Saturday marked the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Only the best and fastest triathletes are even allowed to compete, and they first had to prove themselves at a previous race. Those who qualified for Kona then had to swim 2.4 miles in the Pacific Ocean, bike 112 miles along a hot highway lined with black lava rock, then run 26.2 miles in unrelenting sun and heat.
In other words, it’s not something I will ever do. First of all, the heat and humidity are too oppressive. Second, I have no intentions of swimming with a crowd of people kicking me in the head. I’ll stick to running and recreational bicycling, thank you very much.
But getting the chance to see these incredible athletes? Being able to volunteer at such an event? Sign me up! I timed a visit to my grandparents with the Ironman, and I signed up as a race volunteer. The experience was inspiring, to say the least. So many people fought so many battles just to get to the starting line. They were such a powerful reminder that dreams can become reality if you truly work for it.
(Click the photos to see them full-size. All photos copyright Layla Bohm. You may use them, but please credit thesmudge.com.)
I took close to 300 photos before, during and after the race. I spent nine hours on my feet, ignoring a grumbling tendon. Because it was such an powerful experience, I’m going to split it up into multiple blog posts. One post simply won’t do it justice. So, hang on and be patient. We’ll start with Friday, the day before the Ironman.
Everywhere I went, I saw athletes wearing their neon orange bracelets. I could actually feel the nerves in the air: In less than 24 hours, they would be on the world’s stage, competing against what I argue are the best athletes in the world.
I got my volunteer packet, wandered along Ali’i Drive, and then headed to the beach.
Coming next: Spectating. And volunteering.