Tri-Geek Dreams

A new gratitude

2008-05-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

The Iron Kahuna is now three weeks without a workout. He's dying.

When he gets back on his feet after surgery (he'll be able to start swimming and Pilates next week), he'll never again take a workout from granted. The only danger is that he'll start working out too much, too soon when he's finally able to bike and then run.

The doc said it will a full eight months until his feet are completely back to normal, but it will only be another three weeks before he can start working out in earnest. The journey to Ironman Arizona in November begins with the first workout -- one that the Kahuna will especially cherish.

That's what friends are for

2008-04-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

The Iron Kahuna spend a sleepless night last night. He had asked some of his closest tri-blogger friends to go this year to Wildflower with him. Taconite Boy, Greyhound and Curly Su said they were in. Perfect. The trio would fly into the OC from Minnesota, Texas and New Jersey, respectively, and the Kahuna would play host until the quartet would travel to Central California for the world's most difficult triathlon.

But then, in the fall, the Kahuna's foot started to really, really hurt. After seven years of trying to keep his Morton's Neuroma in check, he couldn't even ride his bike anymore. He knew surgery loomed. No problem. Wildflower was still a long way away. But he hadn't figured on his HMO. Primary physician, referral, appointment with podiatrist, approval for surgery, surgery date. The whole process took five effing months.

Still, no worries. He wouldn't be able to compete at Wildflower, but he could be the support crew. The Kahuna had a plan to help the topless coeds at the mile 9 aid station, while cheering on his friends.

But two weeks after surgery, his tootsies are still incredibly tender. The incision on his right foot continues to ooze blood and other fluids. For distances more than 25 yards, he uses a wheelchair.

So last night, he had to face reality -- something he doesn't like to do too often. Wildflower is a lot of things, but handicap-friendly it's not. There are two impossibly steep roads that lead down to the transition area and exhibit booths. There are no elevators. Minus a sherpa or some sort of expedition, the Kahuna would never get close to the race -- plus, spending more than four hours driving in the car each way would help his feet either.

The Kahuna knew he wouldn't be able to make it. But how would his friends react? In the wee hours of last night, he worried that he would be hated for dropping out. That no one would understand. That his friendships would be over.

But guess what? Everyone understood! There was some disappointment, but no anger or recriminations. The Kahuna, once again, realized that friends were friends. They stood by the Kahuna and his ailing feet.

So the Kahuna promised to give the greatest host possible while they are in the OC. It's the least he can do.

A first-person about sharks, etc.

2008-04-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a first-person story the Iron Kahuna produced today for his newspaper.

Any San Diego triathletes out there?

2008-04-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hey, folks. In my real job as a journalist, I'm looking for any san diego-area triathlete who may have known the triathlete killed by a shark, is a member of the san diego triathlon club or who swims regularly at Solana Beach.

Please give me a call. Thanks.

William Lobdell
949.645.9763 or
949.887.2541

Triathlete killed by shark

2008-04-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

This breaking news is sobering:

SOLANA BEACH – A shark attacked and killed a swimmer who was training in the ocean off San Diego County with a group of local triathletes, authorities said.

A man between 55 and 60 years old was swimming with others at Tide Beach around 7 a.m. when he was attacked, according to a statement on the Solana Beach city Web site.

The man, whose identity was not immediately released, was taken to the Fletcher Cove Park lifeguard station for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead at the scene, the statement said.

Swimmers were ordered out of the water for a 17-mile stretch around the attack site and the county Sheriff's Department sent up helicopters to scan the waters for the shark.

It was unknown what kind of shark was involved.

Another finish line

2008-04-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

Two of the Iron Kahuna's top goals as an adult:

1. Become an Ironman.

2. Become an author.

He became an Ironman on his first try, crossing the finish line at Ironman Florida in 2006 with most of his closest triathlon friends watching.

The published author goal has been more difficult to achieve. The Kahuna has written two novels (one good, one horrible), three screenplays (all horrible), and several nonfiction proposal (all good, but unappreciated by agents).

Finally, when he wasn't expecting it, he found an enthusiastic agent and publisher after writing this first-person essay for the Los Angeles Times. In a very short time, he signed a contract with HarperCollins and had a July 1, 2008 deadline to deliver the manuscript.

With his advance, it took a leave of absence from his day job to write the memoir. This is where the triathlon training kicked in. The Kahuna knew he had one shot at his dream, and he wasn't going to let it slip away. So he attacked the writing like it was a regular job (or Ironman training).

