Kawela 70.3+ Endurance Triathlon

Kawela 70.3+  Endurance Triathlon

SWIM:

1.62 miles (approximately 1900m swim, plus 1/2 mile  beach run to starting point to do the 2nd loop)

BIKE:

57 miles on the bike (plus a little extra when I took a wrong turn)

RUN:

13.1 mile (half marathon) run

Total mileage - 71.72 miles

Total racers: 133.  Total finishers: 126.

I thought my first 70.3 (Augusta 2013) was hard.  That race started off with a fairly cool swim, which rapidly warmed up during the bike and turned into a hot and humid run.  I know now that Augusta 70.3 was a piece of cake compared to the Kawela ("heat" in Hawaiian) Endurance Triathlon.  It certainly lived up to its name - both in terms of brutal heat and endurance.  This race was all about digging deep - deeper than I ever have before.  I've done 16 triathlons in 5 years; this would be the hardest race I've ever done - and one of the hardest things I've ever done so far in my life.  

This particular 70.3 journey started after the December 2014 Honolulu Marathon, when I made a decision to pull out of Honu 70.3 and postpone my training due to a major foot issue incurred during the marathon. I signed up for Kawela, thinking since it was just a few months later, I would have time to fix my running form and work on my bike skills.  I used this opportunity to get over my ocean swim anxiety issues, once and for all.  I could train in our "backyard" as that's where the race venue was. I worked with a local coach, Amy, who helped me build up my overall triathlon fitness.  I trained at Kailua/Lanikai/Hickam beaches; biked with Camp Bennett teammates on Kalanianaole Highway from Kailua to Makapu'u, along with endless loops on Hickam AFB; and ran anywhere I could find long stretches and/or tracks.

At packet pickup/mandatory race briefing, Boca (Raul Torres) talked about his vision for this race.  He wanted a fun, but challenging endurance event; with no time limit.  The swim would be two loops of the Kailua Beach buoy line (about 1900m), with a half-mile jog back up to the starting buoy after the first loop.  The 57 mile bike ride is one mile longer than the typical 70.3 race; it made sense to put the bike transition (T2) at Camp Erdman, instead of the middle of Farrington Highway.  The half marathon would be two loops, with a small extra loop/turnaround at Ka'ena Point and the other turnaround at Mokuleia Beach.  I know that side of the island, and knew it would be hot and windy.  

Little did I know what a real challenge this race would be; a challenge on every physical and mental level.

14 AUGUST - DAY BEFORE THE RACE

The night before, I  ate our typical Doll House pre-race, pre-training meal of homemade red sauce, meatballs, garlic bread and pasta.  I did not have wine.  In fact, I didn't have any alcohol for the entire week leading up to the race.  I wanted to see if it would affect my performance in any way.  I did have race anxiety; but it was not as bad this time.  I only had one major "flare up" - typically I have several.  I had a more relaxed attitude about the race - I've always wanted to do a 1/2 Ironman in Hawaii, and I was going to enjoy it.  Before bedtime, I went through my gear one last time, after having done so multiple times over the last two days - I hoped I remembered everything I needed for my run bag, which I dropped off at packet pickup so it would be delivered at Transition 2 (T2) before the race.

15 AUGUST - RACE DAY!

We were up at 0 Dark 30.  Another weekend, another race.  We packed up the car and over to Kailua Beach we went.  It was raining on our side of the island, but once we got through the tunnel over H3, it dried up.  I set up my bike and equipment at Transition 1 (T1) and chatted with fellow racers and my coach.  Soon it was time to go warm up in the water.  The swim was supposed to start at 0545; but because the clouds occluded the sunrise, Boca waited until 0600 to send us off into the water.

I've been working on getting over swim anxiety.  I signed up for a bunch of ocean swim races, which helped; I am more or less over it.  Now I want to know how to power through surf and waves and get stronger.  The frustration came out in spades as I was tossed around like a coconut, and trying to use the current to my advantage.  It took me about 20ish minutes to get through the first loop (roughly 800 meters), which is an improvement. After the first loop, we walked/jogged the half mile back up to the starting buoy.   

To keep my heart rate down, I walked fast instead of running to the starting buoy.  As I walked along, I admired the beautiful sunrise and saw a bunch of Portuguese man-o-wars on the beach.  Fortunately no one got stung from them!  I saw Mark and got a kiss before jumping back into the cool water.  I knew I was going to be the last swimmer out of the water; I saw lifeguards pulling in the race buoys as I swam past them.  Oh well!  Just keep swimming forward.   I finished the swim in 59:17, total distance 2849 yards (1.62 miles).  As I got out and ran to T1, I saw Noel, Amy and Mark - who cheered me on and told me to ride hard.  I told him that I was going to mow people down on the bike; I was so annoyed at being the last one out of the water.  My feet were a sandy, muddy mess; thankfully I had two water bottles in T1 for washing them off before putting my socks on.  The last thing I wanted was fine sand clinging to my toes, creating blisters on my feet for the run.  I threw my stuff into the swim bag, which volunteers brought to T2/finish area.

