If you read my previous post, you know (or maybe you already know) that today is a very auspicious spiritual day on many levels.
I celebrated today by starting off with an amazing one hour ocean swim in Kailua Bay. I swam 20 minutes out past the Royal Kona Hotel, then rolled on my back, stared into the deep blue sky and gave thanks for this amazing blessed journey I am on. Taking a deep breath, I connected with my inner gratitude and gave thanks for the day, where I am in life, the beautiful challenges ahead and most importantly, the JOURNEY itself — complete with all its obstacles, pitfalls, setbacks, frustrations and impediments. For without these, would the journey bear the deep meaning I feel? I think not.
I also took a moment to thank the Kahunas for allowing my presence on the Island and asking permission for my residence here and for the challenge that looms just two weeks ahead. I cannot articulate how grateful I am to be here now, living, training and just being present on the Island.
And what has truly given the visit real meaning for me is sharing the experience online. Posting videos and communicating via Facebook and Twitter, its been nothing short of amazing to discover that there are so many people out there enjoying the journey along with us and even gleaning some helpful information and insight from the nutrition posts. So despite missing my family terribly and that nagging feeling of guilt that I am out here enjoying myself so thoroughly without them, I take comfort that in some small way I can be of service to others.
Swim done, Jason and I hopped into my new rented pickup and headed out to Waikoloa to ride. We headed north from the Village about 30 minutes, then began a long hard 45 minute climb into the town of Waimea. Its a 2300 ft ascent with grades ranging from 4-6% without relent. So although its not super steep, it never gives in. And it was hot! I got to the town, hydrated up and headed back down to the bottom and did it again. Descended again then back onto the Queen K headed south past Waikoloa for a spell and back to the Village. 4 hours and almost 6K feet of climbing in the bag. Legs are strong and I’m feeling ready to rock.
A couple more tough sessions and then I’ll start dropping it back to taper. I am focused, strong, lean, tough and confident. I am fitter and more experienced than last year. I am ready to race. All I can do is prepare the best I can and then lay all my cards on the table come race day. What happens after that is out of my control. But I’m here to give it my best shot. Can’t believe its almost here.
In Gratitude,
Rich