He started writing by 9 a.m. each morning, took 30 minutes for lunch, and worked until 4 p.m. The result: the first draft of his memoir was finished by March and the final draft was turned in last week -- two-plus months ahead of schedule. And the publisher LOVES the manuscript.

The book is titled, "Losing My Religion: How I Lost My Faith While Reporting on Religion in America." It's not a polemic against faith, though there are some tough questions asked. It's simply one man's spiritual journey -- from agnostic to born-again Christian to reluctant atheist -- during his eight years of reporting on religion for the Los Angeles Times. In many ways, it's a tragic love story.

The memoir is scheduled to be published in February 2008. The Kahuna will be doing a nationwide publicity tour, including appearances on many national TV and radio shows. If you want to keep informed (and attend a book signing or tape his appearance on "The Colbert Report), you can sign-up for his e-mail list here (the site isn't completed, so bare with the Kahuna).

In February, the Kahuna will feel the same thrill has he felt crossing the tape in Panama City Beach -- knowing that he achieved two of his life's biggest goals.

Boo-yah!

Swept Off My Feet

2008-04-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Kahuna's bare feet, before the bleeding and new bandages. The lighting doesn't show it will, but the toes are black-and-blue and the incision on each for starts at the base of the third and fourth toes.

The Iron Kahuna has never realized how much he used his feet before now. Just puttering around the house, he must log a quarter-mile throughout the day. A week after his surgery, his feet are still remarkably sore and the most the Kahuna had manage is a very slow shuffle.

His wheelchair has been a disaster. First, it's a crappy rental that veers constantly to the left. Second, the Kahuna had no idea how tough wheelchair locomotion would be. Every trip has to be well planned to make sure there's wheelchair access. His ungloved hands quickly became sore and raw. Doors are hard to open. Everything in stores seems too high. People either ignore the wheelchair-bound Kahuna or stare at him with a mixture of curiosity and pity.

The Kahuna has an all new empathy and admiration for his brothers and sisters in wheelchairs. It's a challenge on several different levels.

The doctor told the Kahuna to make an appointment if his bandaged feet got too funky and needed a change. But why go on the way to the doctor when the Kahuna's tootsies just needed to be cleaned and freshly wrapped?

So last night, the Kahuna decided to do it himself. Super big mistake. It didn't seem complicated, but somehow the Kahuna really screwed it up. At one point, his right foot started bleeding nicely, and when he picked off what looked to be a stray piece of dried blood, he only realized it was the knot to his stitches AFTER he had pulled it about an inch away from his skin, causing the stitches to tighten up on the incision and more bleeding.

His bleeding foot led to the Kahuna canceling his planned Pilates class and weight-lifting session -- probably not a great idea a week after surgery, but the Kahuna has been going effing crazy just sitting around.

Something tells the Kahuna that triathletes, with their obssessive-complusive gene, don't make great patients.

Triathlon quotes

2008-04-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

OK, folks. You've never let the Iron Kahuna down. And he needs your help. In his weakened state, he's been surfing the Internet for inspirational triathlon quotes. He thought they would be plentiful. They were not. The best one he found was on a youtube.com video, where the narrator said, "Ironman is every person, trying to find out what he can do: swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, run 26.2 miles ... brag the rest of your life."

There seems to be a dearth of great triathlon quotes, collected in a single place. Well, how about it? Do you have a great triathlon quote you can share?

Excuuuuuuuuuse me?

2008-04-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

OK, when the Iron Kahuna's foot doctor told him it would be 4-6 weeks before his feet recovered from surgery, that didn't seem like too long a time.

Yesterday, he visited the doc three days after surgery to remove Morton's Neuroma from both feet. No infections and the healing looked to be on pace. So the Kahuna asked, "During my recovery, do I put each much pressure on my feet as they can handle?"

The doc looked at the Kahuna as if he were crazy.

"No," he said patiently. "Four to six weeks is the amount of time you need to be off your feet."

WTF?

The Kahuna is now thinking he had a hearing problem when the recovery was initially detailed. He had imagined that after a week or so, he'd be starting to walk, slowly nursing his feet back to normal. But the doc was saying something quite different: stay off your feet for at least four weeks.

Today, Mrs. Kahuna rented her husband a wheelchair, which his kids quickly commandeered. For the next four weeks or so, the Kahuna will make his way around town (and work) in an effing wheelchair! Not the biggest sacrifice, but more than he had expected. This will be an interesting month.