As I was the last person to leave T1, I had my own police escort for several miles.  We even had a couple of pleasant chats whenever he rode alongside me.  Soon, however, I had to focus on the road - Kaneohe Bay Drive was not pleasant, with potholes, debris, and ruts everywhere.  I thought Hickam roads were bad - they are actually a piece of cake compared to Kbay Drive and Kamehameha Highway! I was riding fast; I actually spent a fair amount of time at 20 mph or higher.  I admired the scenery whenever I looked up, and saw two rainbows on the way to Kam Highway.  I laughed at the multiple chickens and roosters, saw enough crazy Hawaiian drivers to last me a lifetime; and ignored the achiness building up in my quads and hamstrings.

Soon, I turned right onto Kam Highway and followed the shoreline north and westward.  It was a pretty ride; I got soaked in a brief but intense rain shower, but appreciated its cooling effect.  Thankfully there was a fair amount of shade on the ride; whenever the sun came out, I could feel its intense heat.    I enjoyed the massive tailwind, which we had most of the way to Camp Erdman.  I've been asked what I think about on long bike rides.  Everything, actually.  Thinking about people who support me; and those I inspire - they keep me honest and they keep me going.  I'll play music in my head (headphones not allowed).  Or I'll try to decipher weird dreams of nights past; which will turn into thinking about the stories I want to write. I thought of my cousin Jill, who recently passed away suddenly; and those who've passed on, usually too young.  Being grateful I can do this, because they can't.  How truly blessed, and grateful, I am for my life and the people in it.  Really, whatever it took to maintain positive energy.

As I went past Turtle Bay, I noticed that my front tire went flat.  I texted Mark to let him know.  Thankfully, there was a man in Team in Training (TnT) gear who came over to help me finish fixing the flat; I had the tire off the rim, and the tube out.  I have trouble, however, with getting the tire back into the rim; I have weak wrists, thanks to damage from 500 mile bike rides years ago.  Plus, I'm a wimp when it comes to anything mechanical on a bike.    TnT man put the tire back on the rim for me.  What an angel; I was so grateful that I hugged him, hard.  While technically we aren't supposed to get outside assistance, this was more of a relaxed race venue.  I texted Mark that I was rolling, and told him to keep coming my way anyway - a comfort thing for me, knowing he was close by.

It was fortuitous I did, as I flatted  - again.  Mark changed the tube for me quickly. That was spare tube #2.  I only had two spares (so I thought).  I told Mark that if I flatted again... I might as well throw in the towel and put the bike in the car.  Mark gave me a look, and said - "whatever. Just GO!"  After I started riding again, I berated my brain and told it to shut up.  A big part of long distance races is mental fortitude.  I am not a quitter, and never have been.  The reality was, If I flatted again - well, I'd wait for Mark to come back, or the race bike repair truck to come by and help me out.  I have too many people rooting for me; too many who tell me I inspire them to do things they never thought they could do.  I could not, in good conscience, let them down.  And furthermore - I could not look at myself in the mirror with any shred of integrity if I gave up. 

Mentally I had sunk to new lows, and was fighting the negative thoughts running around in my brain.  I was in a pretty dark and angry place.  I reached the depths of my soul like I never had before; not even with prior ocean swim races.  I was beyond frustrated and mad... close to despair. I had more respect and admiration for the lesson taught in Jesus' tale of spending 40 days and nights in the desert, fighting the devil.   I could actually relate to the story; now I knew what it meant to really fight temptation, and not let the mind give in.  My temptation was to give up - I came so, so very close to throwing the towel in. I didn't want to.  I knew there was no race time limit; I had all day to finish the race. I wanted to finish, no matter what... I wanted that damn medal.  You, dear reader, have no idea how close I came to giving up.  But I did not, and I finished the race I started.

Yet, 10 miles out from T2, I flatted.  AGAIN.  Mark was just ahead of me, and somehow he managed to find a third spare tube in the bike parts box.  He found the hole, caused by yet another kiawa (mesquite tree) thorn; he pulled it out and used duct tape inside the tire to protect the tube.  Just then, the race repair bike truck showed up; they offered their help and they were simply awesome.  I remarked I hoped it was OK that Mark helped me out; and expressed my deep frustration about flatting and losing time on the bike.  The woman hugged me and said not to worry - this is an adventure race, and we will take care of you.  We told them we were out of tubes - so they went into the truck and got a few spares.  The man put one in my back pocket, and gave Mark another.  I started rolling again, periodically clutching the miraculous medal around my neck (I always wear it in endurance races) and praying that I would not flat again; I also touched the Padre Pio medal I had in my bento box, telling him - just please get me to T2 without any more issues.  The roads were so rough on the tires and my leg muscles.  I actually thought I was going to lose a few teeth from the vibrations. 

Thankfully once I turned towards Dillingham, the roads became a wee bit smoother.  A couple of race direction signs were missing, and I took one small wrong turn.  I knew the general direction of Dillingham/Camp Erdman, so I used Google Maps to get me there.  The folks in the race bike truck would go ahead a few miles, and wait for me to pass them.  Thankfully the tire held, and I made it to T2.  I did 57 miles in 4:02; I estimate all those flats cost me at least 45 minutes.  When I was riding - I was riding hard and fast.  It was not an easy ride for me; I should've ridden more on the course, and Kam Highway, instead of the flat Hickam roads.

