tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77026464028569415522024-03-13T11:41:40.497-07:00Helgi Olafson: Road to IRONMANHelgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-86935840267498195252013-05-24T00:21:00.001-07:002013-05-24T03:12:42.412-07:00Must READ this post!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qysh1u0Azw/UZ8QQifUa3I/AAAAAAAAAVw/76QkOW8LnlU/s1600/TeamEndurance2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qysh1u0Azw/UZ8QQifUa3I/AAAAAAAAAVw/76QkOW8LnlU/s320/TeamEndurance2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Aloha,<br />
<br />
Please refer to Helgi Olafson Foundation's webpage from now on to view blog posts from Helgi. We are pleased to say that we have redesigned the webpage to include Helgi's Blog and many more cool features. Find out all about Team ENDURANCE for Ankylosing Spondylitis and get connected with other AS Warriors, like Helgi. Also find out about our new partners More Than Sport and Racing for a Cure from the Arthritis National Research Foundation. See how you can get involved. <br />
<br />
Click on this link to get to the HOF website:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.helgiolafson.org/">http://www.helgiolafson.org</a> <br />
<br />
Mahalo,<br />
<br />
Helgi Olafson Foundation<br />
<em>"ENDURANCE for Ankylosing Spondylitis"</em><br />
<em></em><br />
P.S.-Please view, vote and share this video, which is Helgi's #KonaInspired 2013 video submission, which could get him a spot in the 2013 Ironman World Championships:<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><a href="http://bit.ly/11zQsML"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">http://bit.ly/11zQsML</span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"></span></span></a></span><br />Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-19558116434739523022013-02-27T01:08:00.003-08:002013-02-27T01:08:29.917-08:00Join me this Friday for #FitChatFriday 1:30 p.m. Hawaii time.Click on the link below to be redirected to Walk Your A.S. OFF!! website, as well as the explanation of the first Twitter Chat Session for #WYASO, which is focuses on the importance of the training plan. It's all in the link below!! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://walkyourasoff.com/walk-information/walk-socials/fit-chat-friday-on-twitter-with-helgi-olafson/">http://walkyourasoff.com/walk-information/walk-socials/fit-chat-friday-on-twitter-with-helgi-olafson/</a>Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-3374168670246999022013-02-13T19:57:00.000-08:002013-02-13T19:57:02.146-08:00Update Letter HOF Feb 11 2013
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yzr2GwOGjjk/UPh-EhUVS-I/AAAAAAAAAN8/tRJ4mWzi0G0/s640/HOF+Header.jpg" width="640" /><br />
11 February, 2013</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Aloha,</div>
<br />
Things have been moving very fast so
far in 2013, and can only expect them to get faster as the year
progresses. This is a welcome change that the Helgi Olafson
Foundation is ready to face head-on!! However, we can't do it
alone!! We need your support now more than ever. It is only from a
substantial personal investment, help from sponsors and donations
that we have gotten this far in one year! You can show your
continued support by getting involved in our fundraising projects to
support the plan for 2013. We are also very open to your ideas and
systems that are already in place.
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is the year that Ankylosing
Spondylitis gets its Letterman Jacket. This letter should best
describe the current progress of the Helgi Olafson Foundation and
outline our future goals as a nonprofit organization. <br /><br />I have
supplied a link to my athlete profile which contains a brief introduction to my
mission, my race schedule/results. It has all of the links to my
online outreach and social networking platforms. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /><a href="http://helgiolafson.org/athleteprofil/" target="_blank">http://helgiolafson.org/athleteprofil/</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Though
I am very excited to be a part of the Lavaman Waikoloa team as event
coordinator for the "Healthy Grindz" Healthy Cooking
Competition, this race weekend presents yet another great opportunity
for me to raise awareness for Ankylosing Spondylitis(A.S.) I was able
to do this successfully at Lavaman Keauhou 2012, where I gave a
speech in front of a live audience about my cause. I also had a
booth for handing out information/ brochures that were supplied to me
by the Spondylitis Association of America. The Lavaman race expo was
a bit of a proto-type of how HOF intends to raise awareness and
educate through all of the race expos associated with my race
schedule. I have already set up fundraising programs with Ironman.
After Honu 70.3 and Boulder 70.3, I am scheduled to compete in
Ironman Canada in Whistler B.C.. I am Canadian-born and I hope to
create a large following that will raise a large amount of money for
the Ironman Foundation to donate to the communities surrounding
Ironman sanctioned events. <br /><br />The newest ventures on the radar
for the Helgi Olafson Foundation are the upcoming 65 day Challenge
called "Walk Your A.S. OFF"(March 1st-May 4th) and the
virtual convention for the International Auto-immune Arthritis
Movement's World Auto-immune Arthritis Day(47 hours, starting May
20th). Walk your A.S. OFF will be such a great team building
challenge that will definitely turn some heads. Our goals are to
collectively step to the moon and back, which is over 1 billion
steps. Last year, the collective goal was to circle the globe!! The
main reason for this challenge is to offer a support system for
inactive people to create habit forming exercise by motivating people
to get moving, and stay moving. Our intentions for this challenge
are to reach millions of people through social media, networking, and
inspiration. I have attached our team Questionnaire. These answers
will be showcased on HelgiOlafson.org.<br /><br />World Auto-immune
Arthritis Day will serve as a great fundraising opportunity for the
HOF. I am very thankful for the invitation to participate in this
event, as it gives us the opportunity to interact with ideal people
and organizations that the Helgi Olafson Foundation needs on our
side. This will also act as an avenue for gaining more support as I
ramp up to the very intense second half of 2013. Starting June 1st,
2013, I compete in 9 major races, including half and full marathons,
Olympic, half-distance, and full-distance triathlons, racing and
raising awareness in two countries and five states, and inspiring
globally as a health activist and leader of Team "ENDURANCE For
Ankylosing Spondylitis."<br /><br /><a href="http://walkyourasoff.com/">http://walkyourasoff.com/</a><br />
-please let me know if you or your friends would like to sign up and
have your steps count for Team "ENDURANCE For A.S." It's
FREE, and its a great way to exercise!! You just have to send me
your step count once a week.<br /><br /><a href="http://worldautoimmunearthritisday.org/">http://worldautoimmunearthritisday.org/</a>
<br /> -stay tuned for more information
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/400692596687846/">http://www.facebook.com/groups/400692596687846/</a><br /> -Join
the Team "ENDURANCE For A.S." Facebook Page<br /><br />I am
also working on setting up Team "ENDURANCE For Ankylosing
Spondylitis" for REV3 70.3 Florida, which is in Venice, Florida,
on November 10th of this year. The first year, this team will
support 10 athletes who either have A.S., or they are racing for it
while fundraising for the Helgi Olafson Foundation. We will all be
racing either the Olympic distance, or the Half distance. We will be
coached by Rick Rubio and we will come together with one mission that
will reach millions! Two weeks before this race is IM 70.3 Miami,
which I also intend to race. I lived in this area for about ten
years of my life. Needless to say, I have a big mission for these
two weeks involving networking to get alot of signatures for the
petition that I started for Government Grants and Funding for A.S.
