Two days before the marathon, really gotta take it easy. So we drive to the North Shore again to explore Haleiwa (and end up getting a haircut from a local barber, Billy). After chatting it up with him, and learning of all the famous people (in the surfinig world) whose hair he cuts, we headed out to Waimea Bay, this time to actually soak up some sun. YABB. Yet Another Beautiful Beach. No swimming, gotta take it easy. Just lay down, and rest. Easy enough. Except for the 4 super loud and obnoxious U of Hawaii students who I'm pretty sure were in the "Gay and Proud" club on campus. I'm not trying to be offensive, they were simply gay, and proud of it. But they were loud, which made napping on the beach tough. We could've moved, but I didn't care that much. Plus, they managed to quiet down, and I caught a couple winks (not from them, pervert! winks. as in sleep).
Grab a quick bite for lunch (another plate lunch), and then off to explore the mysterious West side of the island, which we were more or less forbidden from visiting by our Concierge. But when talking with Captain Dave from the Catamaran the other day, he basically said it's not terrible, you just have to know your place, and respect the people. Fair enough, so we headed out. We just drove around, so we didn't really directly deal with anyone, but you could tell it was a rougher part of the island.
Lots and lots of tents on the beaches. Not because people were taking a relaxing day by the beach, but rather because these were some people's homes. And they weren't all nice tents. Some were just a series of tarps and branches that were used to construct a small living area.
Pretty sad. Not exactly what you picture when you think of Hawaii. But something you need to see.
We went to the Convention Center to check out the Marathon Expo and to pick up my bib and running chip.
Pretty weird stuff at a running expo geared towards Japanese people. some sort of grass/root powder that you stir into water and drink. Large, cartoon elephant-looking costumes worn by a few people and just walking around. And then there were the people trying to sell all of their shitty running gear. Like the Balance Bracelet, which supposedly emits frequencies that are in tune with your body's frequency, thus giving you balance. Yea, not exactly what you'd call and Exact Science. But it works! They swear! And they've got a binder full of photoshopped pictures that show celebrity athletes wearing the bracelet. What other proof do you really need?
And then there was Dane. A nut, who decided to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks. And he does them at legitimate paces (low 3's, I believe). He was there to run the marathon, but also to promote his book. Pretty impressive, but I'm not ready to plunk down $20 for the book. And not to overshadow Dane's accomplishments, but a quick side note...There's a guy, named Dean Karnazes, who ran 50 marathons...in 50 days. Yes days. One in each state. And then when he finished with the NYC marathon, he decided to run home...to California. Of course, he stopped in St. Louis, but only because he wanted to spend some time with his family. I believe it. When you're that much of an athlete, you wouldn't lie about quitting due to injury, fatigue, etc. He'd own up to it. Guy just wanted to see his kids.
A few other weird things at the Expo (including shirts at the Nike Store that were "Asian Fit". No lie. Wish I had gotten a picture. And so I bought a shirt (white guy fit), and we headed back to the hotel.
Not much more from today. Really gotta slow down the activity if I'm gonna run. Already it's been too much this entire week. I'm supposed to be tapering!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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