My first memory of Ironman came in 1982 when I watched Julie Moss drag herself over the finish line in Hawaii. For the next 18 years, triathlons weren't even part of my thought process. It wasn't until I ran my first half Ironman in 2003 that I began to think that I too could be a Julie Moss (absent the short shorts and training bra). After running my second Ironman, I finally made my way to the big island of Hawaii. Unfortunately, it wasn't in October and it wasn't for a triathlon......it was for a business conference. I had repeatedly told myself that I would NEVER travel to Hawaii unless it was to compete in the Ironman. However, being over 200 lbs. doesn't lend itself well to competing for a qualifying slot against age groupers and as it doesn't appear likely that Clydesdales will be offered qualifying slots, the odds of getting to Kona to race in the IM World Championship are against me (although if I continue to race until I'm 85, I may have a shot at qualifying). That said, I decided to swallow my pride and travel to Kona in February.

With business conferences in Hawaii usually only taking up 10% of your day, I decided to bring my tri gear, rent a bike in Kona and compete in my OWN race throughout the week. When I arrived on the island and began seeing all of the landmarks I have seen on my annual Ironman DVD, it felt like I was visiting a magical land. Something took over and instantly connected me to this place......that's how powerful this island and town feels to a triathlete and Ironman. I spent literally hours just walking up and down Alii Drive looking at the bay, looking at the start line of the swim and soaking in a feeling of belonging. At this point, I wanted to feel the race course.

Early one morning, I went to Kailua-Kona Bay and swam half the course. Ironically, it felt like a race because I was actually one of maybe 100 people who were swimming that morning. The water was absolutely beautiful, clear and smooth. After exiting the water, I just stayed for about an hour to listen and talk with some locals about the race and the course in general. That afternoon, I took my rented bike and rode the course along miles 30-90 which took me to the North end of the course at the Hawi turnaround. It was exhilirating feeling the legendary Hawi wind. The next day, to complete my triathlon, I ran about 8 miles but was sure to include the Energy Lab as part of the course. There! I had raced in Hawaii.

I did promise myself that I was not going to make "notes" in the black lava fields along the Queen K with white rocks UNLESS I was actually racing in the IM, but I did make the Ironman logo and "2006" in stones near my hotel in hopes the IM gods would look kindly on me during the Hawaii lottery picks in April. No luck.....but I'll be signing up every year!

For those who are triathletes, we share an understanding of what each other must do to accomplish our goals. For those of you who yearn to be Ironmen or want to race someday in Hawaii, I urge you to visit the island and soak in the aura of Ironman all around the island. To best describe the feeling, it is literally a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.....never to be taken away or forgotten.

PS - I wanted something to remember this great experience in Hawaii. The resort we stayed at was magnificent and was accentuated with lines of tiki torches (an obvious accessory in Hawaii). I wanted these torches to accentuate my backyard in which I was installing a pool, deck and new eating area. Sounds like a reasonable request......however, these torches were permanent in-ground, gas based torches which is why they were so impressive. After getting home, I worked with my landscaper to work this into the plan, only to discover, to my dismay and my wife's amusement, the torch install would cost twice the price of my Hawaiian excursion.

Needless to say, I didn't install the souvenir tikis and but the memories of my pilgrimage are priceless. They burn with an eternal flame: so strong and vivid.......................that's all I need.

Ed Horowitz