Research(
<a href="http://signon.org/sign/government-grants-and?source=c.tw&r_by=2217965">http://signon.org/sign/government-grants-and?source=c.tw&r_by=2217965</a>).
Along with the rest of my team, I will be educating, inspiring,
fundraising and raising awareness all of the way leading up to the
event. On the way back to Hawaii, I may go to Ironman Arizona just
to support and raise awareness for A.S. After that, its back to
Hawaii for Lavaman Keauhou on November 24th. Team ENDURANCE should be
a nice one to keep an eye on for the REV3 event, which will be the
first of many team races. <br /><br />Honolulu Marathon on December 8th
will be my last race for 2013 before I relocate to Boulder, Colorado,
where I will continue to train, hopefully being able to race as a pro
for 2014 until I am all old and tuckered out. I have made a personal
goal to do Race Across America in 2015, which is a 3000 mile cycling
race across the country in 12 days or less. The Ultra Marathon
Cycling Association is very supportive and Executive Director Douglas
Hoffman wants to share my story. I will then continue to do
everything in my power to compete in the Summer Olympics in 2016 as a
cyclist or a triathlete, all while inspiring others to get involved
and get healthy. It is wonderful to start to see my plans going into
action as each day of the rest of my life passes. <br /><br />I have
plans to go to school for nutrition. With my extensive professional
culinary experience and degree in Nutrition, I intend to develop
healthy whole food products. I am very happy to have PocketFuel
Naturals as my newest sponsor for 2013. The first PocketFuel
products were developed with a passion for fueling a high energy,
active, healthy lifestyle!! The best part about them is that they
are a whole food fuel, and they are delicious. THAT is attractive!
<br /><br />Bike Works Beach and Sports, Oomph! Sports, Paceline
Products, and PocketFuel Naturals have been very supportive sponsors.
I look forward to showing my sponsors and the world that I have the
potential to become a professional triathlete, and that I have
innovative awareness-raising plans that will showcase their brands as
supporters of such a great cause. One mission of the Helgi Olafson
Foundation is to globally inspire people to "live healthy,"
through regular exercise, stretching, proper nutrition and
maintaining a positive attitude. Sponsorship makes this possible.
Please click on the links on my website and see what great
merchandise they have to offer! My sponsors are actively involved in
lending a helping hand in getting my message out there. I look
forward to seeing the final design on the "ENDURANCE For A.S."
Racing Singlet, that will be available for purchase soon. <br /><br />Support
the mission of the Helgi Olafson Foundation by pledging your donation
today at
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.helgiolafson.org/donate">http://www.helgiolafson.org/donate</a>
<br /><br />These singlets are reasonably priced and all proceeds will be
donated to the Helgi Olafson Foundation and to the Spondylitis
Association of America. They are extremely durable, comfortable, and
hand-made by master seamstress Julie Gix of Oomph! Sports! I have
attached a picture of Oomph! Sponsored Pro triathlete Nathan Killiam.
Nathan is wearing the same style of singlet that will be available
for Team ENDURANCE supporters.<br /><br />Please email me if you would
like to reserve any singlets or find out more information about the
specific needs of the Helgi Olafson Foundation.<br /><br />I have
included my logo a few pictures for you to review, as well as a
transcript for my speech at Lavaman Keauhou 2012. Thanks for your
interest in reading this long letter. I look forward to your
response.<br /><br />Mahalo,<br /><br />Helgi Spencer Olafson<br />Executive
Director<br />Helgi Olafson Foundation<br />"ENDURANCE For
Ankylosing Spondylitis"<br /><a href="http://www.helgiolafson.org/">www.helgiolafson.org</a><br />(503)505-1437<br /><br />
<br />
Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-10539929068928324592013-02-13T19:43:00.003-08:002013-02-13T19:43:52.680-08:00'The Helgi Olafson Foundation is non-profit organization operating in<br />
the state of Hawaii, helping others around the world with Ankylosing<br />
Spondylitis and Arthritis. The HOF is on a mission to inspire people<br />
to take control of their A.S. and Arthritis. The mission of this<br />
organization is carried on by Health Activist, ENDURANCE Athlete and<br />
HOF President Helgi Olafson. Helgi promotes regular exercise,<br />
stretching, proper nutrition, and maintaining a positive attitude.<br />
Helgi raises awareness for his cause through social media and by<br />
providing motivational speeches, videos and information about A.S. and<br />
Arthritis at the race expos associated with each race that he competes<br />
in as a top competitor. Helgi has A.S. and he needs your help!<br />
<br />
We have become involved in the Walk Your A.S. OFF!! 65-day Challenge<br />
and we intend to use the global outreach of this challenge to raise<br />
awareness and continue to collect signatures for the HOF Petition,<br />
which is to obtain Government Grants and Funding for Ankylosing<br />
Spondylitis Research. Helgi Olafson Foundation is accepting donations<br />
to support Team "ENDURANCE For Ankylosing Spondylitis." The first<br />
mission for Team ENDURANCE is to set the example for the Walk Your<br />
A.S. OFF!! Challenge. We are a team of A.S. Warriors from around the<br />
world.<br />
<br />
Moving forward, your donations will help 10 athletes from Team<br />
ENDURANCE come together in South Florida in late Ocotber of 2013 on an<br />
awareness raising mission through REV3 Triathlon's "REV3 Florida",<br />
which takes place in Venice, Florida, on November 10th,2013. Each of<br />
the team members will have the option of competing in the Olympic<br />
Distance or the Half Ironman Distance. These athletes will have gone<br />
through an extensive training program coached by Rick Rubio of<br />
Konapersonaltrainer.com, for months prior to the race.<br />
<br />
REV3 Florida Link:<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.rev3tri.com" target="_blank">http:/www.rev3tri.com</a> <br />
<br />
Your donations will help to cover the cost of getting this team<br />
together to canvas the entire South Florida area from Tampa to Key<br />
West to Miami to West Palm Beach to raise awareness for Ankylosing<br />
Spondylitis. We are seriously intending on going door to door. The<br />
estimated population of this area is 9,734,063 throughout 11<br />
counties. Team ENDURANCE will have about three weeks to accomplish our<br />
goals, and then we will race together for A.S. Awareness.<br />
Petition Link:<br />
<a href="http://www.helgiolafson.org/aspetition/" target="_blank">http://www.helgiolafson.org/<wbr></wbr>aspetition/</a><br />
<br />
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! Make your donation now, so that we can be better<br />
prepared for this mission. Team ENDURANCE will be a figurehead in<br />
