Happy Birthday, Frayed Laces!!!

Thought we'd forgotten, eh! Check out the blog (this is the anniversary of its genesis) of one of the youngest members of our Ohana as she endures through the nuances of balancing grad school, research, and training/racing in ultras, marathons, and triathlons! FrayLaces, a year in 'running' and more to come!

Tours on....2008 HBL Honolulu Century Ride

Each year the Honolulu Bicycle League hosts two rides that invite the community at-large to participate in biking safety, awareness, and fitness. The second event, the Honolulu Century Ride, is by far one of the largest this side of the Pacific as it brings in hundreds of Japanese cyclists eager to tour the eastern and northeast shores of our island. Other participants came from Australia, the Mainland U.S. and even Europe (Italy) to take part in this annual ride! In all over 3,500 riders took to the streets of O'ahu from Kapiolani Park covering distances of 20-, 25-, 50-, 75-, & 100-miles.

Eighteen of our Ohana participated this year, dedicating the ride to Valerie and her family in her recovery efforts! Wearing yellow and pink ribbons (got more if anyone would like), we took to heart all that she's had to endure and spun in many miles.

Many took up distances of 20-miles (out to Hawai`i Kai and back) and 50-miles (to Kailua and back). About eight took on challenge of the full Century ride...100 miles...riding out to Swanzy Beach in Kaawa then retracing their tracks back to Kapiolani Park! No matter what distance was covered all agreed that the event was fun and worthwhile!Despite many inconvienences ranging from mixups with race officials not recording our team for the Iron Okole challenge (actually my bad), a forgotten bike helmet, various small injuries, and a few cases of poor riding courtesies, we all had fun and accumulated alot of stories. Many are vowing to do this event again next year with the intent of going further!

Like our running community, cyclists have many cliques and (training) groups of their own but they all come together to unify not only to promote the various aspects of riding but also to re-connect and meet others. This day saw not only that but the crossover of runners, cyclist, and people from all walks of life and areas of the world coming together to enjoy the simple aspects of life and enjoying a fun ride!

Readiness Series 25k (on a Saturday?) & H.U.R.T. Peacock Flats Preview or Hills, Hills, Hills and oh, More Hills!!!!

Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher 25K
Saturday, Sept. 27th @ 5am - Kailua Beach Park
The 3rd race of the readiness series took many of the Ohana out to the Windward side of the island where they joined 500 other runners to take part in this inaugural race. As previously mentioned in other posts, there were alot of changes to the series including management, sponsors, and the race courses. This particular route proved to be no different. Runners assembled at Kailua Beach Park (previously it was held at Kailua Intermediate), then proceeded out and around Lanikai, back through the Kailua residential area then out to the Mokapu Peninsula, aka Kaneohe Marine Corps Station. There a small test was give in ascending what many say was a tough hill (this proved to be a big topic for this day).
There were many stories about this run, the winding about through the residential area, the location (limited parking), and the more scenic route than previous years. However the main topics were the hill and one of our Ohana falling. The main jist of this was that she (we'll keep her identity hush) was weaving a bit during the run then collapsed. One of the gang came to her rescue and helped her get back up. She had a few scrapes but was okay, however she doesn't remember the fall or what happened. Most are (and all indications seem to support) that she was becoming dehydrated and experiencing effects of the heat and humidity. As many of our veteran Ohana always say," Listen to your body and know what's going on." Glad to know that she's okay and is determined to get back on the road for the next race!

All had fun and are looking forward to the peak distance of the series, the Niketown 30k on Sunday (10/26)! Here are the results from Saturday's race. Congrats to Shelly C., Judith I., David C., Nick K., the Cos, and Maniacles for AG placings!

Preview to suffering: H.U.R.T. Peacock Flats 54-miler
Those of us in the Ohana that have done a majority of the Hawaii UltraRunning Team's trail series have thought the 'we've seen it all', 'been there done that'...with the exception of the H.U.R.T. 100. However a new race/event that has been put up for this year, the Peacock Flats 54-miler, has left only three people intrigued: Heather, Brother Shaka, and yours truly! On Saturday, while others were in the final miles of the Kailua 25k, the three of us set out to do a preview of the course - a single (27 mile) leg of the double 'loop' course.

