T1 - Transition to Kona

Let's just say the plan to post via my iPhone hasn't panned out yet. As advertised, I indeed can post via my cell phone. Only the posts go to another blog. Haven't yet figured out how to get those posts to this blog.

At least it looks like I have internet connectivity at the condo. So here's an account of my travel to Austin.

Packing was mostly uneventful. I had prearranged for Nelo's Pro Cycles to pack my bike after my last Austin bike ride on Saturday morning. When I arrived Nelo himself was just returning from Europe and was proudly showing me how quickly he was unpacking his bike using a soft case. He indicated the soft cases were much preferred by the pros. I pointed out that I was borrowing my hard case -- and that beat out $300 soft case any day.

We first encountered other Ironman triathletes in PHX during our stopover. Oh yeah, they were recognizable. If they weren't covered in IM logos, they were wearing shorts with compression socks. Yes -- black, blue, or white knee high socks with shorts does indeed look goofy, but I'm sure those athletes weren't taking risks with blood circulation.

Our seat-mate was Scott - a chiropractor from Denver. He was on his way Kona in three capacities -- (1) in exchange for room and board, he was a chiropractor for a few Danish pro athletes, (2) he was going to be helping in the massage tent prior to the event, and (3) he was going to help the disabled athletes with their transitions (help the amputees out of water, help get situation on bike, etc.). Apparently he's been doing this for a few years.

My first thought after disembarking from the plane at 2pm was "Boy, this place is hot and humid. This isn't going to be a cake walk, even for someone who trained in the Texas heat. Panic. Panic." It didn't help matters when we got to our condo and it was hot, despite the AC unit!

We are 6 days out from race day and already this place is crawling with athletes. Ali'i drive is not a wide road, but traffic I'm sure is moving slower than normal because runners and cyclists are prevalent on each side of the road.

Scott - the chiropractor - tipped us off to the fish tacos at Island Lava Java. Well, the tacos did indeed taste great, especially after not eating much on the flight here (we couldn't bring ourselves to pay for the al a carte airplane food). But, I'd have to say that I'd still prefer tacos at Taco Deli.