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Pictures
Shana on the Red Rd
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Early in the rub
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Gary Emmie and I at the finish
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So what is it all about?
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Everybody is bound to come away from UM with different things but I found so much in common with many of the guys especially at the top of the leader board. Pretty much every year a pro turns up with more skill and training than the rest of the field; they can win, as Alexandre did this year or Jonas did the year before. There is a common bond amongst the guys like Marty and Gary to make them hurt for it.
Tony O’Keeffe is the guy who came 2nd for the last few years. Marty was telling me how he “put the hurt on Jonas” during the double marathon. Jonas was the clear leader but Tony ran a 6:20 double to keep it interesting. Jonas got the win but had to shed a few tears on the Queen K doing it.
After the race everybody keeps getting up and heading to the pier to swim and Lava Java for big food. Everybody includes the locals and support. It scares me a little to think of Kona during the IM. You won’t get a seat at Lava Java; too many with chests out and Oakeys on. I’ve never been so it could be unfair but Id rather see Hawaii than the Iron Man village unpacked. IM now brings its own shops, masseuses and pretty much everything else you could need. I wonder how far the great hospitality of the Big Island will stretch. As much as Hawaii is the home of triathlon we are guests and need to be mindful of our hosts. Our loved ones may understand we are uptight unsociable tossers a week before our big race, they know about the caring giving side that will come later, probably after our flight home.
I gave up my first Hawaii slot last November, I knew UM was more important to me. Most my tri friends had a hard time understanding my decision. I struggled to explain it, the same way I struggle to explain how I now prefer riding my bike for 6 hours, more than a Friday night on the razzle. I know (for me) it is the truth, even if I’ve been told repeatedly what I should prefer.
I feel an obligation and desire to come back to Ultra Man, to help beat up on the other guys, especially any pro who thinks talent and years of training will be enough.
Absolutley amazing race. Thanks to the UM Ohana, for keeping it alive. Thank you to my crew, for being a part of it.
Day 3
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I know I’m late posting (Been very busy, more on that later) so I’ll get to the point. Dan was 20 min behind me and Gary was 30 in front. Dan went off fast and Gary started slow. More...
Day 2
Felt great at the start of Day two, with very little muscle soreness. I knew I was not in shape to ride with the guys who finished day one ahead of me but hoped a bit of luck and good tactics would keep me in contention
More...
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