Today, he already had a breakdown. He couldn't stand lying (or is it laying?) in bed for another minute. He had had it with sitting on the couch, his feet propped up. He even started to freakin' watch "Oprah"! That was too much.

He hobbled out to his car, emptying his trunk of his various triathlon equipment to make room for his rented wheelchair. It was a surreal experience, but amounted to a tremendous workout in his depleted state.

Maybe tomorrow he'll wheel himself out to the garage to lift weights.

Agony of Da Feet

2008-04-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

The Iron Kahuna's view for the past 48 hours.

On Friday, the Iron Kahuna experienced his first surgery under general anesthetic. He needed to get the Morton's Neuroma removed from both his feet. His wide boats, combined with narrow shoes and repetitive use, caused him to develop scar tissue on his nerve endings between his third and fourth toes. The result: numbness of his toes and occasionally searing pain. First, he thought his basketball career was over. Then, his promising professional career as a triathlete.

But the good doctor (HMO's best!) removed both neuromas on Friday, leaving the Kahuna with two very, very sore feet and a reluctant nurse in Mrs. Kahuna (though she never complains!). The good news: recovery is expected to be fairly swift (4 to 6 weeks), just in time for training for Ironman Arizona.

The Kahuna spent the weekend in an unusual position: flat on his back with both feet in the air. He can't say it was an unpleasant experience. But after a few hours, the boredom bored in, and he would have given anything to be able to run, swim or bike. As consolation, he tried to follow Commodore during the spring version of Ironman Arizona. Can someone please get the "track an athlete" feature on IronmanLive to work on effing race day? Most of the time, the web address turned up nothing but "fatal errors."

A slightly different view.

It will take a few more weeks of inactivity to make sure the Kahuna's feet are healed properly. In the meantime, if health permits, he'll be doing some weightlifting and Pilates. The Kahuna WILL NOT GO SOFT!

This will also mean that he will return to the water soon, something he's avoided since last season. The Kahuna can swim like a fish, but his youth spent swimming lap after boring lap has made him weary of the pool. He'll need to return to his natural habitat, especially if he's going to finish Ironman Arizona. But it won't be a glorious homecoming. It will be a union of convenience.

Put a Sock in It!

2008-04-08T23:05:00.001-07:00

Voting closes Wednesday at midnight for the DryMax sock challenge. Check out the entries here.

Vote early and often!

Wear protection!

2008-04-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

The loves in the Iron Kahuna's life are few: his wife and boys, triathlon and his iPhone. He loved his iPhone so much that he took off the protective cover because it didn't show off his phone's sleek lines. This worked well for several months.

But then, one morning, he was trying to herd all his kids into the car, with various work projects balanced in his arms. Suddenly, he saw his iPhone, on top of his armful of homework, start to slip off. He did what any Apple-loving fanboy would do. He dropped everything to save his iPhone.

At this point, the Kahuna's world turned into a slow-motion horror film.

He dropped everything in his arms to rescue his beloved iPhone. Using his superior athletic skills, he reached for the falling cell phone, but only managed to send it up further into the air. As he watched helplessly, his iPhone tumbled over and over again until it landed with a sickening thud on the street, its metal siding bashed in and its glass shattered.

Eff.

The phone is beyond repair. Insurance doesn't cover the loss. Voice mail and other features now only work sporadically. But the Kahuna isn't made out of money. Especially with the new G3 iPhone rumored to be soon released. So the Kahuna will go with a ghetto iPhone, held together by duct tape (until the day the G3 version is on sale).

He's not sure of the lesson here, though it could be something about humility. Don't tempt the gods. Wear protection! Don't think you're something special. Whom the Gods wish to humble, they first raise up!

Growing Pains

2008-04-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

The infancy of the Tri-Blogger Alliance is long behind us, and now, with hundreds of bloggers across the world, we are growing into a mature community -- with all the dynamics, good and bad, of any group.

We've shared great joys and tragedies. We've cheered each other at races and toasted each other at bars. We've had hook-ups and affairs. We've had fights, and we've made up.

And we suppose it was inevitable, but we now have some first-class a-holes among us. Sometimes, they leave anonymous comments; other times they write petty/vicious/demeaning posts about others on their blogs under a pseudonym.

What the Kahuna loved about the Innocent Years was that the tri-blogs offered an oasis from the pettiness and haters of everyday life.

