09 Ultraman Day 1
Submitted by: Timothy Carlson
Added: Fri Dec 04 2009
Last Modified: Sat Dec 12 2009
This post-Thanksgiving celebration of excessive aerobic activity embracing nearly all 12 climatic zones of the mysterious and beautiful Big Island of Hawaii begins in the dark on a Friday as less exceptional humans are revving up to go shopping. As kayaks and paddles and liquids and gels are lined up on Kailua Pier, this select crew of athletes put on high-tech neoprene suits that would pass for seal costumes on Halloween. There are hugs and smiles, but some faces, like Jochen Dembeck of Germany seen in a 1/6 of a second blur under orange lights, reflect the spirit's proper awe and dread of the 320-miles and the accompanying pain that lies ahead. Even at maximum effort, many swimmers are relieved to see a little boat crammed with photographers visit and give the appropriate chaka signs. The happiest swimmers are those blessed by a visit by pods of playful dolphins passing beneath. Some rookies happy just to finish the 10k swim take their time in the first and only Ultraman transition. Others, like 1997 champion Peter Kotland, chasing a new chapter in history take less time. On the way to Volcanoes National monument 90 miles to the south over 7,600 feet of climbing, riders pass 1940s style wooden theaters, gorgeous passionately colored flowers, Longhorn cattle, lava and breathtaking vistas at South Point. When they arrive at the cool rain forest climate of Volcanoes 90 miles later, top finishers congratulate one another, the one defending champion kisses another, and one woman cries with relief for making the 12-hour cutoff by 10 seconds.
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