On November 29, 1987 Sean "Peaman" Pagett, founder of Frozen Pea Productions, hosted the first Peaman Race at Kailua-Kona pier on the West Side of the Big Island. He created the events due to a shortage of races in an increasingly popular sport. These monthly swim-run events of varying distances put on by the community, for the community are free, have no pre-race entry and anyone can participate. By signing out, you get your name in the paper and snacks at the end. Heck, you can have the snacks even if you don't sign out. The most beginner of athlete can enter these races, and there is always a short "Pea-wee" course consisting of a 200 yard swim and 1 mile run. This is where the triathlon bug bit me.
The same friend who got me hooked on swimming in the ocean also introduced me to Peaman races. I was slow and nervous about swimming in a group, but it was also very exiting staging my transition area and seeing all of the people who came out to participate. There were fast people and slow people, kids and grandparents. And a lot of them. Some races had over 100 people waiting to go out and have fun together as they raced their way through Kona, on the same course used in Ironman minus the hype.
Peaman is a four time Ironman finisher ('82, '83, '89, '94) and knows the history of Ironman better than anyone. When I asked him why he hosts these races, month after month he says that he's just out here having fun with his friends. The easy entry and course allows for diversity and accessibility where everyone can join in, even if they have never though about doing a race before. Plus, with no entry fee it's easy to participate, especially for families. In 1982, the first year Peaman did Ironman, he said the entry fee was $100 and there weren't as many rules. "It was harder in ways because it was very desolate. Although there were aid stations, the information and technology at the time were nothing like it is today." The race was in February back then, which is why the Mini Monster is hosted in February to this day. When Ironman was moved to October, he said, it was scheduled closest to the first full moon, so the competitors could have more light on the course at night. Being such a huge asset to our community and amazing athlete, West Hawaii Today interviewed Peaman several years ago, and you can learn more about him at
http://westhawaiitoday.com/sports/local-sports/qa-sean-peaman-pagett-reflects-decades-providing-fun-outdoor-events
As I ask Peaman a few quick questions before the 374th Peaman Race, Papa Pea's Sizzling Summer Sprint, a 1/2 mile swim and 2 mile run, I realize there is so much triathlon history sitting in the hearts and minds of all of the members of my community. I am so lucky I live here and get to talk story with these amazing experts in the sport I have discovered since moving here. I can't wait to find out more in the next few months and after, as I document this journey.
Peaman and Me
Before children, I did every Peaman race I could. I was even the Peaman Series Champion one year. Not because I was fastest. Because I was the only person who did every race that year. I got a tile with the Frozen Pea Production logo and a little ribbon. I was and still am proud of that accomplishment. I didn't care if I was first or last. I was out there and I also encouraged and invited my family and clients to be out there too. How wonderful it is to have a non-threatening avenue into triathlon, which can be very expensive and intimidating. Peaman was were it all started for me, and I eventually went on to Olympic distance Lavaman triathlon, and then longer running races like the Kona Half Marathon and Portland Marathon.
After having Jason I tried to make it to Peaman races like I used to, but the demands of motherhood took over. Sunday was my one day off as my business grew, and I wasn't able to get down to the races as often as I'd like. But not because I didn't want to. I always want to be at Peaman, it's fun! Finding balance in my life meant something had to give, and unfortunately it was some of my extra weekend activities. The laundry had to get done sometime and it's hard to be out of the house early 7 days a week. It was still nice to know the races were happening. I always know if it's Peaman Race Sunday, and wished I was able to fit it in every month. When Evan came along and I expanded my personal training service to include a fitness center, all Pea-mania stopped for me, until now...
My first Peaman race as a mom with Jason
I am slowly working my way back into the Peaman circuit, especially now that Evan is old enough to do the run with us. It's especially good practice for visualizing Ironman on race day. More so, I hope I can use what I learn to encourage others to get involved in triathlon and living actively for a lifetime. I plan on making this a monthly affair and sharing the love and aloha from the community with my boys. Being able to come to the last two races feels like coming home. I've seen friends that I have lost touch with and am having a great time listening to the stories of Peaman and Ironman past. Come join us if you are ever so inclined and you can be a Pea too.
The same friend who got me hooked on swimming in the ocean also introduced me to Peaman races. I was slow and nervous about swimming in a group, but it was also very exiting staging my transition area and seeing all of the people who came out to participate. There were fast people and slow people, kids and grandparents. And a lot of them. Some races had over 100 people waiting to go out and have fun together as they raced their way through Kona, on the same course used in Ironman minus the hype.
Peaman is a four time Ironman finisher ('82, '83, '89, '94) and knows the history of Ironman better than anyone. When I asked him why he hosts these races, month after month he says that he's just out here having fun with his friends. The easy entry and course allows for diversity and accessibility where everyone can join in, even if they have never though about doing a race before. Plus, with no entry fee it's easy to participate, especially for families. In 1982, the first year Peaman did Ironman, he said the entry fee was $100 and there weren't as many rules. "It was harder in ways because it was very desolate. Although there were aid stations, the information and technology at the time were nothing like it is today." The race was in February back then, which is why the Mini Monster is hosted in February to this day. When Ironman was moved to October, he said, it was scheduled closest to the first full moon, so the competitors could have more light on the course at night. Being such a huge asset to our community and amazing athlete, West Hawaii Today interviewed Peaman several years ago, and you can learn more about him at
http://westhawaiitoday.com/sports/local-sports/qa-sean-peaman-pagett-reflects-decades-providing-fun-outdoor-events
As I ask Peaman a few quick questions before the 374th Peaman Race, Papa Pea's Sizzling Summer Sprint, a 1/2 mile swim and 2 mile run, I realize there is so much triathlon history sitting in the hearts and minds of all of the members of my community. I am so lucky I live here and get to talk story with these amazing experts in the sport I have discovered since moving here. I can't wait to find out more in the next few months and after, as I document this journey.
Peaman and Me
My first Peaman race as a mom with Jason
I am slowly working my way back into the Peaman circuit, especially now that Evan is old enough to do the run with us. It's especially good practice for visualizing Ironman on race day. More so, I hope I can use what I learn to encourage others to get involved in triathlon and living actively for a lifetime. I plan on making this a monthly affair and sharing the love and aloha from the community with my boys. Being able to come to the last two races feels like coming home. I've seen friends that I have lost touch with and am having a great time listening to the stories of Peaman and Ironman past. Come join us if you are ever so inclined and you can be a Pea too.
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