Paradise lost.

Hook, line and sinker

2008-04-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

OK, so the Iron Kahuna gets an e-mail from a very angry Mom Kahuna. She wants to know two things: a) why her son would leave his beautiful wife and four boys and run off with three-time Xterra champ Melanie McQuaid -- to Canada, no less! -- and announce it so callously in his blog; and b) why he didn't tell Mom Kahuna that he had made a movie.

Apparently, the Kahuna's character is such that his own mother has no problem believing he would abandon his wife and kids for Another Woman. But on the plus side, apparently Mom Kahuna cannot tell any difference between movie star idol Jason Statham (pictured above) and the aging Kahuna. Maybe the Kahuna will send Jason to Thanksgiving dinner this year.

The Kahuna had to tell her that the first post about Mel was an April Fool's joke, and the second post about Jason Statham was also a joke. Next time, he promised he'll send her Cliffs Notes.

P.S. The Kahuna has just received the HOTTEST comment ever on his blog. Melanie McQuaid herself wrote: "Haha! Jokes on all of you since ACTUALLY, Desiree and I have run away to be together for ever! Happy April 1!"

It BOGGLES the imagination.

Kahuna's big plans

2008-04-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

After a brief hiatus, the Iron Kahuna is back in the blogging business. He's been busy promoting his new movie, the Bank Job, and finishing his book. Now, it's time to get excited about the 2008 triathlon season.

Despite his foot problems and pending surgery (in 10 days), the Kahuna's stayed motivated to keep in shape -- thanks largely to spin classes and running on the soft sand. He's shaved about five pounds off his peak weight (he's down to about 192), and gained some muscle in his legs. He'll won't be able to cycle or run for about six weeks post-surgery, but he's got a plan.

First, Trimama has formulated a triathlon specific weight-training program for him (in addition to making hotel reservations for Ironman Arizona this November -- so a double thanks). He'll also be able to do many of his Pilates exercises, swim and run in the pool (once he gets his stitches removed).

Another glass-is-half-full take: The Kahuna's legs will be well-rested and injury-free going to the season. Up until now, the Kahuna hasn't felt the mojo to plot out his 2008 triathlon schedule. He's got some ideas, but besides Ironman Arizona, he hasn't signed up for any races (well, he did enter Ironman California 70.3, but his feet kept him out). Within the next couple of days, the Kahuna will announce his tri schedule for 2008.

There's something about signing up for a race that puts fire in the belly. Part of it is fear -- there are no shortcuts on the triathlon course, a lesson triathletes learn quickly during the first race they don't properly train for. But most of it is having something tangible to shoot for as you swim, pedal and run day after day. Picking events is also one of the most enjoyable parts of triathlon -- what distance? what location? what date? It's kind of like selecting a vacation spot -- there are so many great possibilities.

For now, the Kahuna is thinking about a sprint race in June (maybe the Ventura Breath of Life tri), an Olympic in July (Strawberry Fields tri in Oxnard?) and August (still looking), and a half in September (Big Kahuna in Santa Cruz) and October (probably the funky but beautiful Las Vegas Pumpkinman race to simulate desert conditions of Arizona).

Please take note: the Kahuna is back and badder than ever.

Confidential to Tri-Bloggers

2008-04-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

The Iron Kahuna has finally updated the listings in the Tri-Blogger International Alliance. If he messed up or missed you or you just want to be listed, please e-mail the Kahuna at trigeekdreams@yahoo.com. In the subject line, please put "tri-blogger." Thanks!

P.S. We got our first tri-blogger from the great state of Wyoming! Now it's time to hear from North Dakota!

Foolish decision?

2008-04-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

This may not come as a surprise to some, but the Iron Kahuna and three-time Xterra champion Melanie McQuaid are officially An Item. McKahuna decided it was time to make public their relationship, before the paparazzi -- or Triathlon Magazine -- broke the story. But seriously, the two superstars of the triathlon world decided now is the time to come clean.

Mel, the three-time Xterra champion, first fell in love with the Kahuna in San Diego a few years ago, when he kicked her ass in the swimming pool. Since then, the pair have continued a simmering relationship that brimmed with sexual tension before finally Mel yelled, "I can't pretend anymore! I LOVE THE KAHUNA!"

Though separated by two countries, the pair have managed to make their relationship work. He doesn't care that she keeps saying, "A BUTT" when she means, "About." And late at night, if the mood is right, Mel sings "Oh, Canada" to the Kahuna -- it's his favorite song and drives the Kahuna crazy!!!!!

