The Ironman from Hawaii Island (Big Island)

Just an update from a resident of the Big Island of Hawaii...

I traveled towards Kona today, and while driving down the highway, I wanted to report on the activities. First of all, the last two weeks proved a great increase in activity on the Big Island. We noticed many athletes coming to the Island, as witnessed by the number of bikers and runners, as well as running into these people at places like Costco and Walmart.

It is a VERY exciting time on the Big Island (this is our family's first encounter with Ironman as residents). It's a lot of fun standing behind these athletes in line at Costco with their shopping carts loaded with healthy food and hearing all the different languages being spoken (not to mention that you can tell these are REAL athletes by their overall physical shape.)

Well, today (the day before the great race), driving towards Kona, I passed at least 5 stations being set up for water, help, etc, and I passed at least 50 to 75 athletes doing trial runs. Our family volunteered to help during the race tomorrow, so we have to be at our station (about 10 miles from here on the Queen's Highway by 6 am).

My wife was present during the parade last week in Kona, and she said it was a mad-house! These athletes are so serious about the race, and I wish I had the discipline to participate in the race!

Anyway, I'm planning on taking my camcorder and digital camera to take plenty of pictures, and I'll post another article Sunday reviewing my personal take on the events. If you've never been to the Big Island, I don't know if you could really get a "life-like" take on what these athletes are up against. The bike part alone is crazy, these people will be riding over 100 miles from Kona to Hawi and back, which is in the sun-backed environment with lava fields everywhere.

Till next time,
Chris Anderson,
Let's Go Banners and Hawaii Trip Report Reporter.

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