After driving out to the Waianae side of the island (which proved to be an adventure in itself...yes, I take full blame for taking the wrong fork in the road), we met up with a large contigent of H.U.R.T. runners also training for the course (approx. 20, a record) at Dillingham airfield. After parking just off the course, all diligently began organizing their gear: hydration packs, nutrition, caps, etc. It was gonna be a hot one. As we set out we could all feel the heat and humidity setting in and it was only 6:20am...the sun hadn't even rose yet!

To summarize the course, runners ascend the Kealia trail using a
series of short switchbacks that connect up to the jeep trails. These makeup the main route of the course, a loop-like configuration through northern Waianae mountain range providing spectacular views of both the Mokuleia/Kaena Pt. areas as well as Waianae/Nanakuli. Other than a few very friendly pig hunters (w/ their dogs) and hikers, there are no other people along the area. Moreover, the isolation of the area provides a certain quaintness and spirituality that is so special in being able to listen and connect with nature (Maniacles would have loved to seen and heard the various birds inhabiting the area).

However the harsh reality of the course is that it is VERY tough and debilitating even for the most veteran runner! Did I mention there are hills...not just hills, ascents and climbs along the mountain ridges, many which were a bit sketchy at first. The heat and humidity provided yet another dimension for this run, we all made sure to continually hydrate and take in energy in whatever form possible. Perhaps one of the enduring parts of the course is the segway off from the trail loop, whereupon runners took a 7-8 mile jaunt down the mountains to the roadway to reach the 2nd aide station/stash area then retraced their way back UP to the main trail to complete the loop back at the start! This out-and-back leg comprises almost 1/2 of the entire loop! Totals for the day were 27.2 miles (per Mike M.'s GPS...Shaka and I had 27.8+) with a max elevation of 1,600 ft(asl)!
Despite it's toughness and the challenge to conquer the course time limit (16-18 hours), the unrelenting reason to do this is perhaps why we consider doing it: it's there and it's a challenge! H.U.R.T. events have never been necessarily races for many of us, rather they're times we can connect with other runners (whether trail or road) and find peace both within in nature and ourselves.
Much mahalos to all of the H.U.R.T. gang there who provided extra supplies and guided us in the right direction (Marian, Gordon, Cheryl, Rex, Larry, etc.)!

A Few Errors!!!

Whoops! I may mild haste to do the past race postings I forgot two events that several of the Ohana took part in. My apologies to all who participated in them!

During the weekend of the Maui Marathon two of our new triathloners took part in the 10th annual Na Wahine Sprint Triathlon on Sunday, Sept 14th! The event is a female only race with three different events to choose from: a full sprint triathlon, a super-sprint tri, and a duathlon (run, bike, run). Anne & Lisa, who entered the full sprint tri, did extremely well and surprised themselves at how much fun the both had as well as the results! Don't forget this was the first time either of them had participated in a race without their coaches helping them and without major training! Awesome job ladies!
Anne has vowed to start getting serious for next year and is looking to plan a training regiment! Lisa also is looking to participate in additional tris next year! Oh boy, now I'm getting scared! Lookout here comes the Ohana Triathletes!

I though last weekend was void of any running events...wrong! On Sunday, Sept. 21st, was the Old Pali Road 4.4-miler. Several of the Ohana did this event including Carole, Cynthia and TC who all took AG placings! Here are the results. Congrats all!

