What an amazing trip. As hard as it was to leave the islands, it feels good to be home.
Kauai - I loved how peaceful this island was and could not have been more relaxed the whole time we were there... I just think I need an island with a little more going on. Kauai was full of gorgeous beaches, crazy jungles, overall gorgeous greenery, flowers everywhere. I just like a little more adventure in my life. I ran the only real running trail multiple times, can't say the island is super runner friendly outside of that one trail - without being unsafe - which I just wasn't willing to risk with on and off flash flooding most of the time we were there. Maybe if hiking trails would have been open I would have loved this island a bit more. We explored the whole island in our red jeep (dope) listening to local music, which was a highlight for sure. Gorgeous island, a little too boring for me.
I wish we had spent more time in Kona. Not only was it amazing to run on Ali'i Drive where the Ironman World Championships finish line is, and see the swim start, the island (Hawaii, the big island) itself has so much going on. Everyone who has ever done an Ironman that was in Kona definitely wore their finishers gear and ran Ali'i, so it was cool to connect with all those people. In Hawaii, instead of the typical runner wave (run on popular running trails and you know what I'm talking about), it instead was a hang loose sign. After getting thrown that sign about 10 times I decided to adopt it. I can't say I was "hanging loose" or super relaxed on most of my runs in Hawaii (I ran about 25 miles on the trip). It was SO HOT and HUMID no matter how early you ran. I have even more respect for those who have raced Ironman Kona. I felt like I was about to die by mile 6 at 8am - I can't imagine completing the marathon in the heat of the day. The sun and humidity are relentless. I was sweating buckets at the end of each run.
Besides running, in Kona I had a couple amazing beachfront breakfasts, watched a pod of dolphins for an hour at breakfast, paddle boarded, went on a gorgeous dinner cruise, and had the most amazing time at Perry and Kelsey's wedding. We were lucky that the rain held off for the ceremony, and I think we were actually lucky that the rain came during the reception. I don't think I've ever danced barefoot in torrential downpours like that. It's something I will never forget. It was amazing. The band was the best, and we danced the night away. What an amazing celebration of a wonderful couple. Love you both.
It was so hard to leave the islands. Something about Hawaii makes me feel at home, makes me feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be. I sometimes day dream about beach bumming it out there, but then I remember that I live in the best city, surrounded by the best people, who I don't ever want to be away from. So I'll just keep vacationing there.
I think we'll go to Kona next year for IM world championships in October. That would be so incredible, to be there with the athletes, watching our idols race. Imagine what it will be like when Isaac and I make it there someday. I'm convinced that Isaac will actually qualify for Kona. I would probably lottery in. Dreams.
On the training/recovery front, I'm finally getting back some speed. Doing some interval work again, feels great to be feeling like a strong runner after being pretty slow post race. Still keeping my runs short (all less than 9 miles), still haven't gotten in the pool or on the bike... oops! I mean, it IS the offseason.
I'm thinking about maybe running the Seattle Marathon as the actual marathon (Thanksgiving weekend). I need some kind of a race soon, something in the next 6 months. It'd be nice to run just a marathon, to enjoy that part since our last marathon was pretty overshadowed by that vicious bike ride.
On the musical front - BUMBERSHOOT IS THIS WEEKEND! So pumped. I have the app downloaded, have been listening to as many bands as possible this week, and am ready for the festival. Chelsey lands tonight, I'm ready to dance until I can't move this whole weekend. I'm most looking forward to Zedd and The Weeknd.
Hope you all have a wonderful, long holiday weekend!!! Do something this weekend for yourself. Do something fun. Do something that makes you happy. I mean, what's the point if you're not happy?
"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be" - Abe Lincoln
Kauai - I loved how peaceful this island was and could not have been more relaxed the whole time we were there... I just think I need an island with a little more going on. Kauai was full of gorgeous beaches, crazy jungles, overall gorgeous greenery, flowers everywhere. I just like a little more adventure in my life. I ran the only real running trail multiple times, can't say the island is super runner friendly outside of that one trail - without being unsafe - which I just wasn't willing to risk with on and off flash flooding most of the time we were there. Maybe if hiking trails would have been open I would have loved this island a bit more. We explored the whole island in our red jeep (dope) listening to local music, which was a highlight for sure. Gorgeous island, a little too boring for me.
I wish we had spent more time in Kona. Not only was it amazing to run on Ali'i Drive where the Ironman World Championships finish line is, and see the swim start, the island (Hawaii, the big island) itself has so much going on. Everyone who has ever done an Ironman that was in Kona definitely wore their finishers gear and ran Ali'i, so it was cool to connect with all those people. In Hawaii, instead of the typical runner wave (run on popular running trails and you know what I'm talking about), it instead was a hang loose sign. After getting thrown that sign about 10 times I decided to adopt it. I can't say I was "hanging loose" or super relaxed on most of my runs in Hawaii (I ran about 25 miles on the trip). It was SO HOT and HUMID no matter how early you ran. I have even more respect for those who have raced Ironman Kona. I felt like I was about to die by mile 6 at 8am - I can't imagine completing the marathon in the heat of the day. The sun and humidity are relentless. I was sweating buckets at the end of each run.
Besides running, in Kona I had a couple amazing beachfront breakfasts, watched a pod of dolphins for an hour at breakfast, paddle boarded, went on a gorgeous dinner cruise, and had the most amazing time at Perry and Kelsey's wedding. We were lucky that the rain held off for the ceremony, and I think we were actually lucky that the rain came during the reception. I don't think I've ever danced barefoot in torrential downpours like that. It's something I will never forget. It was amazing. The band was the best, and we danced the night away. What an amazing celebration of a wonderful couple. Love you both.
Kauai
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| Running trail along the water |
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| the tiniest tattoo |
Kona
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| Ironman World Championship Swim Start!!! |
 |
 |
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| Incredible band |
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| Great group of girls :) Dancing in the rain. |
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| Flight sunset. |
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| Surreal. |
I think we'll go to Kona next year for IM world championships in October. That would be so incredible, to be there with the athletes, watching our idols race. Imagine what it will be like when Isaac and I make it there someday. I'm convinced that Isaac will actually qualify for Kona. I would probably lottery in. Dreams.
On the training/recovery front, I'm finally getting back some speed. Doing some interval work again, feels great to be feeling like a strong runner after being pretty slow post race. Still keeping my runs short (all less than 9 miles), still haven't gotten in the pool or on the bike... oops! I mean, it IS the offseason.
On the musical front - BUMBERSHOOT IS THIS WEEKEND! So pumped. I have the app downloaded, have been listening to as many bands as possible this week, and am ready for the festival. Chelsey lands tonight, I'm ready to dance until I can't move this whole weekend. I'm most looking forward to Zedd and The Weeknd.
Hope you all have a wonderful, long holiday weekend!!! Do something this weekend for yourself. Do something fun. Do something that makes you happy. I mean, what's the point if you're not happy?
"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be" - Abe Lincoln
I enjoyed your trip recap! I've been to both Kauai and Kona twice and I also loved Kona more...and my first visit to Kona was m inspiration for Ironman (how original ;-). I want to take my bike the next time we go to Kona. Isn't running on Ali'l great!!? I'm going to Maui in November so hopefully I will find nice running spots! I did the Seattle half a few years ago and was thinking about doing the full. I decided to do the Victoria Marathon instead, but it's October 11th (less than a month away!) its an awesome course and super easy to get to via the Victoria Clipper!) Anyway, have fun training!
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