RTBers in Kona this week - John Colvard & Dave Morell

John Colvard and Dave Morell will be racing at Kona on Saturday! Good luck you two! Their wave goes off at 7:05 (that's 10:05 for us mainlanders)

You can download the Ironman Tracker to easily follow them or watch the live stream on the Ironman website throughout the day. I'm sure Super Sherpa Kathleen Colvard will be posting too!

Here's what's up with them as they get ready for the big day!

​What activities/events are you taking part in this week leading up to race day?  We had gone up the Volcano NP but it was so socked in with fog, did not see much.  The park had recently reopened to visitors but we learned when we got there, most areas were still closed beyond the visitor center.  Kathleen and I had been here in the 1990’s where we hiked into the Kilauea Crater and lava tube caves. All this was closed this time.  We also went up to Waipio Valley and high country areas after driving the bike course.  We are participating in all the Ironman events  starting with the Parade of Nations last night and we have the Legacy meet up this afternoon. Of course Dave & I have been out for several practice outings. The swim has been awesome and I was swarmed by a school of spinner dolphins during one of my swims that was the highlight.  All 3 of us participated in a local 5K/10K run last Sunday.  This was a reality check with how hot and humid it is here. Fortunately that has improved and it is pleasant this morning.  Before the race we will do our standard froyo and a movie as we have almost every IM race.   

 

Aside from finishing(!) what are you most looking forward to?  Dave says the shower afterwards ;)  I am looking forward to the swim with the mass start experience that I have only had one time. And being here with the world’s best.  Dave says he is looking forward to following the path of so many legends that have been here before and getting the chance to race in Kona with the build up for the past 6 years.  Kathleen is looking forward to the unique chance to be at the finish line as a finish line catcher. Hoping Dave and I get in during her shift. 

 

What's your plan on race day???  Strategies for success?  A decent swim with lots of time before cut off so I am not too rushed out of T1. Dave & I both want to put out maximum effort on the bike so we have plenty of time for the run, but not so much to be exhausted on the run start.  We know from our training that hydration and electrolyte replacement will be needed more than any other race before.  Don’t get sunburned or chafed.  Especially for Kathleen – avoid sunburning here fair skin J. 

 

What will success look like for you? Just finishing and a bonus if we can get in under 15 hours when Kathleen’s finish line catcher shift ends.  Dave says it is finishing such an epic race in a such a beautiful location.