Hawaii Ironman 2011

> > Well I must say Hawaii is not a bad place to be if things do not go
> > your way. You get to wake up and look out and realise that this is
> > one amazing place and the excitement and enthusiasm around the town
> > picks you up.
> >
> > The Hawaii Ironman this year dealt not only myself but quite a few
> > other athletes some flat tires out there with debris out there on
> > the road. After obtaining my 2nd flat tire on the return trip from
> > Hawi in a matter of 10-15 miles and straining my calf riding on the
> > second flat, things were all but completed for me on what was an
> > amazing day for racing with super fast times and athlete's pushing
> > themselves to the limit.
> >
> > The day for myself started out exceptionally well, lining up next to
> > Henning and not getting one single bump or tap in the first few
> > hundred yards of the swim (first time ever not getting a "left hook"
> > or "dunked"!) Settling into the first half dozen for the entire swim
> > leg. Transition 1 is always a bit of hustle and bustle and once out
> > onto the bike leg it was Luke McKenzie and myself leading the chase
> > bunch through the first few miles. The "pack" soon followed and the
> > town portion of the cycle leg is more about staying out of trouble
> > than anything else and once out onto the "Queen K" it was time to
> > let loose.
> >
> > With fantastic conditions for racing and light winds the group
> > rolled along at a swift pace and I think we all knew the times were
> > going to be fast (Lieto just mising the bike course record by
> > seconds). I had in the back of my mind that the down hill section
> > from Hawi and the return leg on the "Queen K" was were it was all
> > gong to happen and it did. However on the descent from Hawi I
> > watched the guys slip away into the distance and by the time I
> > realised that I was riding on a leaking tire and not just feeling
> > crap it was too late. With a pretty quick rear wheel change from
> > Tech support I was back on the way only down a few minutes at this
> > stage, but that did not last long as about another 10-15 miles down
> > the road the front soon followed the rear tire and leaked flat.
> > Pushing a tad too hard on the leaking front tire to make it to the
> > next aid station, I strained my calf again (same spot as beginning
> > of year) and this disappointingly put an end to my day.
> >
> > Having to hitch a ride back to town, it was truly amazing to see the
> > fast times unfold on both male and female sides. With Craig showing
> > true class and proving to the "doubter" that he CAN ride and back it
> > up with the stellar run to cement a new course record and Chrissy
> > battling all the way to the finish with Rinny chasing her down. The
> > Australians faired very will also with Pete Jacobs showing is run
> > form from last year was not fluke and taking the fastest run again
> > and pulling himself into 2nd position and Luke Mckenzie cracking the
> > top ten. People used to say it was tough to be the first German here
> > in Kona, now it is tough to be the first Australian!
> >
> > From here it is back to San Diego for the week to pack up before
> > heading home to Australia to see the family, friends and to rest and
> > recover from a fantastic long season. Lets hope things have not
> > changed to much back home after 6 months away!
> >
> > I look forward to catching you all very soon.
> > Best
> > Luke Bell