making Ankylosing Spondylitis known to the world!! South Florida is<br />
one of the most populated regions in the entire country. We are<br />
excited, and if this mission is successful, with your help, we can get<br />
this disease the exposure and funding that it deserves, while<br />
replicating the mission in cities around the country, and eventually<br />
around the world.<br />
<br />
Please let us know if you would like to be involved with Team<br />
ENDURANCE. October 24th through November 13th, 2013, we need people<br />
to help us in South Florida. You don't have to compete. If you can't<br />
donate money, please donate your time, even if it is from home. We<br />
can use the help networking as well.<br />
<br />
<form action="<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.<wbr></wbr>com/cgi-bin/webscr</a>" method="post"><br />
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height="1"> </form>Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-28030615348555840982013-02-01T20:37:00.001-08:002013-02-01T20:37:09.990-08:00Generating my goal for 2015Here is some great inspiration for competing in the Race Across America in 2015. Please follow:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://raammedia1.blogspot.com/">http://raammedia1.blogspot.com</a>Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-45982519098713919122013-01-26T03:58:00.002-08:002013-01-26T04:01:56.897-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ETNYBmcnyCg/UQPD6rEfMiI/AAAAAAAAASs/x6PycDRcRwI/s1600/Helgi+Cycling+up+Scenic+Lookout+Hill+Shaka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ETNYBmcnyCg/UQPD6rEfMiI/AAAAAAAAASs/x6PycDRcRwI/s320/Helgi+Cycling+up+Scenic+Lookout+Hill+Shaka.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Riding up the notorious Scenic Lookout Hill!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4_-OpryIms/UQPD-0XsX7I/AAAAAAAAAS0/CEpvSeqJt-g/s1600/Helgi+Specialized+KOM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4_-OpryIms/UQPD-0XsX7I/AAAAAAAAAS0/CEpvSeqJt-g/s320/Helgi+Specialized+KOM.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Reppin Bike Works Beach and Sports! My newest Sponsor! Come and join us for our ever growing Tuesday Group Ride!! Thanks Jeff Manzo, Jason Nicholas and Rich Bell for being awesome buds at my favorite bike shop!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7VitY0GjgE/UQPFXbj1a0I/AAAAAAAAATU/pjs7d9EwbWQ/s1600/BWBS+tuesday+ride.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U7VitY0GjgE/UQPFXbj1a0I/AAAAAAAAATU/pjs7d9EwbWQ/s320/BWBS+tuesday+ride.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Tueasday January 22nd, 2012Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-25636093869599183502013-01-09T07:49:00.003-08:002013-01-10T18:36:33.844-08:0030 hours of training over 7 days with full time work!!!!<span id="goog_94116283"></span>It has been a tough 7 days, but I pushed and I made it through, and I was also able to have two full days of much needed rest( aside from work of course) within this time period. I set out last week to train 30 hours and bike 300 miles in 7 days. I basically wanted to see how my body holds up to training like a pro. I feel like I did pretty well and I was able to exceed my goals. I probably should have run more and swam alot more, but I feel like there was significant improvement in each discipline. I also trained on the Total Gym and with resistance bands, core, stretching for 10 hours of that 30 hours. <br />
<br />
I also had the chance to ride with some great cyclists and good people in general. I also had the opportunity to ride up in the hills of the Hamakua coast near Honoka'a, which is the easternmost edge of the Hawaiian Islands. I wish everyone could have been a part of these lovely excursions. Soon!! Once I get a GoPro, I will start some videos for everyone to get to know me better and see the beautiful Hawaii Island.<br />
<br />
My body was lethargic at the end of each training/working day, but with the proper pre, during, and post nutrition and hydration, my body was able to perform better as the week progressed. You should have seen...it was <i>Lights Out </i>as soon as I hit the pillow, and then up at 6 a.m. for a ride. I had all of my bottles, mixes and supplements ready to go, and it was like clockwork.<br />
<br />
There was one morning where I was running late, so I didn't eat anything besides amy protein and supplements. I could totally feel the diference. In fact, my body was sensitive to any changes that I made and it offers me more respect for the proper nutrition combination for these long workouts, and ultimately Ironman, where I will do one third of what I did in a week in 1 day. Now THAT is humbling!<br />
<br />
I am excited to see what my numbers are in the time trial I will do at the end of this week with my coach, Rick Rubio. We are comparing to about four months ago with the relative numbers for a swim/bike/run.<br />
<br />
I am starting to think more like an athlete. Where do I need to improve and how can I get there? There are so many benefits to planning my training to acheive goals and milestones. It is working. I have not come close to my peak and its exciting to see how far I can go and how hard I can push myself. Do I have what it takes to become a Pro?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTGA8Uii4Ik/UO2RZLGUzfI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/SPU_drJ7ue4/s1600/job1-edited.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTGA8Uii4Ik/UO2RZLGUzfI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/SPU_drJ7ue4/s320/job1-edited.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As far as my Ankylosing Spondylitis goes, I am still not really feeling any pain. The worst that I get is some sharp pains in my hips every once in a while, or if I sit down, my lower back gets tight and I have to crack it in order to feel better. As long as I stretch, exercise, stay healthy and take my ENBREL, I feel like I will always have this disease right where I want it. I did take my shot during this training week and I felt fine.<br />
<br />
Thanks to my readers for their continued support. Please let me know what you think of the new logo. Do you like the top or the bottom better?<br />
<br />
Please check my "Race Schedule" on the right column on the home page of this blog to see some additional results and upcoming races. Go Big or Go Home!! <br />
<br />
Cheers,<br />
Helgi Olafson <br />
<br />
<span id="goog_94116284"></span><br />Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-78982933103495553742013-01-05T17:30:00.001-08:002013-01-31T22:14:50.323-08:00A great ride with Waimea friends!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NzeyEDUhiQk/UOjTnD0qLcI/AAAAAAAAALk/1_wiKCDH_2I/s1600/IMG_20130105_114138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NzeyEDUhiQk/UOjTnD0qLcI/AAAAAAAAALk/1_wiKCDH_2I/s400/IMG_20130105_114138.jpg" width="400" /> </a> </div>
Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-49027706878396436072012-12-28T23:45:00.001-08:002012-12-28T23:45:57.178-08:00This looks legit!!<p dir=ltr><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1beaV0Yhbc&feature=youtube_gdata_player">Watch "The 10 Hundreds Challenge - Unstoppable! Man vs Nature #11" on YouTube</a><br>
