How can it be end of December? Seems like I was just swimming with the turtles and letting my face absorb a Hawaiian sunset. The holidays and work happened, then it's eat until you get to January, but I digress. Kona was an amazing experience and so lucky I could experience so many things there.
But, first, this song rocks and will get you moving.
Watch me
So how did my own "Quest for Kona" on my bucket list start? Last year before Ironman Arizona, I made a deal with my #bettybestie, Kayla, that if she was got a Kona slot, I would go too (because how else am I going to get there in the next 20 years?). She did and the rest is history. Also, I have never been to Hawaii.
Since I wasn't racing, I shared a house with my other Betty Teammates. We rented a condo by the ocean and the place had a pool. It was pretty and about 5 miles from the start on Ali'i. The awesome thing- was that Kayla didn't even talk about where we were staying and coincidence when I got there she in the same condo complex and only a few doors down. I loved this because I could go over and hang anytime!
Our Kona Condo
Oct 9-Upon arriving to Kona, my teammate Jessica Jay and I got there first and stayed the night with our other teammate, Mercedes. She lives there and was nice enough to let us crash in her guest house. The sign below was in the back of the neighbors house. When I asked Mercedes, she said it was a holy burial place where people have lost their lives from volcano eruptions in the past. You see them throughout the island.
Oct 10-The next morning Jessica and I got up and walked down to the ocean before heading to the expo to buy Betty gear and see everyone, plus check out the expo! Jessica Jay and I met up with another teammate as well and went over to our first visit to Lava Java. It's right by the ocean, so you can eat your breakfast and look at the ocean and feel the breeze. Jessica and I also took our picture with Rachel Joyce!
We hung out at the expo area and by the ocean mostly. This was the longest day because everyone was getting in for the most part-so it was picking everyone up, logistics and going all the way out to get my bike. Note to anyone traveling to Kona- make sure Kona bike works is actually in Kona-they have two locations and it was a little stressful. But, there was a wine bar in the plaza and that saved the day!
Oct 11-The next morning was the ride on the Queen K and anyone who wanted to come out to support Keep a Breast and this great foundation. It was super fun riding part of the course of the Ironman Championship and on the infamous Queen K. It was a fun group and met new people-I even biked with the editor of Triathlete magazine. Then we all went to Lava Java. Jessica and I went the day before as well for our first Hawaiian breakfast and Kona coffee. This place became my staple place to eat while I was there. It was wide open and a great view of the ocean right there! Very cool. I always love to be in or be around water.
Then Jessica went to explore for a bit and I went and did the Gatorade sweat test, which was quite the test. Undressing, weighing, dressing, getting hooked up, undressing, getting weighed again. At the end I got some cool swag, so it was worth it. Plus, it is a cool experience. I sweat a lot when I train, so this was a fun experience.
Sweat test-not as easy as it looks
Also, later this night, Jessica Jay and I headed over the CLIFF party to see Montana favorite, Lindsey Corbin and also was able to meet Chris O'Donnell! Lindsey was very gracious and nice to let me know where the party was and it was so great meeting her after cheering for her over the years. And I first became aware of Lindsey after I did the Grizzly Triathlon in Missoula in 2012. It was my biggest event yet and I started following her. She even gave me personal advice on which Ironman to do first. And Chris was showing pictures of his new baby. After this we went to a Betty get together for drinks and catch up and saw another sunset!
