the week prior to kona.

Oh, that big humid hug when you step off the plane in Kona. There’s nothing quite like it. My skin loves it, my hair loves it, and I absolutely love it!

I arrived in Kona a week prior to the race – for a tish of acclimatization and for a few days of quiet solitude. The highlights: I read two books (Me Before You and After You… I ugly cried on the plane), slept + relaxed a lot, caught up with my Coeur Sports teammies, cruised around on my $90 Walmart mountain bike, did a few workouts in the heat of the day, and had coffee + breakfast every morning at Kona Coffee and Tea (filled two coffee punch cards…!). All in all, it was incredibly relaxing, and after a hectic and somewhat stressful August and September, exactly what I needed before the big day.

With that, here’s a look at the week in photos…

My trusty Walmart mountain bike. I don’t recall who told me to buy a cheap bike when I got to Kona and then donate it when I left, but it was a brilliant suggestion. Lots of happy miles cruising Ali’i on it!

After Hailey‘s husband Mark built my bike Friday morning – thank you! – I took a quick spin for pancakes at Lava Java followed by a visit to the little blue church near the Ali’i run turnaround. 

Sunset the evening of my first full day in Kona. That pink! ♥

Happy Queen K miles 🙂

Does this helmet make me look like an alien?! Pitstop at the scenic overlook during my first bike on the Queen K… hot, windy, and I loved every second of it (even the crosswinds blowing me around!) ♥ 

There were multiple midday runs along Ali’i to acclimate a bit.

Pano of the swim start in Kailua Bay before it got crazy during race week. It was so nice to be there before the circus started!

Near daily trips to Basik Café… açai bowls FTW!

Morning Coeur Sports photo shoot in the energy lab with LAVA Magazine editor + photographer Jay Prashun. Pics turned out rad (especially this one with the reflection!).

Love these Coeur ladies!

As teammate Amy said, my helmet needs its own hashtag… ha! Also, biggest mahalo to Rebel Ink for screen printing my jersey – and, to all the awesome companies on it for their support this year! Proud to represent every single one. 

So happy when this guy finally arrived Thursday night of race week!

Morning coffee boat swim with my sis! And, a quick test of my race day ROKA R1 goggles. Cobalt mirror was the perfect tint choice!

It’s not Kona without morning swims in Kailua Bay to the coffee boat. I swam almost daily to adjust to the salt water and because ocean swims here are all around amazing… so many fishies, honus and the turquoise water!

Underpants run fun!

These ladies, Suraya and Sarah ♥ So grateful for their support + encouragement and for coming to Kona! Kudos to my awesome sis for the t-shirt design! Anyone interested in one (or a trucker hat)? Watch the blog soon if you are.

Quick photo shoot en route to bike check-in.

It’s really happening! So excited! At bike check, ready to walk the carpet.

My bike’s in there somewhere (behind me a ways on my left).

My main squeeze. What would I do without him?! Certainly wouldn’t have made it to Kona!

Race eve sunset ♥