Blowin' up the Volcano...marathon!!!

KILAUEA WILDERNESS RUNS/VOLCANO MARATHON - 26July2008
Volcanoes National Park, Island of Hawai`i
Aloha all! Been a while since the last post and have fallen a bit behind on things. Instead of trying to back track and cover all of the past few events, I'll get to the big event that took place this past weekend...the Volcano Marathon! As a 'reward' for her accomplishments - as you shall read below - I asked the former Marathon Maniac Groupie, Heather, to do a review on the race. However to just give a quick snipet on how things went, here's Maniacles' informative lowdown:

Aloha All!
The RunnersHI Ohana completed another successful neighbor island trek. Thirteen from our ohana enjoyed a weekend at Kilauea Military Camp, highlighted by successful Volcano marathons on Saturday. Marathoners included Ray, Shaka, Heather, Bob, WW2, Frayed Laces (FL), Jeff, WW1, Mark, Red Rabbit and myself. The trip was especially eventful as we were joined by Jim who lives in Mountain View (Hawaii) and Gary (Red Rabbit), who lives in Seattle and made the special trip to Hawaii for this run.

There was much concern leading into the weekend as many were concerned about the recent volcanic activity and subsequent elevated VOG alerts. Many runners avoided the this year's runs with concerns about the air quality. As it turned out, the winds blew to the southwest and the VOG was never a factor. The recent volcanic activity did force a course change which resulted in less off-road trail running. In my opinion, the course was much easier than past years when we ran onto the lava fields. Together with overcast skies and cooler than normal weather, today was an ideal day for the marathon.


Everyone has their own memorable story but a couple stand out as
highlights of the weekend. FL did not know she was the only one in our group doing the ten miler. With much prodding by Jeff and Mark, she reluctantly switched to the marathon (her second ever). After a conservative start, FL powered her way, passing many along the way, to the fourth place woman overall. That is until it was revealed that the first woman, Ariel M, was actually a guy thus pushing Laura to third overall. For her efforts, Laura received a beautiful colored glass vase with lid. Unfortunately, Ariel's switch to the male division bumped Jeff from AG 3rd to 4th.


Today was redemption day for Major Mark! With vivid memories of his serious injury in the lava fields last year, Mark won the Male Military division and received a handsome plate. You can view the complete results here.





The award ceremony concluded with the presentation of the HI3 medals. This award was presented to those runners who finished all three Big Island marathons this year. Naturally, many of us were recognized for this accomplishment. But it was quite a surprise when the top female with the best total combined time was announced. Heather was called up and awarded a HI3 Champion plaque! The spirits and camaraderie was high as our Ohana was joined by our many friends in the Hilo Ohana and the Judith Ohana (what are you guys called?) (Judith, Kat, Brenda, Ryan, Tomu, etc). ~maniacles

Here's the review from our HI3 Champ, Heather:
Running the outer island races with the Ohana is always a lot of fun. A mini vacation with a serious workout thrown in. This past weekend, eleven of us traveled to the Big Island for the wilderness runs organized by Wayne “Big Dog” Joseph and sponsored by the Volcano Art Center. A couple of the extended Ohana were able to join us. The 'Red Rabbit' came all the way from Washington State and Jim C. drove up from Mountainview.

This is the 26th year of the event and for a time there was a question as to whether we would be running this year. Recent volcanic activity meant that a large part of the route for both the 10 mile crater rim run and marathon were now bathed in sulphur fumes. Far from ideal running conditions. Fortunately, a new route for both was implemented and the show went on.


The morning of the race dawned wet and cool. Everyone stayed under cover for as long as possible in the hope of keeping their muscles warm. I was excited. This was my first attempt at the full marathon. The last couple of years I have completed the 10 miler and loved every minute of it. The fact that I never have any aches and pains at the end is always an added bonus. Encouraged by 'Da Man' Alfredo (we missed him this year) and the rest of the maniacs I was set for a new challenge.

This year the route was meant to be easier, more road and less trail.
Not the same, some said, but better than not running at all. I would definitely have liked more trail and less hill. I found the course to be tough but beautiful. I was lucky enough to have company for most of the run as Wily kept me going.
The new course went in the opposite direction from KMC. Past Volcano house, round by Thurston lava tube and down through a fern forest. The smell of ginger was amazing. That part was a challenge of alternating between ducking your head and jumping over fallen branches. Lucky I am short. I think Wily must have caught at least one branch.

