tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86945900690849737962024-03-13T09:49:42.391-07:00Lar Dog's KQLarry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-61051419895287194042012-10-18T10:46:00.001-07:002012-10-18T11:00:00.985-07:00KONA 2012-PICTURES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-65852214826137246912012-10-18T10:33:00.001-07:002012-10-18T10:33:03.966-07:00<br />Hawaii Ironman World Championships<br />October 13, 2012<br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii<br /><br /><br />Swim 2.4 miles<br />Bike 112 miles<br />Run 26.2 miles<br />Total 140.6 miles<br />Brag the rest of your life<br /><br /><br /><br />It is very possible that if you are reading this, what I am about to write in the following paragraph is very old news, so to those of you who know me well, I apologize. <br /><br />Eight years ago this month, Kim and I made our first trip to The Big Island to spectate at the Hawaii Ironman. Back then I was strictly a runner with no swim background, and I had not been on a bike since I was fourteen years old. After volunteering at Ironman Hawaii with Kim, the idea of doing a triathlon someday was planted firmly in my mind, along with the understanding I would never, ever, ever try an Ironman. I did not even know the distances, I just knew it was sort of ridiculous. <br /><br />I was somehow caught up in the triathlon vortex, and knew I was destined to give a triathlon a "go". A triathlon yes, an Ironman....no friggin way.<br />After all, I was a non-swimmer and non-biker, along with the fact that this type of feat was reserved for only for the most fit people in the world. <br /><br />This past week, I completed my eleventh Ironman, with three of them the World Championships in Kona. I would have never fathomed, or even dared to dream of this back in 2004. Qualifying for Hawaii has gotten progressively more difficult over the years with fewer Hawaii slots, and better competition showing up at every qualifying Ironman race. This year I qualified for Hawaii at Ironman Canada, which was held at the end of August. This meant I would have to turn around and race Hawaii in just six weeks; the shortest amount of time by far between Ironman races for me.<br /><br />If you have never been to the Big Island, I can attest to its rugged and massive beauty. Enormous lava flows have peppered the landscape with rock and terrain that seems other worldly. Kialua-Kona is perched right on the amazing and pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean. Sea Turtles, dolphins, manta rays, coral, and fish of all colors and sizes abound. Kona is also hot, humid, and windy. I mean real hot, real humid, and really windy. The Big Island was an acquired taste for me. I must admit, I have fallen pretty hard for it. Perfect conditions to stage one of the most brutal endurance events in the world.<br />We journeyed to Hawaii nine days before the big event. For me, pre-race is a wonderful experience of spending time with friends, frolicking in the ocean, going out for runs on Ali'i Drive, bike rides on the Queen K, mingling with the professional triathletes, and can't forget the fabulous breakfasts at Lava Java. If that was not enough, we enjoyed some great dinners at some of our favorite spots. We rented a house that was situated right on Ali'i Drive (the run course), that was oceanfront. We could feel the ocean spray from our deck.<br /><br />Hawaii has been a happy place for me since our maiden trip over 26 years ago! Kim and I always try to figure how many trips we have made here, but we simply can't remember them all.<br />O'hana is family. O'hana means the world to me. I am not coming back to Hawaii without Tony, Sabra, Erik, and Jessica. With our busy schedules it was nearly impossible to make it happen this year. Our O'hana became our California O'hana which was the Song clan, the Chriss's, the Callender's, the Rhode's, the Gilles/Kraus team. <br /><br /><br />The Race<br /><br />Race morning I had my alarm set for 4am. I had not slept great the night before (2 nights before the race), but the night before the race, I was sleeping like a baby. All good until my fine son Erik called me from the U.K. at 3am. He thought the race was the next day. I ate some food and drank some coffee, then Kim, Scott, and Stacy took me down to race central. The ritual of body marking and final bike checking was very festive. Some fellow athletes looked pretty scared, while a few were jovial and sucking up the atmosphere. <br /><br />It is not hard to get amped up with helicopters flying overhead and thousands jammed like sardines all around Kialua Bay to witness the mass swim start for the 1800 athletes from around the world competing in this epic event. There was not an empty rooftop within site; everyone was jammed into this fishbowl to catch a decent view of one of the most amazing things in endurance sport; the swim start for the Ironman.<br />For the triathlon world, Kona is THE defining event; the tri-Super Bowl. <br />Money doesn't punch your ticket to Kona; talent does.<br /><br />I met up with my friend Jeff Rhodes in the transition area who I have trained with for many years. Jeff was about to attempt his 21st Ironman, and his very first Hawaii race. We have done other Ironman races together. Jeff was loose and cool as a cucumber. 20 prior Ironman races is a pretty amazing experience. It was nearing 7am, and the announcers were aggressively telling athletes to get into the water. Jeff and I swam out to the start line, began treading water, and in no time, the cannon exploded and so did 1800 triathletes, all headed to the same spot.<br /><br /><br /><br />SWIM<br /><br /><br />Hawaii is the only Ironman race I have done where I have not worn a wetsuit. Swimming in a wetsuit is a big advantage as it improves buoyancy, but in the warm Pacific waters, they are not allowed.<br /><br />I had my best swim this year in Hawaii finishing in 1h17' on what everyone said was a slower year due to the ocean swells. There was the normal colliding with fellow triathletes, and the normal amount of body contact you might expect , but I am declaring this one of the easiest swims I have done in an Ironman. I did a great job finding feet to draft off of. It was cool to see the scuba divers with cameras beneath us. As I was exiting the swim ramp, guess who should appear at the exact moment? If you guessed Jeff, you were right. <br /><br />I entered the change tent feeling fantastic. 2.4 miles of swimming done, and only 112 miles of biking and a marathon to go! I beat Jeff out of the change room, but could not get my zipper on my top to zip; CRAP. A volunteer helped me and Jeff and we jumped on our bikes and took off. This is all "just happening" with no plan in play.