Yelp 365 Challenge x 2 #272/365…read more Yelp 100 Review Challenge #16/100 "Bring sally up I bring sally down Lift and squat Gotta tear the ground" I thought of this song as I was running all over Aloha Stadium yesterday getting very intimate with the yellow sections, the orange sections and FOUR of the spirals going up and going down. The "gotta tear the ground" part is probably relating to the total of 120 burpees I did because I did not do the monkey bars, failed epically at the football toss and spear throw, and waved my hand at the rope climb that everyone who was shopping for t-shirts at the Swap Meet could watch. And let me just say...as I sit here at my desk typing this review, my thighs are on fire. Not "this girl is on fire" but my thighs are on fire. My calves are taking a beating, which is why I am using calf compression socks underneath my pants because it helps. Anyhow, they have also held this Spartan Race Stadium Sprint series at Fenway Park and other stadiums around the United States and international (i.e., Mexico), which is 3 miles with 15+ obstacles. Because no mud or trails could be replicated into the stadium scenery, Spartan Race utilized the stairs, the sections, the spirals and the locker rooms to give Spartans and Sparkles (people who were about to become Spartans when they cross the finish line) to make up for the trails that is normally used for their off-course trail races. The starting line began by gate 5 with waves of 15 going every minute to prevent bottlenecking. You started running up the stairs into the north end zone. All zones used (north, Makai, south, mauka) running up and down the yellow sections and orange sections as well as running up or down the four spirals. In between the running up and down the sections and spirals, you encountered the following obstacles (30 burpee penalty if you cannot complete an obstacle): -6 foot wooden walls at the spirals that you had to run up -Tire pull on the third level bridge -Traverse wall -Hercules Hoist (sand buckets) -Monkey bars -Football toss -Spear throw -Water bucket carry -Lava seats /squats -Orange section row climb -Over, under, through the wall (to exit north end zone tunnel) -30 Step ups / jump ups (on the field) -Fifteen burpees in the locker room (south end zone) -Rope climb outside the entrance of the aloha stadium / ticket booth -Hands-free pushups (locker room) -Cargo net climb -Gladiators to the Finish line! What did I earn after I crossed the finish line: -memories that will forever be shared at family dinner because I ran this with my son AND dad! AROO! -A beautiful medal specifically made for this event -A finisher's shirt -Cramping in my calves -A sore body -And short-timer's memory because I have pre-registered for their Spartan Race trifecta weekend event that will consist of the Spartan Sprint (3+ miles); Spartan Super (8+ miles) and Spartan Beast (13+ miles) If you are interested in doing a Spartan Race and have signed up for the upcoming race but unsure of what to do, Spartan Race has free workout of the day as well as food of the day that gives great tips and suggestions to prepare for a race. There is also Spartan workouts that are held at Patsy Mink park in Waipio or HI Life Athletics that you can sign up to join their workout classes. Spartan Race street team also holds outings to Koko Head to build up the Spartan Spirit (AROOOO!) to get you excited and looking forward to race day. Overall: Price: Get the early bird special or look for a Spartan Race Hawaii Street Team member (Me! There are also other yelpers who are part of the Spartan Race Hawaii Street Team too!) for promotion discounts. Staff and Volunteers: Amazing! Pre-race and on-site, they were helpful and encouraging. Recommend: Definitely Obstacle course racing is a great object lesson of life. You have obstacles that you can either stop and not progress or go over, under, or around the obstacle to push through no matter what situation you are facing in life. For me, there is no excuse especially when it comes to life because you have to breathe to live and this is exactly what Spartan Race will teach you. Get off your couch, do something and start living. ***Forgot to add that there was also a small obstacle course for kids on the field and they earn a finisher's shirt and medal too. There was entertainment with music by Chaotic Five and there was also a zipline too!. There were vendors also, which I must make a note to check out Arm Bar(?) because they were giving out samples of their juice***

Tiffany Y always gets the reviews right!…read more Aloha Stadium was a different experience! For me, it was time for me to get a little crazy. I was fortunate enough to have done it TWICE in the same day. I participated in the Hurricane Heat which is the first run of the day. It is untimed. We started with a mini workout and ran the course with the people who put the race together. The second time I did it was the timed event. I actually wasnt sure if I was going to be able to run the second time, which is the one that "counted". My legs were already beginning to feel like jello and running the second time was a little harder because I already knew which parts of the run I was dreading! However, I finished it and in a time that was quicker than I thought. If you run in a stadium, expect to do a lot of bleacher running. I dont want to give up a lot of what we did because it will probably dissuade you from wanting to do it. But dont dog it until youve tried it. Stadium series is gone, you missed your chance...but be ready because theyre back in August, and this time....it will test your mental and physical strength!

