Stacey Acma: Lanikai Studette

My times were not posted by the time I left but maybe it is better off that I just remember the day rather than the results....

Prep: Although looks don't count, a big Thank You to Kim who shared her tri gear, all the little things made a difference and had everything I needed and looked like I knew what I was doing. I was fortunate to have #25 so had lots of space and time to setup. Kim and Virginia gave me great instructions on how to layout my stuff and I was so glad I didn't have one of those metal pans to fuss with.

Swim: I was happy to see all the Try Fitness girls positioned in the best spot. A great way to start - friendly faces and well wishes. Even saw Yvette who was the one who encouraged me to sign up in the first place. The water was calm and actually warm but I wish I would have done some sort of warm up and stretching before the race started. Took a while to get the limbs moving like I wanted and found a rhythm too late and maybe too far outside for such calm water. I didn't want people crawling over me but without surf or distance it was silly to be out by the lifeguards. About half way to my left inside was a woman in a red cap doing the backstroke, yes backstroke and she was moving. I wasn't sure if she was horsing around or if it was a new tri technique? - so my goal was to stay even with her and at minimum pass at the last buoy. Linda's suggestions and reminders to" reach out" carried me through. I would actually meet the lady in red later at the finish when she was introduced to me as an "elite" swimmer so I had to ask about the backstroke. She said she got kicked really hard a couple of times at the start and had a charlie horse she couldn't shake - so never underestimate the backstroke.

Bike: Transition went great but how do you know what is fast enough? Felt like I came in and out and kept pace with a gal a couple stalls down so I guess okay. Hated that you had to run from transition to the street. Running in bike shoes on the bike path sucked so I jumped on the grass so I wouldn't slip and crack my head open but not comfortable. Did like the age on the right calf. Got passed by a couple of people on the first corner but saw a 23 and a 55 so figured okay since not in my age group. About 1/2 way down Kalaheo I hear "I got your number - on your left" as Virginia passed with a smile in her aero bars. YET NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT THE HILL... Thursday's workout helped me mentally make it through, I just kept saying "it is not Round Top" over and over in my head. Heard Crazy laughing as she sped by me on the downhill so I knew it would be okay. With time I'll figure out what gear I should be in but with my history of popping the chain I didn't want to fight with it.

Run: The strangest thing during the bike and run is that I felt like no one was around me. - In front or back I could see/hear no one? I would get the random pass and they would disappear in the distance but I sure hope I wasn't last. I did run/walk with a guy who was doing the race for the first time and every time I would catch up he would bolt out ahead. Good rabbit but I need to work on my running. I kept moving but had to walk up the hills since I couldn't seem to keep a good pace. The run on the sand was great and cheers from the beach was great motivation.

Overall a great morning, after it ended I stopped for a shower and some food and then spent 2 hours at Lanikai Beach for sun and a swim and all done before noon. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far. I started training just to do something new to help me get into working out and as KC says eventually I will have to get off the fence and do it. Thanks for helping me "do it", mahalo Stacey

Try Fitness All-Star: Michelle Regn

"Carrying a 35 pound pack over 22 steep miles is a form of cross training I suppose." - Michelle, as she hikes Kauai's Na Pali coast.

The Try Fitness Story

Group training has been the cornerstone of Try Fitness and is designed to encourage, support and educate women on exercise, to help them find an activity that they enjoy, a routine that they can stick with and to develop lifestyle changes that they can follow. All training takes place outdoors, where we swim, walk, run, hike, stretch, do strength training, nutrition counseling, meditation and more. We teach proper form and technique, the how-to’s and the why’s of fitness.

A typical training day: On a beautiful Hawaii afternoon, in one of Honolulu’s public parks, you will see KC and her gals gathering for their workout. They greet each other with smiles and genuine enthusiasm, discussing their days and congratulating each other on just showing up. They are all have different reasons for training—to reduce stress, to find a routine, to learn workout basics, to lose weight– and they realize the importance of fitness in their lives. They have made a commitment to themselves and with the help of the group they will create habits that will stay with them for a lifetime.

Tonight’s workout is hills. Team Try Fitness works on strength and endurance as they make several trips of the park and surrounding streets. Coach KC runs along with each of the women, encouraging, correcting form and inspiring them to do their best. After the last repeat the team meets at the top, each woman waiting, clapping and encouraging her fellow participants. After push-ups and tricep dips (strength training is an important part of any workout), they gather in a circle just in time to watch a spectacular sunset, to stretch, and to discuss personal goals for the week. They all say goodnight and head to their respective lives, feeling stronger, happier and healthier. And so it goes for 12 weeks, three times a week, three times a year.