The Readiness Series Kailua 25k will be held this Saturday at Kailua Beach (wonder how the parking will be?) with many of the Ohana entered. Good luck to all and hope to hear many stories on our Tuesday run! Brother Shaka, Heather, Kyle, and I will be embarking on some insanity in scouting out the course for the H.U.R.T. Peacock Flats 54-miler that same day. Though we've vowed to just cruise the entire way doing a good jog and power walking the hard hills, we're not discounting on how hot it will be!
Saturday will be Ray's beloved Brenda's bday, so at least we'll have much merriment to look forward to following the first day of the weekend's endeavors (at least for some of us)! Happy early Bday Brenda!
Sunday will be yet another early morning as many of the running Ohana become 'Breakaways' in riding in the 27th Annual HBL Century Ride! It should be fun as there are several groups doing the various distances! Hope all enjoy the ride and finish safely!

A Weekend with the Ohana

Despite no races taking place this weekend, the O`ahu gang remained busy. On Friday (9/19), we watched the much awaited movie appropriate for many runners at this time of year (especially for several of our Ohana)...'The Spirit of the Marathon'! Much mahalos for Timm V. for finding out when it was being shown in Hawai`i and the refreshements, Frayed Laces for suggesting we make a gathering of it, Maniacles for doing the organization, and the Invincible one (Bob) for his generous gift! Most of all, thanks all for those that could make it! It proved to be a very inspirational, enthusiastic, and heartwarming evening. With two of our gang in attendance embarking on their first marathons in December, the movie proved to get them even more spirited about the Honolulu Marathon. Many of the multiple marathoners found more incitement to run further marathons.

During our post-movie get-together at Blue Moon, comments and

discussions (all positive) regarding the movie was still abuzz. There

we surprised Ms. Frayed Laces with her 3rd place Maui Marathon award! Congrats!
One would think that with no race events coming up, it would be a relaxing weekend. Not such the case. FL and an 'anonymous' other cyclist embarked on a 60+ mile ride from Diamond Head to Kaneohe Bay and back (with a few detours). Several took to the roads and trails to do long runs. Be it running, cycling or swimming, training for the gang is not limited to just preparing for a single event or a window of time to get ready for one. We've found it helpful in maintaining our fitness and endurance (even improving it), a much needed stress reliever, and most of all a means of just being able to socialize and hang out.

See ya on the roads (or trails)!

Marathon Readiness Series and the Maui no ka owweee!!!!

In another busy week, well actually month, many of the Ohana find themselves not having many weekends to do our leisurely group long runs. For the few weeks, many of the gang have been participating in the Marathon Readiness Series. Also 13 of the Ohana participated in the Maui Marathon this past weekend. The Red Rabbit has been going strong running yet another marathon that same day (and he's likely getting prep work done for another this weekend)!

2008 Marathon Readiness Series

In previous years the Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club (MPRRC) has been the main supporting group in hosting the annual (Honolulu) Marathon Readiness Series that many of us enjoy participating in. Though some take it seriously (racing the entire series for AG placing), perhaps the key thing many of all agree on is that it's a great way to not only get mileage and gauge progress, but also (re)connect with others in the running community. I truthfully testify that if not for the series, I would not have gotten to where I am now since this was how I met Maniacles, Shaka, Da Man, and the (legendary) Red Rabbit. I also learned about Runners' HI through the various packet pickups locations done at most of the running stores.

There was a major change however this year. Due to financial hardships and the lack of needed volunteers and support, MPRRC was forced to release the organization of the series to 808 Race, also known as Boca Hawaii. The first major change was the price increase ($25/event or $115 for the series). Though many loyal to MPRRC have decided to pass on the series, there has been a steady showing in the amount of participants taking part (MPRRC members were given a discount of $100 for the series). The series is a set of five races with each subsequent one increasing the mileage by 5km (3 miles). So far two of the races have taken place.

BLUE HAWAII Norman Tamanaha 15k

Sunday, November 17th - Kapiolani Park

The inaugural race for the new event organizer went off with a few bumps. The race start was moved up about 200m and there was some questioning to where to do packet pickup. However after the run began things really settled and many were very pleased with how it went. There were adequate amounts of aide stations each manned with a good amount of volunteers. That at the Kahala Aloha gas station (midpoint of the run) offered gels. The finish area was well stocked with refreshments with results posted in a timely manner.