After completing the Kapilina NiteRun earlier this summer, I got emails about the Kailua NiteRun…read morehappening on October 10, 2015. Since I didn't want to pay to actually run the 5k, I decided to volunteer instead. I eagerly signed up to volunteer from 4pm to 9pm as a Family Fun Fair Attendant. As a volunteer, it was pretty unorganized. They didn't have any work available so they had us sit around for a substantial amount of time. I even asked if I could grab a bite nearby and come back! Even after being gone for more than 30 minutes, still no work. LOCATION/PARKING: The run was held at Kawainui Marsh (the closest address is 910 Kailua Road). They had tents set up for easy spotting! Parking available on the streets or at Kailua High School. Shuttle buses were available to bring runners to the start line from Kaiser High School. ACTIVITIES/VENDORS: This particular NiteRun does not have all the vendors and inflatables like Kaka'ako, Kapilina or Haleiwa! Many people were disappointed in this. However, DNLR does not allow much on their protected lands. They did however have Jamba Juice and Coca Cola, free smoothies/coffee/Powerade/coconut water/Honest Tea, etc. Informal costume contest at the end of the run! RACE INFO: If you're running no need to come really early but if you haven't already picked up your packet before race day, come a little earlier so you can put your packet away! They don't really hold anything for you! You receive a free headlamp with entry and some coupons for Sports Authority and Jamba Juice! Race length is 5k or 3.1 miles! Not officially timed (no timing chips). Run begins once it gets dark and often starts later than scheduled. :( On this particular route, be sure to have enough lights! You run along the marsh, partly on the pavement and a good amount of time on gravel! Since it wasn't busy, the volunteer coordinator let me run! Let me tell you, running on gravel with little to no light is worse than walking in heels! Wobble this way, wobble that way! Just be careful. People are running with costumes and everyone is soooo friendly! I kept pace with several guys and they were cheering everyone on! How do you talk and run at less than an 8 min mile pace! Gah I'm panting! And of course, I try to not sound like a gorilla so I'm breathing quietly as I pass people and as soon as I'm a good distance away, GASP FOR AIR PLEASE! Inhale like there's no tomorrow! SNACKS: Grab more Jamba Juice smoothies or Coca Cola products to replenish your energy stores after the run! Muffins, oranges, bananas, trail mix, and cookies were available also! Nom nom nom. Especially when you're panting because you're so out of shape that a 5k makes your squirm. PRICING: Entry fees are $39.50 for adults, $25.50 for children ages 10-17. Same day registration is $49.50. Save $10 if you are a student, military, or HGEA member! Look on Groupon for specials to save money too for individuals like me who are too old to be considered a child, is unfortunately a wannabe student, is to weak-minded to be in the military and I don't even know what HGEA is. Time to Google! RANDOM FACTS: Each NiteRun benefits a different organization. This particular run benefitted the Boy & Girls Club of Hawaii - Windward. Come to the next event, Haleiwa NiteRun, on December 19, 2015 at the Haleiwa Beach park! This one should have all the festivities! Any takers?! :D

5k fun run in dark, lit by glowsticks? Sign me up!…read more I couldn't make either packet pickup and arrived an hour ahead for late packet pickup. I was surprised to find no line, just walked right up, signed the waiver on an iPad, and had my bad and t-shirt within a couple of minutes. It was smooth, definitely something other events could replicate. I walked around the fair / market for a bit. Luckily, I had come early because traffic was looking like a mess. The start was a bit confusing though - everyone had naturally lined up at the starting gate, then we were moved towards the mauka side near the stage. I couldn't hear anything, then we all started walking back to where we were...then right out of the road! The course map then made sense - we walked across the street to another starting area, complete with an inflatable arch and tents. It was dark by the time we started, which was good. It kind of lost steam though. The first part of an event is usually energy charged and exciting, this one wasn't. A few people were commenting on this, but oh well. We were off! I heard about the Seattle night run and was expecting some strobes, flashing lights, or something. The course was mostly just a jog in the night, with an occasional halogen light. The aid station at the halfway point was nice though, plenty of volunteers, a band, lots of cold water. The cold water was welcome - and full bottles of water! Think that's the first time I've seen that at an aid station. Then, just the light jog back. I was expecting a small congregation, but most people just walked back. I'm guessing there were 200 people, mostly teens (fitting though, given all the proceeds went to the Boys and Girls Club). Was a cool idea and if they could find out a way to pump some more energy in it, might go again.

