Race Cap and official results for my first TRIATHLON!!!

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Total Time 2:39:15

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 

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.

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. 

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.

Mahalo,
Helgi Olafson

Lavaman EXPO A.S. Presentation

I 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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

I look forward to the challenging road ahead. 

Please look at http://www.lavamantriathlon.com 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.

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.

Mahalo,
Helgi

Lavaman 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.

I have been doing some calisthenics, alot of stretching, and alot of cardio and high rep resistance training.

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.

I will be at the restaurant during me off time today ato work on getting my bars together for the Lavaman EXPO.

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!!

I also have a hotel room  at the host hotel in order to be more effective in spreading my mission and raising awareness.

I will be speaking on stage at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday November 17th about Ankylosing Spondylitis at the expo.

I am ready to kill this race!!!

READY AIM FIRE!!!

http://www.lavamantriathlon.com

Hapuna Beach Swimming!!!

Just a short little blurb. 

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! 

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!!

Thanks for reading.  Stay tuned for more.

-H

Shin 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.

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. 

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.

Transition training is definitely in my sights for this coming week.

Speaking of Transition, I have recently purchased a Specialized Transition to get me to the next level in competition.

Helgi 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.
Helgi Spencer Olafson knows only too well how Ankylosing Spondylitis can cause gradual disability, having been diagnosed with the disease … years ago.
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.
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.
Already an experienced marathon runner, Helgi maintains his own fitness levels with a rigorous routine of stretching and exercise...."

30 Posts in 30 Days!! November to Remember

Please excuse me for not posting on the first of November!! 

I will be sure to post an extra post this month!  30 posts in 30 days.

Besides...I am a chef, and taking inventory throws a wrench in the gears.

I still managed to get a great  swim in yesterday afternoon. 1 mile

Today has been a great day so far.  I have been looking at a triathlon bike.  I will just leave it at that.

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.

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.

Ok!!  Everyone have a great weekend.  Stretch and stay motivated with what is in front of you! Think healthy=be healthy!!!

Please be sure to stay tuned for my training blog as November is to remember!!

-Helgi