Hawai'i: Update 2

30/30/30 Challenge

Swim 20

Bike 4

Run 30+

Getting straight to it, I'm having my first experience with "island time."  It's been two and a half weeks since my interview, so I followed up and no decision yet.  So, I'm waiting patiently (patience is a virtue!) and hoping to hear next week.  Keep you posted.

Meanwhile, I've come across a very good, high probability opportunity in NYC.  While it's not Hawai'i, there are obviously pluses and minuses to both places.  While Hawai'i remains our first choice, if the current situation drags into August, we may have to consider other options.

Other than that, a couple of recommendations if you like looking at awesome photos.  Check out a new buddy of mine, Manuel Gonzalez, on Instagram at 'gonzolenz'.  He takes amazing ocean, beach and water sports pics, and I think gets a beating from the waves while he does it.  You should also go to UnrealHawaii.com for great hiking, beach and generally incredible pics with some short, interesting dialog.

outdoor space, Art After Dark
pic from honolulumuesum.org

Finally, a few new Honolulu outings.  On Friday night, I hit Art After Dark which is an event with art, music, drinks and some activities at the Honolulu Museum of Art on the last Friday of every month from 18.00 - 21.00.  The museum has lots of open air, outdoor space to hang out, chat with friends and meet people, but you can also check out the art inside.  It was definitely cool, and if you like dressing up, which doesn't seem to happen on a daily basis here, put on your Friday night best and head on over.  If you do go, it's $10 at the door and you'll need your ID.

pic from obrhi.com

Because I went to the museum, I missed Eat the Street, a gathering of local food trucks also on the last Friday of every month.  Usually there's a different theme and it all takes place at 555 South Street, from 16.00 - 21.00.  So, if we end up living here, I think we'll try grabbing some food from a truck around 17 or 18.00 and then heading over to the museum.  Fingers crossed!

pic from frolichawaii.com

Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

Several weeks back was one of the baddest iron-distance races around, the Norseman Xtreme Triathlon.  Maybe I've posted about it before, but it's an iron-distance triathlon with a special twist.  Definitely on my bucket list, here's a sneak peak.

The race takes place in Southwest Norway every August.  It begins with a swim in Hardangerfjord (water 13-15C), then a "hilly" bike which climbs from sea level to 1250m within 40k before rolling and coming back down only to run the marathon leg up Gaustatoppen, 1850m above sea level.  Total climbing, 5000m :)

For safety reasons, the race is limited to 250 people and only 160 of those are allowed to pursue the top of the mountain finish, while the rest finish at the lower plateau.  Summiting the mountain gets you a black t-shirt while the plateau finishers receive a white one.

No idea when I'll go for this one, but hopefully sooner rather than later.  Needless to say, I look better in black :)

Badwater Ultramarathon

Coming up in July is the ultimate of the ultimate, 135m through Death Valley in the Western USA.

Here's a great video to get you hooked.