Aloha Athletes !
It wasn't planned that way, but since it would be the day they spread legendary Don Ho's ashes off Waikiki, and we would be within a stone's throw of the somber ceremony, it seemed fitting to name our training run after the occasion. Had it been planned, we would have certainly made it 76 miles, to correspond with Don Ho's age when he passed. Oh well, the 71.3 miles definitely felt like 76 miles to me...maybe even more.
Friday, I had made the statement to one of my two partners-in-crime, Ernest Tay, that "it would be fun !" But, had it not been for Ernest's Grandma, who lectured him in the importance of always doing what you commit to do, I possibly would have been all alone for a portion of the trek. You see, I don't think he really believed it would be fun. Grandma won out and despite lingering foot and ankle problems, Ernest was there to down strong coffee, corned beef hash and pears in time for our 5 am start.
Had Ernest taken the easy route and stayed home watching basketball, and nursing his injuries, my other partner-in-crime, Mad Man Mike Muench would have likely joined me the entire way, but as it was, with Ernest there from the start, this gave Mike, who is known far-and-wide as one who will sleep-in at any given opportunity, the opportunity to do just that. Well, he didn't admit to it, saying he searched everywhere, trying to find us, but you need to understand that Mike is the best, at least in these parts, at following indescript pig trails, using long-lost indian tracking methods. For him to say he couldn't find us, in his car, on roads, using a printed street list, just doesn't compute. Mike didn't win the Mystery Run in 2006 by being a dumb-ass...no sireee ! Sorry Mikeee. Anyway, we knew he slept-in and that's okay. Mike's 50+ miles kept us motivated and entertained. When I was compelled to say "I want my mommy", it was great to have these two tough guys there to completely ignore me.
Obviously, several of our running friends sensed that we would sorely need moral and nutritional help along the way. Vernon Char was the first, not only bringing cold, fresh fruit and hummus, but actually joined us for a while on the road, providing us some needed chatter. Bob and Barbi tracked us down and then taunted us with visions of margaritas and mexican food at Compadres (which is where they were headed for Cinco de Mayo), but they did treat us to chips, salsa, yummy cheese dip and cold water. Our buddy Fish actually came to our aid on two occasions, first with chips, soda and water and later (when we were at a low-period) with hot pizza, soda, water, ice, cold towels and sweets. Such a cool guy ! My wonderful Heather and mom found us at Fish's second aid station with cheery faces and brightened my spirits for the remainder of the ordeal...oops, I mean journey.
Yes Ernest, I guess we can say "it was fun !" Many thanks to Ernest, Mike and all our friends who came out and supported us. Aloha ! Don
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