going to be a fast one. First marathon and the humidity and heat meant that I really had no idea what I was in for.
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| Half way point: Natural Energy Laboratory Hawaii Authority (NELHA) |
It was now tough getting gels and sports drink to go down. Coke and ice were going to have to get me home.
The final 10km from Kailua-Kona to the finish line was one of the toughest things I have done - and I've done a few. I was down to running and walking now. Sometimes walking and running. Each shady patch was a walk stage. I knew I could make it, the only variable was time.
Half of Ali’i Drive was closed for the runners but it was amazing that most runners still ran on the side of the road, even around the curves. Probably a combination of fatigue and habit.
Elizabeth and Rochelle were finished now with great efforts from both of them. Celebrations to be had by all. Here is Elizabeth finishing the 10km. A fantastic effort. Something she never thought that she would do. Bring on a half marathon now :)
Rochelle and her well deserved medal. Half marathon in the bag.
This is the moment I was waiting for, the finish line. Elizabeth and Rochelle were on the sideline, patiently waiting for me to get there and then cheering me on. I got a cheer from the announcer welcoming 'Greg from Australia'. It was great to be there
After the finish the first thing that happened was the photos. An unexpected moment, but appreciated, especially as this was my first marathon.
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| Everyone had their own 'podium' finish. Superb |
To back pedal a bit, the day before the marathon we went to a couple of the workshops that were organised. These were good. One was on nutrition and managing yourself out on the course. It was given by a couple of pro triathletes (whose names I have forgotten - sorry). A key theme was managing your heat. As you can see from the photos below, I did... just. I really started to heat up about 5 mins after I finished. I just wanted a cold Coke, but at that point of time they ran out.
A bucket of ice water over me (Elizabeth loved doing that) and a rest on the banana chairs at the MASH tent and I was ok in about 5 mins.
Would I do it again? In a flash...
