Honolulu Hibiscus Half Marathon-May 29, 2011


The 5th Annual Hibiscus Half Marathon was a multi race benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society with proceeds going to patient services and blood cancer research. There was a 5mile, 15K, and half marathon with a total of 898 runners and walkers with 705 of those taking the challenge of completing the half marathon.

I decided to run this right in the middle of my 10day vacation to Kauia, Oahu, and Maui. Yes, I was called crazy, but I thought it would be fun! I was going to Hawaii anyways for my yearly visit, and why not involve it in the Pink Ribbon Tutu on a Mission?

The course started and ended at Kapiolani Park at the bottom of Diamond Head at the end of Waikiki. Staying at the Royal Hawaiian and not familiar on just how large of a turnout this event would have with limited parking, I decided to take the mile walk to and from the race. It was a very early morning after a fun night out with friends and carb loading on pasta and beer samples at the Yard House. I was good and made it back to the hotel right before 9pm....however my plan to hit the sack early turned for the worse when I realized just outside my window was a luau taking place! (guess I wasnt sleeping with the windows open that night to listen to the waves crashing!) I soon found out that the beating of the drums puts you to sleep!...or maybe it was those beers! lol

An early morning of 330am came quick. I ate my complimentary loaf of banana bread that the Royal Hawaiian is known for giving at check in, for my breakfast on my walk. I soon found out I dont care too much for banana bread. Good thing I had a left over granola bar.

I decided not to wear my tutu during the dark walk down the abandoned street of Waikiki. Although, now that I think of it, I probably would have mixed right in with the drunk tourists stumbling home from the bars trying to find their hotels.

Start was a little confusing, with outrageous lines for the park restrooms (no porta outlets). But once business was taken care of, I got to rest and stretch for about 10 minutes before the sun started to rise and we lined up. A quick shout out from all the states that were represented (which was a large amount for the small group we were!), the national anthem, the announcement of a man running in a gas mask!...and then we were off.

Was a rough start...I was definitely having second thoughts of having a race in the middle of my vacation, instead of the beginning...maybe I was enjoying vacation a little too much....little training past couple weeks, and a little too much indulgence? Either way, I was mentally ready. I had been itching to run again, but was my body going to be ready to go the distance? Mile 3 told me otherwise. A calf cramp that I couldnt shake off had me stop in my tracks to stretch. At this point I was in the same pace as a lady wearing a shirt "Dont be Last!" which had me try to mentally forget about the cramp and push through.

I soon learned there would be more hills than I thought, including the big one around Diamond Head....twice! For some reason I like the big hills, but not the little ones so much. When I finally got to the top of the Diamond Head road, the sun was in full force of rising out of the ocean! It was so beautiful!

Mile 5 I start seeing runners at different points that are apparently part of the same 'team'...called "Run Like the Bitch You Are"...they all had the same designed shirts, and all the men were running in Pink Skirts...yes, thats right! I felt right at home in my Pink Tutu!! They had a swag wagon (van full of supporters with signs, a huge banner covering their van, drinks, and fuel) that kept meeting and cheering on the runners every so many miles. It reminded me of being at The 3 Day walk! At the end of the race, I finally got a chance to talk to them to find out who they were running for (I just assumed it was for breast cancer for all the 'pink' swag), but they said they just run for fun. I told them their team involvement was so great, they should consider dedicating their races to charities. Hopefully they will take my advice.

Mile 6 was a good point where you got to watch the faster runners run by as they had already past the turn around point and were heading in for the home stretch of the second half. Being a huge people watcher, I find this part of any race very interesting, and keeps my mind sidetract from the thoughts trickeling in to stop running. I mean, you dont want to stop running when all these people are watching you!! lol. This was also the point where I got a TON of thumbs up, high fives, waves, and smiles! I am glad the pink tutu makes its point! =)

Mile 7 was the turn around point, and also when you were slammed with a wall of wind! Sure the island breezes felt great, and kept you from overheating (unlike last months Clearwater), but it was twice the effort for every step. I found myself doing a lot more walking, but I also found myself making sure I didnt get too far behind the same people I was pacing with....(that meant harder runs for when I did run to make up the slack). I soon found out that the limited supply of power gels packets at the pit stops were already depleted. I had never run a half without some sort of Gu. (note to self, dont rely on the race and pack my own in my suitcase, because you know you definiately could not find Gu in the Waikiki shops!) I could definitely feel my body being completely overcome with a wave of drag. I knew I was in the back of the pack, but I decided that I would just enjoy the scenery and have an easy finish. The gorgeous windex blues of the ocean were out and I was falling in love with Hawaii all over again! Plus, I was on vacation right?

Coming back up the hill along the side of Diamond Head, a ton of local runners, walkers, and bikers had invaded the area....did anyone even realize there was a race going on?

The downhill I had a surge of energy and I tried to make up time, but reality hits in when it comes to running and trying to make things up....it doesnt happen. You cant slack half way through and give it your all at the end and expect a good finish. You have to keep a nice and steady pace the entire time, keep your motivation level steady from start to finish, in order to expect an outstanding performance. Every race is a lesson.. in running, and in life. I am so lucky to have had this chance to run in Hawaii. People think I am absolutely crazy to run a half marathon right smack in the middle of my vacation. I say, bring it on! It keeps me alive and happy!

13.1 Finish Time-2:46