Hawaiian Kahuna (Priest)

Up early – really early for state #48.  5am marathon start meant I’d be running with a headlamp for almost 2 hours ‘til sunrise.  Whereas most runners caught a 3:45am bus from Lahaina, I walked a short ¼ mile to the Start Line [awesome condo location in Wailea 🙂 ]

Congregating in a large parking lot, more than a thousand chatty runners lined up on Wailea Alanui.  12 people used this race to complete their 50 states – Hawaii is where most folks end the Quest.  Listening to native music, we chanted lyrics back to a Hawaiian Kahuna (Priest) while awaiting last minute race instructions.

Had never raced wearing a headlamp previously; luckily, no issue – easy to adjust.  Why such an early start?  Most of us Mainlanders were expected to melt once the sun rose.  80 degrees isn’t crazy hot in July/August, but acclimating to the 60-degree temp differential (vs Colorado) is a struggle in only 2 days.

Ran at a fast clip first 8 miles, pacing a sub 1:50 half.  Goal: get in as many miles as possible before morning heat kicks in & I sizzle.  Darkness gave away to pre-dawn dusk at mile 10; turned off my headlamp a mile later.  Race highlight – saw a whale breach between mile 12 & 13.  Not from a ship, not on a whaling cruise – turned my head left & watched this whale break the surface while running, not once but twice.  WOW, WOW, WOW!

Sun consistently streamed from mile 16 – temp now increased 4 degrees every 30 minutes…felt like a slow-cooking lobster.  As I baked, folks starting passing in waves.  My friend Stephen met up at miles 17, 21 & 23 – provided water & orange slices.  Thanks!

Entered Lahaina city limits; dropped off Honoapi’ilani Highway, veered left on Prison & felt a late burst of energy.  Increasing pace on Front Street (town’s main drag), saw the Finish.  Heard another runner coming up fast behind.  Instinctively [after 26 miles] switched gears – enough gas in the tank to outsprint the half marathoner by a length.  Pumping hard at the end made for an awesome finish pic – American flag & palm tree backdrop, everything you’d hope & expect from Hawaii.

Stumbled forward & soaked under a nearby mister. Whatta life experience!

Maui Oceanfront Marathon (MOM 2016 Results) »
Lahaina, HI, Jan 17, 2016     K R HAGA LOUISVILLE, CO 4:47:27

Recouped on Maui’s Big Beach – ocean breeze & zzz’s, just what the doctor ordered.

Call it a day? Heck no.  Caught the end of the Broncos-Steelers game, changed clothes & returned to Lahaina for a sunset dinner cruise (special event for MOM marathon/half marathoners & guests).  Watched the sun sink slowly into the vast Pacific, most memorable sunset of my vacation.  Mahalo, Hawaii for a 2nd amazing day.

“Mahalo” is a Hawaiian word meaning thanks, gratitude, admiration, praise, esteem, regards, or respects.