Kukio Challenge 2013

Kukio Challenge 2013

Still not ready to race a 70.3, my next favorite event in Hawaii is the Kukio Challenge which falls the day after Hawaii 70.3.

 

Leading up to the race our team doctor, who happened to come support the 70.3 this year, and I were chatting (drinks may or may not have been involved) and he mentioned he loved SUP.  My skills were not-proven in 2011 when I chose to do this event as my first race since my flare up in 2010.

T- "Really....you want to do a race?"

Dr Perry- "Sure, when?"

T-"Sunday"

Dr Perry- "I better start carb loading now"

Little did I know  this would be Dr Perry's first race EVER!  He rented his board, we got all signed up. Carb-loaded and all from the festivities the night before we ventured to the Kukio Challenge on Sunday morning.

Race morning caused a few additional jitters as we came face to face with relay teams consisting of Chris Lieto, Luke Bell's wife, Greg Welch, to name a few.  And, as always, the heavy-hitter  water-animals of Hawaii that can kill the swim in their baggy board shorts (if you don't know what I am talking about, swim a 100 fast then throw on a pair of over-sized shorts and do it again.....ouch!).

The swim was 800 yards of clear coral and fish-filled views, and big drafting bubbles.  I came out of the water 3rd and first girl!

 The run is 3 miles of 1.5 miles up and 1.5 miles down, while grabbing a souvenir bracelet at the turn around. My run was faster than 2 years ago.....yee-haw!

Next up was Dr Perry, he owned that board and was all-smiles with his contagious laughter being a highlight of each loop (4 loops total).

This race is the perfect venue that is family-friendly, relaxed, great food, beverages, and awesome awards.  You can do individually or as a relay.  Highly-recommended!

Mt Rainier Short Course Duathlon

Old Post that never got posted ;)

Yep, that event I did ages ago, I have found some time to write up on it (wilst flying to Hawaii- in June). I signed up for this event race morning, more for a workout and to teach myself a few lessons.

After 6 months off, I started training but could only do near 4 hours a week, as I would be completely exhausted from what-was-so-simple z1 and z2 efforts.  Every workout I would have to weigh in: "Do I have time to take a nap post workout?" If I didn't then I could not train. Every day that consisted of a workout consisted also of a minimum 2 hour nap. 

The good thing is, that my energy is up more these days and I do not feel the same effects from training, so I am gradually able to keep building up!

 

I started out what felt conservative for the first 1.6 mile run.  Holding a pace in the low 7's (progress!). I maybe started the bike in 5th or so, but really didn't care, just knew I had to give it my best.  The bike started out strong and I found myself smiling in my own la-la land just happy to be plugging away at pushing some watts.  I hit Mud Mountain and was able to pass a girl, but this climb was not even close to  as "easy" as I remember it being years ago when I took my bike fitness for granted. 4 miles went on forever but I made it to the top!!  The rest of the ride was sort of lonesome until a screaming descend that had me geared out and the rain plummeting my face adding freckles and dents to my skin as I prayed to make it to the bottom.  Here is when a guy and a speedy chick took lead over me and I was unable to close the gap to come into T2 in 3rd.

The second run HURT and holding high 7's was all I had in me.  2nd place kept a the same distance on me, and I was just happy to keep her in my sights.  In the final mile I knew a girl was closing and it took pure grit to hammer out the last .5 miles to ensure I could take home 3rd place.

This race was fun, hard, and reminded me of everything I miss and love about racing.  It also confirmed that I am not even close to where I need to be to bust out a half ironman. I needed this to ensure I was making the right decision in "not" towing the line at my favorite 70.3 in St Croix.  But someday I will be back there!