Then we joined Chain of Craters Road and ran down onto Halina Pali Road. Then the fun stopped. Having descended about 1000 feet or so we then had to turn around and climb back up. Escape road was everything they had said and more. I could feel every rock underfoot and my legs were not loving the steady incline. The volunteers at the aid stations were great though and every now and then Jim would appear camera in hand so you just had to smile and have fun. It is nice to have pictures of us all running, thanks Jim.
123 people completed the marathon. The first in an amazing 3:20:55 with the last coming in 7:12:19. The Ohana completed another successful race. Our times are listed below. Mark, who came to grief in the lava fields last year, was triumphant winning the military division. There was some confusion over the third place male and female. When it was discovered that Ariel (wasn`t that the little mermaid?) was a guy, Jeff was shunted to fourth position and Laura was moved up to third female. Most importantly though, Les was healthy and happy at the finish without the need of an IV!



Congratulations to all the ohana. Great to see so many maniacs out there too. Thanks to the race organizers for keeping this race going. I am glad I had the opportunity to be a part of this tradition and to finally run all three Big Island marathons. Thanks also to Madam Pele for favourable weather conditions and for providing us with an amazing place to run.



Results for the Ohana:

David C. 40 - 49 Honolulu, HI 3:26:54

Jeff F. 30 – 39 Honolulu, HI 3:56:10

Shaka 40 – 49 Aiea, HI 4:07:12

Laura 'Frayed Laces' 20 – 29 Honolulu, HI 4:11:44

Ryan S. 30 - 39 Honolulu, HI 4:16:29

Major Mark 'da Rock' Military Wahiawa, HI 4:17:35

Brenda Y. 50 - 59 Honolulu, HI 4:18:03

Steve 'MM #1056' 50 - 59 Hilo, HI 4:22:00

Gary 'Red Rabbit' 50 – 59 Snohomish, WA 4:22:26

Maniacles Omura 50 – 59 Honolulu, HI 4:30:31

Wyatt 'WW1' 30 – 39 Honolulu, HI 4:37:29

Ray 50 – 59 Aiea, HI 4:55:42 78

Harvey N. 40 - 49 Hilo, HI 5:23:23

Judith I. 50 -59 Kailua, HI 5:27:59

Wild Bill 50 - 59 Hana, HI 4:56:08

Kat T. 30 - 39 Honolulu, HI 4:59:24

Greg Military Hilo, HI 5:08:56

Heather 30 – 39 Aiea, HI 5:16:10

Wily 'Coyote'/WW2 20 – 29 Pearl City, HI 5:16:10

Marie K. 60 - 69 Hilo, HI 5:54:01

Invincible 'Bob' 50 – 59 Kapolei, HI 7:11:06

Much Mahalos to Jim C. for not only being our 'equipment manager ' and 'official photographer' but as always being such a great friend! Also much aloha to our Hilo 'clan' and the Marrs (RR & Sue) , enjoyed seeing all of you! Can't wait to see you all at the next one!

Will do another entry for Tinman and the Maunawili Out & Back 22-miler later this week!

Five Years and Run(ning)STRONG!!!

Five years ago our veteran running store manager fulfilled his lifelong dream by opening his own store in his hometown. In the last five years this little shop in Aiea has grown and developed a following that rivals the best sports stores in the state. We have so much gratitude for the generosity and friendship of Raymond Woo. He has contributed so much to the local running community for so many years.Ray opened RunnersHI sometime in July 2003 (the exact date eludes him in his advanced age). On Tuesday, July 22, the Runners' HI Ohana celebrated five successful years of a great community with Ray.

Cheers to Ray and Runners' HI for the neverending support in all our endeavors! Here's to many more years to come!!! Here's to mainacles, Shaka, Neil V., Maverick Nakasone, and the rest who first began our Tuesday runs! Also here's to all the Ohana no matter where you are for just being apart of our close knit group!

Special Mahalos to mainacles who composed the first paragraph of this entry and Tim V. for the special 'Runners HI Life' brew!

Catching up with the Ohana...the mid-July issue

Aloha all! After another exciting and busy few weeks since the Fourth of July weekend, here's an update on what's been going on:
First of all, despite having been told by Mark E. about this race, I totally forgot to add it to the events on the Fourth of July weekend.

Scholfield Barracks Fourth of July 5k
Several of the Ohana and thier families took part in the short but very fun race. What a way to start off the three day weekend! A quick description of the course by Dan T. was a out and back race up the hill on Kolekole Road then back down the same street to the finish. He said the only big complaint was that runners had to weave about each other as both halves of the race were on the same side of the road. The full results can be viewed here.