</p>
Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-34067814392431227822012-12-18T20:09:00.002-08:002012-12-18T20:44:40.216-08:00Time to get serious. 2013 is a year of accomplishment and goal reaching. <span style="color: #444444;">So,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I am excited about writing this post. Time to come clean. I am no angel.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Sidenote: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I hope that you enjoy. It is very important to the success of this mission that my audience get involved and show support. 501c3 approval is right around the corner and this will open up many online donation platforms. This has taken a long time but we are set and ready to go. We just need volunteers with the interest in networking for our cause, so that we will be more effective with our outreach, which is necessary to the success of the Helgi Olafson Foundation(HOF). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">HOF is always accepting donations via the Paypal "Donate" button on the bottom of the page at <a href="http://www.helgiolafson.org/">http://www.helgiolafson.org</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;">We are also accepting requests to be on the Board of Directors as well as members of the board. You should have have previous work experience in a management capacity if you are interested in being a Director of the Board. HOF welcomes requests for more information from those who have a vested interest in raising awareness for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Arthritis.</span> We will advise you on how you can help raise awareness in your community.<br />
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<br />
I have lived a lucky life. I am very happy with how I have changed my life around over the past few years. I am using this post to express how I feel about my progress and how training for endurance sports has made me a better person who now has a purpose: Ankylosing Spondylitis Awareness.<br />
<br />
Many of you probably think I don't have any skeletons in my closet, but I do, just like everyone else. I most likely have more than the average Joe. Many probably also think that my A.S. isn't nearly as bad as theirs. That I couldn't possibly be training as hard without any complications associated with flare-ups and fusion.<br />
<br />
Well, YOU are WRONG.<br />
<br />
I come from a family where my dad was an alcoholic( not the angry kind, which was good), My parents were divorced when I was 10 and my mother has remarried 2 times since. I love my mother very much and she has lived a hard life supporting the upbringing of my brother and I, and also my two half-sisters. My father was a great man and I wish he could be here to see what I am accomplishing right now in life. He would be proud. He died 4 years ago from Type 2 Diabetes. My father beat his body up for his whole life. He did it all: cigarettes, pot, cocaine, heroin, anything that was available. My father was a functioning addict, but he paid the price for it later on in life. He ate irregular meals, too. My father was definitely not a great example to follow as far as maintaining a healthy lifestyle. <br />
<br />
In Florida, I spent my early teens doing early teen stuff. I would take things apart in the garage and try to reassemble, sometimes with success. I mowed lawns for extra cash and had lots of chores around the house. My mom's new husband was kind of weird. He passed out every night on the porch with a beer in his hand. He yelled at my mom and made her feel like shit. Not a good situation for a troubled teen to grow up in.<br />
<br />
Yes, Troubled. I started drinking and smoking cigarettes at age 15, along with marijuana. I was skipping school and just getting the grades I needed to get by. I got caught stealing merchandise from a store and ended up in teen court. But I still wasn't a gem. I ended up graduating from military school in South Carolina and getting a chance to make a fresh start as a college student in the Air Force ROTC Scholarship Program at Florida State University(FSU).<br />
<br />
FSU was a shock...but so much fun. The beautiful women, the parties, the feeling of being "on my own."<br />
It was very addicting to someone like me. I partied hard and my grades suffered. I never did my homework and I lost interest in school. Though I was President of the Arnold Air Society pledge class of 2002, I didn't leave enough time to focus on my school and homework. I skipped from job to job and worked to support myself. It was very hard to get it right.<br />
<br />
I spent the next few years moving around Florida and working in the restaurant business, honing my skills for my career in culinary arts. I met many people and I was a part of many great experiences. I was also a part of many bad experiences. I was in debt, I had been arrested for alcohol related charges involving violence and driving, I was unable to hold a relationship for more than 3 months. In my mind, I was Billy Badass. Not the case. I was actually a dumbass, with no regard for the law.<br />
<br />
My A.S. never really affected me, unless I ran out of ENBREL. Then I was in trouble. <br />
<br />
I was into some edgy stuff. Still smoked, still got wasted, cheated on my girlfriends, still drove without a license, still needed a clue. I ended up losing my license for years to come because of my stupid decisions. I knew I had to make some changes in my life, but I didn't know how or where to start. So I moved to Arizona to go to Scottsdale Culinary Institute. I ended up getting an awesome job as lead line cook opening up a new Asian-themed restaurant in a hip W Hotel. My interest in school was very minimal. I was into biking and running alot when I was in Scottsdale, but the place just wasn't for me.<br />
<br />
I moved to Portland and checked out the food scene there. Portland was great!! Plus, my brother lives there. It was great to be in the same city as him. He has also been a huge part in helping me see the light by setting the example as a big brother. He has been a great life coach of a brother, that's for sure!! Trust me, he has seen me at my worst!<br />
<br />
Portland was the first place that I lived, where I really enjoyed my life. I had some great friends, I was a part of some great activities and I was happy, but I still wasn't doing the right thing all of the time. I still needed to find my way. I had a reputation of being very arrogant and hard to deal with at times, especially when I was drinking. I developed an addiction to video poker gambling and I lost thousands of dollars. I needed to separate myself from this situation.<br />
<br />
I gained some great work experience in Portland, fell in love a few times, and managed to still be unsatisfied. I decided to apply for a job on a private charter yacht that was built in 1931. This was a summer job in the inside passage of Alaska. What an awesome opportunity to make new lasting relationships and to see the untouched beauty of the Final Frontier. Whales, Bears, Eagles, Salmon, Halibut, Seals, Sea Lions, Sea Otters, Glaciers, Rivers, Waterfalls, you name it! Alaska changed my life!<br />