The Kahuna knows this will be a shock for some. But life is short, and he fell in love with Mel, the kind of love that pushed away a loving wife and four children in exchange for an iffy relationship with a world champion triathlete who is deeply devoted to her "boyfriend." You can't judge unless you're in the Kahuna's Nikes.

The Kahuna thought he could never finished an Ironman. How much more of a challenge could it be of hooking up with Mel? It's been a wild ride. But he couldn't resist the signs Mel sent him: the romantic photo shoot in La Jolla, the erotic swim workout in San Diego, the indifferent shoulder for the next two years -- punctuated by the occasional e-mail.

The truth was revealed a month ago when Mel unexpectedly approached the Kahuna and said, "I want to cross the finish line of life with you." How could the Kahuna resist?

So the Kahuna -- tearfully, for sure -- told his wife and four boys that he was moving on. He'd still be there for weekend visits (for the boys), but he and Mel were now the First Couple of Triathlon. He was moving north of the border to help Mel train.

Some folks will say that Mel's devotion to the Kahuna stems from the fact that she was responsible for his near-death experience while training for Xterra Temecula, when the first-time mountain biker rode off a 20-foot cliff and landed on a pile of boulders. That may be. But the fact is, guilt provides as good a reason as any for a man to hook up with a world champ. The Kahuna thanks the gods for his crash.

It's time that the whole world knows. McKahuna are a couple. Deal with it!

10 things before the Kahuna dies

2008-03-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

Here are 10 things the Iron Kahuna wants to do before he dies:

1. Complete an Ironman in his 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.

2. Drink a pint in an Irish pub (in Ireland!).

3. Bike (slowly) across the United States, soaking in the rhythms of America at his leisure.

4. Visit Africa, Argentina, Mexico City, New Zealand and Asia.

5. Tour Israel.

6. Write a screenplay and novel that sell.

7. Watch his four boys enter tackle adulthood successfully.

8. Live overseas for a year.

9. Stand-up paddle surf the California coast.

10. Retire in time to enjoy life.

The Kahuna's training ground

2008-03-12T21:24:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, the Iron Kahuna headed out to his usual training ground, the six-mile stretch of sand that makes up the Newport Beach (Balboa) peninsula. He's gravitated to the soft sand in an effort to save his fragile, surgery-ready, numb feet. It has the added benefit of building up his legs and making running on hard surfaces seem like he's flying.

He usually likes to run near sunset, a great time of down when life slows down, allowing it to come into perspective. The Kahuna sees in-love couples sitting on a beach blanket, watching the sunset like it was a spectator sport, drinking from a clandestine bottle of wine. And the surfers ripping on some of the world's best waves. And the lookie-lou tourists taking photos of the sun going down.

It's a great training ground, and something he never takes for granted (especially when his blogger friends in the Midwest are digging out of 20 inches of snow!).

Iron Kahuna's big bro

2008-03-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

The Iron Kahuna's big brother turned 53 yesterday. Here are some pics of him, even at his elderly age, ripping it up two weeks ago at Sunset Beach, where he lives. Happy birthday, brah!

Rich man, poor man

2008-03-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

The Iron Kahuna's wife's business, Greer's OC, allows for the family to once in a while to experience the lifestyles of the rich and famous. On Friday night, Greer's OC was invited for an evening at the Ritz-Carlton, Dana Point. While Ms. Kahuna attended a wine and cheese tasting party, the Kahuna and his two youngest boys played in the pool and spa, order room service and basically acted like the Beverly Hillbillies set loose in a five-star resort. It was great!

Iron Jenny once said that she's been poor and she's been rich, and it's better to be rich. The Kahuna would have to agree. The incredible staff to the Ritz Carlton catered to the Kahuna's every need -- from opening every door he entered to providing him with bottled water and fresh fruit each time he retrieved his car.

Without doubt, the best part of the night was the feathered bed with the million-count cotton sheets in their hotel room. It almost didn't matter that the Kahuna and his wife were joined in the queen-sized bed by their two youngest sons, Matthew and Oliver. This was a great evening; the Kahuna wouldn't mind better rich.

Update

2008-03-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hey, folks. The Iron Kahuna has felt like the Tissue Paper Kahuna lately. The Kahuna's dad is still in rehab, working hard to recover enough strength and skills to get the hell out of there. At 83 and with a broken neck, it's an Ironman of his own. Dad in danger has effed up the Kahuna's equilibrium.

