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

National Health Blog Post Month

Well, 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. 

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.

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.

IRONMAN 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.

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.

I will see you next year in October Ironman World Championships!!

Prepped 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. 

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!! 

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. 

Please remember to like the Helgi Olafson Foundation on Facebook. 

I will have a post race post to inform everyone on how my race went.

Cheers,

Helgi

WEGO Health Interview

http://www.facebook.com/notes/wego-health/featured-health-activist-helgi-olafson-road-to-ironman/10151205153103545

Oh did I mention...

www.waikoloabeachresort.com/index.php/naupaka-news/dream-team-cuisine