Good Times in Kona

This weekend was an absolute blast! I was in Kona for a paddling race and had one of the best weekends ever. More than ever before I felt very much part of the group with my paddling friends and just really had a great time.

We were up early on Saturday four our 18 mile race down the coast. I was in our 5th crew, but decidedly our nicest crew. I did this race last year and was pretty much miserable for the entire length of it. I was so happy to enjoy it this year. We were positive, we were moving great, it was terrific. We passed boats left and right and had our 4th crew boat in our sights the entire way. We ended up only 45 seconds behind our 4th crew, and 35th out of the total 140 boats entered. It rocked.

I got out of the boat and felt awful. I was so sore, so blistery, so out of my mind. It's an odd emotional race. It gets in your head. I wanted to cry when I was done. But a shower, a sort-of nap, and some food later, I was 100% and ready to hit the town with the girls.



Best night I've had in ages! I felt like I was back in college. We were all drinking and stupid and having a blast. Everyone got hugs, everyone was giggling. We made it to LuLu's for the paddling party and everyone was dancing and drinking. I let it all go and had a really great time. At one point I think I told my coach I needed a hug. And I managed not to feel embarrassed about that the next day.



Miraculously, I woke up the next day feeling pretty good. A bagel and a Chai latte and I was ready for our double hull race. This was sort of a re-do of last year's race where we spun out. We were in it to win it this year. We didn't win. Oh well. I'm over it. Last double hull race for me.

I wrapped up my Kona trip with a veggie burger and a cruise through town. Bryan picked me up from the airport, we went to dinner, and yesterday we went for a great hike.

Bryan spent his weekend with a few different friends, on his computer, and taking a few runs.