It’s been 7 weeks since my “10th and final” Ironman and I’m thinking about doing another one.  Well, sometimes thinking about it.  For now, I have a huge goal in front of me–to launch a successful bikesharing program as the CEO of Bikeshare Hawaii.  It is already taking most of my time whether I’m at my computer, on the phone, in a meeting, or tossing and turning in bed with ideas racing through my head.   Many of you know that what makes me tick…

I have seen bikeshare systems in various cities across the US and Europe.  Basically, bikeshare is where you can rent a bike at one station and then drop it off at another station.  So, they serve primarily to get you short distances from point A to point B. I know that a bikeshare program will be launched in Hawaii soon, so I was curious about how these systems work, what the bikes are like, etc. I was visiting Kailua and…

  It seems that I have a way of saying “okay” to things without too much thought.  I always said “okay” when I was offered a new assignment at work that stretched me to learn new things.  I said “okay” when my friends finally convinced me to join a triathlon training group many years ago when my swimming skills were less than adequate (ie. nonexistent).  I said “okay” when Pacific Business News asked me to be the keynote speaker at…

I was still swimming, and it was dark.  The sun had set and everyone else in my training group had finished and changed and were into their post-swim run.  But, I wasn’t alone.  Patiently swimming right at my side into the night, saying “you got this, girl”, was John Sarich.   Johnny was with me when I first entered triathlon as a non-swimmer, lapsed casual biker and 4-mile max runner.  As a coach for Boca and then for TryFitness, he helped…

The Ironman World Championship is known for heat and wind and suffering.  Held on the same Big Island of Hawaii, is the Lavaman Triathlon, known for fun and a great post-race party.  Having experienced my share of suffering on the Big Island, fun and partying  sounded absolutely great.  And it was.  Here’s my recap of the Lavaman Olympic Distance Triathlon, held on Sunday, March 30 2014.   LOGISTICS:  The setting is Waikoloa, a resort area with numerous hotels, condos, shops…

In November, 2011 as I hit the road and skidded along on my helmet, arm and shoulder, I thought that it could soon be over for me.  And, oddly, I was okay with that, but worried about my kids and Rick.  I knew I wouldn’t be feeling any pain, but that they would have to deal with the aftermath and sorrow.  My crash, all my fault, also took down my friend Rose who was riding right behind me and couldn’t…

The degree of nervousness I felt about my first time cycling from sea level to the top of Maui’s Haleakala Crater at 10,000 feet was close to what I feel before a major race. I didn’t know exactly what the day would bring, but I knew there would be times when I would have to dig deep through pain and fatigue and just keep on going.

My two favorite moments in Ironman are signing up for an event and crossing the finish line.  When I sign up for an event it is often close to a year away, so I can imagine the excitement of the venue, picture the beauty of the destination and dream about the great race I will have.  I share my excitement with virtually everyone!  And while they congratulate me, I know that many of my friends think I’m crazy or addicted….

Right before an Ironman, or any big race, comes what is called a “taper”.  This rest and preparation period is designed to allow your body to absorb the months of work it has done and rest for the big event.  It’s also a time to prepare mentally for the challenges that will arise on race day.   The taper period involves less time training.  Instead of 20-30 hours per week spent swimming, biking, running and strength training, during a taper…

I have two physical features that seem to make me stand out–big calves and big hair.  My calves have always been big, but add in the training I do and they’re bigger than ever.  But let’s talk about my hair.  I have naturally very curly (aka frizzy) hair.  I have no idea where this came from–perhaps my Mexican indian or Scottish heritage?  My hair does not signal “business executive”, so I have struggled with dippity-do, japanese straight perms, straightening chemicals…