<br />
When I returned home to Portland I struggled to maintain, but managed to get a place to live and support myself financially. It was tight, but I made it happen. I was denied a few great opportunities as Executive Chef due to my record. This was disheartening. I ended up landing a job working as a "Food Judge" for the FOX Network series Masterchef 3. I traveled to different cities around the country to judge the food for the open-call auditions. Again, GREAT experience! I wouldn't change any of it because it is a pat of my existence.<br />
<br />
Hawaii was the next move. My parents needed someone to take over their kitchen at the restaurant they own in Hawaii, so it was time to get rid of all of my belongings and jump ship. It was a hard decision, but I had to give my beautiful black lab Koll away to a friend who could provide a better life for him. It was a god few years with my pup, but he deserved better and I needed a fresh start. Now I have it!!!<br />
<br />
I am a creative being, and I have always had lofty expectations of myself. This has continually set me up for failure. I come up with these great ideas, and then I don't follow through. I have made it so people don't trust me. I believe I have burnt a few bridges along the way, and I am sorry to those I have disrespected while living my selfish way of life. But, I wouldn't change any of my life experience. I have been so many places, met so many people, and seen so many interesting things while being a part of the GOOD and the BAD, which are equally as important. I am grateful to accept the burden of my mistakes. I intend to make a better life for myself and those around me...one that speaks leaps and bounds above my younger days. <br />
<br />
My mom was the only consistent force with me for the duration of my life. Believe me, she was very hard on me and I am thankful for all of her tough love. I believe that my mother is a big reason why I have the confidence to carry such a big weight on my shoulders with my mission to raise awareness for A.S., while training to become a professional endurance athlete. THIS TIME, I am not going to let success slip away. I have devoted my life
to making this work. With the help of advisers, I have taken the
neccesary steps to set up this 501c3 Helgi Olafson Foundation to raise
awareness for Ankylosing Spondylitis.<br />
<br />
<b>What has endurance sports training done for me?</b><br />
<b> </b>I moved to Hawaii in the beginning of 2012. I quit smoking cigarettes the day I left Portland, Oregon. It was time to get my life right. Hawaii is so beautiful. Though I grew up here from age 6 to 13, and lived here again for a few months at age 22, it wasn't the same. I wasn't ready until this time. I have met some great people who live reasonably healthy and active lifestyles. These were great people to surround myself with. I joined Waikoloa Canoe Club(WCC) and though new to the sport, became one of the stronger paddlers in the club. The WCC became my gateway into endurance sports. One of the members asked me if I would like to run for a relay team for an upcoming Olympic distance triathlon. I accepted and started training from that day forward. The race was only a few weeks away. I did well on race day, but it made me want more. I wanted the satisfaction of completing the whole race, including the swim and the bike. This day in March of 2012 was the day that I started on this mission to raise awareness. I have been sticking to my guns and showing race results and potential for better results. I have successfully expanded my network to include many great sources of awareness for A.S. and Arthritis. I have proven and will continue to prove that, even with such a debilitating disease, I am competitive in the top fifth percentile in triathlon. My Ankylosing Spondylitis is at bay because I am being proactive and listening to my body. I practice what I preach and I hope to inspire other people around the world to follow suit, whether or not they have A.S. or Arthritis. Let us get healthy and stay there. A.S. can be a manageable condition.<br />
<br />
<b>Make no mistake:</b><br />
I would not be able to do what I am doing without the help of fans, friends, family and the assistance of my sponsors. Thank you very much Oomph! Sports, Paceline Products, Newton Running, Bio-Astin, The Spondylitis Association of America and Bike Works Hawaii. I look forward to serving as your ambassador for 2013 and beyond!! I hope we have a great season! Together, we can touch the lives of people throughout the world!<br />
<br />
Please Email me if you are interested in more information about how you can help. Thanks for reading!<br />
<br />
helgiolafson@gmail.com Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-70794347166294934842012-12-05T16:51:00.002-08:002012-12-05T16:57:25.864-08:00Blooper video from our commercial! So Funny<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGPZ2FFUeUI&feature=share" target="_blank">Chefs Helgi and Gabe Bloopers</a>Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-36708078410086381382012-12-01T16:27:00.001-08:002012-12-01T19:02:35.310-08:00Send me to Whistler, B.C. to raise awareness for A.S.. Your donation will also support the local community of Whistler, which is the brand new host for Ironman Canada on August 25th 2013<a href="http://ironman.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1048718&lis=0&kntae1048718=76ED26DB9C164CFD97BF0251DA5E2F75">http://ironman.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1048718&lis=0&kntae1048718=76ED26DB9C164CFD97BF0251DA5E2F75</a><br />
<br />
This will be my last full Ironman before the World Championships in Kona on October 12th of 2013. I need your support to get me their. Please click on the link above to donate. I started with a $100 donation from myself and I need $2100 total to secure my spot. If you are in Canada and would like to come to Whistler to help me raise awareness at the Ironman Expo, please contact me at your earliest convenience. I am working on obtaining a special room rate.<br />
<br />
Thanks,<br />
Helgi Olafson<br />
helgiolafson@gmail.com<img height="275" id="il_fi" src="http://www.whistler.com/images/header/Whistler_Ironman_Canada.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="697" /><br />
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<br />Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-2132862778032628202012-11-20T02:36:00.001-08:002012-11-21T03:02:42.450-08:00Race Cap and official results for my first TRIATHLON!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am proud to inform my readers that I finished Lavaman Keauhou 2012, 6th in my age group and 41st overall with somewhere just under 500 athletes. I marked my weakness through my unimpressive swim at 34:04, the 149th fastest swim. My transition from swim to bike (6:13) was also a nightmare( need to train more on this), plus the picture of Christopher Landers wasn't able to stick to the velcro that I originally had attached to my suit. Unfortunately they came off in the water, so I had to get the picture pinned on my back before getting on the bike.<br />