This inaugural triathlon was my third 70.3 event, and my best time so far. While it might be easy…read morefor people who are naturally athletic to roll out of bed and swim 1900 meters in the ocean, ride their bikes for more than 56 miles, and then run for 13.1 miles in the blistering heat, I'm a triathlete who struggles with her run. HOWEVER, I have been training with Boca Hawaii since January 2014 for the Honu Ironman 70.4 on the Big Island, and for Kawela. The training has resulted in improvements in all three sports for me, a mere mortal. Kawela was excellently executed. Even the run in the middle of the swim was actually quite fun. I know that some people probably didn't like it, but it made sense to have us run back to the start rather than swim against the current. My time was 18 minutes faster than my Honu swim (counting the run!). I take my time in transitions to be sure I have my nutrition and sunscreen. I don't mind spending a few minutes getting this right so that I do not bonk on the road. It paid off. My bike ride was perfect, despite a broad swath of sand on the North Shore fronting the ocean that had me fishtailing for about 10 feet. I credit time in the saddle for not falling. By the time I'm through with 56 miles on the bike, I'm ready to run. Not that I'm ready to run 13.1 miles ever. I was tired of being on my bike. Compared to other triathletes, my run is my most difficult event. I can pass women in my age group in the swim and the bike, but they all get me in my run. My plan during this off season is to run more. Transition was at Camp Erdman. We exited transition and headed to Kaena Point, then out to Mokuleia Beach Park. We did that three times. I took advantage of the cola, gels, ice and water at all of the aid stations. They never ran out. I also depended upon the aid stations for emotional support. At each of the stations were coaches, volunteer teammates, and Tri-Mates married to triathletes and familiar with the drill. Each of them assessed how we were, encouraged us with just the right push, and ensured we were always safe. I was one of the last triathletes to finish. But I was thrilled to finish faster than my Big Island Ironnman 70.3 events at under eight hours. That's a big deal for me. I also got third place, and I know it's because other women in my age group either struggled, volunteered, or were traveling. While big showy Ironman events do have a lot of swag, sponsors and shiny bright stars, Kawela easily matched them in attention to detail. This included about 50 police officers who cheered us through the intersections. It is so exhilarating when a police officer holds up an intersection of traffic so you can go through. What do you do? Big shakka alohas for everyone! You can ask any super star triathlete who was in Kawela if they thought it was a well-executed race. It was. But what's really important is how the rest of us feel. For an entire day you feel like you're just as super as the fast kids. The awards ceremony began at 2 p.m. and Raul Boca was nowhere to be found. I was a little disappointed, but I'm pretty sure he was out there on the course supporting the last triathlete who was struggling to finish. That's what you can count on with a Boca Hawaii event. That's the sort of relationship you enter when you train with Boca Hawaii. Recommend.

Boca did an awesome job putting on this half. I enjoyed the point to point format. I believe the…read moreswim must have been short, there is no way I swam that fast! I think they were serving warm Pepsi Max on the run, no good. Pepsi Max is a low calorie, sugar-free drink, we need sugar at that point. Mountain Dew was nice, recommend normal, full strength cola, with ICE or at least COLD. Consider taking our run bags the morning of the race. I think there was plenty of time to get our bags to T2 while we were swimming and biking. Run distance markers were off based on GPS. Road support for the bike was excellent. Run aide stations every mile would have been better, that was a hot, shade free run. 1.5 mile aide stations were too far apart. The prerace brief was good, it was advertised as 15 miutes, it was actually 45 minutes. Recommend changing the name , such as, "Kawela Half", "Kawela Half Iron", "Kawela 70.3", or something like that. The name is a little weird. The timing people agree with me based on their website. Overall, it was an excellent first year event. It is nice to have a long course here on Oahu; I will do it again next year!

