Heck that was a big day! But oh such a good one, meeting so many incredible people, old friends and new ones. Everyone has their reason and story for being here.
One of the traditions, or must-dos of race week is swimming out to the AG1 Coffee Boat. It moors not too far off Dig Me Beach, allowing either just to swim straight to it, or swim a little further out along the course, and stop by for a coffee or AG1 on the way back.
They had inflatables to hang on to and a great morning hang out vibe. It was so lovely to see so many friends down on the pier, the excitement in the air but I think just the joy of seeing friends from around the world with hugs, smiles and laughter ringing out – well it was in our group!
The water was magic, so clear and so many fish swimming about. Whenever you swim in the ocean, there’s always the hope of that magic moment when a pod of dolphins appear and play in the waves and swell. Sadly not today, but it was still a great start to the day.
Dog talk with Indie
Breakfast with Bob – is well and truly underway. What started as just a series of interviews from Huggos in Kona, has expanded and Bob has taken his Breakfast global, going to other races around the world. It’s frankly now an institution.
A coffee catch up and natter with British triathlete (and one of my picks – no pressure now lol) Indie Lee. To be fair we spoke a lot about dogs – Indie has a three-year-old Cockerpoo and me with my one-year-old going on teenage boy, Springer Spaniel Koru. We talked about the balance of a coach-athlete relationship, when also friends. Last time Indie was in Kona it was as a training partner with friend Ruth Astle, or as Indie states “keeping Ruth sane with a little dose of silliness” so we checked in with who is keeping Indie sane with a little dose of silliness this time.
We actually covered a lot, so keep an eye out for the full conversation coming out in the next few days.
Searching out the free stuff
The Expo kicked off today, and was quickly busy with athletes checking out the brands and stands that were there and, if like myself and my partners in crime Sandy and Leslie, searching out all the free stuff! I can honestly say I love the new AG1 citrus flavour, although found it a bit of a head spin, with it still being green in colour, but tasting of oranges and other citrus fruits.
They also have free ice cream in the expo, yes you read that correct! But it’s hive of activity as athletes sit in the Normatec recovery boots with an ocean view, or get sweat tested with Precision Fuel and Hydration, or buy their race day pair of HOKAS! I’d like to say nothing new on race day kids, but I’m sure there were plenty of shoes, race suits and more being purchased ahead of Saturday.
There is so much fighting for athletes’ attention now – shake out runs here, meet and greet there, team swims, talks, presentations. As an Age Grouper, it’s about trying to take in the whole experience, enjoying being here and everything it has to offer, whilst making sure you are still getting some rest, and not on your legs or in the heat for too long, so you don’t get to race day tired.
It’s the same for the Pros. I used to feed off the energy of some of the events I was involved in with partners and brands. It would give me a buzz, but at the same time, I knew I had to ensure I had quiet time, away from it all, in the calm of my accommodation – hopefully with air conditioning and a good book, or episode of Ted Lasso, or Great British Bake Off. Although the latter would normally make me feel hungry so I’d head out for my third White Choc Mac Nut cookie of the day!
Part of the race-day broadcast team
Another part of my work here this week is with IRONMAN, on the race-day broadcast. I’ll either be down at body marking chatting with the Pros as they arrive for the day (and giving out free hugs to settle the nerves, mine as well as theirs) or in the studio opening up the show.
Both I’m super excited about and very grateful for the opportunity. As part of this as well, as “experts” – I’m not sure of what – we are also interviewed by the IRONMAN media team, for the post-race documentary that is made. Today was my turn to talk with the team about Hawaii, Kona, Madam Pele, the race, dynamics, the favourites, the dark horses and more.
In the afternoon, it’s the kids Splash & Dash. The next generation of mini triathletes getting their chance to participate and race. This just before the Parade of Nations. I’m pretty sure the crowds come for the Splash & Dash and to cheer on the kids, then stay for the parade!
When you represent your country in your age group at the Sprint and Olympic distance Age Group World Championship, there is great pride in being able to wear your national kit, and the three letters that represent your country… for me GBR. At IRONMAN, there isn’t that same feeling.
Even though athletes have qualified to get to Kona and to the World Championships, there hasn’t in the past been any kind of bringing together athletes from the same Nation. However, when the Parade of Nations was started, it began to create this community and unity with fellow athletes from the same country.
Today was actually the first time I’ve watched the Parade of Nations – I’m normally at my accommodation feet up and Ted Lasso on, so it was amazing to watch all the athletes from all the different countries, coming together. It has grown over the years, with many countries now giving out a t shirt (or similar) to all their athletes or, like Canada, hosting a team breakfast. It’s great to see.
I collapsed back at my accommodation, taking a rain check on the evening dinner invite back to the Media House, instead to do my own media, the first chance of the day to sit down and write up the day’s conversations and chats.
T-3 sleeps…
Café of the day: Ka’u Coffee Mill. Great location right opposite Dig Me Beach, with coffee, acai bowls and more. Inside and outside seating, to take in the activity on Ali’I Drive and Palani!
Click here for Laura Siddall’s preview and predictions ahead of the IRONMAN World Championship.
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