<br />
I was able to grab the 14th fastest bike split overall. There was not one competitor that passed me on the bike. I passed about 200 people and it felt amazing to be riding like the wind on a fun course, including Ali'i Drive, in Kailua Kona. I almost ran straight into oncoming traffic as I turned down into the Sheraton, but I was able to veer to the right as I bike the 14th fastest bike split of the day at 1:11:04. <br />
<br />
My T2 time was 1:51, which was a bit long. Again, now I know what I need to work on, and that I have room for improvement in efficiency during certain parts of the race.<br />
<br />
A decent run with room for improvement. I ran a 46:03 for the 30th fastest run overall. I feel that I can improve this at least 10 minutes. The hard push for the finish has to start with a few miles left, not just a half mile.<br />
<br />
I need an easier fueling system while racing. I take Optygen, by First Endurance, Metasalts, and Endurox Excel, all equal parts. My energy gel is easy to access. I am also very glad that I brought 2 full electrolyte/water bottles because I dropped one of mine while riding and ran over it. There really wasn't enough aide on this course. I remember drinking half of a water bottle they passed me at the turn around, and dousing myself with the rest. It helped my focus. I maintained a high cadence on my way back through the wind and pushed in a hard gear on the way down the hills. It was a super fun ride.<br />
<br />
Total Time 2:39:15<br />
<br />
I truly believe that, with the
proper training, I can probably knock off some serious time on the swim,
run and transitions. I will set my goal at Lavaman Waikoloa, in March at 2:15 <br />
<br />
Apparently there were some pictures taken of me on the bike, but I haven't seen them yet. these pics are from just after the finish I will post when I receive them. It was great to have the support of my friends and especially my mom. Thanks so much to the support from the Landers family, Ruth Van Doren, Aron, Geri Rott and Tanya Power of Lavaman and to everyone who took the time out to hear what I had to say.<br />
<br />
I look forward to my future an assistant race director with Lavaman and the Healthy Cooking contest for Lavaman Waikoloa. It is going to be done right and hopefully everyone will love participating. <br />
<br />
If anyone has interest in donating startup funds or would like to donate their time to our fundraising team, we would love to hear from you. The response that I got from this expo was awesome. This could only get better as we move forward.<span id="goog_181987302"></span><span id="goog_181987303"></span><br />
<br />
Mahalo,<br />
Helgi OlafsonHelgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-29231100086427793842012-11-16T23:19:00.001-08:002012-11-16T23:19:16.249-08:00Lavaman EXPO A.S. PresentationI am very excited for race day, which is just over 30 hours from now, but my focus is not completely on the race. I have a job to do first, which will hopefully be a piece to the puzzle of getting the word out about Ankylosing Spondylitis. I am ready to go. Spondylitis Association of America has sent me a great number of informational supplies and goodies associated with A.S. Awareness. I have also prepared some healthy nutty granola goodies with dried fruit and coconut oil, with the help of Chef Gabriel Rao of Waikoloa Grill 'n Bar. <br />
<br />
I have almost 1000 wrist bands ready to hand out for $1 donations and I am looking to use this expo as a building block for my local network for the Helgi Olafson Foundation. Gerry Rott and Tanya Power have been absolutely amazing in helping me out and working with me to help get my message out there. People are starting to believe in our mission. <br />
<br />
I just spoke to Derek Park, a buddy of mine and a coach at Waikoloa Canoe Club. Derek has started a Non-profit called Paddling for Hope. He has a race tomorrow and has told me that I have been a part of his inspiration to make this happen. I feel so touched when people tell me that I have inspired them. This is my job and this is what I will continue to do.<br />
<br />
Derek and I both have a common reason we are racing other than for our foundations. We are both racing in memory of Chris Landers, who passed this past summer in a head on collision on the Queen K highway on the Big Island. He touched many souls with his heart and he will be remembered as family to the Waikoloa Canoe Club. Chris embraced the culture of paddling so quickly, one would never know that it was his first team sport. Chris used to weigh around 400 pounds and he was always too obese to play team sports, until a few years ago when he decided to beet it and he did just that. This guy jogged 15 miles everyday in the hot Hawaii sun and watched the weight dissapear. He made his dream come true by being aggressive and going after something that would seem unaccheiveable for most. Christopher Michael Landers was a true inspiration to myself and to Derek Park. Please be with us both this weekend.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I hope to generate buzz about A.S. and gain interest in my cause. I truly feel that this is only the beginning and this network will be as solid as the rock we live on. Lavaman Keauhou is just the tip of the Iceberg. <br />
<br />
I look forward to the challenging road ahead. <br />
<br />
Please look at <a href="http://www.lavamantriathlon.com/">http://www.lavamantriathlon.com</a> if you would like to find out more about the EXPO schedule(I go on stage at 1 p.m.) or if you would like to check out the course. Race results will be posted on this website early next week.<br />
<br />
Thanks for keeping posted until now. It has been my privelage to share my training blog with everyone. I hope you all follow my other social networking links. Please wish me luck on my first competitive triathlon. This only happens once and it has been six months in the making!!! The best part about it is that none of this would be possible without the support of everyone around me.<br />
<br />
Mahalo,<br />
Helgi<br />
<br />
Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-15949392059538439672012-11-12T15:20:00.002-08:002012-11-12T15:27:07.974-08:00Lavaman is Approaching Fast!!...And I am feeling great!! But getting nervous. I feel much more confident in my swim than a month ago. I have gotten some coaching on my form from my coach Rick Rubio.<br />
<br />
I have been doing some calisthenics, alot of stretching, and alot of cardio and high rep resistance training.<br />
<br />
I have biked a good number of hills and I am racing a nice tri bike called a "Transition." This kind of makes me nervous because I am so used to my road bike. I guess we will just have to see what happens.<br />
<br />
I will be at the restaurant during me off time today ato work on getting my bars together for the Lavaman EXPO.<br />