But life goes on, right? The Kahuna's made release is his spin classes, which have somehow taken on greater importance during this time of red-lining stress. He ADORES his kick-ass instructor, who combines motivation and great music (the Kahuna is no longer stuck in the 70s) for a great work. She is less than five feet tall, and weighs less than 100 pounds. But her body is made up of muscle and bones covered by a taunt layer of flesh. That's it. She is an inspiration.

The Kahuna's also gotten back into weightlifting. At age 47 (shhh, don't tell anyone), he can see the muscle tone sagging without pumping iron. That won't due.

The Kahuna has a date with a surgeon on April 11, cutting the Morton's Neuroma (which is actually a tumor) from each of his feet. This will free him from constant numbness and, if he busts a move, sheering pain in his foot. He's doing something not recommended by his doctor -- having surgery on both feet at the same time. But that's the only way he can be ready for Ironman Arizona in November.

So Mrs. Kahuna will have to play the role of nurse -- something that the Kahuna finds very sexy. But enough of that.

The Kahuna had one more experience he wanted to relay. Tonight at spin, a new newcomer spotted his old-school black-and-white M-Dot tattoo and said she was looking into entering a triathlon. The Kahuna was able to point her in the right direction, and offer her some encourage on her quest.

That make of thing makes the whole journey worthwhile.

P.S. I miss you guys.

Inspiration on tap

2008-02-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't heard, the best everyman triathlete team, Evotri, sponsored by companies that sponsor the pros is in the middle selecting its newest members. Those interested were asked to submit a video as a kind of resume.

The results, as the Iron Kahuna has best uncovered, has produced 19 inspirational videos, including great stories from old friends such as Commodore and Triboomer.

The Kahuna also was especially fond several of the submissions, including Michelle Alswager, who gotten into triathlete when her son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (like the Kahuna's son); Sarah McKibben, who used has lost a ton of weight through running and triathlon; Laura Phillips, who races to raise funds for cancer; Shirley Pratt, an inspiration for one-time non-athletes everywhere; and Jonah Holland, a triathlete who encourages others.

It's also impossible to pick the winner, but with a gun to his head (and not counting his bros Commodore and Triboomer, who should be automatic members to Evotri), he'd pick Shirley Pratt -- a woman who got a black belt in karate after her 40th birthday -- as the newest Evotri sponsored member.

They like us!

2008-02-22T20:03:00.001-08:00

They really, really like us! The official podcast of triathletes -- "Get Your Geek On!" hosted by the Iron Kahuna and Iron Wil -- got a nice and unexpected endorsement from a writer from the Denver Post.

In a front-page story in its fitness section, Jacqueline Feldman talked about losing weight for her wedding day and how listening to "Get Your Geek On!" helped in the process.

Here's what she said:

"In the water: I use an Oregon Scientific waterproof MP3 player that's loaded with music and a favorite podcast about triathlons. "Get Your Geek On" is produced by two triathlete bloggers and mixes fun banter, interesting ruminations about triathlon and interviews with coaches and other athletes. The podcast is available through iTunes."

Booyah!

A short hiatus

2008-02-19T20:53:00.000-08:00

A young Iron Kahuna (left) with his dad and two brothers.

Here's the reason behind the recent lack of posts.

The Iron Kahuna's old man is ailing. The old man took a tumble backward and broke his neck's sixth vertebrae. He experienced some tingling in his arms and weakness in his legs, but fortunately, he wasn't paralyzed. The Kahuna traveled to the Bay Area and played nurse for a few days. The Kahuna doesn't think there's anything more draining -- even an Ironman -- than dealing with a loved one who's in critical condition at a hospital. In addition to caring for the afflicted, you have to work with nurses, attendants, admissions people, case workers, physical therapists, vocational therapists, occupational therapists, insurance people, doctors and roommates.

The Iron Kahuna, his sons and his dad.

Now, at 83, the old man needs to embrace the physical therapy that will allow him to regain mobility and restore his quality of life. The good news: his attitude is great. Even with a broken neck and arms and legs that have been weakened, he's ready to take on the challenge. Eye of the tiger and all that.

At a rare Stanford appearance in the Rose Bowl: the Kahuna and his brothers (back row); the old man (middle row) and the Kahuna's sons (front row, left and right) and nephew (middle).