Tales From the Lava Fields

OK, so here are some random thoughts and observations from race day.

Laura Sophiea

At about mile 14 of the marathon I ran up to a very cute 51-year-old, several time age group champion Laura Sophiea. Laura had a very memorable ad in Triathlete magazine, using her bare back to promote Mack's earplugs of all things. She's a wholesome and healthy-looking gal who could pass for 31, and could rip your legs off on race day. I chatted her up a bit, but she was pretty down about her race, and it's hard to come up with something motivational in that situation. So I threw caution to the wind anyway and said, "Stay positive, you look great", and carried on.

Yeh way to go doofus, giving advice to a several-time world champion, like who the hell am I? I ran away feeling like I had been snubbed at the high school dance.

Laura won her age group by seven minutes. Must have been the sage advice she received, or maybe in spite of it?

Miranda Stacey

Early in the marathon I ran by a gal who had a very unusual running style, elbows way out and feet stomping hard. Something tweaked in the two percent of brain function I had left at that point, and I looked back and recognized her: Kiwi Miranda Stacey, who I ran about five miles with at Ironman Arizona 2006. On that day, thru race-day verbal shorthand we got to know each other a bit, but I respected the fact she was in the money and I didn't push her for chit-chat. When we passed four-time Ironman winner Bella Comerford, I told Miranda she was now a few hundred dollars richer, which got a brief chuckle.

We ended up on adjacent massage tables after the race in Arizona; she finished seventh among the pro gals and I had an Ironman-best finish of 9:53, and just missed the age-group win. We exchanged a look that bridged time, distance, age and sex; it said, "Yeah that was an awesome day!"

I wish I could have said hello, but I was on a mission, so no time for reminiscing. I'm sure we will cross paths again, though. Ironman is a great crossroads for connecting with old friends!

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

In the early part of the run, cruising thru town, a group of Australians yelled out, "Aussie aussie aussie!" as I ran by. Shortly after, another group of Aussies, same thing. WTF, I thought, and humored them with an "Oy oy oy!" reply. Then I realized my Impact Coaching tri top is the Aussie team colors, green and yellow (and black. Contrary to popular belief, the Aussies do not sport the red, white and blue of their flag in international competition.) My coach, Kevin Cutjar, is an Aussie so the color scheme is no accident. I've always liked it because it is very distinctive, and you can pick it out from a mile away.

Anyway, I enjoyed dual citizenship all day. Aussies caught up on the colors, and Canadians who know the Penticton mainstays of Impact Coaching and the Bike Barn (I was wearing their ultra-comfy bike shorts). In addition, there are spectators who have the athlete guides, they look up your number and cheer you by name as you go by. This is a little spooky at first, because you look around for a familiar face and don't find it. Then you just wave and carry on.

A Front Row Seat

The cool thing about racing Kona is you get to see the pro race unfolding right before your eyes. This year was marked by the absense of the usual suspects, and the attrition of those who toed the start line. Faris Al-Sultan did not start, defending champ Norm Stadler was hurling his guts out early in the bike, defending female champ Michellie Jones waited until mile 70 to spew. Natascha Badmann crashed out early. Desiree Ficker was beautiful as usual, but a non-factor.

So the table was set for a change of the guard. Chris McCormack finally walked the walk and won his first Ironman world championship. He has mouthed off the last few years about being the best triathlete on the planet. I agreed, but with the reservation that he has to win here to back the yak. So he did, and with a world-class 2:42 marathon to cap it. Macca has won at every level now, and yes he is the best triathlete on the planet, for now. I posted a picture the other day of the best triathlete ever, Mark Allen. If Macca wins six Ironman titles, then he can join Mark and Dave Scott as legends of the sport.

Great day for Oz, with short course and 70.3 powerhouse Craig Alexander coming in second. I'm not a bit surprised, the guy has awesome speed that carries well at the Ironman distance. Bike stud Torbjorn Sindballe hung on for third, with a sub-3 marathon to prove he's not all about the bike. Two-time champ Tim Deboom, fourth, the guy is back.

I have no comment on women's winner Chrissie Wellington. She came out of nowhere after winning Ironman Korea seven weeks ago. When I saw her on the Queen K, she looked like she was doing an easy recovery run. I believe there is a dues-paying process that needs to be honored here in Kona. Enough said.

Canadian Samantha Mcglone, former Olympian and current 70.3 champion, is the real deal and came in second. She is the female Craig Alexander, and will win one day. Aussie Kate Major was solid again and rounded out the top three.

So Canada has a new hope at the Ironman distance. Australia has three athletes in the top three, oy oy oy!