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