<br />
I have informational brochures coming in the mail about Ankylosing Spondylitis and the Spondylitis Association of America, as well as my "Endurance for A.S." Bracelets!!<br />
<br />
I also have a hotel room at the host hotel in order to be more effective in spreading my mission and raising awareness.<br />
<br />
I will be speaking on stage at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday November 17th about Ankylosing Spondylitis at the expo.<br />
<br />
I am ready to kill this race!!! <br />
<br />
READY AIM FIRE!!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lavamantriathlon.com/">http://www.lavamantriathlon.com</a>Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-54736509098181220202012-11-05T14:44:00.000-08:002012-11-05T14:44:11.860-08:00Hapuna Beach Swimming!!!Just a short little blurb. <br />
<br />
I went into Kona today and re-upped on protein powder and electrolyte mix. I also preshopped for my ingredients for my nutritious bar for Lavaman for the healthy cooking contest. I saw a huge jar of coconut oil for only 17 dollars!! Nuts and berries and coconut oil are a good start! <br />
<br />
Today I will train with two sports. Bike to swim to bike. Then I work in the Front of the House at the restaurant tonight. I am super excited to get out there and enjoy the sun!!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more.<br />
<br />
-HHelgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-56625163894029288842012-11-04T16:34:00.001-08:002012-11-04T16:34:50.459-08:00Shin Splint!!! Not good!Yes that's right! I have a major issue with a shin splint in my right shin. I think I need a different style of shoe. I really like my Gravity running shoes from Newton, but I think I should go more with a lightweight racing shoe, which they also make.<br />
<br />
It isn't the best idea to switch right before a race, but I think a couple of weeks is enough time to make it happen. <br />
<br />
Training is going well. I am logging tons of laps in the pool, which is helping me pinpoint any issues that I have with form. This coming Tuesday, my form is being assessed by a very experienced competitive swimmer. I hope that goes well.<br />
<br />
Transition training is definitely in my sights for this coming week.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Transition, I have recently purchased a Specialized Transition to get me to the next level in competition.Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-65176413612478138342012-11-03T03:49:00.000-07:002012-11-03T03:49:49.042-07:00Helgi Olafson"A 29-year-old chef who has set his sights on one of the world’s toughest
sporting events is taking on a bigger challenge to increase awareness
of one of the most disabling forms of arthritis.<br /> Helgi Spencer
Olafson knows only too well how Ankylosing Spondylitis can cause gradual
disability, having been diagnosed with the disease … years ago.<br />
But, aware of the positive effects of exercise and healthy living on the
progress of the disease, he is now determined to show others just what
can be achieved, by taking part in the 2013 Ironman competition.<br /> And
in the meantime, he has set up his own foundation to help educate
others on AS which often goes hand in hand with other disabling
conditions, leaving patients at risk of permanent mobility loss and even
blindness.<br /> Already an experienced marathon runner, Helgi maintains
his own fitness levels with a rigorous routine of stretching and
exercise...."Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-37914657410047474672012-11-02T14:37:00.001-07:002012-11-02T14:37:18.658-07:0030 Posts in 30 Days!! November to RememberPlease excuse me for not posting on the first of November!! <br />
<br />
I will be sure to post an extra post this month! 30 posts in 30 days.<br />
<br />
Besides...I am a chef, and taking inventory throws a wrench in the gears.<br />
<br />
I still managed to get a great swim in yesterday afternoon. 1 mile<br />
<br />
Today has been a great day so far. I have been looking at a triathlon bike. I will just leave it at that.<br />
<br />
Brick workout starts now with hill running for about 5 miles. Then I will swim 1 mile at Waikoloa Pool, followed by a 25 mile bike. Then it is down to the beach to shower and get to work.<br />
<br />
My Ankylosing Spondylitis isn't bothering me in the slightest today, but I am still feeling some action in the form of a right shin splint. I hope it goes away before the race on the 18th.<br />
<br />
Ok!! Everyone have a great weekend. Stretch and stay motivated with what is in front of you! Think healthy=be healthy!!!<br />
<br />
Please be sure to stay tuned for my training blog as November is to remember!! <br />
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-HelgiHelgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-68156519107833503972012-10-25T02:18:00.003-07:002012-10-25T02:18:42.803-07:00National Health Blog Post MonthWell, I have pledged to blog every day for the month of November as a part of Wego Health's National Health Blog Post Month. I am excited to post 30 times in 30 days, especially since this will cover the last few weeks of hardcore endurance training for my first Olympic Distance Triathlon. This is what I have been training for for the past six months, and it is the first step to qualifying for Ironman World Championships 2013, which is my ultimate goal. <br />
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Please continue to follow me as I put my body to the test and raise awareness for Ankylosing Spondylitis. I am in talks with numerous companies for philanthropic sponsorship for the Helgi Olafson Foundation and 2013 looks like it will be a great year for me, HOF and the entire spondylitis and arthritis community.<br />
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Ok enough said. Follow me as well on twitter @HelgiOlafson. Time for bed, I have to get a short workout in at 5:00 a.m. before I work a double at the restaurant.<br />
<br />Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-82643507414147056502012-10-13T14:32:00.000-07:002012-10-13T14:33:26.099-07:00IRONMAN 2012 is today!!I am elated to be here on the Big Island today. It kind of makes me feel nervous for next year, but this is GOOD PRESSURE. Its the kind of pressure I need to be successful in achieving my goals, but seriously, these guys are fast! As aI write this post, Marino Vanhoenacker from Belgium is leading on the bike. He has very strong running ability and he leads by about 7 minutes. It looks like he will finish the Ironman at just over 8 hours if he can keep it together on the run, but there are many other athletes in this race that can pull it out in the run. We will see what happens.<br />
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Speaking of pulling it out on the run. I beat my marathon time by 22.5 minutes in the Portland Marathon!!! It was a great run and I am extremely happy with my time for running 26.2 miles in 3:32:16.<br />