DAVE C. 19:51.4
MARK E. 20:54.5
DENISE C. 22:21.6
DAN T. 24:13.6
TYLER G. 25:16.8
ANNE G. 28:40.6
MARJORIE E. 34:17.0

Awesome job all! Even more kudos to Mark & Marge E. and Anne for also getting up early the next morning to do the Kaena Point 10-mile trail run! Way to go all! Thanks again Dan for the heads up and the info!

Road rash, Le Tour de France, trails and centipedes...oh my!
Finally had my first bike crash in a couple months! After a good brick comprised of a 13-mile ride then a good tempo run with the gang at the shop, I began the quick 3-mile sprint back home on my speed machine. Not even a 1/2-mile out, I was laid out on the road with a good amount of road rash and my bike having some questionable damage to its structure. Luckily none of the injuries were life threatening or serious and the bike is still rideable (and usable for this weekend), though I'm waiting to see what the damage will be to my wallet. Much mahalos to the Ohana for the support and willingness to have come out to scrape by rear off the road!
In going into this coming weekend's Tinman Triathlon, my inspiration is Cadel Evan in his roller coaster ride on the Tour. After getting into a nasty crash on Sunday's Stage 9: Toulouse to Bagnères-de-Bigorre (224 km/139.2 mi), he found himself in yellow Monday after a grueling Stage 10: Pau to Hautacam (156 km/96.9 mi), which included two beyond classification climbs up the Col du Tourmalet followed by the Hautacam! That's dedication!

A few of the Ohana decided to get some trail training in to get ready for the upcoming Volcano Marathon on July 26th. After some confusion in finding the turaround at the Waimanalo Demo trail head, then jetting back up to the start at the Pali Lookout for the start. We were off. The gang was treated to beautiful views of the Windward side of O`ahu, lush rainforests with cool valleys, and an overall great training run. Though Marge, Maniacles, and myself were only able to complete half for several reasons, Mark, Shaka, and former MM groupie, Heather were able to complete the entire route just before lunch (noon)! Can't wait til the real run the weekend after Volcano! Btw, any wishing to do the Maunawili Out&Back 22-miler can view the H.U.R.T. race website for the full info. It can be run either individually or as a two person relay team (one doing Pali to Waimanalo the other going back up). Many of the Ohana have already begun earnestly looking to do this one in some way or another. If you do participate...bring LOTS of water as in more than two water bottles and be sure to refill at the turnaround (as Maniacles would testify to)!

Lastly but not the least, much alohas and kudos to Frayed Laces after her exciting weekend camping and sleeping with the centipedes! Then to top it off she decides to do a brick today! Boy someone's looking prime for this weekend!

On that note, the countdown begins to the big day at Kapiolani Park at San Souci Beach! With this being the last known triathlon for the year, many are thinking to put in a good race. Three of the ladies in the Ohana have put together a team. Individual participants include 'Smooth', WWI, WWII, Frayed Laces & myself! Good luck all!

H.U.R.T. Kaena Point Firecracker 10-mile trail run Results

Results are up and here's how the gang did:

Kevin 1:07:47
'Super' Dave C. 1:09:35
Jay K. 1:09:52
Emily 1:14:59
Shaka 1:22:37
jf 1:25:30
Mainacles 1:25:55*
Brother Mark 1:26:20*
Frayed Laces 1:26:53 (5th female)
WWI (Wyatt) 1:26:54
Dara O. 1:27:38 (7th female)
Jim M. 1:30:28
Lynda 1:37:03 (10th female)
Rusty 1:37:45
Brenda 2:06:40
Ray 2:08:12
WW II (Wily C.) 2:16:26
Divina 2:20:13
Marge 2:23:15

*-times not recorded but based on finished behind the runner(s) they were between
Anne also ran but her time as missed.
Great job all! The full results can be seen here and along with photos!!!

Fourth of July Weekend...Runners' HI style!!!

Hope everyone had a great three day weekend relaxing, enjoying time with the family, or just getting your sanity back. Regards to Frayed Laces who spent her July 4th holiday working. At least she got to spend some quality time with her roomies after! Some of the Ohana spent the weekend doing some fun trail running at the H.U.R.T. Firecracker 10-miler at Kaena Point on Saturday, then doing leaving their running attire at home to ride along the Tinman Triathlon cycling route on Sunday! Prior to all this fun two of the Ohana, Kyle the Kidd and Wily Coyote, participated in another marathon of sorts!

Happy Anniversaries, Kona Marathon PR Celebration,and 'Dixie Grill eat-a-thon'??

