As a general rule I do not advocate epic training days. There is clearly a tradition of bragging rites, in cycling and triathlon and perhaps even swimming, concerning eight hour bike rides and twenty mile runs, and similar feats of endurance. Then there is research that shows a peak cost/benefit at three to four hours on the bike, and one and a half to two hours of running, beyond which the training effect declines while the risk of injury increases.

In our casual thoughts and conversations we often use words without being overly specific as to their meaning. Consider the words motivation and commitment. How should we apply these to our athletic training? Do they mean the same thing in other situations?

Motivation

Motivation is a force or stimulus that encourages us to act. Picture yourself sitting in your favorite chair, all happy and comfortable. Then, along comes thirst. You find the energy to pause the movie you are watching, get up, walk to the refrigerator and grab a cold beer. 

Hurricane season is upon us. Something that means a lot to those of us living in Hawaii but of great concern as well to many people all over the world. 

There are things we are supposed to do to prepare. Some are more of a one-off, like purchasing a case a bottled water, or creating a plan that details where to meet should disaster strike while people are away from home. Others are things to do every day. Ensure your car has plenty of gas. Keep your pantry well stocked. Let your family know where you are. Keep a good supply of prescription medications. 

It was back in 2011 that I got the crazy idea to run a marathon. I blame Frank Smith, the owner of Island Triathlon and Bike. I had been riding for years. Never raced. Just commuted to work every day and did the two Century Rides every year. People still remember me for that. "Still riding you bike to work?" I'm never sure how to answer.

Two years ago I wrote about the onslaught of devices offering some sort of coaching ecosystem. My Garmin watch tells me how far I should bike or run. My Stryd running power meter suggests workouts and offers canned training plans. My Form goggles do the same, albeit only for pool swimming, which I never do. Honestly, I am surprised Shokz doesn't offer workouts to go with their headphones. (Don't get me wrong, I love my Shokz.) 

The website is finally working. The issue was upgrading the underlying engine without losing content. To that end I followed the advice of a popular science fiction writer Jerry Pournelle, who years ago wrote a monthly column for Byte Magazine. In that column he often recommended against taking on tasks you lack experience with, and instead finding an expert. The expert I hired took the load off me, did things I know little about, and did a great job. 

I am pleased to announce a uniquely comprehensive listing of endurance races held in Hawaii, together with an associated list of clubs, organizations, and stores. Races without announced dates are not included. I know there is still work to be done. I am committed to making this directory as complete as possible.

To access the lists, click Events on the main navigation menu.

It was the best of marathons. It was the worst of marathons. There was darkness and light. Hope and despair. We had the road before us. All we had to do was finish. I did. But there were times along the way when I thought I was going to die. I puked near mile 20, just a tablespoon of thick, gelatinous yellow bile. I crawled up Diamond Head, stopping often to cool off and recharge my empty battery. For the entire second half I swore this would be my last.

A skill that will be invaluable to you in a race is mindfulness. What is mindfulness? To put it simply, just noticing things around you, noticing random thoughts that pop up and letting them go without trying to block them or make them go away. The practice of mindfulness is a great way to quiet your mind when it is going in louder and louder circles of negativity. It also helps when fatigue begins to envelope you, or when some part of your anatomy starts to complain.

The 2023 season is winding down. In the Ironman world, Kona and Nice mark the end of the year. The Internet is all abuzz with tips on how to train through the winter. Layering. Heated vests. Heated gloves. Heated socks. Those of us living in Hawaii can be grateful for not needing any of that. Not even a wetsuit. At most a rash guard for a morning swim, or a light weight jacket on a long bike ride.