<br /><br /><br /><br />BIKE<br /><br /><br />The crowd and the race is intense beyond what I can describe with words. This Ironman has all the "bad asses" from around the globe who have been at the top of their divisions. I was competing in the 55-59 year old group, while Jeff is in the 45-49 year old age group. Everyone here is really fit, and most have been on the podium at prior races. As I got to about mile 7 on the bike, Jeff was "soft pedaling", basically waiting for me to catch up. This was amazing and took me by surprise. <br /><br />Having done Hawaii twice before, and training here, I am very intimate with the course layout and how the conditions can vary greatly from year to year.<br /><br />For 5h55' and 112 miles, Jeff and I rode together. There is no comparing Jeff and I on the bike; he is a UBER cyclist. In many of his previous races he is best in his class on the bike. Basically, Jeff spent the day waiting up for me, and sacrificing untold time on his bike split. Jeff normally has better bike times than most the women professionals.<br /><br /><br />The conditions on the bike this year, versus last year were markedly different. Remember the HEAT, HUMIDITY, WIND? They were out in full force on race day. At about mile 72, one still has 40 more miles to bike. That is about where the turn from Kawaihae takes you back to town. <br />This is where block headwinds greeted us, and made the final leg of the bike a veritable suffert-fest. Jeff (no man left behind) kept waiting for me. He made it look like cake.<br /><br />I kept grinding, and soon we had finished 112 miles of biking together on the famed Queen K, where dreams have and were crushed today. This ride was 12 minutes slower than last year for me, and largely due to the much tougher conditions on the bike. I adopted a more ambitious hydration strategy, and it paid off for me big later in the race. OK, let's go run a marathon!<br /><br /><br />RUN<br /><br />We entered T2 together, and Jeff was all shits and giggles. My legs felt pretty cooked. This was surreal. I was racing with a good friend. What's up with that? <br />It is fairly daunting to think about a marathon, but with Jeff and I running together, it might not be so bad. In the spirit of full disclosure, Jeff had just done Ironman Wisconsin 4 weeks ago, and his calf muscle on his right leg was an utter mess.<br /><br />We took it out easy breezy, with the idea that we would go faster later on. The race starts with a 10 mile out/back on Ali'i Drive, and happens to go right by the house we rented. At mile 3, Kyle was there to root us on and run along with us for a few minutes, shouting words of encouragement. I tossed him my heart rate monitor, as the pace was easy and my heart rate was very low. As we got to mile 4.5, Kim, Scott, Stacy had set up a private aid station for our benefit. It was fantastic. What a support crew; we stopped, hugged, laughed, and took advantage of the illegal aid station they set up. <br /><br />Like Jeff on the bike, I could have pushed the pace faster as running is my specialty. Jeff, nursing injury was running great, but could not push his pace given his calf issue. We toughed it out on the 10 mile out/back, then had to climb Pay N Save hill to head to the last 16 miles of the marathon , mostly on the Queen K. Not to forget the legendary "pit of dispare" in the Energy Lab! It was somewhat miserable, but I thought manageable. <br /><br />As we ran the Queen, Jeff was starting to suffer. Suffering can be good for your soul people. It is a phenomenon that is difficult to explain, but it is cleansing, and something that greatness is born and created from. . The miles were clicking off, as we doused ourselves with ice, with water, and drank lots of coke, and pretty much anything we could grab at each of the aid stations that were positioned 1 mile apart. <br /><br />As easy as the bike was for Jeff, the run was for me. I had to dig a bit, but not go DEEP and to the place where I hate life, I hate everyone around me, and where I just want to say screw it and go fetal!<br /><br />Jeff had giving me pep talks the entire 112 miles on the bike, so I tried to return the favor on the run. He probably should have waived off this race, but who knows if there will be a second chance. Shouldn't we embrace life with that kind of killer instinct? <br />Who knows if we will get a second chance? Jeff is one determined and strong Marine. I know he went deep to get this race done, when there were many who dropped out and did not finish. I think most in Jeff's camp would have bailed and not finished.<br /><br />With a few miles left I could taste the finish. I think Jeff could too. We got very chatty and the crowds were incredibly encouraging. We really were unconcerned with the time as we were going to finish our marathon in 4h 20'. There are no podiums for us at Kona....ever! We know it, and we are all good with that. Our friend Sara gave us a victory jog next to us, my wife Kim who is having surgery on her left knee, and a full knee replacement on her right knee, ran next to us as we entered the finish chute. That is amazing.<br /><br />High fives greeting us as we danced to the finish. Ten yards before the finish, we began to walk, we locked arms, and crossed the line with some pretty big fat smiles on our faces. Once I crossed, I was caught by friends Scott and Stacy. A finisher medal, a lei, reunited with Kim, and me barely able to walk. I was a cooked goose and happy to be done baby. This race was amazing. It was an epic journey I won't ever forget. Spending the day running, talking, and suffering with Jeff was awesome. Finish time be "damned", it was all about the journey...<br /><br />Ironman Hawaii #3 completed.<br />Ironman #11 completed.<br />Being extraordinarily humbled and thankful for what I have been able to do.<br />Competing and completing the entire day for 11h51' with my friend Jeff; <br />priceless!<br /><br />Jeff asked me before the race if I knew what Semper Fi meant. Look it up if you don't know what it means...<br /><br /><br />Aloha<br /><br />Larry <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-53741610509693383502012-10-11T20:44:00.000-07:002012-10-11T20:54:39.137-07:00OK....the wait is almost over!<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">http://ironmanworldchampionship.com/</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">Less than 2 days till I enter the lovely blue and warm </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">waters of Kialua Bay</span></span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">in beautiful Kona, Hawaii </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">for the Ironman World Championship. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">It has been a fun week hustling around, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">swimming most days, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">biking and running other days. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">Today was a swim with my friends Scott/Mark/Jeff/Kyle. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">We swam out to the Coffee's of Hawaii </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">catamaran to enjoy a nice shot of espresso </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">about 1/4 mile out in the ocean. