Where Do You Stand

Running can take you further than just down the road.

James Kelley

The air is crisp and clean. The sun is just coming up and the birds let you know that you are infringing on their time of day. Even the water around your feet has a quiet calm about it. You breathe deep and feel the strength and power of this moment in time.

Now, take a look around. Do you see anyone fighting? Do you see anyone exchanging angry words? Do you care if the person you are standing beside is from somewhere other than your country? Do you care what colour their skin is? Do you care if they can even speak your language? Male or female? As a matter of fact, the guy who zipped up your wetsuit couldn't speak your language, but he knew what you needed.

In this brief moment, at the start of every Ironman, the world comes together. One single body headed in the same direction. Not just athletes, just people. It is no wonder that with such single-minded purpose so many cross the finish line on that day.

What could happen if the entire world really stood together on some selected morning, people of every continent, of every colour, of every creed, all facing in the same direction. Whatever that direction may be, imagine what would come of that.

It Just Looks Easy

If the road ahead is filled with stones, make them stepping stones.

James Kelly

Well, just got back from Hawaii. I have to say that standing and watching an Ironman is an effort in itself and for all those who come out and support the athletes all day, good on ya. Ironman 2007 was a hot one and full of surprises. I also realized what great athletes these people are. I know from experience that in heat like that I would have been hard pressed to do more than walk. Actually, I was having a hard time just walking around to different view points to watch the race.

The pros looked so smooth and effortless, even though I know by their finish times, they were moving.

Standing on Alii Drive later in the day, it was amazing to see how many people looked like they were loving it, even though you could see they were struggling a bit. As the darkness fell their big white smiles glowed in the dark as brightly as their glow sticks and the finish area was full of great emotion.

Thanks for reinspiring me.

Kona Coffee

Time is of the essence,
so take time to smell the coffee.

James Kelly

Ya, I'm here in Kona for the big one, but you know I gotta tell ya, so far the thing that has caught my interest more than anything else is the coffee.
Now I like coffee as much as any red-blooded, Timmy Horton's Canadian boy can, but this Kona Coffee has somethin'. See, I don't care much for the harsh overbite that you get with the Starbucks. Not to mention the price. Oh ya, throw me in one of those dried up pieces of bread for four bucks. Oh, they're not bread they're biscotte. Ya, ok.

Anyway, I still want to race here, but after catching some of the, look at me, I'm an athlete attitude from some of these guys, I think I'll sit by and have a coffee.
And maybe a donut.