Monday, October 5
Life is great here in Hawaii. Since landing it has felt amazing to be back on the Big Island. Doing the hard work to get here is made all worth it when you get to be here and be surrounded by super-fit individuals. Everyone looks so lean and race ready.
On the evening I landed I treated myself to a short run to ease the long journey out of my legs and I was rewarded with the most spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Mornings have been spent going down to Dig Me beach for a swim (this is where the race will start). You jump into the lukewarm ocean, swim with the coral underneath you. It's so nice to have the tropical fish to watch for entertainment!
It's good to be back in the open water again as most of my training before this has been in the pool as the sea in Dubai is way too warm over summer.
We then usually head to a local coffee house for a mug of the world-famous Kona coffee and the chance to watch the world go by. Or watch the lean, mean athletes running or biking up and down Ali'i Drive. The buzz on the island during race week is one to savour. It is unlike any other event and is what makes it so special.
Afternoons are usually a bike or run. Today was a run for an hour up Ali'i Drive and the legs felt great. Despite the midday heat, the body's response was very positive. I have covered some parts of the bike course along the Queen K Highway on the Specialized Shiv. Even in the strong side winds she holds her own and is ready to race. It's just down to me to make sure the engine is fine tuned for the 10th!
The weather is good so far - I think Dubai has acclimatised me well. It is a different sort of heat but either way I have become used to sweating buckets. The only downside to island life is the cost of food. We know I love to eat! I thought Dubai was expensive for food but Kona certainly goes up a step. It won't stop me filling my face though!
