A lot of you probably have wondered why do you Swim 2.4 miles and Bike 112 miles and then run 26.2? Why not bike 100? Why not swim an even 2 miles? What's the 26...point two all about? Well back in 1978 when the Ironman started as a casual event among running and swimming frineds in Hawaii, the course consisted of three major endurnace events on the island and held in succesion. The Waikiki Rough water swim (already established as a 2.4 mile course) the annual bicycle race (112 miles) around Oahu (the original island the race was held on), and the Honolulu Marathon.

The race was moved to the big island, and I'm glad they didn't change the distance of the bike because today was one long day as we got in our cars and circled the moster. It was amazing. We traveled through cattle ranges, black sand beaches, lush tropical rain forests, and drove the rim of the largest active volcano on Earth.

The day started off with a 4:45 AM wake up call. We were all on the road by 5:30. Really this was accomplishment with this group. Our plan was to drive up the Queen K highway, and drive to the small town of Waimea about an hour away. When we arrived in Waimea I thought to myself, if I didn't already know I was in Hawaii, I might of thought I was somewhere in the midwest or something. Big belt buckles and blue jeans were worn by everyone we saw in town.

After a quick stop at a gas station for suggestions, and a quick stop at the local Starbuks, we ate at the Paniollo Country Inn.

After breakfast we headed to Waipi'o Valley. While overlooking the cliff, the view providided us with some unforgetable views of the valley and the black sand beaches.