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">Fun to hang on the boat </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">while sipping coffee!</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"> It is simply a blast being able to train and be with friends</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"> on this legendary course. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">I have experienced mild (by Kona standards) weather, </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">and I have had some brutally hot runs, with</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"> one very memorable one in the famed </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">Hawaii Natural Energy Lab. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">This is a piece of the run course</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">where most are suffering mightily.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"> This will be Ironman number 11 for me, and my 3rd go at Hawaii. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">My two prior races have been clocked at 11h33' and 11h36'.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">We will see if I can improve a little bit on that. Most important was </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">getting her to Kona and being able to race with the pros, </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">and some of the fittest if not THE fittest</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">people on the planet, is a humbling, wonderful, </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">and thankful experience for me.</span></div>
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Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-7610327714774225222012-10-05T20:30:00.001-07:002012-10-05T20:30:37.536-07:00An Ironman ICON!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9MpW6xfx_1Q/UG-l2zUCLpI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/FjIuAfftHEc/s640/blogger-image-1573041565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9MpW6xfx_1Q/UG-l2zUCLpI/AAAAAAAAJ-M/FjIuAfftHEc/s640/blogger-image-1573041565.jpg" /></a></div>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-75825817638891188432012-10-05T19:03:00.001-07:002012-10-05T19:03:15.440-07:00Fantastic swim-Hawaii Ironman Kailua-Kona <a href="http://connect.garmin.com/activity/230264568#.UG-QwbClOD8.blogger">Ironman Hawaii 2 mile swim by ladavidson at Garmin Connect - Detail</a>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-69643241707612677482012-10-02T07:26:00.001-07:002012-10-02T07:26:13.957-07:00KONA HEAT TRAINING COMMENCES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-74821910705502464742012-09-27T07:05:00.001-07:002012-09-27T07:05:16.686-07:00Kona Kountdown Officially Begins!Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-4033213537454888702012-09-15T06:49:00.001-07:002012-09-15T06:49:38.887-07:00
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<h4>
About the Ironman World Championship</h4>
The inaugural “Hawaiian IRON MAN Triathlon” was
conceptualized in 1977 as a way to challenge athletes who had seen
success at a local biathlon. San Diego-based John Collins proposed
combining the three toughest endurance races in Hawai’i – the 2.4-mile
Waikiki Roughwater Swim, 112 miles of the Around-O’ahu Bike Race and the
26.2-mile Honolulu Marathon – into one event.
<br />
On Feb. 18, 1978, 15 people came to Waikiki to take on the
IRONMAN challenge. Prior to racing, each received three sheets of paper
with a few rules and a course description. The last page read: “Swim 2.4
miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!”
<br />
In 1981, the race moved from the tranquil shores of Waikiki to
the barren lava fields of Kona on the Big Island of Hawai’i. Along the
Kona Coast, black lava rock dominates the panorama, and athletes battle
the “ho’omumuku” crosswinds of 45 mph, 95 degree temperatures and a
scorching sun.
<br />
Now in its 34th year, the IRONMAN World Championship centers on
the dedication and courage exhibited by participants who demonstrate the
Ironman mantra that “ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. ®” On Oct. 13, nearly 1,800
athletes will embark on a 140.6-mile journey that presents the ultimate
test of body, mind and spirit to earn the title of “IRONMAN.”
Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-46121585149260631412012-09-05T17:14:00.000-07:002012-09-05T17:14:00.275-07:00Ironman Canada-A few photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-23779599490625396232012-08-27T10:46:00.001-07:002012-08-27T10:46:41.690-07:00Ironman Canada RaceThis is what my training partner Scott wrote up today....<br />
<br />
Ironman Canada<br />
<br />
Oh Canada!<br />
<br />
Larry had his best IM time ever (if you throw out his IM Florida which was on a much easier IM course) at his race on Sunday. He came in 4th at 10:47:26 (I cannot tell you what a great time that is for a course like this). This is quite incredible given the fact that he keeps getting older and his times keep getting faster. I think they only have two Kona slots but maybe three given the number of people in his AG (110). Canada is known for having a lot of roll-downs (where the people decline the Kona slot and it rolls down – I know, this sounds strange that someone would do this and pass on Kona but it is due to the fact that Kona is only 7 weeks away). He will find out today at the Awards Ceremony in which he will be on the podium.<br />
<br />
He nailed his swim at 1:09 (below his goal of 1:10), he had a 5:23 bike which is his best bike EVER and his run was tough coming in at 4:05. I think he had some stomach issues. Detailed results are below in metric (this was in Canada).<br />
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CheersLarry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-84726702196857477232012-08-25T18:02:00.001-07:002012-08-25T18:02:03.645-07:00Ironman Canada PreviewBack in 1983, Ronald Regan was the President United States of America; Pierre Trudeau was the Prime Minister of Canada. Canada had officially adopted the metric system that year, while in the United States, the price of a stamp was 20-cents and the Compact Disc (CD) was being introduced to the world. That same year, Dave Scott was winning only his second of six IRONMAN world championship titles while Canadian Sylviane Puntouswas winning her first of two. Earlier that year, in Penticton, Mike Wagstaff and Dianne Lynch won the first ever ultra-triathlon in 1983, paving the way for future Ironman Canada champions.<br />
The longevity of IRONMAN Canada has afforded race veterans the ability to utter one or two words that conjure up experiences and descriptions of locations of the race that would take many more words to articulate – the Peach, the Sicamous, Richter Pass, the rollers, the out-and-back, McLean Creek Road, Yellow Lake, Skaha, Ok Falls or simply the beach. And names that have been synonymous with the event over the years like Steve King, Ray Browning, Lori Bowden, JulieAnne White, Peter Reid, Iron Cops for Cancer, Lisa Bentley, Paula Newby Fraser, Tom Price and David Kirk. Nevertheless, for every one of those mention, there are thousands regular folks that have used IRONMAN Canada to accomplish triathlons ultimate dream – complete their IRONMAN.<br />
