Kona Race Week Recap: Friday

Just hours until race start… Here’s all the last-minute happenings of the day:
 
This morning, Khem had a few moments to catch up with the 6-time IRONMAN World Champion in Kona. “The only bad race is one you don’t learn anything from…” – Mark Allen

 
60 Seconds in Kona: A Look at all the Rudy Helmets – Bike Check In 
 

 
IRONMAN Humanitarian Athletes:  Shiz Gerami, Iran’s first female IRONMAN Trathlete and Jeff and Johnny Agar
 
Another compelling Colorado Athlete in Kona profile, Steve Johnson
 
Be sure to check out the new photos added to our Kona Race Week Album!
 
We attended the “Thank God I’m Not Racing Party!” hosted by Bob Babbit

 
303’s Khem Suthiwan continued to add to her collection of celebrity selfies – be sure to check out the album!
 
303’s Michelle Bandur hit the bike check-in, checking in with all the big bike stops along the lane, and bumping into some of Ironman’s first competitors from 1978!

 
Several 303 staffers attended the USAT brunch at Daylight Mind Cafe, enjoying a wonderful buffet and even better company… here, Michelle Bandur asks USAT CEO Rob Urbach about USAT’s role in the Ironman World Championships.

 
During our time at the USAT brunch we spotted the official swim course buoys being placed – Michelle and Nicole explain how they are set and the overview of the swim course:

We had the privilege of test riding the newest Ventum bikes, and caught up with founder Jimmy Seear:

 

Here’s a glimpse at the actual swim stairs athletes will use to both enter and exit the water:

 
And, Race Director for North America, Dave Christen, reports he drank 31 bottles of water in one day and offers these tips for spectators (“‘taters”) on race day.
 

And the recap for the previous week

D3 Multisport’s long-time Kona contender, Simon Butterworth, had this advice for his teammates:
“This IM stuff is a journey as you know.  Tomorrow as we run thru the Hot corner we will be able to answer the question of our family’s “Are we there yet” with a big yes.
Have a great day all fulfill your dreams.  ”