I was the second-to-last cyclist to arrive in T2; the area was very quiet.  A volunteer brought me my run bag; she helped me rack the bike, with my run gear and sprayed sunscreen everywhere I needed it.  I was so grateful for her help, that I hugged her.  I kissed Mark on the way out to the run; and told him I'll walk the whole rest of the way if I had to.  He said "you've got all day, do whatever you have to do to finish it."  There was no question I'd finish.  I filled up my water bottle and made sure I had my PowerBar gels and BASE salt.  I started out by walking towards the Ka'ena Point turnaround at a fast clip; I jogged a little bit.  It was HOT.  At least there was a good breeze.  I passed the turnaround and jogged a bit more; my left calf had been cramping a bit since getting out of the swim, and it was getting worse.   As I wanted to finish the run at a decent time - without losing my form, which would ruin my feet and legs - I opted to speed walk the entire run course.  Most of the time I was walking around a 14:30 min/mile pace.  I made sure to drink 10 ounces of water per 1/2 hour, take a PowerBar gel every 40 minutes, and a tap of BASE salt every 20-30 minutes, as needed (it'd zap my cramps).  I was really hungry by this time; I apparently didn't eat enough before the race (banana, slice of bread with Chocodream).  I was praying I had enough PowerBar gels to keep me going.

By the time I was on the run course, most of the triathletes were running their 2nd (and last) loop.  I greeted them as I turned from Ka'ena Point to Mokuleia Beach; most, if not all of them, were walking by this time.  Some of them very slowly. As I said - it was hot.  Brutally hot.  It was over 90 degrees, with insane humidity - the "real feel" was somewhere around 100-110 degrees.  I tried to maintain my pace as best as I could.  I grabbed ice at every aid station, putting some down the back of my shirt, and in the front - anything to keep my core temperature down.  The wind helped with cooling, but it was dehydrating at the same time.  I grabbed a few bananas; they, more than the BASE salt, zapped the calf cramps.   I admit to feeling deflated (yes, I deliberately used that pun) and simply did not feel enough energy to run.  But - I focused on what I could do, and that was to walk fast and hold my head up high.  I greeted fellow racers with smiles, positive greetings and encouragement - and got all that back in spades.  At this point, every single one of us was fighting a huge battle to just get the race done. 

By the time I started the second loop between Ka'ena Point and Mokuleia Beach, the volunteers were more or less done working the aid stations.  But they left plenty of ice, water and even bananas on tables for the remaining racers.  Fellow Camp Bennett teammate Tina and her partner Lisa cheered me on, and gave me fresh strawberries and Honeystinger gels.  I used every mental trick in my race playbook.  Counting out miles in terms of half-miles, or quarter-miles.  Putting a name/face to each mile and thinking about them.  Counting how much longer before I could see Mark again.  Visualizing getting that medal around my neck.

Soon, I turned around Ka'ena Point for the last time and fast-walked to the finish.  I finished the half marathon in 3:19:21.  Not too shabby, for having walked most of it.  I've never been so happy to see a finish line in my life.  I was the second-to-last finisher; who cares.  I finished. I knew the race announcer - Kaile - from meeting her at the Kona Marathon last year; she's a friend of my sister's.  She recognized me and gave me a extra huge hug; I told her, failure was NOT an option, and I finished.  She beamed and told me I certainly did.  I was given my medal by a cute little girl; I hugged her, she was so sweet.  I found Mark and hugged him.  I told him - this was the hardest thing I've ever done.  But I did it.  Let's go home.

POST-RACE THOUGHTS:

I'm over ocean swim anxiety, more or less.  It's time to get stronger and learn how to power through waves, surf and current.   As for the bike, I needed to ride the race course more; or at least, K highway between Kailua Beach and Makapu'u/Hawaii Kai/and beyond.  The endless loops I rode on the flat roads of Hickam helped with mental endurance, but I needed more "real race conditions" with minor hills and icky roads.  And for the love of God, I need to get mechanical with my bike; and learn how to do everything for it.  On the run - longer transition runs after the long bike rides would've helped.  Yes, I was working on fixing my running form, getting over a foot injury, and building strength on the bike; but longer transition runs would've helped.  My longest transition run was 20 minutes after a 50-60 mile ride. 

I would not have been able to do this without Mark's help.  He has pushed, supported, and prodded me into the triathlete I am today.  All because he believes in me - even during times when I doubted myself.  We truly are a team.  Yes, I could've/would've finished under my own power - by waiting around for the race bike truck, and waddling to the finish line... But I was very, very lucky he was close by on the race course.  Not just to help me swap tubes, but to tell me to keep going.  Keep rolling.  Keep walking.  Do whatever I had to do to finish.  Because he knew I would not quit.

I am now a proud owner of a Kawela Endurance Triathlon medal - I earned every.single.ounce.of.it.

Total time: 8:30:12