Betty Crew
Loved this flower in my hair by my Betty sis
When in Kona
Oct 12-The next morning was the Under Pants Run. Which is where you go running in the streets in your bikini or some people dress up or you can wear your underwear. But, mainly people dress up or bikini. It was a fun time with the Betty team. It was nice to have Kayla there- we ran it together and made fun pics. And I totally did not make eye contact with anyone. Ha! Afterwards a couple teammates and I changed into our tri suits and headed down to swim in the ocean. Huge bucket list item. I have never swam in the ocean. Of course, my parents to me the Oregon/California coast as a little girl and I put my feet in and as an adult have been back to the area and even living in California never really took time to swim in the ocean. I wasn't as passionate as I am now about slowing my life down a bit. And as far as when I was little, my parents didn't let me go off at 5 to swim in the ocean by myself-for whatever reason-Ha! And I always heard of this coffee boat that was in the ocean where people could swim to and get some coffee. They only have the boat before the race. We started in the water where the championship athletes would also swim. I was like Dora the Explorer. Looking at all the fishes and hoping I would see a turtle (my one thing I really wanted to do). The yellow fishes were so pretty and the salt kept you buoyant. I could really feel and taste the salt.
Getting ready to run in a bikini in front of strangers
Coffee Boat
We got to the coffee boat and hung out and drank coffee. We were one of the last people to get the coffee. I loved being in the moment there. Floating in the water with people, laughing and taking pictures. I love feeling small in the ocean. We headed back and hung at the expo and I took more pictures with famous athletes and my main man, Andy Potts! I just love this guy. He is so cool and nice and has always given me time to talk to him whenever we are at the same places! This night Candace, Jessica Jay and I drove over to a local pub and pizza place to eat (I had more fish tacos and beer!) It was a nice low key night and the spot was just up the hill from where we were staying.
Andy always makes me laugh :-)
Andy Potts!
In my training room
Jessica Jay and I
Craig Alexander
Little guy on Heather Jackson's leg
Tacos
Oct 13- Yes this is the day I went to go cross off the ultimate bucket list item on my Kona adventure. I wanted to see and swim with turtles. Luckily I had the Jessica's to accompany me. We headed out to a cove and swam/snorkled a bit and then little Jessica Jay popped up and pointed down and I went under water and there he was!! A turtle just exploring on his own. He looked left and then right and then kept swimming in this sequence. I followed him for a bit. I popped up and said "I wonder where he is going?!" Ha! Then ducked underwater again and followed him some more then came up when he did for air and then we both ducked down again. It was so magical and peaceful. Little yellow fishes swam and bit him a bit (it looked like that -Ha!) then they all just carried on. We then went to get more Kona coffee and head back to the condo. What a great day for adventure! It was perfect.
Kayla and I talking about her race strategies and goals
Later that night, the Jessica's, Candace and I head over to Kona Brewery for a meal and a beer! Great place and I would definitely put this on your to do list when visiting. After, we went out and I had my first Mai Tai and we met some guys from Garmin. I went home early, because I had some serious cheering duties the next day!
Oct 14-Race Day! This what I came to Kona for. I had never been to Hawaii of course, but to see people I looked up to racing on the big national stage of the sport I love was epic to say the least. And of course to cheer Kayla. I woke up and was out the door with my bike to be loaded up in Kayla's vehicle as we drove her to the start at 4:30 am. We got done to the start and I unloaded my bike and locked it up and then went with Kayla to the start. That is until I got sidetracked with the one professional I had yet to meet and there she was, with her new baby. Yes, Mirinda Carfrae "Rinny" aka Mrs. O'Donnell-she is married to Tim O'Donnell. I stopped and asked if I could take a picture with her. She said of course and I snapped a pic and said I met her husband the other day and my last name is O'Donnell too-basically just verbal vomited all over her. She was gracious and said good luck-to which I replied thanks! Ha! I totally lost Kayla now and decided to just go to the sea wall to see the iconic swim start. Luckily with the help of people I was able to get up-so I will be working on my upper body strength in 2018 for sure. Jessica Jay ran down to meet me and we watched everyone head out on the swim. Once Kayla got in transition, Jessica and I went to go see the pros bike and hopefully catch Kayla. Then we walked where her husband was at so we could see her 2x pass by. She looked great and it was so easy to spot her with her bright Wattie Ink jersey!
This what the start looked like from our condo at 4 am!
