R&R

So 12/12/2010 came and went with a bang, literally.  Crazy fireworks at 5am to start 23,000 runners circling around Waikiki and Honolulu.  It was pretty cool to be a part of it all.

We had to awaken at 2:30am in order to get there on time, and unlike Philly, we were prepared for it.  Granola and Yogurt to fuel the machine, and a ton of powerade to wash it all down.  A massage the day before at the hotel, and we were good to go - or so we thought.

For anybody out there who seriously wants advice;

If you're going to read Born To Run by Christopher McDougall, do it WELL IN ADVANCE OF YOUR EVENT.  Why?  Because you, like I did, will go out and buy a pair of Vibram FiveFingers shoes, and will try to run in them.  You'll be so inspired by the book that you'll go out and try this great idea.

...and it will jack up your calves/achilles something fierce.   Yes, having gorilla feet is cool, and you'll look like a champ.  But don't do it.  Trust me.

So, my legs are jacked, my midweek massage gets cancelled due to a cut finger, and I'm still limping around, with 10 minutes to go before the race.

Carolyne kicked serious ass.  4:35 finish time, almost a full hour before my 5:28 finish time.  As she pointed out, at least I beat Katie Holmes' first run attempt.

So, about the Honolulu Marathon?

1) It sounds exotic and beautiful, but it's really not.  Do a marathon somewhere in California, New York, Chicago, or somewhere picturesque.  You'd think that Honolulu would be right along the water the whole way - even looking at the map - but it isn't.  The race is inland, and spends about 10 minutes beside the water.  Not (exactly) what I was expecting.

2) They're cheap bastards.  No gatorade until mile 8, no gu at all in the race.

3) Everything is in Japanese.  This is by virtue of the fact that JAL is the anchor sponsor of the race, but it's still irritating to no end not to be able to get information on a race because it's in the wrong language.

4) The race pack is cheap cheap.  I guess that's not a big deal, but it's still irritating.  I'm over this though.

5) It is VERY VERY HUMID.  You're going to sweat like you've never sweat before.  We were both sweaty before getting to the start.  72 degrees at 5 in the morning, and thank GOD that the sun didn't come out until around mile 12.

If despite all of this, you decide to come to Honolulu to race, by all means EAT at Arancino di Mare.   So, so, so, goood.  We had pasta there the night before the race, and went back the following night that it was so good.  The Spaghettini con Polpette is SO delicious.  Their sauces, etc... Mmmm.  Carolyne had the Rigatoni all' amatoriciana and that was fantabulous too.  Mmm...

So, all bad things about the hono marathon aside, by all means, RECOVER IN HAWAI'I.  it is so so so so beautiful here.  You need some R&R in order to come back to reality.  Every day brings a day of greater comfort into our stride.  Yesterday, we rode bicycles around the island and made some local friends.  Carolyne and I are fine.  We're enjoying our R&R and escape from reality.

Thanks to all who made the dream a reality and supported us both through the process.  I'm proud of myself, and am proud of all who actually decided to undertake such a task.

So... Aloha, Meli Kalikimaka, and happy holidays to all who are out there.

xo
Dave

Photos, etc here: Dave, Carolyne

On the eve of madness...

Well, the time has come, where did it go?  It always goes fast when you want it slow.

Yep, T minus 38 hours and counting until the starting gun, here in Honolulu, HI.

Am I ready?  As ready as I'll be for this race.  I'm pumped, I have clothes, shoes, and an awesome partner in crime about to arrive in Honolulu to join me.  I've got granola and yogurt for a 3am chowdown on Sunday morning, plenty of Powerade to fuel the legs and keep us hydrated, and am in a healthy state of mind.

Fundraising is almost done - I'm within a hair of meeting the minimum commitment, but that's neither here nor there.  It's paid for, I'm sure I'll see the visa statement at some point when I return home.

Actually, that brings up a good point: I'd like to thank everybody who's been so supportive throughout this process.  Specifically, I'd like to thank the following people - for inspiration, donations, kind words of encouragement, or just being really cool people.

Venkat Rangan - the founder and CTO of the company I work for, this man is a running machine.  He ran a marathon last weekend, at 51 years old, and turned in a time of 3:28.  Crazy.  Venkat was also my first work donor, and contributed his ill-gotten gains from our world cup pool to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society.


The following individuals from work who contributed to the cause - all without solicitation - Daniel Sternbergh, Patrick Murphy, Kamal Shah, Doug Royer, Dan Taylor, Meena Srinivasan, Valli Mylvara, Jason Reeve, Jason Carrico, Diana Lustenader, Spike, and Michael Garcia.  Doug was also very helpful on the "what drugs to take to help you prepare" front.  Thanks to all those who are shouldering the load as I take a few days off for the 3 Rs (rest, relaxation, recovery) - Mike, Cat, Amy, Soumitro, Meena, Kalanea, Hongou, Imad, Subrah, Pradeep, Michael, and Randy.


To KQ and Ledi, thank you both for your donations and for inspiring and encouraging me to join TNT.  I appreciate the support, and realize that though sometimes things don't work out, I am thankful for your respective impacts on my life.  I wouldn't be the person I am today in the position I'm in without your help.

To Paul & Erika, you guys are just awesome.  It was nice to be able to spend the holiday weekend with you; thanks for opening your home and your hearts to me.  You'll always have a very special place in my heart.  Burger, Snoozin, same to you: I can't wait until next time I'm down under and have a chance to see you guys again.

To Carrie, you're an inspiration to us all.  Your story is so compelling and your heart is so true.  I think you have a future on the motivational speaker circuit, and I'll be on the sidelines cheering you along when you are ready to run a marathon.

And finally to my running mate, Carolyne: I'm psyched to run alongside you this weekend, and am tremendously happy to have you in my life.

Thanks to everybody - hopefully I haven't forgotten anybody.  If I have, please slap me upside of the head and I'll call you out later.

Wish us luck :)