It’s hard to believe today is October 24th, already a week and a half since the Hawaii Ironman and once again I’m on a plane bound for the islands. This time I’m off to Maui as a sponsor of the Xterra World Championships, another pinnacle event in the sport of triathlon. I’ve actually never been to an Xterra race, and I am greatly looking forward to getting to know the tribe of athletes, spectators and event staff who comprise this wild, kooky, hard-core culture. Look for updates throughout the week as I report my observations from Makena Beach. Be sure to keep an eye on GU athlete and 3-time Xterra World Champion Melanie McQuaid as she lays down the law of lava going for number four. Check out Mel’s blog and a cool GU promotion on her site, www.racergirl.com.
Meantime, I’m long overdue for a follow up from my last few days in Kona. As race day approached, the time disappeared into a blur of nervous energy, heightened tension, last minute prep, good luck wishes, VIP events and a few more mai-tais (well after all, I wasn’t racing!). It was strange, being a mere spectator, to feel much of the same pre-race intensity of emotion I’ve experienced prior to my own IM races. There’s an undeniable Ironman empathy that, once you’ve competed in one, you can’t help but feel as you watch your fellow athletes count down the final hours to the start. I had to remind myself that I didn’t actually need to get off my feet, that I had no gear to triple-check aside from sunscreen and a fully charged camera battery and that the cold Kona brew, BBQ and ice cream that we enjoyed on the House of GU lanai was a perfectly appropriate pre-race meal for us cheerleaders.
Race day was awesome and unpredictable, which is pretty much the only thing you can predict in Kona. By now I’m sure you’ve heard how Michellie, Faris and Normann were all forced to pull out due to stomach trouble, how Natascha sustained race-ending injuries from a very unfortunate crash, how Macca fought through the remaining (and highly competitive) men’s field to finally claim his Kona title and how Chrissie Wellington rose smiling from the ranks of virtual anonymity to surprise even herself with a perfect race to victory.
My friend Dan and I met Chrissie briefly after her finish as she tried to relax in a booth at Cassandra’s and enjoy some post-race food. Her boundless energy wouldn’t allow her to stay seated, however, so she bounced over to our table and shared some of the shock she was experiencing at her own achievement. Her awe and appreciation for what had just happened was so pure, it was a joy to witness the celebration of a truly humble and deserving champion.
Speaking of champions, one who remains eternally on top, despite having to withdraw from the race is Michellie Jones. Starting the day as the number one women’s contender, Michellie made it part way into the bike before succumbing to illness. I can only begin to imagine the struggle behind the decision to stop, and I applaud her ability to listen to her body and know it’s limits. There are times, even for a reigning World Champion, when the best decision is the one you least want to make, and it takes incredible courage to recognize and accept that fact.
The bulk of race day for the GU crew was spent at our house just prior to the run turnaround on Alii Drive. We had front row seats to what is arguably the most challenging endurance event on the planet, and we made use of our vantage point to cheer our hearts out for our athlete friends, both old and new. We hosted a “show us your GU” promotion where we captured images of many of the runners proudly displaying GU logos, tattoos, water bottles and gel packets. Thanks to all of you - to our GU athletes, to the HerSports Tri Team, to all the athletes on the course - for the wonderful support of our brand. And most of all, congratulations on what I’m sure was simultaneously a joyous, painful, life-altering and slightly insane experience. It was an honor to be there with you.
I spent the last few hours of race day at the finish line, and it was as powerful and inspirational an experience as my first trip to Kona. My life has taken so many new directions over the years in between, and I’m fortunate in that both my career and my racing resume have entrenched me deeper into the triathlon community than I ever would have imagined that first time I stood, overflowing with butterflies, excitement and tears as the clock neared midnight, to cheer the final victors. But Ironman never gets old, never routine or boring or lacking in magic. It continues to hold a spell over all of us, those who’ve witnessed the madness and those who’ve strewn their bodies, hearts & souls over the 2.4 mile swim, the 112 mile bike and the 26.2 mile run. It’s what binds us as family and keeps us coming back for more.
Finally, a personal note of congratulations to three good friends who raced their hearts out:
Chris, you blew us all away with your amazing speed and improvement over your first IM, despite a hectic life-balancing act and some initial struggle during the run. Next stop for you, the pro ranks for sure!
Max, you’re a true inspiration, missing Kona 06 due to a difficult accident and rehabbing your body back into competitive shape. And at only 22 years old, you have so many great races and life experiences ahead of you!
Gaylia, you are an amazing athlete, and despite an unfair accident that ended your race on the bike course, you’re an Ironman every day in my book!