Congrats to Ironmen Dave L. and Nick K., Carole, Jason F. and TC for AG placing, here are the results.

RUNNER'S HI 20k

Sunday, September 7th- Kalaeloa

Wow, now we had our own signature race!!! As always this was a multiple loop run, with many thinking that it would be the normal route from White Sands Beach but....surprise, surprise due to not being able to clear the event with the military (the original route ran near the military housing area), 808 Race had to change the course during the final week before the event day! Many arrived at the start to a VERY dark area, only a single spotlight was available to enable the crew to pass out timing chips and do last minute packet pickups and signups.

The course proved to be quite cool due to an earlier start time of 5:30am, though as it got warmer and humid as the day progressed. Some reported a slight problem remembering what lap they were on and getting bored seeing the same scenery for three loops.

Overall though, most had alot of fun with the new course as they were able to see others (such as the front leaders and those in back) giving each other added support in cheering each other on. Aide stations were very well placed with gels being generously given out (there were a few reports of hording).

Congrats again to Jason F., TC, Mike P., Carole, da Coz, IronNick, and Dave C. for AG placing, and all who took part. You can view the results here. Acknowledgement should also go out to Smooth G who did the Hickam Half Marathon the day before along with da Coz (results here)!

The Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher 25k (that's a long name) will be held next SATURDAY in Kailua. Should be interesting as not only is the race on a day earlier but the course winds through much of the Kailua residential areas!

38th Annual Maui Marathon

Sunday, September 13th - Kahului to Kaanapali

-- Much Mahalos to Brother Shaka for taking and supplying all of the pics!!--

For the past couple of years (forgot how many) Maniacles, Shaka, and Da Man have been mainstays for this race. Five years ago these three and Millertime shanghai'd me over to do this one and have been going every year since. The one thing that I've noticed is that it's ALWAYS been dry and NEVER has it rained. Last year proved to be a total fluke with cool temps and the trades helping things since once again the heat and humidity that has seemingly been synonymous with this race since the changing from February to September came about.

Brother Mark, Frayed Laces, and I did a first and took the Super

Ferry over. Though it did cut some expenses, we all had some motion sickness (though FL did catch up on alot of her beauty sleep). Invincible Bob got over earlier that morning...think he said he wanted to catch a few waves at Jaws or Hookipa, with WWII/WilyCoyote having arrived Friday to do the Maui Tacos 5K with Denise, Dave, and Gianni C.! Congrats to the family for all placing in the 5k and participating in the Front Street Mile! Maniacles, Heather, and Shaka came in next.

In meeting up at the 'expo' (more like just a packet pickup with a few travelling vendors), we hooked up with a few of our Hilo Ohana...Steve P. and Harvey N.! We got to meet with the legendary Bart Yasso!

Mark and I headed back to Kahului to pickup and stay with Da Man and WWI, hitting a snag in our planned pre-race dinner...Auntie Pasto's was closed for renovations!!! AHHHH!! Luckily we were able to bump into Cowboy Bill Connor who suggested a great local spot across the street from our hotel (at the starting area)! Mahalos!

Race morning was quite cool, though many could sense the upcoming day to come with the humidty setting in by 5am. As the sun rose about 30 minutes into the race, the VOG (volcanic fumes) also began to lift giving way to the warmth of the sun...this proved to be a major factor later in the race. Shaka, Mark, Steve, and I stuck together for the earlier miles of the race. FL, Maniacles, and WWI were the next loose group with Heather, Harvey, WWII, and Da Man following. The Invincible one just relaxed and enjoyed the day a good solid pace.

As we hit the hills around mile 9, I took off closely followed by Shaka. Though we never ran side by side for this race, knowing that we were in close proximity helped us push on in the upcoming miles. Mahalos for keeping me going Shaka!