Rinny
View from the seawall behind me
AG women heading to the start
Go Kayla!
Then Jessica and I went to grab breakfast. We knew it was going to be a long day so then we headed back to the condo to regroup. She ran back and I biked next to her and we pretended that I was leading the top female in the run. It was super fun, we would make stops at the run stations and doing IG stories and laughed all the way back. After we regrouped we headed back out and at this time the top pros were heading on the run, so we saw all the top females, Daniella Ryf, Heather Jackson, Lindsey Corbin, Rachel Joyce..... it was so cool. The determination and focus on their faces was intense. We also saw some teammates and said hi to them before heading to the "hot corner." The "hot corner" is a spot where you see them head out on the run, then the 10 mile mark again and then to turn towards the finish. Jessica and I hung out there all day and cheered. Kayla's husband, Brandon and I were talking all day so we knew had someone at certain spots to cheer Kayla on and give updates. Her parents were there as well, so it was nice we were all spread out. I saw her come out on the run and cheered to get her going. The Jessica and I cheered her coming into mile 10 and I slapped her ass and told her to keep at it. I could tell she was so hot and reminded her to drink. I let Brandon know that too-"Make her drink, get sponges and nutrition." When it gets that hot or you are starting to get into the deep bonks, you need someone to remind you of the simplest stuff. He grabbed my bike and pedaled out to be with her on the Queen K and the Energy Lab. Jessica and I then met up with our teammate Monica and headed to the finish. We saw the top male and female finish turn the last corner. Very inspiring. Then we headed to the finish chute and cheered people on. I was also tracking Kayla. I saw her come down the finishers chute and we all screamed. She looked strong, but exhausted. As one should at Kona. Jessica and I headed to our bikes so we could get on our way to the condo, it was nuts trying to bike in the dark with limited cell phone lights! But, we would cheer on our way home to all the runners starting their run in the dark.
Pros coming in on the bike
Fueling for spectating
A little sight seeing
Daniela Ryf-her nickname is Angry Bird. Such focus.
Daniela Ryf winning the Championships-rounding the last turn on the hot corner to the finish line!
Kayla on the run
More Kayla-a little ass slap for good luck!
Heather Jackson-Wattie Ink!
We got home and regrouped. After Kayla got home, I walked over to hug her and see how she was doing. After we caught up, my other teammates and I went down to the finish to see the last finishers come through. It is so awesome to see people come in at that last hour before the cutoff. Pros hand them their medals and you can see joy on each competitors face as they just accomplished something very hard and very satisfying. Mike O'Reilly's voice announcing each name as they crossed is something everyone pushes to achieve. In the last final minutes, they perform a Hawaiian ceremony to close the Ironman Kona Championships. So awesome to see live. It was a long and amazing day and I finally got to bed at 1:15 am. So, almost up 24 hours, but like my dad said "that is what you went there for." And to see a friend achieve something great was truly a great moment.
Closing ceremonies with fire!
Waiting for everyone to come in!
The magic carpet
Oct 15-This Sunday morning was like the others. I got up and drank coffee and either journaled while sitting outside our condo by the ocean or simply just took the ocean in. Having the ocean right outside our sliding glass door was amazing. This is also the time I just needed some Anna time. I grabbed my book, journal and headed to the pool in our condo place. It was nice to sit there read, write and just chill. I probably took a quick nap. It was the perfect day and then Jessica Jay came over and we hung out together and chilled by the pool. We would occasionally jump in the water and show each other our mad head stand and back flip skills. It was awesome spending a lot of this trip with her. Not only did I get to know another teammate better, but we have a lot in common and I love her pug, Cosmo.
View outside our condo
These yellow fishes in the ocean right outside our condo
Spectating duties are rough-pool side fun
My little friend
And we explored some more shops-ha!
