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IRONMAN HAWAII 2006 Highlights, Events and Insights In the ten days I spent in Kona before the race, the Big Island experienced weather conditions described by long standing locals as “the strangest they had ever seen.” However, the weather gods were smiling for most of race day; the temperature not too hot and the humidity bearable. My biggest fear – the gruelling crosswinds were not around. Having not slept most of Friday night, I climbed out of bed at 3.45am with cramp like pains in the stomach and tried to force some food down between frequent visits to the toilet. I was positive I had food poisoning and it took some convincing from hubby that I was just a little anxious and all would be fine. The walk from the hotel to the Kailua-Kona pier was surreal. It is all a bit of a blur, but I do recall trying to shove some ‘Polyjoule’ down my throat, worried that I had lost too much fluid with the phantom food poisoning. I had visions of an ambulance and I.V. drip without even starting the race! Transition was a hive of activity and charged with tension. Another trip to the toilet and I decided I really needed to speak to a doctor. He also agreed with hubby, but gave me some drugs just in case. It seemed such a long wait, but finally it was time to make our way down to the shores of Kailua Bay where a huge crowd had gathered. As I stood ankle deep in water I had to ask myself (as I’m sure many others were) why do we put ourselves through this?! Just for a moment I was wishing I was a spectator rather than a competitor. The cannon boomed for the Pro’s to begin and fifteen long minutes later we were off. Seventeen hundred flying arms and legs. It was not an easy swim. I didn’t mind dealing with the lumpy conditions and the strong ocean current but it was difficult to avoid getting whacked, kicked and pulled for the majority of the 3.8km. Emerging from the water I didn’t feel as fresh as I would have liked and a quick glance at the clock indicated an average swim time for me. After a change of clothes and a lengthy run through transition to find the bike I was into the first part of the course through town. I don’t remember much of this except there were bikes everywhere and my heart rate wasn’t going as insane as it usually does at the start of the ride. In what seemed like no time at all I was out on the Queen K and feeling reasonably relaxed and comfortable. This section of the course I had ridden a few times and it is often described as ‘the easy part’. On passing the airport I was expecting the legendary ‘Ho’o Mumuka’ headwinds to appear but it never happened. The kilometres were flying by and I felt like I’d hardly been out there at all when I hit the turn off to Hawi. It was great to have a change of scenery – there was some vegetation and breathtaking views over the ocean as the longest climb into Hawi began. I was spinning well up the hills and still feeling good, but it was a relief to hit the beautiful little hamlet of Hawi, knowing I was more than halfway. The return trip back down to the turnoff was uneventful, but things were about to change. Back on the Queen K I hit the headwind. My average slowly started to drop, the mental battles began and the kilometres were crawling by. It was very frustrating watching so many athletes going past me, but I kept plugging away hoping this wind was not going to continue all the way back to Kona. In the last 20km’s the conditions improved and a sprinkling of rain lifted my spirits. I did the best I could to pick myself up again. At last I was heading down hill and into transition. I was definitely ‘over the bike’ and keen just to get off it. The run through transition however, wasn’t pretty and I was hoping the legs would do what they were suppose to once I had my shoes on. The crowd was out in full force leaving transition and I definitely got a boost from this. The first section of the run through town was very hot and humid. I was running reasonably well, but didn’t feel as good as I would have liked and a couple of times was wondering whether I would be able to put a solid marathon together. I concentrated on trying to stay cool and looked forward to each aid station to grab ice and sponges. It is a real juggling act to pick up sponges, a cup of ice and 2 cups of Gatorade. The climb out of town and up Palini road is probably the hardest part of the course and it was great to get onto the Queen K where it was cooler. I started to feel better and had a good rhythm going. By the halfway mark I felt back in control. What a relief to see the ‘energy lab’ looming out of the lava fields. I braced myself for the impact of oppressive heat and humidity I had experienced earlier on in the week. Fortunately for all of us the conditions were mild and I enjoyed this part of the course. Back on the Queen K and time to head for home. Fortunately I was feeling strong and decided to see if I could pick the pace up and hold it for the last 10 or so km’s. I started counting down the km’s and the aid stations. As I got closer to Kona and the sets of blinking red traffic lights, I kept hoping the next set would be Palini road and the descent towards the finish. At last it was there, and as I made the turn to run down the hill I reminded myself to take everything in from here to the finish. I was smiling as I turned right onto Alli drive. The feeling of this last 400m is just how everyone describes it. To me it was a special moment in time that represented the end of another epic Ironman journey. As I crossed the finish line at the World Championships in Hawaii I felt not only elation and relief, but also a great sense of pride in being Australian. • Shopping at the Bike shops in Kona: Particularly one afternoon with three other West Australian girls. After we had made lots of noise, tried on everything in the shop and spent large amounts of money, the bike shop owner made a comment on how entertaining we were remarking “It was better than watching reality TV!” • Having breakfast each morning at Lava Java: Many a pro. athlete was sighted, along with a vast array of the most amazing bodies I have ever encountered. • Watching bike mechanic, Patrick riding my bike around the hotel car park for 45 minutes, tweaking the gears to get it perfect. His audience was a large crew of Australian triathletes. Events • The Earthquake: Whilst I was enjoying a rare lazy Sunday morning reading a book in bed, my life flashed before me as the room shook and objects fell from the walls and shelves. Very scary for everyone as we timidly emerged from our rooms wondering if this was a normal occurrence in Kona. • The Nations Parade: Australia had 139 athletes competing ( the 3rd largest contingent). We Auzzi Auzzi Auzzi'd O O O'd all the way up Alli Drive and it is the closest I will ever feel to being a celebrity. • The Carboload night: By the end of it I was confused. Was I at the World Championships or the American National Championships? Insights • I now know why the U.S. has the highest incidence of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. • An event like this takes such a huge amount of organization. I was amazed at how smoothly everything was done from registration to bike and bag check-in. Always one athlete to one volunteer – incredible! Sally Scaffidi
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