Are you coming to Kona? Here Is Packing List - What to Bring to Kona

You feel like the Mars rover when you are cycling in Kona, or like leftovers in a microwave oven that burned something really badly.

Andreas was doing 20 min sprints.

Melanie's first Kona - she's most concerned about the swim...

On my bike ride today, met Andreas and Melanie (photos above) - great cyclists from Switzerland. Andreas passed me so fast, I thought I was standing still. As I was riding back to town, I passed the airport and some cars with bike cases stuck out of the half-open trunks. I thought I should make a checklist with some things you will want to make sure to bring with you to Kona...

KONA IRONMAN PACKING LIST:

1. An alarm clock that is battery operated. There have been two power failures in my condo complex within 24 hours. You really do want to wake up race morning so bring a battery operated alarm clock - and a new battery for it.
2. Lights for your bike, clip on front and rear lights - the cheap ones so they don't get stolen (also a bike lock with a combination).
3. Baby Shampoo for your goggles -one drop, rinse twice, no fog, no tears.
4. Your vitamins - they may not have your specific brand, and you don't want to change your nutrition now.
5. Extra tires and tubes. Last year the bike stores ran out of many tires and tubes and this year, likely the same thing will happen again. There is construction on the Queen K, and the stuff they are using for the "fill" in the construction zones is razor sharp lava rocks. There is also a great deal of glass, plastic, and truck-tire-wire on the road between Kona and the Mauna Kea. Today I did not get very far (4 miles) before I had to replace two tires. Not just the tubes, but the tires, as well, as I ran through some gravel, and it ripped my tires to shreds. This year - you should race with two tires or tubes, not just one. I'm predicting more flats than normal, unless they get a street sweeper in action to clean up the junk.
6. Patience. Pack this for sure, especially because traffic in Kona is now worse than San Diego in Race Track season - and even worse than Los Angeles on a Friday at 4pm. If you're driving the 8 miles from the airport to town, it can now take up to one full hour, because its' one road, and 40,000 people trying to use it every moment. If you are staying outside of town, plan extra travel time or you could miss some of the events race week.
7. Your pillow. Yes it's goofy, and perhaps even silly. But trust me, if you bring your pillow, the one you like to sleep on, it will help when you are trying to get that pre-race rest you need.
8. Sunblock that you are not allergic to (without PABA, and tear free, e.g. kids stuff so it does not burn your eyes).
9. Money, you will need something to make you faster, more comfortable or just because -- and that something almost always involves cash.
10. Something that reminds you of why you're racing. It could be a photo of someone you love, or a small gift from someone. Whatever inspires you, put it in your bag, and take it on this journey with you.

Safe flight!

-Mitch

~