By mile 18 (about 730am), the heat of the sun began taking its toll. Many began slowing down and began feeling miserable. There were a few thoughts of either walking or calling it quits. However there would be none of that...all continued on and finished with various feelings being felt.

Congrats to all the Maui gang for notching another one on the ol'

marathon belts! Got to meet many Marathon Maniacs as well as see our ol' buddy McLovin'! Perhaps the most noteworthy finishers were FL, Steve P. and Mike H. (of Kona). Steve BQ'd (again) running along with Mark E. overcoming both blockades of half-marathon walkers and an obnoxious female runner who refused to let them pass her (think she had some sort of male competitive complex going there)! FL despite feeling the BONK! and being hounded by yet another obnoxious runner (this being a male...think you got another admirer FL!) continued on and took an AG 3rd! Despite feeling remorse for not fulfilling her overall goal, this was her first marathon being healthy and injury free. Moreover this was her first time experiencing the heat and humid conditions that the Maui Marathon is (in) famous for. Mike H. ran with a humangous blister on his foot that we left us all with mouths agap when we saw it after!

Here are the results: 1-100, 101-200, 201-300, 301-400, 401-500, 501-600, 601-700, 701-808

While many are currently doing the Maui Owee, we all had a great time and shared many stories/experiences. Ah, the beauty of weekend island getaways...errr, races!

Good luck and much aloha to Stroller Mom & Dad at the AF Marathon, and the Red Rabbit at the Lake Chelan Marathon this weekend! Up next for those on O`ahu will be the Kailua 25k then the HBL Honolulu Century Ride next weekend! Many of the Ohana have already signed up for one if not both events. For two of the Ohana the quest begins for the H.U.R.T Peacock Flats (trail) 54-miler in October, which many say is one of the harder trails in the state.

Great job too all on the past events! Hope to see you all on the roads or trails soon!

Runners' HI Summer Recap

Aloha all! So did again and fell behind on things. This summer has proven to be one of the busiest yet for the Ohana! Full of many events including highlights (PRs) and firsts for many! Our events haven't just included just runs but also distance swims, cycling, and triathlons!

Maunawili Out&Back 22-miler - Pali Lookout/Old Pali Road

Saturday August 2, 2008 (7am Start)

In keeping with our continued fun on the trails, several of the Ohana took part in the next of the H.U.R.T. trail race series. Though twice the distance and then some of the last trail race, the Kaena Point 10-miler, there was no lack in the amount of fun and sheer perserverance needed to complete this one.

Starting at the Pali Lookout, runners proceeded down the Maunawili

trail alongside the Pali Highway onto the Maunawilit trail. This would then switch onto the Waimanalo Demonstration Trail to take them out to the turnaround at the trailhead in the back areas of Waimanalo whereupon runners would head back to the Pali. As with the saying 'What goes up must come down', while the first half of the route was primarily downhill, runners had to now return uphill.

The primarily concern most runners were thinking of were making the return up to the start. However the real problem became having enough water to do so. The day began as cool and clear, but within a few hours gave way to hot and humid conditions. Luckily many of the valleys had cool breezes blowing through them. Runners were also able to view beautiful views of the Windward side of the island!

Many experienced cramps, dehydration, and heat stroke. Our own speedhorse Kyle, despite incurring a cut knee during the first mile continued to fly down the hill. However in ascending on the return, experienced cramps and dehydration around the 13th mile. Despite all the odds against him, he trudged on and completed. Other partipants included Shaka, Emily, and myself doing the entire route. Teaming up were Lynda (L1)-Heather (L2) and Team Essenberg - Marge (L1) & Mark (L2).

The finishing order can be viewed here. Much Mahalos to Marian and Neal Yasuda (race directors) and the rest of the H.U.R.T gang for the great times!

28th Tinman Triathlon - Kapiolani Park

Sunday July 20, 2008

One of the last triathlons of the summer proved to be an exciting initiation for many of the Ohana. Several of the regulars participated in the solo race including WWI, WWII/Wily Coyote, Smooth G, Frayed Laces, and the editor. An female team consisting of Anne (swim), Heather (bike) and Carole (run) was made, making this the first triathlon for the later two to participate in!