This is a triathlon / cycling event held as a fundraiser for the Hawaii Law Enforcement Memorial…read moreFund. One of the biggest draws for this event is being able to bike on the H3 through the Harano from town side to Kailua! There are several event options you can participate in: Olympic Distance Triathlon (1500 meter swim, 27 mile bike, 10k run) Short Distance Triathlon Bike ride/race (750 meter swim, 27 Mike bike, 5k run) For the triathlon, the swim is at Ala Moana Beach Park, then you ride from Ala Moana Beach Park to H3 to Aikahi Park in Kailua, then the run to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii and back to Aikahi Park. For the bike only option, you start before or at the same time as the triathlon swim start. They close off the bike course from vehicle traffic. You have all Kailua bound lanes on H3 all to yourself! Just a heads up, it's 95% uphill and can get pretty windy as you get close to the tunnel! This is a point to point event, so you'll need to find your way back to the park or vice versa. The swim starts

Whether you live on Oahu or you don't, this triathlon is a must do!!! Do you long for a fun but…read morechallenging course dabbled with gorgeous views and almost no elevation climb? Do you wish we could go back to the races where volunteers are enthusiastic, competitors are encouraging to each other and you walk away with the feeling that you just had the best race ever?? Here it is folks. Raul put together a hidden gem of a race. Imagine swimming with the current, biking along the gorgeous shorelines of the east and north shores of Oahu. Every intersection you hit, a cop is there giving you preference to the cars. Sag wagons are visible more often than needed asking if you need anything. The 13.1 mile run is made up of 2 loops, passing fellow competitors and feeling their pain.. Every mile has an aid station full of Gatorade, water, gels and ice. Although a gorgeous route, the heat is scorching but it paled to the enthusiasm of the volunteers and cheering crowds. This is the ultimate energy boost to get you through the finish line. Finally, at the finish line, music, cheering, and good food await you. What more can you ask for? Oh wait, did I mention the gorgeous finisher's long sleeve dry fit shirt with original artwork and design from Mariane Uyehara? Don't take my word for it, do it! I like saying I told you so.

What a beautiful course! The scenery was a welcome distraction throughout all those miles on the…read morebike. I enjoyed being able to see other athletes multiple times while on the run, especially getting to see the top guys. Usually on courses they are way out in front and you just see them cruising at the finish while you're crawling across the line. It was nice to be able to see them gutting it out alongside you. The volunteers were friendly and encouraging along the way, and thank goodness for all those aid stations! Great organization and race officials kept things rolling smoothly and kept the competitors safety a priority. Massage tables at the end were a great idea!

The Boca Hawaii Tamanaha 15K is the first race of the 808 Race Hawaii Bioastin Marathon readiness…read moreseries, designed to help runners in preparation for the Honolulu Marathon in December. First of all, I am surprised that no other Yelper has reviewed this race yet so yes I am excited in this review. I recently ran the 15K on 08/12/2018 and it was a great run. The race encompasses the last half of the Honolulu Marathon, 15K=9 miles. If you have ran the Great Aloha Run, it is just 1 mile more. The race is held at Kapiolani Park and starts there and ends there. It is not as big as other big races in Hawaii but it is still an awesome race that is sponsored and supported and volunteered by great staff and people. The race goes from Diamond Head going through Kahala and wrapping around Diamond Head again to Kapiolani Park. They have some great refreshments at the end and a good race to start off the Marathon readiness and training overall. Although there is no race medal, there is still an awesome race shirt you get out of it. Highly recommended for any runner and especially for those who train for big races like the Marathon.

When planning vacations, I always search online beforehand for any races or runs in the area. So…read morewhen we began planning our next Oahuan adventure, I was really excited to stumble across the Coconut Chase 8k, coursing in and around the beautiful Ala Moana Beach Park just outside the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort. It was perfect! No scheduled taxis or Ubers needed, no mandatory day-before packet pickups to worry about, just a refreshing beginning to my day with a gorgeous morning run on the island. You can't beat that!

Words can't do justice how much fun we had paddling around Waikiki waters…read more Great service with a free delivery to Waikiki and very affordable price. Definitely, we'll rent from Hilo SUP again. Probably next long weekend :)