No steady blog updates is a good sign I guess. I was way too busy roaming Hawaii and time in front of the computer seemed to be wholly wasted.

After a great time around a fascinating and diverse Big Island we moved over to Los Angeles and then down to Newport Beach to run the “Whoo’s in El Moro 50k” in Crystal Cove State Park.

After a little warm-up jog on the first flat miles of the race and amusing chat with James Walsh I already felt the lack of recovery after severe IM Hawaii celebrations and Manua-Kea jogging plus travelling. Just right from the start it was pretty apparent that this would be a stretched 50-kilometer fight. The only optimistic thing for me was the weather. As the mist and fog not really cleared off during the morning of the race I just put the head down and tried to keep moving. Pretty sluggish moving I guess.

A race that long with worn-out legs and mindset is not really fun. Molly Richter and her team made the best to enjoy the course and the race as best as possible. Thanks for that and the tasty burgers afterwards.

As we tune in Backspin we hit the road towards San Francisco…

© Sally McRae

© Sally McRae

© Fabian Eberhard

© Fabian Eberhard

Since I knew I was going to Hawaii the existing FKT for Manua-Kea got my full attention. I don’t want to go into too much detail on the development of the current FKT as it is described on the official website.

Jorge Maravilla was the record holder and he is definitely not known as a slow runner. Anyway. Fabian and I craved to give the up-to-date time a proper shot.

The problem with this run is pretty evident. Most if the accommodation on the Big Island is at sea level. To run the Manua-Kea on the current route you have to start at the “Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station” of the National park, which is located at around 9,000-foot level on the Mauna Kea access road.

We began around mid-day and gradually made our way up the steep serpentines. Shortly after the 6,5 mile mark the altitude was too much for me. The dizziness was too crazy for me and I let Fabian go as he felt stronger. He pulled away quickly on the last paved part of the road. I met him just about 300 meters before the turnaround on the 14,000-foot summit of Mauna Kea.

As a good downhiller I thought I could catch him on the downhill part to finish the route with a new FKT together. Straight on the first part of the down-run I did not feel well. My back, still sore from a little surf crash earlier in the week, did not really loosen up and so it was a painful and long downhill.

I met Fabian after 3:06:something in the park lot of the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station. He did not look too good but had a huge smile in his face when pointing at his watch. 2:49:03 – new FKT for Mauna Kea. Well-done bro!

Pre-FKT Posing

Weapons of Choice – Brooks Pure Grit. You can’t do wrong!

Handmade Hydration Systems.

Top of the Pops.

Nearly as prominent, nearly as hectic and nearly as important as that other big race on the island – The Path 10k a week out of the Ironman World Championships has it all, well nearly.

We lined up with greats such as Uwe Richlik and Chris Legh. Up Alii Drive and back down. That’s it. All in melting heat. You have to love it.

What’s pleasing to the eye
In the delusion of my sight
Is not what I find when I reach into the light
I have lost my mind
I’m walking through time
Deluded as the next guy
Pretending and hoping to find
That distant peace of mind 

Beastie Boys – I Don’t Know

I’ve told myself so many times before
But this time I think I mean it for sure
We have reached a full stop
Nothing’s going to save us from the big drop
Depeche Mode – Leave In Silence

I’m getting emotional – my last race in South-America. Wow, this one-year trip is finished quick. Too quick!

To bash my goodbye the “O Rei da Montanha” (The King of the Mountain) was the best possible farewell party.

A bunch of friends from Sao Paulo and my good friend (…and collector) from home, Anja, trekked down to Mogi das Cruzes 2 hours outside of Sao Paulo.

Gui, Paulo and I attacked the 3 x 7 kilometer relay race. The goal was well defined. We wanted the win. And we got it. Boooom – Best possible leaving present!

Recovery started with some heavyweight Caipirinhas in the sun beside the local bar. Some more beverages in Sao Paulo were to follow later on – great day.

I’m leaving this continent with so many positive feelings. I had an exceptionally time and couldn’t have asked for more. The thoughts are deep and I’m feeling more linked to the people and the countries I have stayed than I ever imagined I would be. I met so many unique people along the way that this would fill another posting pretty easily.

I’m deeply thankful for the time I spend here. Thank you South-America!

This is goodbye…

SPANISH VERSION
PORTUGUESE VERSION

A cooked me with 3rd leg speedster Senior Chaves.

After-race beverage for the crew.

“Bonjour maman! Non, je ne suis pas ivre!”

Sébastien Loeb anyone?

Paula re-hydrating.

First!