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Lavaman 2018

Lavaman Waikoloa was my first triathlon ever. It holds a special place in my heart and I've raced the course many times. This year, I was able to attend doing something I love just as much as competing: coaching my athletes and supporting my friends at the best Olympic distance triathlon in the world.

We started the weekend with the expo, and I was able to host a booth for Trunk Trainers representing the my Average Ironmom Kelsie identity and inspiring the triathletes to reach for the stars. Jason came with me on day two, an exceptionally rainy affair and we made friends with other vendors and saw people we have not seen in a long time. It was tricky spending so many hours entertaining a 5 year old at an expo, but with the help of Cindy Coats and later my brother we managed to survive. I love a good expo and I'm inspired to start actually writing my book soon so I can go on my 50 states tour, racing around the country family style and attending expo after expo to share my story and inspire others to live their best lives.

I assured everyone during the rainy Saturday pre-race that you can never judge a Lavaman Race Sunday by the weekend weather before, and I'm glad I was right (although I secretly had my doubts about this one). Overcast skies, no wind and a smooth sea made for epic conditions for the event.
 


I was able to find all of my crew and clients participating in the race, some in relays, some all in, a few first timers and the old veterans. It was fun knowing 3 of the 4 of the first finishers to cross the line. Sam Corace won the race with his Bioastin relay team, and Jose came in second for the men with Bree Wee winning for the women. I am usually no where near the finish line when the first are crossing. Not only was I able to see the race finish, which was amazing, but I got to wander the course and cheer everyone on the whole day. It was so much fun! Everyone had a blast and the after party was as always epic.

If you ever consider doing a triathlon this is a great one to do first. Not only is it fun to be in Hawaii, but this race has competitors at all levels. It was awesome to see Gerry Rott and her crew keep the safety of the athletes a number one priority. The aloha is palpable the entire weekend and this one will never disappoint. It sells out every year really quickly, with those who have raced it the previous year taking priority. That, along with being in a recovery year, had me hold off on competing for the first time (the only other time I missed it I was 8 months pregnant) since 2008. It was nice not trying to fit training in to my busiest time of year, and I might have had more fun on support crew too. When I come out of retirement I think I'll seek out some other events, but Lavaman will always be on my list. I love it!

Congratulations to everyone who completed this fantastic event and see you soon!

Aloha!

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