Overall great conditions were experienced with the water being relatively flat (small surf and easy currents) for the 750m out and back swim between Queen's Beach to the Natariom. A cool and clear morning made things even better for the 40k cycling leg from Kapiolani Park out to Hawaii Kai and back as well as the 10k run around Diamond Head.

Everyone had a great time including the editor despite being stung by a stray jellyfish and having a very uncomfortable ride on a borrowed bike that was too big for him (Mahalos Ray)! Several of the Ohana took home hardware including Emily K. (6th Female Overall), Frayed Laces (3rd in the 25-29 Female AG) and the women's team (Runners' Tri), who won the female team category! See full results.

Many expressed much anticipation for next year's season! Surprise, surprise though...two more triathlons have been added: the Haleiwa Tri (10/05) and the Tradewinds Tri (??)!!

North Shore Swim Series

June 28 - August 9, 2008

During their triathlon training a couple of our Ohana came into their own and transmorgified into very strong swimmers! Smooth G, WWI, WWII/Wily Coyote, and Anne took to the water and became instant fish...well actually amphibians (as they do very well on land too)! The North Shore Swim series consisting of 4 swimming events of various distances took place from June 28 - August 9, 2008. Smooth G, WWI and Wily Coyote participated in most of these swims and did a spectacular job (not to mention also balancing their training for other events)! Here's the results:

Raging Isle Sprint - June 28th

1-mile swim from Sunset Beach to Pipeline

Cholo's Waimea Bay Swim - July 12th

1.2-mile swim at Waimea Bay

Surf n' Sea Chun's to Waimea - July 26th

1.6-mile swim from Chun's Reef to Waimea Bay

Surf n' Sea North Shore Challenge- August 9th

2.3-mile swim from Pipeline to Waimea Bay

2008 Duke's Ocean Mile Swim

Saturday, August 23rd - Waikiki Beach

Yet another swim that Smooth G & WWI took part in was the Duke's Swim, in honor of the late Duke Kahanamoku. Both sliced through the water with ease and had a great time! While no results were posted (even after this very late report), both were very pleased with their individual results! Awesome job guys!

H.U.R.T. Tantalus Triple Trek (50k) - Hawai`i Nature Center

Saturday, August 30, 2008

For the second year in a row four of us (Maniacles, Shaka, TC/Drag-on, and myself)returned to the trails of Tantalus to tackle what proved to be a very tough day. We were joined by Heather, and Mark E. as well as many of our trail friends from H.U.R.T. in doing the 10-mile, figure-8 loop three times (total 30-miles) within a 10-hour time limit.

In rising that morning to meet up at the front of Hawai`i Nature Center (at the base of the trail) around 4 am, we were awaken to the sounds of heavy rain (reminescent of last year's run). This proved to be pivotal in making some re-think their strategy for the course due to the conditions...lots and lots of mud!!! Now the race was an official H.U.R.T event (as Shaka had suggested John S. must have a direct connection with the rain gods)!

As we started off, all switched on their headlamps & flashlights to make the 'torturous' first climb up 'Pipe'/Center trail. This created a rather awesome spectacle with a steady line of lights from 45 runners streaming up the hill! Sorry no photos were made...

In short, this race proved to be as challenging as ever even after the rains had ceased. The clearing skies gave way to a very hot

and humid day, creating conditions that prompted many to take in extra fluids. Maniacles and I both suffered some mild cramping, but with help from our 'angels on top' were able to finish and notch another race in our Maniac logbook.

The surprises of the day were Shaka finishing within a sizzling

6:08...shaving over an hour off of last year!!! Despite a mildly sprained ankle and cramping, Maniacles came in with a strong 6:45! Mark E. who was sidelined from last year's race due to injury, came in 5-minutes later. Our other first time TTTers, Heather and Wily came in at 7:29 with big smiles on their faces! All overcame various adversities, most citing the mud and muggy conditions as being the main hurdles.
The full list of results can be viewed here.