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I will see you next year in October Ironman World Championships!! Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-90845673882257660652012-10-06T22:53:00.000-07:002012-10-06T22:53:10.615-07:00Prepped and ready for the race!!I am excited for my second marathon ever and I am ready for it too. 3:30 is my goal and I feel strong and able to reach this bar. Please cheer me on from wherever you are in the world. I am getting the jitters and even though I am about to go to bed, I don't know how easy it will be for me to sleep. <br />
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I took my shot of Enbrel back in Hawaii and I hope my shins and back stay loose. Weather will be cold in the morning and then it looks like it will be a sunny day, but not nearly as hot as it was for Kona Marathon. This is my race!! <br />
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I made some great connections at the Portland Marathon Expo and I am excited to see where they go. After this race, I change gears and prepare to take Lavaman Keauhou on November 18th. <br />
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Please remember to like the Helgi Olafson Foundation on Facebook. <br />
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I will have a post race post to inform everyone on how my race went.<br />
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Cheers,<br />
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Helgi Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-28865550941805712682012-09-28T02:05:00.003-07:002012-10-06T22:54:05.822-07:00WEGO Health Interview<a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/wego-health/featured-health-activist-helgi-olafson-road-to-ironman/10151205153103545">http://www.facebook.com/notes/wego-health/featured-health-activist-helgi-olafson-road-to-ironman/10151205153103545</a>Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-72357649563345431042012-09-28T01:47:00.001-07:002012-09-28T01:48:29.430-07:00Oh did I mention...<a href="http://www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/dream-team-cuisine"><span class="T10" id="r0_ud">www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/dream-team-cuisine</span></a>Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7702646402856941552.post-82922416303273236702012-09-26T18:39:00.001-07:002012-09-26T18:39:29.255-07:0022 miles today. 10 day countdownI would like to start this post by saying that I am the luckiest guy alive to be able to train here on the Big Island. I saw about 15 smiling faces a number of times up in Waikoloa Village, before I turned down the hill, who were just happy to be exercising. It really made my day when I told one lady I had seen about five times that I was "running 22 miles," when she said that she walked 4. I saw another guy that was speed-walking and probably hit 5 miles, and a beautiful young lady with a baby stroller and baby. It just fealt great to be a part of something that is healthy and makes me and so many others worldwide HAPPY!! Thanks for making my day and great job out there making a conscious effort to stay healthy.<br />
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This morning I was underfueled. I only ate a banana, endurance vitamin pack, one scoop of protein, and about 400 liquid calories. Luckily, I carb-loaded pretty well last night and I fueled properly on the run itself. I also took my ENBREL last night, which kind of made me feel fatigued , so my run was tough, but I still felt great at the end, with slight pains behind my knees, which is very similar to the pains that I had for a few weeks after the Kona Marathon, but nothing serious. <br />
Not A.S. related, in my opinion. Anti-inflammatories and ice are what I have used since the run this morning, which took me 3 hours by the way :). I am right on track for hitting my 3:30:00 mark in Portland. Now its just some "speed work," rest, and nutrition tweaking. Time to put coach Rick Rubio's training to the test!! <a href="http://www.konapersonaltrainer.com/" target="_blank">http://www.konapersonaltrainer.com </a><br />
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Speaking of Portland, I have come up with a new slogan, which I will be having printed on a new blue sleeveless jersey, along with the SAA logo and Ooomph Sports Logo. It will "ENDURANCE for Ankylosing Spondylitis" on the back, and "www.HelgiOlafson.org" on the front. I just ordered 1000 awareness wristbands for HOF that are blue and have inscribed on them the same words. These will be available for a $10 donation plus shipping. I also have 5000 postcards that share my information and a few pictures. Please let me know if I could send some of these to anyone who wants to help distribute these within their neighborhoods.<br />
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I am proposing that everyone who has an A.S. awareness bracelet wear it for a full week from Sunday, October 7th until Saturday, October 13th to celebrate A.S. and arthritis awareness. On the 7th I will be competing in the 26.2 mile Portland Marathon. World Arthritis Day(WAD) is on Friday, October 12th. WAD is asking for pictures of people "Waving" to show their support for those with arthritis from all over the world. Please be sure to have your awareness band on when you take the picture and send it to helgiolafson@gmail.com. I would like to make an online collage of all of these pictures. If you don't have an A.S. awareness band and you want one, I can send you one and you can wear it with me every time I race for A.S. Finally, Saturday, October 13th represents the Ford Ironman World Championships and is a race for not only the elite professionals who are racing for the win, but also for those who are trying to make a personal accomplishment of being named an Ironman when they finish the 140.6 mile race in the lava fields of Big Island of Hawaii. This is the ultimate test of human endurance, and the race will bring so many different walks of life with different illnesses and conditions way beyond detrimental, including arthritis. This is a very important day for me and I will be helping out with the race as a volunteer in any way I possibly can, as well as having a few first introductions with my current sponsors. NEXT YEAR I will be racing for the win and representing Ankylosing Spondylitis all the way to the bank.<br />
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Thanks for reading and don't forget to contact me about the wristbands, like the Helgi Olafson Foundation on Facebook, and show me some love on race day, Sunday, October 7th, 2012. Send me a picture from wherever you are in the world, wearing your A.S. awareness band. Make one out of paper or a piece of rubber if you have too, hehe.<br />
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Ok now I have to get back in the kitchen. We have 60 person buyout at Waikoloa Grill 'n Bar this Friday and I have alot of prep to do, along with alot of organization. <br />
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<br />Helgi Olafsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00424009753750509407noreply@blogger.com0