The course<br />
One would be remiss to talk about IRONMAN Canada without mentioning the majestic racecourse, which starts out with a single-looped 3.8 km swim in clear waters in the southern end of Lake Okanagan. <br />
Next up, the bike is a 180 km single loop course that heads south of Penticton and passes through the towns of Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos. Those racing know they are in for some work as they view the mammoth Canadian flag at the Huskey gas station in Osoyoos. The flag is the symbol that competitors are required to make a hard right hand turn and head up the infamous Richter Pass. The pass consists of an 11 km climb that varies from four to eight percent in steepness. After Richter Pass, athletes are greeted to a screaming six to seven km of downhill. In desert-like conditions, a number of good-sized rollers lead you into the town of Keremeos. Competitors are treated with a brain-numbing out and back section that feels like it takes you forever to get out of.<br />
During the last 60 km of the bike, you are served up some false flats as you exit the out and back section, along with a couple more climbs that are short and have a sting to them, which come at just the wrong time. The last 20 km, though, offers a bit of reward for all the hard work - some exciting descents where you can take care of your hydration and fuel needs before entering T2.<br />
Finally, the marathon is a one loop out and back affair with the first and last seven to eight km run through the city of Penticton, where the streets are filled with spectators. It is the middle 28 km’s heading south to the community of Okanagan Falls, and the return trip that is the challenge in the mind as well as the body. You have the beautiful Skaha Lake as your guide with a great deal of the run along its shores. Flat for most of the run, there is a few thigh burners going into and exiting the turn-around village that start at 16 km’s and end at 26km’s.<br />
Retracing the last 8 km’s through town, spectator support builds as racers near the finish on Lakeshore Drive. Athletes are greeted to the comforting voice of Ironman Canada, Steve King, as they run down the chute and break the finish line tape.<br />
Professional men’s field (Tentative)<br />
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Originally from: http://ironman.com/events/ironman/canada/ironman-celebrates-30-years-of-racing-in-penticton#ixzz24brVoysXLarry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-37307657377582144252012-08-25T12:22:00.001-07:002012-08-25T12:22:30.171-07:00I am not a Savage!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z4apzhpdzIg/UDkl9MWV3vI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/qrPDg17FOAU/s640/blogger-image-985831705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z4apzhpdzIg/UDkl9MWV3vI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/qrPDg17FOAU/s640/blogger-image-985831705.jpg" /></a></div>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-51395241597827240272012-08-25T10:57:00.001-07:002012-08-25T10:57:32.854-07:00Well wishes!My race number is:<br />
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1823<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yO9rd5WxX-k/UDkSCj1wtCI/AAAAAAAAJ8Y/rzbk9ZuYGpU/s640/blogger-image-881432433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yO9rd5WxX-k/UDkSCj1wtCI/AAAAAAAAJ8Y/rzbk9ZuYGpU/s640/blogger-image-881432433.jpg" /></a></div>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-22465302750934120262012-08-24T18:29:00.001-07:002012-08-24T18:29:11.486-07:00Serious heat training pre Canada<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--vT4EaNR-tI/UDgqZelepwI/AAAAAAAAJ74/03ktqAecMBw/s640/blogger-image--392426390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--vT4EaNR-tI/UDgqZelepwI/AAAAAAAAJ74/03ktqAecMBw/s640/blogger-image--392426390.jpg" /></a></div>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-25357812065171337512012-08-24T18:16:00.001-07:002012-08-25T08:57:17.396-07:00Pre race festivitiesWe have been in Canada for a few days now, and it is an idyllic setting. We are perched on a beautiful Lake named Shaka, which is both on the bike and run course for this race. Today was a fun swim in Lake Okanagen, which was super rough, followed by a nice 2 hour bike. I rode most of the marathon run section today so I could visualize the hills when I do the race on Sunday.<br />
<br />
The tenement housing (JOKE)...Kim got us has turned out to be a terrific spot. It is convenient to everything, and super comfortable. The only thing missing are my SAVAGE friends from Team KQ!<br />
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Ironman Canada is in it's 30th year, and the town really embraces it. Turn on the radio, and they are taking Ironman. Everywhere you go, people ask "Eh, you doin the Ironman on Sunday?"<br />
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One of the most epic things thus far on this trip, has been star gazing. There are no street lights, and the sky is truly amazing. The stars and constellations are some of the best I have ever seen in my life. <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1Xa__q1aNMQ/UDj12yGComI/AAAAAAAAJ8I/BlQ7n-cx384/s640/blogger-image--502052262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1Xa__q1aNMQ/UDj12yGComI/AAAAAAAAJ8I/BlQ7n-cx384/s640/blogger-image--502052262.jpg" /></a></div>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-77904661846162134212012-08-24T17:50:00.001-07:002012-08-24T18:20:08.030-07:00Ironman Canada, BC.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-1751602462479252052012-08-22T16:34:00.000-07:002012-08-22T16:47:39.644-07:00Oh CanadaIt has been a long stretch since doing a blog...but Ironman #10 demands that I spend some time logging in the experience. I am in Vancouver with Kim waiting for the connecting flight to Kelowna. Kim treated me with the Maple Leag Lounge (Air Canada's VIP retreat). Enjoying a Canadien beer and some salty goodies. We will be in Penticton around 9PM tonight, in our 27 foot motor home that Kimmer got us...sounds like a fun adventure! More musings to follow...Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-34705090477548007762011-10-11T23:23:00.001-07:002011-10-13T21:57:53.048-07:00Kona Race Report-Saturday, October 8, 2011I have now completed:<br /><br />9 Ironman races<br /><br />2 of them in Kona at the World Championships. <br /><br />All 9 have been done between 10h42' and 11h36'<br /><br />In those races I have swam a total of 21.6 miles, biked 1008 miles, and run 235.8 miles.