Training and Networking Update and PDX marathon!!

It has been about a week since my last post on here.  I have been training harder than ever and now I am working six days a week at WGB.  The parents are in AZ on vacation, so I am putting in over 60 hours per week.  With 25 hours of training added on to that, there is not much time left for myself.  I am ok with this for now, because I am in the building stages of my career as an athlete.  Once fall comes around and all of the big sponsorships open up to new talent, I will have to review my current profession and see whether or not it is even feasible to stay on part time.  There just aren't enough hours in a day.  Today, for example, has been a great workout so far.  I had paddling practice at 6:00 a.m., which I rode to.  Then I swam for about 45 minutes and then went on a group ride with Bike Works Waikoloa, which was the first time in a few weeks that I have joined them due to my hectic schedule.  It seems that my practicing on speed work and cadence on the bike has paid off, because I was in the front of the pack for the duration of the ride.  When the ride was over, I proceeded to run about 6 miles around the resort.  My coach has been telling me to take it easy on my running, due to the strain that it puts on the backs inner knee joint.  I really need to get this looked at to make sure it doesn't become chronic.  

Now, I am sitting at my desk in the Chef's Office at the restaurant, typing this blog post before I get everything set for the new menu that Gabe, my Sous Chef and I are rolling out tonight and then its time to execute all of the dishes.  I haven't had a day off since last Wednesday, and I won't have one until this coming Saturday. 

On Saturday I am going to the funeral services for Chris Landers, who is a good friend of mine who died in a head on car crash, due to a blown out left front tire last Thursday on the Queen K Highway.  It was a really tragic day on the Big Island.  There was also a well-known triathlete named Jessie Taylor, who was hit while riding his bike in North Kohala by a 16 year-old girl who apparently fell asleep at the wheel.  People need to pay more attention.  Life is too special to waste and it needs to be taken more seriously.  How many more people have to die before we make some changes to laws that will prevent things like this from happening?

October 7th, Portland Marathon.  I have listed the Spondylitis Association of America as a designated charity for the event and I am trying to get others with or without A.S. to race with me for the cause.  I will be featured in the newsletter for the Marathon and I intend to speak about A.S. and my mission to raise awareness throughout the world at this event.  There are over 15,000 competitors for this race split amongst the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon distances.  Portland is known as one of the most "walk-friendly" Marathons in the country.  Please email me for information on how to sign up under our fundraiser.  Let's raise awareness for A.S. together!!

I have recently received some sponsorship, but I need to make sure it is ok with those sponsors to talk about their generosity.  I will keep everyone posted.  I will say that I intend to use this page for a "product review" utlility.  One of the main comparisons I would like to do is one on different shoes, and how they affect my running.  I think this will be a great opportunity for shoe companies to get a review from an athlete with A.S.

Most monetary sponsorships for athletes open up in the fall, and that is when I intend to go full blast into marketing myself for sponsorship.  The larger my network of followers, the more potential I have for sponsorship due to the return associated with these companies.  SO PLEASE FOLLOW MY BLOG!!

Here is a link to the fundraiser for PDX:

http://www.crowdrise.com/portlandmarathon

I intend to create a foundation and possibly even apply for NFP status in the near future.  Would anyone be interested in helping me get this off the ground?

Another idea I am working on is marketing myself to medical research studies, so that I can pay for my training and travel expenses.  I also really need to get another MRI and make sure that my progression of A.S. is monitored on a regular basis.  Part of the foundation will go towards helping support these efforts.

Also, here is a picture of my bike ride the other day.  

Thanks for reading!!

Big THANK YOU for everyone for the support

Thank you very much! It means a lot to be recognized by people with Ankylosing Spondylitis. I really want to reach out to everyone with A.S.. EMAIL ME please with any questions, comments or ideas. All feedback is positive.
Thank you all and please follow my blog. I am about to post my race schedule for the next year leading up to the big race…IRONMAN!!!
-H

How would you feel about changing your quality of life in regards to dealing with the general problems associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis.?   I want to help.  please connect with me for any info on sponsorship or requests for me to organize fundraisers for A.S within the realm of my racing.  Just think, if we can get a team together that all has A.S. to do a Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, 10K, or 5K together, it would foster growth within our A.S. society and force others to look at our organizations and support network in the same light as they look any other common disease.  Yes, that is right!  A.S. is common.

I believe that we can battle this disease...

Stay tuned for more.

-Helgi Olafson

Reaching out to the Mother Land

Helgi's Story in the Arthritis Association of Canada

Here is a picture of part of my daily routine.

Of course there are different days that require different combos and sometimes none of the above. 

Sometimes ibuprofen and ice are added to the list.  And I am out of my "extreme athlete" and "sports" vitamin packs.  My goggles and GPS/heart rate monitor are not pictured here, but they are also necessities.

Swimming is great, because all you need is a pair of goggles and your off.  I usually just swim in my bike or running shorts.

Biking is another story.  Its the most expensive, too.  You've got the bike, the cleats, gloves, shorts and jersey, helmet, computer, pump, seat bag, repair kit.  I also have a removable rack above the rear tire with bungees for carrying running shoes or slippers and a change of clothes.

Had regatta yesterday and swam in hilo at the stadium.  What an awesome pool!!

I think I came up with a race schedule for the next year which puts me in one 70.3 Iron man in California before my qualifier for the world championship Ironman in Kona, 2013.  About 15 races all together, most of them are free and on The Big Island.  My next big race is the Portland Marathon.

Coach Rick Rubio and i have to discuss my list.  After we discuss, I have to figure out how to fund these efforts.  I just can't do this alone....

Who out there in the world connected through those of us with Ankylosing Spondylitis, knows of potential sponsors that would like to have there name on my race and or training gear?