IRONMAN

That is the buzz word round here this week (the race is on Saturday, Oct 11)...In case you don't know, Ironman World Championship is held each year in Kona. It consists of 2.4-miles of swimming, 112-miles of biking, and a 26.2-mile marathon run...crazy people. This particular event is basically the Superbowl of triathlons. There are approximately 1800 contestants, and our friend Todd Mellinger (he has his own blog, if you'd like to check it out) is one of those talented enough to qualify for this year's race! We met Todd, Corrina and their son Lucas (whom I had in my 1-year-old room...he's now 4 1/2!) for breakfast this morning at a little coffee shop/cafe right on the water in Kona...great outdoor seating views! Anyway, I could just kick myself for not bringing my camera! Oh well, we had a great time catching up, and it was especially fun to see Corrina's 7-month pregnant belly! So cute! :)

Michael and I signed up to volunteer at the transition station (where the contestants switch between the three facets of the race, ie. changing from swimwear to bikewear and hopping on their bike, etc.). We're really excited to see what it's all about! If you'd like to read more on this year's event, you can go to the website here. There are some amazing stories of years' past on the youtube video screen.

A funny story...after Todd, Corrina and Lucas left, we decided to stay at the cafe for a bit to hang out. We were actually planning on going online (we brought our computer with us) but alas, there was no free wifi...poo...Anyway, Michael happened to notice a woman looking for a place to sit. There is an influx of people in Kona right now because of the race, tons of men and women walking around in very tight spandex...So he offered for her and her husband to share our table with us. Isn't he a great guy? I just don't know if I would have thought of doing that, but it was such a neat way to show some people our Aloha and hear new stories, make new connections. Nicki and Brian are probably in their 50's (have grown children) from the Chicago area and Brian made it to the Ironman through their lottery system. This is his first time competing here. Here's the funny thing...one of their daughters got her degree in Veterinary Medicine at CSU, living in Fort Collins for eight years! What a freakin' small world!!

So this Saturday, join us in a hearty "Go Todd! Go Brian!" Woo hoo!!!