<br /><br />I have logged in countless hours in the pool, on my bike, and on the road running to train for these events. What I do might be considered extreme by some. After being in the sport for a while now, I have to admit that it is a little extreme, but that is one of the reasons why I am attracted to it. I consider myself unconditionally blessed to be able to participate and compete in this sport. Beyond the competition, it is really a lifestyle choice where I place a high value on physical fitness, and mental tenacity.<br /><br />Most of you know my story, but here is the Readers Digest version:<br /><br />Kim and I visited the Big Island in 2004 for a vacation, and we took in the Hawaii Ironman by volunteering for the event. We were "catchers" at the finish line. I admit I was swept up in the moment, and felt an awakening of sorts. I made a decision that I would attempt to do a triathlon, but knew I would never EVER do an Ironman, and of course that meant the Hawaii Ironman was not even something within the realm of possibilities.<br /><br />The story has played out in an amazing way, and you all know too well that I have made it to the Super Bowl of triathlons, the World Championships in Kailua-Kona twice now, and I have to say, I am not ready to retire from what I love to do just yet!<br /><br /><br />Here is my Kona Race Report for 2011:<br /><br />Pre-race, Kim always asks me to tell her what I am hoping to swim, bike, run. That way she can follow me, and see how I am doing throughout the long day. I told her that best case scenario for me was:<br /><br />Swim-1h20'<br />Bike-5<a target="_blank" href=""></a>h45'<br />Run-3h45'<br /><br />If I did the above, I could break 11 hours. That is the "best case" if everything goes perfectly; which they seldom do.<br /><br />The 3:45am wake up call did not startle me because I had not slept since about 12:30am. I spent the night tossing and turning and thinking about the fact that I was going to be doing the Hawaii Ironman. I had slept well the night before, so I knew this would not be a problem for me.<br /><br />The minor details of eating, drinking, getting to the race start, body marking, final bathroom stop, etc...all went without incident. <br /><br /><b>Swim:<br />Best case: 1h20'<br />Actual: 1h19'</b><br /><br />The swim in Kona is the best swim ever. It is hard. The water is warm. It has swells. It has currents. It has loads of fish, and on race day, 2,000 triathletes swimming for Ironman glory. I entered the water with my friend Gary, and quickly lost him as he swam out to the start line. The start line is manned by a platoon of paddle boarders holding the mass of swimmers back.<br /><br />I positioned myself far left at the start. This strategy worked great. I avoided the crush of swimmers. The swim in Hawaii can beat you up and spit you out. The athletes aren't trying to do it, but it is simply too many people going to the same place at the same time; thus the carnage.<br /><br />I swam comfortably hard throughout, and was excited to exit the water right on my goal time. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/12/2656.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/12/s_2656.jpg' border='0' width='186' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Bike:<br />Best case: 5h45'<br />Actual: 5h43'</b><br /><br />Was stoked to get on the bike and start the epic 112 journey. This was my second Hawaii race, so I know the course pretty well now. I purposely went out easy at the start. People were passing me like crazy. I had a plan, and I was sticking to it. I kept telling myself that if I was patient, I would "reel in" a lot of the people who were hammering early on the bike. More on that later. I broke the bike up mentally into sections. Seems to make it easier to bike that far a distance, by chopping it up in smaller bites.<br /><br />It was typical Kona weather; warm, humid, and some wind, but not horrible. The course has you do a quick out and back in town, then out to the Queen K for a 35 mile stretch from Kona to the town of Kawaihae. The terrain is rolling hills, where you have to work the hills pretty good, then take the the free speed on the downhills. I continued to be patient. At Kawaaihae, you make the turn for the 18 mile journey up to the town of Hawi (pronounced HAAVEE). I have ridden this section numerous times before, and the wind is generally brutal and unforgiving. The winds for the first 10 miles of the climb were fine, but the last 8 miles up to Hawi, I rode into headwinds un like any I have ever ridden before. People were being crushed by the hill climb and the gale force Hawi winds. I kept a good pace and I was steadily passing loads of people. Not a single rider passed me on the climb.<br /><br />The turnaround for the bike course occurs in Hawi, and then you have 18 miles of VERY fast downhill riding, as the tailwind pushes you faster and faster. The only wild card are the sometimes horrific side winds that have blown more than a few cyclists totally off their bikes in years past. Fortunately, the side winds were not bad, and it was pretty easy to descend this cool hill. <br /><br />After arriving back to Kawaihae, you have another 35-40 miles back to town. This is where I kept a solid steady and strong pace, and began passing countless triathletes that had evidently gone out too hard. I was a passing machine; where I passed hundreds of people and felt damn good doing it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/12/2657.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/12/s_2657.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Run:<br />Best Case: 3h45'<br />Actual:4h21'</b><br /><br />Historically, running is my strongest discipline. In Hawaii it is polar opposite.<br />I took my time getting through transition and I eased into a comfortable running pace. The first 10 miles are an out/back on Ali'i Drive where there are lots of spectators and you run right next to the ocean. I hooked up with a fellow triathlete and we ran side by side for 10 miles. We kept our pace per mile around 8'45" the best we could, and this was working great until I hit the hill on Palani Road. I could feel the energy drain in my body, and I slowed my pace down. I had to walk up half of Palani Road and told my running mate to carry on. <br /><br />Ever get a hamstring cramp? My first one was at mile 11, and the only way to get it to dissipate is to stop and stretch, then try to resume running. This was going to play havoc with trying to run under 4 hours in the marathon segment!<br /><br />I came upon my pal Gary around mile 12 or 13 and he was suffering badly. He had a side stitch he couldn't clear and his calf was cramping. I offered him some encouragement and told him to not give up; no matter what!<br /><br />By the half marathon mark, I was toast. I was ready to stop running as I really did not want to be out there. I was hurting, and I had limited energy to keep moving forward. After my pity party, I kept telling myself that I WILL finish this thing no matter how much it hurts. The down, then back up from the Energy Lab sucked. The only redeeming thought was that it is 6.5 miles to the finish after you have climbed out and made the turn from the lab.