Hawaii Part 1: What a Difference a Year Makes!

Aloha! Okay, before I get to my post, just want to say I know I'm on vaca...so am not able to read all the bloggy blogs like I normally do. So my absense of reading/posting is only vaca temporary. Actually, who am I kidding?!  I know I'll find a way to sneak in a peek here and there and get to some of your blogs. It's addicting I tell ya!

And now on to the post. Seriously, what a difference a year makes and in so many ways. First on an 'Athlete' level. Last year, Lavaman was my first OD triathlon...ever (hence why I have it as my blog header pic). And I think I did all right for myself. It was my first time racing with my tri bike, and ALL of it, from the ocean swim, to the gut wrenching distance of that windy 10k run was a new experience. 

And I haven't been out on that Lavaman road course since then -until this morning. I rode the course for my workout, and man, I can tell I'm a completely different rider. wow. My cadence is completely different, and my effort/power is much stronger. Plus, I actually just feel more dang confident on the freakin' bike (Like 'okay Mr. MAC truck, bring it ON) My ride was a big 'a-ha' moment to realize how far I've come as an athlete than from a year ago.

And it was just me and my Ironman Dude last year. We left the kids at home and enjoyed a ~5 day vaca. And it was great. But this year we brought the kids, extended the trip for 5 days, and so far it's like everything is in DOLBY stereo. My lil' ones are 4, and it's like we brought along our best friends/#1 fans for the ride. Without sounding too Disney- it's been magical. And I feel like all you mom/dad's out there with kids this age and older are noddin' your head like the Miley Cyrus song. You're baggin' what I'm rakin'.


One thing I'm not NOT diggin' however is the actual cost to schlep our bikes over. It's seriously ridiculous. Like that money could've given us ~1.75 days more of Hawaii... So might as well show off our bike box/bag since it's a big part of the trip. Mines the bag on the left;-):

Okay, this may be a bit long of a post. Bottom line/take away message from this- I'm excited. I'm excited to be here with my kids and Ironoman. And I'm excited to see me take on the race Sunday. Your *voices* will be in my head. Bring it ON Lavaman!