Why Blog from Kona? - Mitch Thrower

Photo: Mitch Thrower, by Dave Gonzales

Why take all the time to photograph, crop, post, video, upload and write about this race? There is enough to think about this week in preparation, and with the race week activities. But blog I must, because this race has changed my life and I hope it will change yours too.

It was my 12th Ironman Hawaii last Saturday - and every year, my compass has been re-set, my fitness calibration has been re-adjusted and the lava has taken me someplace deepin side the core of my being, and I like that place.

This may sound like one of those greeting cards labeled "deep thoughts," but it is a real pleasure for me to open up this small window for you into the world of Kona on Ironman week, so that you can virtually be in Kona, at least for through a few photos and videos.

Through this small window, let Kona in. If Kona is calling you, listen.
Find your way here to watch or to race.
Aloha,

-Mitch

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Ironman Hawaii, The Monday After - Final Photo Gallery

Swimming in Kona, skilled triathlete & Triathlete Magazine board member Matt Barger who came to watch this year's Ironman.

The photo above, looks like a holiday card, e.g. "Happy Holidays from the Ironmeamea's," with Mark Rothbaum & Mia at the Palace on Ali'i drive. This year, Mark did not finish, because he had the same thing Normann, Michellie and Ferris had - that stomach and digestive issue that caused them all to drop out.

Insider Tip: if the water in Kailua Kona is murky after a long rain the night before, then don't swim that day - I always swim at the Kona pool the morning after a rainstorm, rather than at Dig Me Beach. Remember after a big rainstorm, to wait until after two tide cycles before you swim, because the runoff can cause stomach issues or strep throat. Also, clean your cuts, and always apply neosporin on any open wounds after you swim in any Hawaiian waters to avoid a staph infection.

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News

Ironwristbands Power.... activate!

Mark Mckee, Mitch Thrower and Matt Barger before a final Kona Swim.

The water was very clear on the last day in Kona.

Linsay Corbin on the Monday swim - she pulled a muscle and had to drop out this year, but she'll be back next year...

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Race Day Coverage from www.ironmanlive.com!

For more Ironman Race Day Coverage from IronmanLive click here.~

Ironman Race Day Photo Gallery

Push Play in the screen below to see the photo gallery...

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Inside Ironman Hawaii 2007 - IRONMITCH Video Blog

For Ironmitch Video Coverage of Ironman 2007, just push play and then move your mouse over the screen to select one of the mini-episodes of the daily video coverage from Kona, Hawaii.

Push the play arrow then ove your mouse over the screen above to scroll through mini-episodes.
- or -
Click here to watch full screen version of this TV channel.

Videos are added daily - so check back here - or you can bookmark this link.

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For more photos and coverage of Ironman 2007, click here or scroll down.

Lt. Andy Baldwin, MD, Ironman

Truth was heard overheard from the finish line announcer: “And here he is, Number 1549, Andy Baldwin, the Bachelor, and he’s still a bachelor.” 

Yep, Andy and Tessa have decided to split up and see where things are when he returns from the Persian Gulf. So, it’s true, and that means Andy has now become the most eligible triathlete in the sport. Andy raced sick after a 102 fever the day before, and still finished in a rapid 10 hours and 17 minutes. Good luck on your deployment Andy, from the entire Triathlon community, and thanks for bringing the sport into the worldwide spotlight!

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Friday - The Race is Tomorrow - Photo Gallery

Almost ready...

Move this.

Got Chalk?

Go Mexico!

Surf's up.

A baby jogger with a TV?

The Pier.

Lost in Transition.

Ironman Live Crew! Race Goes Live at Ironman.com @ 5:30 a.m. Hawaii Time on Saturday

Photo: Kevin Mackinnon, Greg Welch, Paul Huddle, Paula Newby Fraser and Josh Tinson, who keeps everyone connected.

Official Ironman merchandise sold here. (King Kam)

Can you hear me? The walkie talkie crew gets ready.

Swim, Bike, Run.

One of the bloggers on Ironman.com, Lynne Smith, who just swam the Channel on August 20th. She also has a fantastic blog of her ow at this link.

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Wednesday Morning Piervision from Kona

This is my great friend and triathlete, actress & model Paige Dunn, here this year to watch the race. Paige counsels and educates athletes on the mental component of athletic experience through her private practice, Xcel Sports. Paige teaches various Sport Psychology methods: goal setting, motivation, imagery, confidence, relaxation, focus & concentration, effective team communication, and more.

The swim was more crowded than usual - the red sail on the right is the espresso bar - set up in the ocean.

I need one of those wind socks for my cell phone headset, does anyone make one? If not, please do.

Love the name.

Full suits rule Kona this year.

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Parade of Nations & Ironman Village Photo Gallery

There is something so very special about the pure support of children for their parents. The words "Go Daddy!" or "Go Mommy!" are enough to choke you up on race day, or even on race week.

You can now control your Ipod from your Timex watch!

Go Natasha!

Ben Fertic and Paula Newby-Fraser at the Ironman Village.

Got baby? Scott and Susie Wollard do.

Someone is only 8 weeks old and she was due 4 days before Lake Placid. Scott and Susie made special contingency plans with the medical crew at Ironman Lake Placid, so he could still race, and qualify, but with a medical crew standing by in case the baby decided to come.

Ford is an amazing company.

Mom and Daughter watch dad try the pool where you swim and don't go anywhere as the sun sets in Kailua-Kona.

Signs of support.

Japan.

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Pier Pressure - Kona Pier on Tuesday

Greg Welch, Ironman World Champion and host for IRONMAN Live.

Click here for coverage from Ironman live!

This guy took his dog to the first orange buoy and back.

Mitch Thrower with Santa Barbara Police Department Lieutenant & Ironman Dave Gonzales, and California Highway Patrol officer Tony Pecteferri.

Got Gatorade? This is Tom Prochaska, Julie Mason, Amy Berner and Rob Jendrysik. I asked them the name of the first person they every kissed, Tom, "snoopy" - Julie, "My mom, oh wait, David Percheski" - Amy "Rob Jendrysik" - Rob "Julie, I don't remember her last name..."

Paul Thomas, Steve Tarpinian and crew.

A Banner Day.

Mitch Thrower and Mike Reilly - Mike is working on a book. Mike has inspired hundreds of thousands of people around the world. I'm going to buy the first copy of his book.

Daniel Avant, the 5th ranked triathlete from the Netherlands, who has an 8:44 Ironman under his belt. A super nice guy, Daniel is very fast, and looks fit going in to this year's race.~