<br /><br />I then dedicated my final miles to my family. Mile 20-21 was for Erik, 21-22 for Tony, and 22-23 for Kim. Repeat for miles 24-26, and then it's .2 miles to the finish. This helped get me through one of the most difficult runs I have ever had.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5662487399814372722'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dl3PEVDopII/TpUySfsPnXI/AAAAAAAAJpA/1mw9iFZpFEo/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Finish:<br /><br />Some say Disneyland is the Happiest Place on Earth.<br />The finish line on Ali'i Drive is my Happiest Place on Earth.<br />I cannot explain adequately the euphoric feeling I had on Saturday night when I turned from Hualailai to Ali'i. The last few hundred yards of this race is fantastic to behold. I was so glad to have been able to participate in this race. I crossed the finish line, and it was seconds later, Kim threw a beautiful lei around my neck and planted a huge kiss on my sweaty face.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/12/2658.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/12/s_2658.jpg' border='0' width='186' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I will take away many positive things from the Hawaiian Islands this trip. The time socializing, training and racing with my friends is one of them. <br /><br />Meeting new folks like Raj the "double" amputee Ironman. <br /><br />Getting to know Dr. Mark and his family was terrific (he raced to a personal best this year at age 60!). <br /><br />Seeing Bob and Sally Crawford (Sally has qualified 8 times for Hawaii!)<br /><br />Spending time at the beach, and hangin with Gary and Judy (Gary did his first Hawaii Ironman!) Gary and I will be planning our next adventure soon.<br /><br />My First American colleagues Pat and Jeff who came to Hawaii to golf, AND cheer me on at the Ironman. Both will do a triathlon someday soon I predict!<br /><br />Meeting with Ben and Miwa who have watched this race 20 times and took some awesome pictures.<br /><br />If you would have asked me in 2004 if I would ever do an Ironman, the answer would have been no way, no how. I would never have dreamed I would ever have the ability to qualify for Hawaii twice. <br /><br />Take a page from my book if you have read this far. If you are already pursuing "your" Ironman, great. What I mean about pursuing your Ironman is this: Define or decide on something that is fun, hard, tough, and that will stretch you way beyond what you currently think you are capable of. <br /><br />If you are not doing so, now is the time to figure out an adventure that will challenge you, and take you out of your comfort zone. Something you can be proud of for the rest of your life!<br />Do it now, because the clock is ticking for each of us. Take a chance, and go make some memories.<br /><br />Aloha<br /><br />Lar Dog<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5662487417996947762'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c5Q84f8yCCA/TpUyTjbTsTI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/mLn_1zKtDLE/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Kailua-Kona,%20Hawaii%4019.568964%2C-155.965395&z=10'>Kailua-Kona, Hawaii</a></p>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-27620875376704233712011-10-07T19:37:00.001-07:002011-10-07T19:55:55.737-07:00Kona Daily-October 7<br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/RGfD7JofmGc" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RGfD7JofmGc" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGfD7JofmGc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/RGfD7JofmGc/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p>The Kailua-Kona folks put this banner up for me. How cool is that? It is at mile 4 of the run course<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660945000979986210'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jEJsde_rE9Y/To-3fERvdyI/AAAAAAAAJog/eFP-ECzRIuc/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Mark Song and I at the welcome banquet last night<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660945014381936098'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yMa4dK6lT9g/To-3f2NA_eI/AAAAAAAAJok/-2MGYOS1-04/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />My race number for tomorrow<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660945025311966482'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x2d88q-omfs/To-3ge68BRI/AAAAAAAAJoo/8o9dVemokAg/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Busy day getting ready for tomorrow.<br />Time to hunker down and keep my feet up.<br /><br />I am privileged to be doing this race. I will never take it for granted. I am going to try and race loose and fast.<br /><br />I thank God for giving me the body and skills and desire to do this race.<br /><br />Aloha!<br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Kailua%20Kona&z=10'>Kailua Kona</a></p>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-88362300957503858452011-10-06T18:28:00.001-07:002011-10-06T18:30:24.210-07:00Ironman HistoryAn Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike and a marathon (42.195 kilometres (26.219 mi)) run, raced in that order and without a break. Most Ironman events have a strict time limit of 17 hours to complete the race, where the Ironman race starts at 7 AM, the mandatory swim cut off for the 2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim is 2 hours 20 minutes, the bike cut off time is 5:30 PM, and all finishers must complete their marathon by midnight.<br />The name Ironman Triathlon refers to both the original Ironman triathlon and the annual Ironman World Championship. Also called Ironman Hawaii, the world championships of the event, held annually in Hawaii since 1978 (with an additional race in 1982), are now preceded by a series of qualifying events. Ironman Triathlon became known for its grueling length, harsh race conditions, and television coverage.<br /><br />The idea for the original Ironman Triathlon arose during the awards ceremony for the 1977 Oahu Perimeter Relay (a running race for 5-person teams). Among the participants were numerous representatives of both the Mid-Pacific Road Runners and the Waikiki Swim Club, whose members had long been debating which athletes were more fit, runners or swimmers. On this occasion, U.S. Navy Commander John Collins pointed out that a recent article in Sports Illustrated magazine had declared that Eddy Merckx, the great Belgian cyclist, had the highest recorded "oxygen uptake" of any athlete ever measured, so perhaps cyclists were more fit than anyone. CDR Collins and his wife Judy Collins had taken part in the triathlons staged in 1974 and 1975 by the San Diego Track Club in and around Mission Bay, California, as well as the 1975 Optimist Sports Fiesta Triathlon in Coronado, California. A number of the other military athletes in attendance were also familiar with the San Diego races, so they understood the concept when Collins suggested that the debate should be settled through a race combining the three existing long-distance competitions already on the island: the Waikiki Roughwater Swim (2.4 mi./3.86 km), the Around-Oahu Bike Race (115 mi./185.07 km; originally a two-day event) and the Honolulu Marathon (26.219 mi./42.195 km).