Swim, Run, Snorkel - a different kind of Ironman

After yesterday's snorkeling experience, we want to visit Kahaluhu Beach Park again this morning. We arrive a bit earlier than the previous day and enjoy the still sleepy island. Today, we are once again delighted by numerous fish, but the turtles seem to have a day off. That's okay, encounters like these are just special.

After two snorkeling sessions, we leave the bay and head towards 'Turtles Beach,' as we unofficially call it, because encountering turtles is guaranteed here. And today is no exception. When we arrive, the turtles are peacefully floating in the water - and we count more than ten of these unique beings. The water is so clear that you can spot the animals right from the shore, and this sight is somehow magical - we cherish moments like these...

Afterwards, I head to my 'new' Kona Pool, where I naturally meet a few athletes. A Hawaiian participant talks to me about the closed Kona Pool and regrets the slow progress of its repairs, which has only been visible to her for about 2 weeks... In this case, the Hawaiian motto 'Hang Loose' is not necessarily an advantage and can be quite a challenge for people who are used to German punctuality...

In the afternoon, we are back on the coastal roads, observing the cyclists alongside the lava-prone landscape and admiring their endurance. Even in the car, the strong headwind is noticeable, and occasionally, there are showers that certainly don't make training any easier...

Finally, we return to our snorkeling beach from the morning, and I decide to jog approximately 8 km along Ali'i Drive to Kona. So, I put on my running shoes and set off in the evening sun and occasional drizzle towards Kona. It's quite exhausting with all the ups and downs, despite the phenomenal views of the ocean and dream houses, I'm really huffing and puffing. My respect for the athletes' performance is even greater - it's incredible what people can achieve.

Mama drives the route from the snorkeling bay to Kona and films my finish. Here's the video for you...

https://vimeo.com/363988266

After this quite sporty day, we enjoy the evening at home - where we can still catch glimpses of the magnificent sunset from our terrace.