As you read this, I'll be in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for the 2006 Ironman Triathlon World Championship. The 2.4-mile swim through the rough currents of Kailua Bay, 112-mile bike ride on the hilly and vicious crosswind-filled roads of the Big Island, and 26.2-mile marathon in sweat-soaking humidity defines this event as, arguably, the toughest single-day sporting event in the world. No, I'm not competing.
Kailua-Kona may sound striking familiar to some. In fact, scaringly familiar. Almost a week ago, a powerful earthquake struck the region. Ironically, Kailua-Kona was the closest community to Mother Nature's jolting force ... a natural phenomena not seen in this area in almost 27 years. It figures, four days before I'm scheduled to land. If there's a tsunami, I'll be running -- outta there.
I'm still going to have a great time, despite cracks in buildings that were once landmarks and car-sized boulders that now rest in the lanes of main roadways. But this is Hawaii and naturalism defines it best.
I traveled to this same location in 2004 to, again, watch the Ironman. It was the most incredible site I've ever seen. Seventeen hundred of the world's most elite athletes join here each October to attain bragging rights -- to be labeled an Ironman. They've all qualified through similar domestic or international competitions, but not all will cross Kona's finish line. Many won't even come close. This Island's mean.
In '04 I had the opportunity to watch 60-year old Sheila Isaacs finish the Ironman with less than 10 minutes before the 12 a.m. cutoff. This race waits for no one.
With Isaacs' finish, the Shoreham grandmother completed her 100th triathlon and one in all 50 United States. In fact, she didn't receive her first bike and begin training until midlife. Determination and will does not fade with age.
This year, Long Island is honored enough to have 10 of the globe's best competing: David Gatz, Riverhead; Mary Ellen Stajk, Kings Park; Pamela Maino, Farmingville; Michael Di Stefano, Huntington; Danielle Sullivan, Blue Point; Nancy Lipira, Huntington Station; Larry Costantino, East Moriches; David Schneider, Floral Park; Jessica Allen, Hampton Bays; and Meredith LaRossa, Bellmore, who's the daughter-in-law of Deacon Richard LaRossa from St. Raymond Parish.
Each of these athletes has a dream. Some have been to Kona before and, for others, this may be their first and only time. Whatever the case, when the gun sounds , amateurs are no longer amateurs and professionals can put their pro cards away. Only the best compete here.
And only the strongest of souls survive.