<br />Until that point, no one present had ever done the bike race. Collins calculated that by shaving 3 miles (4.8 km) off the course and riding counter-clockwise around the island, the bike leg could start at the finish of the Waikiki Rough Water and end at the Aloha Tower, the traditional start of the Honolulu Marathon. Prior to racing, each athlete received three sheets of paper listing a few rules and a course description. Handwritten on the last page was this exhortation: "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life", now a registered trademark.<br />With a nod to a local runner who was notorious for his demanding workouts, Collins said, "Whoever finishes first, we'll call him the Iron Man." Each of the racers had their own support crew to supply water, food and encouragement during the event. Of the fifteen men to start off in the early morning on February 18, 1978, twelve completed the race. Gordon Haller, a US Navy Communications Specialist, was the first to earn the title Ironman by completing the course with a time of 11 hours, 46 minutes, 58 seconds. The runner-up John Dunbar, a US Navy SEAL, led after the second transition and had a chance to win but ran out of water on the marathon course; his support crew resorted to giving him beer instead.<br /><br />With no further marketing efforts, the race gathered as many as 50 athletes in 1979. The race, however, was postponed a day because of bad weather conditions. Only fifteen competitors started off the race Sunday morning. San Diego's Tom Warren won in 11 hours, 15 minutes, 56 seconds. Lyn Lemaire, a championship cyclist from Boston, placed sixth overall and became the first "Ironwoman".<br />Collins planned on changing the race into a relay event to draw more participants, but Sports Illustrated's journalist Barry McDermott, in the area to cover a golf tournament, discovered the race and wrote a ten page account of it. During the following year, hundreds of curious participants contacted Collins.<br />In 1981 organizer Valerie Silk moved the competition to the less urbanized Hawaiʻi Island (called the Big Island) and in 1982 moved the race date from February to October; as a result of this change there were two Ironman Triathlon events in 1982.<br /><br /><br />Start & Finish of the Ironman World Championship on Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona Hawaii<br />A milestone in the marketing of the legend and history of the race happened in February 1982. Julie Moss, a college student competing to gather research for her exercise physiology thesis, moved toward the finish line in first place. As she neared the finish, severe fatigue and dehydration set in, and she fell, just yards away from the finish line. Although Kathleen McCartney passed her for the women’s title, Moss nevertheless crawled to the finish line. Her performance was broadcast worldwide and created the Ironman mantra that just finishing is a victory.<br />The sport of triathlon was added as an Olympic sport at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney as a shorter distance race (1,500-metre (0.93 mi) swim, 40-kilometre (25 mi) cycle, 10-kilometre (6.2 mi) run).<br />There have been a number of non-WTC "Ironman Distance" triathlons that have been held since the mid-1990s. The limited number of WTC-sanctioned events, and the limited number of entries available per race, have combined with a growth in the sport that has created demand for these non-trademarked events. Many of them share the 2.4-mile (3.9 km), 112-mile (180 km), 26.2-mile (42.2 km) format with Ironman. Originally, many used the Ironman name. Due to aggressive trademark protection, most of these races no longer use the word "Ironman". The largest of these include the Vineman Triathlon and Silverman Triathlon.<br />The original Ironman is held in conditions which are uniquely punishing for endurance racing: the Hawaii water is warm enough that helpfully buoyant wetsuits are not allowed; though the cycling hills have only moderate gradients they are normally crossed by strong and gusting winds; and the marathon leg of the race is usually extremely hot. Other races under the WTC aegis have their own difficulties, characteristic of their setting and season. Anyone completing one of these races within the time limit, so long as it is the prescribed distance, is entitled to call themselves an Ironman (the term being gender-neutral). At one time there was no cut-off time, then a 15 hour time limit. For these events the normal time limit is now 17 hours. Some iron distance races (not sanctioned by the WTC corporation, but using the same standard distances) have different cut-off times.<br /><br /><br />The Ironman format remains unchanged, and the Hawaiian Ironman is still regarded as an honored and prestigious triathlon event to win worldwide. Although thousands of athletes worldwide compete at an Ironman event each year, the vast majority aim simply to just finish the course if they are first timers, or set a personal record if they've raced this distance before. Only very talented athletes realistically compete for a spot in Hawaii, and just finishing an Ironman race is often the highlight of many triathletes' career. Athletes with disabilities now compete in the event in the physically challenged category, and are required to meet the same cutoff times as able bodied competitors. <br /><br /><br />Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-3836897112753727032011-10-06T14:33:00.001-07:002011-10-06T14:36:55.146-07:00Kona Daily-October 6My race number for Saturday..<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660495523168178354'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P2wFnlXlti0/To4esA8g0LI/AAAAAAAAJoQ/X_4XAlANV-I/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />My race machine..<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660495532630124290'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/--N5DSESlq5s/To4eskMapwI/AAAAAAAAJoU/aHtA2jq5ZaY/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />The magic bracelet that affords you ROCKSTAR status (this week only!)<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660495537837741394'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DUqRbwJ1Tt4/To4es3mAlVI/AAAAAAAAJoY/drqxN_xyjTw/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br />Did a 3 mile ez run this morning, followed by a mega-breakfast feast at the condo. Happy to be here, and happy to be alive. So sad to hear legendary Steve Jobs died.<br /><br />Friends Art and Chad were on a bike ride yesterday, and Chad crashed. Heavy road rash from head to toe. His attitude is great, and he is racing. What a guy!