On Thursday, 7/3, we celebrated the anniversaries of three of the couples in the Ohana as well as Kona Marathon PRs for Shaka and Wily Coyote. Little did we know what was in store for the evening!

As his reward for PR-ing Wily C. was to get a chance at devouring a 5-lb Dixie Grill burger. Unfortunately this 'challenge' was no longer available..which may have been a sign of things to come. Almost simultaneously both Kyle the Kidd and Wily C. spied the humangous platters of food made for over two people! Both looked at each other and said 'We're there!'

Wily C. took charge of the Dixie Grill Trash Can Buffet....

while the Kidd eagerly ordered the Trash Can O' Crab...

In short, while both came up a little...well, short of eating the entire meal, they consumed more than what any of us ever expected and we believe would give hard rubs to Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi! Good job you two! Now to get rid of all of that...

Kaena Point Firecracker 10-miler

On the day after a national holiday, who would want to wake up before 4am to travel to the far reaches of the North Shore of O`ahu to run in the hot, humid, rocky trails of Kaena Point?!?!? Well apparently about one-hundred (114 to be exact) very excited and happy runners decided to do so (this was a course record in attendance...usually only 50 show up)! A good 40% of those who lined up at the start were newbies to the course (with about 25% saying this was their first trail run)!!! Runners' HI was well represented by about 18 of the Ohana taking part (including Wily C. & the Kidd who were all fueled by Dixies!), with seven being new to running the Hawai`i trail systems!

The trail proved to be a challenge for many as the barren, rocky ground caused various undulations and pitfalls in the trail. The morning sun while providing an awe-inspiring sunset also created hot conditions for the first and last 3-miles of the race. The start was signaled with some post-holiday fireworks, a small fountain! Those familar with the course were disappointed to not have their 'favorite crossing' included in the race at the washout point. A new trail going above the cliff had been made, providing a bit of climbing (and stumbling). The middle 4-miles of the route were shady (as it was on the Waianae-side of Kaean Point, well sheltered by the mountain range), and provided spectacular views of the rugged coastline!

There was a 100% completion of all runners with many newbies proclaiming that if they knew it was this fun they would've done the first three races (the H.U.R.T. runs to follow will all be over 20-miles in preparation for the H.U.R.T. 100)!!!

Several of the women from the Ohana managed to place in the top 10 female finishers! First timers Frayed Laces (4th) and Dara O. (6th) were amongst them! Shaka also had a great race in remaining right behind the lead pack and this time without having any trips, falls, or scrapes! Another surprise was the performance by Maniacles who began picking up the pace after the first 5k and never looked back!

No results yet but will put them up as soon as they are posted! Great job all! Thanks for the pic Shaka and mahalos to Carl for being our photographer (and being so patient)!

Much alohas to Dara & Rusty! Hope you both will one day join us for our weekly runs! Also as always Aloha to Jim M., one of the Runners' HI originals who's been at all of the H.U.R.T runs so far! It's always a great pleasure and fun 'catching up' with you!

Most importantly much mahalos to the H.U.R.T. gang especially Barbie, Bob, John, P.J. and Cheryl for putting together this race! Always fun from the time runners arrive til well past when they leave!

Tinman Cycling Course Adventure

About a dozen cycling enthusiasts from the Ohana took to the roads of Waikiki-Kahala to tour the route for the bike portion for the Tinman triathlon. While most new to the sport took in all of the various concepts and mechanisms on their street machines, all seemed to enjoy riding 10x's faster than they've ever ran down Kalanianeole Hwy!

Much Mahalos to Wily Coyote for providing many of the gang with bikes and the Nagai family for providing the picture (and Brian for being our photographer)!

Major races some of the Ohana will be participating in next are:

- Tinman Triathlon, Sunday 7/21: Start time 6 a.m at Queen's Beach

- Volcano Marathon and Wilderness Runs, Saturday 7/26 5 a.m. marathon start (?)/6 a.m. 10-miler start (?) at Volcano National Park, Island of Hawai`i

The next H.U.R.T. run will be the Maunawili Out & Back 22-miler on Saturday, 8/2 start time at 7 a.m. This can also be run as a relay event with 11-mile legs between two runners (sure there will be some argument of who gets the uphill portion). This will be followed by the TTT (Tantalus Triple Trek - 30+ mile/three 10-mile loops) at HNC on 8/30 with a 5:30 a.m. start time! FYI, the TTT had a 10-hour time limit last year (don't know if it's still in effect)! See ya on the trails or roads!!!