Oct-16 My last full day in Kona. I decided I was going to go explore on my own. I hadn't done that yet. I love traveling solo for the reason of just going where the day takes me and meeting new people. I hopped on my bike and headed to the swim start. I wanted to swim in the ocean again. I love swimming and I wanted to soak in as much salt from the ocean as I could. To play around some more in it and explore more. I loved biking on the island. I got to the swim start, locked up my bike and hopped in. I swam for a bit, then got out, rinsed off at the outdoor showers and decided to walk to Lava Java and eat and drink coffee. My new routine. On my way there I met an Australian woman and we talked about the race and where we were from. Then I kept heading to my destination and just taking in all the sites that I may have missed from all the activities from the week. I called my dad and said I am on my way to breakfast and he said "breakfast? What time is it there?" I replied "I don't know?" That is when you know you have let everything disconnect on vacation. I saddled up to the bar and ordered my brekkie and Kona coffee. I talked to people at the bar. This is why I travel. This moment. Immersion in your environment. Hear people's stories. Learn more about yourself. Go with the flow.
Kona Coffee
View from Lava Java. I loved that this place was so open to the ocean (as everything is here!)
I then headed back to the ocean and stopped in shops along the way. I walked along the ocean wall and just sat down. No hurry. Listen to the sound of the ocean crashing against the wall and then flowing back into the ocean. And in that moment, I looked down and saw another turtle! I manifested a turtle! Ha! I did head over to the start again and jump in the ocean to explore for more turtles. Which I didn't find, but I was in the ocean, so life was still good. Then I went over to the other side and explored that area as well. I hadn't swam in this side of the pier before. I hung on that side as well for a bit. After swimming for awhile more, I text my other teammate Monica to see if she was in town. She was and was at Lava Java. So, yep, headed over there to hang with her more. I ordered more food and a Bloody Mary, because: vacation. Who am I kidding? I would drink a Bloody Mary anytime of the day! Plus, time with Monica Goggs is always treat. And our teammate Laura showed up as well. We all hung out and enjoyed our last time together.
Another turtle sighting
Laura, Monica and I hanging at Lava Java-again!
Bloody Mary at lunch with black salt!
Museum-was once a well established family lived here
Race start view
I then biked back to the condo and we tried to go search for dolphins, but no luck. On this trip, the only dolphins I saw were the ones at the bottom of our condo pool and made out of tile! I went over and hung out with Kayla a bit after this as well.
No Dolphins, but the view was great!
Since three girls from the house flew out that day, the Jessica's, Candace and I hung out and ate poke and drank wine on our back porch. We stayed up talking until late and it was a good way to spend our last night.
On a beach by our house
We then headed over to Holy Donuts. And HOLY DONUTS! This is a staple in Kona, so don't miss it. We got donuts and headed out.
This girl!
Amen
I then met up with the Jessica's at our Acai bowl hang out to then head to the airport and drop off Jessica Frazier and then my bike. Then it was a crazy made dash to head home and get loaded up. I jumped into the shower and dressed and loaded the van again for Jessica Jay and I to have our turn being dropped off at the airport by Candace. Jessica and I were flying out closely and would meet up again in Honulolu again for a brief moment before traveling on our separate ways. I am also thankful for this trip to make new friends, but also to become better friends with Jessica and hang out with teammates. And most of all, seeing another set of sunsets and sunrises around the world.
Water bottles and trucker hat life
Honolulu
Americano in LAX
After Flying a day and a half from Kona-Honolulu-LAX-SLC-BIL
Finally home! 2 Red Bulls on the drive to Helena.
And because you can never have too many sunrises and sunsets around the world.
Just another great view from our condo
I loved this yellow bird
Got this tank top at Mercedes running store!
Love these socks!
Came home with a few truckers to add to the collection
Thank you Hawaii for teaching me to slow down for a bit and enjoy the views and the vibes. An amazing #annabucketlist17 trip for sure. Live, Love and Travel.
As always, you do you.
Anna