<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Alii%20Dr,Kailua-Kona,United%20States%4019.568884%2C-155.965269&z=10'>Alii Dr,Kailua-Kona,United States</a></p>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-41809430983792095692011-10-05T20:02:00.001-07:002011-10-05T20:02:49.015-07:00Kona Daily-October 5The real countdown has begun. The attached email was sent out to the crew at First American today. I had no idea this was being done. What a wonderful group of people I get the privilege to work with:<br /> <br /><br /><br />On October 8th, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, approximately 1,850 athletes will embark on a 140.6-mile journey that presents the ultimate test of body, mind and spirit to earn the title of "Ironman."<br /> <br />Larry Davidson will be one of those athletes competing for that title! He has completed 7 previous “Ironman” races and continues to swim, bike and run with determination and ardor.<br /> <br />We wish Larry Davidson good fortune, success and the best of luck for the competition!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660209243601163138'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z3wblTAEOOQ/To0aUWc604I/AAAAAAAAJn4/Pbs0rfCK9f8/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kim and Larry in the Aloha spirit<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660209254286725250'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ETqlyzLVa7E/To0aU-QjkII/AAAAAAAAJn8/U0fFzMaoufA/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Another amazing sunset<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660209259823041554'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SeKspyLPTmM/To0aVS4hDBI/AAAAAAAAJoA/yTUdKDXT5r4/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kim and Judy at Lava Java<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660209265186391250'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t1YoXtkwbZ8/To0aVm3PRNI/AAAAAAAAJoE/IGVlI2IPTXI/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Larry at Ironman VIP House...<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5660209271372372802'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xKYA8TQkQIg/To0aV96F20I/AAAAAAAAJoI/vy2POaJx384/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Raj's prosthetic legs!<br />This double amputee I met is doing Ironman. What a stud!<br />He also has a deformed left arm.<br />He is an amazing swimmer as well. I have no chance to beat him!<br /><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Alii%20Dr,Kailua-Kona,United%20States%4019.568765%2C-155.965155&z=10'>Alii Dr,Kailua-Kona,United States</a></p>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-47684194230459406902011-10-04T15:25:00.001-07:002011-10-05T20:03:49.367-07:00Kona Daily-October 4Did my 6 mile run on Ali'i Drive. Energy abounds on this stretch of road to the maximus! I felt like Superman running down that road. Had to throttle things back as I was sailing at 7'30" pace. Getting ready to head to Erik and my favorite beach. First American has an office here. Wonder if I could work out of the Kona office 3 months out of the year? Hmmmmm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/lardogster/IMSG#5659766649769609122'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-airzvdleyN0/TouHx_8ex6I/AAAAAAAAJnw/xy-Bk46o7WY/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/WpFlHEuBFQc" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WpFlHEuBFQc" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpFlHEuBFQc"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/WpFlHEuBFQc/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Ali'i%20Drive&z=10'>Ali'i Drive</a><br /><br />Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-67347439644258237202011-10-03T16:44:00.000-07:002011-10-05T20:04:21.335-07:00Kona Daily-October 3<div><br /></div><div>The town of Kona has turned from being pretty laid back, to not laid back at all in the course of 24 hours. The weekend brought in the throngs of athletes and their families. Swimming today on the Ironman swim course was very interesting. You had to beware of running into swimmers going in the other direction. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have mentioned my friend Gary numerous times on this posting, but probably didn't mention that Gary is a good friend whom I train with a lot. Gary won his age group at the California 70.3 this spring, and earned his way to Kona as a result. He has no weaknesses in the sport. He swims, bikes, runs extremely well, and he has worked very hard to get here. I should mention that Gary is a "full-on" senior citizen at the age of 60. He is most certainly one of the fittest 60 year olds on the planet. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today, after our swim, we rode about 40 miles of the Ironman bike course on the Queen "K" Highway. Wonderful ride. We took it pretty easy today, and we even stopped and got some video of Gary and I riding the course. Not very exciting video, but proof that we are here and sucking in all the fun and wonderful vibe that is Ironman Hawaii!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align='center'><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/fM8qM1FrwGM" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fM8qM1FrwGM" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><!-- Fallback content --><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM8qM1FrwGM"><img src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/fM8qM1FrwGM/0.jpg" width="400" height="300" />YouTube Video</a></object></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8694590069084973796.post-81004958350863353132011-10-03T09:37:00.001-07:002011-10-05T20:04:50.744-07:00Kona Daily-October 2<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/10/03/1790.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/10/03/s_1790.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />This is the view from our condo in Keahou. Today (Sunday) was a day of mostly rest, although I did manage to get in a 4 mile run. We spent some time frolicking in the ocean at Magic Sands Beach. Lot's of Hawaiian families go to the beaches on Sundays, and it was pristine to say the least. <br />The sand is pure white and feels amazing on your feet. <br /><br />We went down to Honakukue Harbor yesterday and bought a bunch of Hawaiian ONO for dinner. It was freshly caught. Kim knows how to prep fish man! We had our friends over last night, sat out on the lanai, the weather was (of course) awesome, and we had a feast. The ONO on the grill was top shelf. <br /><br />Due to popular demand, I have put the updates on this blog! You can click on any of the previous days as well. Aloha; off for a swim and then a bike ride on the Queen "K" today.<br /><br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Kialua%20Kona,%20Hawaii&z=10'>Kialua Kona, Hawaii</a></p>Larry Davidsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15212665237952495582noreply@blogger.com1