Big Post

After losing the use of my computer for a week or so due to a mishap of a roommate, I lost my flow of posting. Much excitement has been taking place over the past few weeks!
One: another roommate
Two: Commando Hike + New surfboard
Three: My first Marathon!

Chapter One:
Not sure if I posted about this already or not, but Jon's buddy, Jake, has moved into the lion's den. Always fun to spice things up with new blood.

Chapter Two:
The Commando Hike
We decided to pack up all our friends who were available last week and do a big hike together. With two packed cars and Jon, Jake, and myself in the tailbed of the truck we trekked over to the other side. On the road to Hana we stopped at a cow pasture and hopped out. There were about 15 of us which is always a little worrisome because with more people means a higher risk of someone getting hurt. We took off our shoes and left anything that might get lost in the cars and started on our way. After a quarter mile of walking through shin-deep mud we hit the rain forest. About 15mins of walking through trees and shrubs we found the stream and started walking up. Having no shoes was nice for a little while but the balancing and sliding around made them tired and sore quickly. After about an hour of walking up the stream we reached a "blocked" area of vines. The vines were thick and sturdy like branches and you climbed through them about 6ft above the stream to get further along. Picture a mass of spider web- branches and us making our way through like theives jumping laserbeams that protect a diamond. During this period I ripped the band of my watch and had to pocket it... wah wah.

Next we reached a small waterfall that had to be scaled. One of Nate's friends slipped from about 4 ft up and took a couple cuts/brusies on the fall from the rocks. Other than that we did fine. When you reach the top of this you're facing a big, cavernous lava tube. The risk of this hike during the rainy season is if there is a flash flood while in this tube, you will get spit out over a series of small falls and lots of rocks... always exciting. The tube is pitch dark except for an eerie, ghost-like glow from the light at the entrance refracting off the humidity in the air. Jon and I were towards the back of the group and we started getting really cold and shakey as we waded in chilly chest deep water while the rest of the group climbed up the waterfalls. When you finally reach the other end you climb through a grate and continue the hike. After a quick dip in a pool at the bottom of one of the falls we made our way to the top.

At this point you have to make a choice: walk back down to the pool we swam in, or make a series of cliff jumps (the last being into the mentioned pool). The catch is if you choose to jump off the first, you're committed to the next two. No backing out. No climbing down... I chose the jumps. Duh.

The first jump was about 30ft facing another rock wall. You drop between the walls with plenty of room but it looks like you could reach the other side if you pushed off too hard. We swam down stream and then continued the hike to the 2nd jump.

I saw the jump before I even got to the edge... 65ft is a long way down. Stomach turning, legs a little shakey, I stepped to the edge for a better look... ohhhhh boy. The best thing to do in this situation is to not think about it and just go (once you know it is safe, of course). Jake went first (see video...apologies for the cussing, mom) and gave us the form to follow. I think the worst part was the last step as you go over. Everything in you is saying "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" but it's too late.


What a rush!! Unfortunately the impact caused my watch to fall out of my pocket... I've had that watch since about freshmen year of high school!...end of an era. You could say I lost track of time!

The last jump was probably the sketchiest but not the highest. It was about 35ft but you had to push off of what felt like a slippery tennis ball sized rock, over a branch and far enough out that you wouldn't land on the rocks. I left my arms out for too long and slapped them so hard against the water I thought I had broken every blood vessel.

Afterwards, we hiked back down the actual trail and hopped back in the cars; all of us hyped up from such an awesome hike! We stopped in Paia, got a margarita, some food at Mana Food, and I found a perfect 6'3" shortboard for 135!! Booyah! What a day!

Chapter 3: The Maui Oceanfront Marathon

I told Jon as we waited in line for the porto-potty, I feel like this is the next chapter in my life as a runner. It is a nice feeling to know I have continued my passion for running even though it is such a love/hate relationship.

Denise's friend, Dana, flew in on Friday and spent the weekend here for the marathon. She is super friendly and very into doing everything the island has to offer, I found it easy to play host even though I'm fresh to the island still.

Sunday morning we woke up at 3am and prepared for the day ahead. We caught the bus from Whaler's village and took the long, anxiety filled trip over to Wailea. Upon arrival, there was a traditional luau ceremony while we all waited in line for the bathroom. I saw a girl waiting in line wearing a UNH sweatshirt but decided my place in line was more valuable than a discussion that would have started with something like... "So how about this poop we're waiting to take? Hey I went UNH too!"

We all stepped to the line and the Konch Shell was blown to start the race! Jon and I had a very inconsistent first 10miles... ranging from 5:56 to 7:01 and everywhere in between. Not what I was hoping for. We had a comfortable spot as 3rd and 4th with the two guys in front well ahead and most others a little ways behind. At mile 11, about 5mins after eating a Gu, I had to poo. They should call them Poo's and not Gu's... I tucked behind a dirt mound in a field and did the business as quickly as possible. Jon was a good ways ahead by the time I started to feel like I was reaching a flow. The miles that followed were into a brutal headwind and a few rolling hills. At about mile 17 I felt the weight of the first 10miles hit me. I wanted to push the last 6 miles and found myself wanting just to finish the last six miles. Luckily our boss from Cape Cod, Gordo, was on his bike cheering us on and giving us Gatorade... A big Mahalo goes out to him!!

I had to take two 10sec walk breaks to collect my thoughts and think about where I was and what I wanted and purely reassess. Putting one foot in front of the other I hit 1mi to go. Turning down front street with a slight downhill my hamstrings began to cramp. I tried my best to pace enough so they wouldn't seize but hard enough to finish "strong." With 100m to go I kicked it in with my calves seizing, my hamstrings cramping, and every ounce of my existence exhausted. But I crossed. And I lived. And I am proud to be a part of all those who have ever participated in such a beautiful challenge.

I finished in 3:05:35 in 4th place and 1st in my age group. Jon finished 2nd with a 2:55 and first in his age group. Dana broke her 4hour mark, dropping a half hour off her previous time and got 2nd in her age group!! Also a big shout out to team MEAT!! Way to represent gang! Booyah!

The rest of the day was filled with food and hydration and lots of stiff, ginger steps to where ever we had to walk.