Throughout many of these races, we look to achieve some type of goal be it competing with others, placing within their age group, or PRing. However as many of us have taken part in the various H.U.R.T events, we found it not necessarily as a race in that respect but a challenge to complete while also being to take in some awesome scenery. Perhaps the best aspect of doing these however is re-aquainting ourselves with all of our friends running the trails and establishing a sense of camraderie with others in attaining the goal we all have...finishing!

In achieving this, we also have others that have helped us. Much Mahalos to John S., P.J., the McCallisters, Cheryl L, and the countless other H.U.R.T. members who have put on the Trail Race Series! Especially big thanks to Aide Station #2 on Concrete Road: Wah, Lorie, Carole, Jerelyn, and the rest for the much needed salt/li-hing mui and refreshments that helped us, especially Les, Wily, and I complete this run! Was great seeing familar smiling and enthusiastic faces there!

Dick Evan's Memorial Bike Race (112-miles) -Hawai`i Kai Park-n-Ride

Sunday August 31, 2008

A while ago, a friend of mine (who would eventually be the one to win this bike race) had asked me about volunteering for this event. Since this would be a great experience to watch part of one of the big Island road races as well as give back to the community, I asked some of the gang to help out. Heather, Shaka, and I decided after TTT to meet up Sunday morning to pass out water bottles to the participants at the Temple Valley aide station.

Rewind the clock back to Saturday morning pre-TTT, Wily Coyote arrives in time to not only run the trail event but also informs us that he'll be entering not just the 112-mile road bike race but also swim the Waikiki Roughwater....weekend Ironman!!!

As the first rider passed through our aide station we were able to quickly discern how to pass out water bottles to speeding bikers. The first chase group of about 25 came in 40 seconds behind him and closing fast. Though a few bottles were dropped at first, we quickly caught on. By 11am most of the riders had passed, with the relative few still to come in danger of not being able to complete within the allowed time frame of 7-hours. Our station was now closing up. No Wily Coyote?!?!?!

The three of us grabbed bottles of water and gatorade and proceeded up toward Laie to look for him. As we approached Kualoa Ranch, a familar face rolled down the road at a steady pace. Though not at any speed that would enable him to catch the Road Runner, Wily Coyote was determined to keep going. In offering him the drinks and checking his status, he decidedly called it a day and we took him back to the start/finish area. He had risen up a 4am (6 hours of sleep after doing a 30-mile trail run) and ridden 81-miles around O`ahu with still a 2-mile swim to go the next day! Is this guy crazy or what??? Oh yeah, he's a Maniac!!!

Waikiki Roughwater Swim (2 nautical miles) - Queen's Beach to Ft. DeRussy

Monday September 1, 2008

Five of the Ohana entered this annual distance swim that unless the conditions are really bad (i.e bad surf, hurricane), the swim goes on! Timm V., Smooth G, WWI, and Wily Coyote (leg 3 of the Memorial Weekend Ironman) took to the water braving the high surf (3-5 ft faces)! Timm V., whom participated during the year only a handful completed the swim due to very strong currents and waves, said it was somewhat reminescent of that day though they were able to get out much further. All did an amazing job no matter what the results!

Great job to all! Congrats to all the Ohana where ever they may be for another summer of fun! Hope all fulfilled their goals! News along the electronic grapevine is that the Red Rabbit and TC have had a summer full of countless marathons! In fact RR has had one practically every weekend for August and September! Know that Stroller Mom & Dad will have a full report coming soon from the Air Force Marathon (Good Luck)!

Next up for the O`ahu Ohana is the Maui Marathon! The HM Readiness Series (already with Race #2 , the inaugural Runners' HI 20k, having taken place this weekend) is in full swing! Reports on all of this (and likely more) within the next few days!

Aloha all and see ya on the roads...and very soon trails!!!!