Simon Ward (www.thetriathloncoach.com), checks in again with part two (see part one HERE), of his Kona experience. Simon is our man on-site in Hawaii for the Ford Ironman World Championships. Running alongside our Kona Diary (see parts one, two and three), Simon will also be reporting from the big island on the sights, sounds and people of the event that dominates the sport.

Tuesday in Kona

Tuesday morning for us is all about setting up for the expo but I did manage to get out and about and meet a few people.

Chris Domoney is a long time friend and this is his 7th time in Kona. What his secret? Well there's no secret. He trains hard, listens to his body and doesn't get injured. So once again consistency is the key!

I also caught up with Declan Doyle. Last year I met Declan at the finish. He looked pretty beaten up. Then I remember seeing him on the run. This guy had a bike crash at mile two, broke several ribs, damaged his shoulder and had pretty bad gravel rash. When I saw him on the run I doubted that he would make it to the finish line! This year he's back and hoping to put a serious dent in his time from last year. He's hoping for sub 10 hours. Last year it was 14 hours + change + a beaten up body.

The athlete parade ends at the expo and so I just managed to grab 5 minutes and watch the UK athletes arrive - all kitted out in their GB team kit. It's nice to see that they all had the same shirts for a change. Dion Harrison had taken charge of the Union Jack and was proudly marching at the front of the other athletes. Is he the standard bearer for the race on Saturday? Actually the best news of the day was that Dion has handed in his notice at work and as from Jan 1 he will be a professional triathlete.

Dion's friend Chrissie is keeping a low profile but I haven't spoken with anyone yet who doesn't have her at the top of their list for Saturday. In fact the main talking point is how many guys can stay ahead of her!

Hopefully I'll have more news tomorrow.