Spectating Ironman World Championship in Kona

Think it was fate or strategic planning on my part that I had the opportunity to spectate Ironman World Championship in Kona? Well – maybe a bit of both

The moment I realized I may potentially move to Maui I knew I had to make it in time for the biggest event for a triathlete. Thing is – that is on a whole different island so I wanted to give myself enough time to get settled and pop on over. My target move date was BY October and I made it happen with a drop-in date of September 30th. BOOM!

Ironman World Championship in Kona, Big Island, Hawaii – Sat, Oct 8

Words cannot describe what an incredibly inspirational experience this was. Ok – I will try!

Friday 10/7 – Fontana Lands With a Bang!

Took an island hopper (Mokulele) from Maui to the Big Island. And wow was that an experience in itself. Such a tiny wittle plane with breathtaking views, which actually made me feel as though I was paying for a scenic helicopter tour and not simply paying to get to a different Hawaiian island ha.

Got my car (nice a$$ Mustang mind you), stopped by the expo/bike check-in and bought myself a new visor, checked in at our place, then met up with my Minnesota gals for some dinner!

Thought I was gonna call it an early night but alas not so much. Met up with my friend Sam and headed to the TGINR (“Thank-God-I’m-Not-Racing”) VIP party at Huggo’s On The Rocks. Not only did I meet so many incredible new people but when I walked in I was SO happy to hear “Christina!!” from a bunch of my Coeur Sports ladies! Finally had a chance to meet many of them in-person. It’s so funny because we all felt like we KNEW each other from years of following and communication on social media but meeting in the flesh was awesome!

Saturday 10/8 – The BIG Day!

Woke up bright and early to head to the MAIN EVENT! Upon arriving you could just FEEL the energy. Gah was I pumped. I walked all around to get different views to cheer the athletes on – and of course different camera angles 😉

After a bit I met up with some friends for a bite to eat (fresh papaya with yogurt and granola – hello!).

Then we decided it was time for a few breakfast cocktails to get the party started! The rooftop table we got had the BEST view of the bike in/out and also the finish line!

We stayed so long that we were actually able to see the first guy come in. And words cannot even describe of freaking awesome that was. Jan Frodeno is a freak of nature. But also seems like a truly genuine person!

We then decided to walk along the run course to get a closer view to cheer on.

Then it was time for the WOMEN! Got some great close up footage of the first woman coming in and felt so proud of her!

Then more drinks. And dinner. And an amazing sunset of course.

Cheering on the later athletes is always my favorite though. Not like anyone racing in KONA is a beginner but it is still so inspiring to know that the later individuals have obviously been out there enduring pain a bit longer. Obviously the longer you race the more fatigued you get. Pounding on the boards to loud, funky music is just the best.

But the highlight to the whole fun-filled day was absolutely running in to Erin after the event. My teammate. My coach. My Minnesota girl. My inspiration. The main reason I HAD to be in Kona.

Beyond proud of her and strive to follow in her footsteps! Not only is she an Ironman World Champion but she is one of the sweetest, genuine people I know. This lady can conquer anything she puts her mind to and all with a big smile on her face! Honored to call her my friend! Check out her race report for a thorough recap of her amazing day.

Sunday 10/9 – Fontana Signing Off (with a bang again)!

The day started with an incredible Coeur Sports hosted brunch at Daylight Mind. They had the whole rooftop reserved for us and even an open-bar (UH OH!). So obvi the POG-osas (Passion Fruit/OJ/Guava Mimosa) were a flowin!

But simply being the the team and hearing the inspiring stories was heaven for me! So honored and humbled to be a part of such an incredible group of women. Not only is Coeur Sports apparel comfy, flattering, and stylish but the people behind the brand make it what it is. All about encouraging women to be involved in endurance sports no matter if they are a beginner or pro. We are all here to support one another rather than compete and cut each other down. Yeah – I can stand behind that brand!

After brunch a bunch of us just could not say g’bye just yet so we headed to a nearby bar to continue the fun. Lots of fun!

We laughed for a good few hours before I had to get to the airport to head back to Maui.

What an incredible experience.