It is said to be an epic race like none other. Described to be an athletic adventure that takes one through a journey of personal rediscovery – testing the boundaries of human endurance, spirit, and willpower. A grueling three-day challenge
It is said to be an epic race like none other. Described to be an athletic adventure that takes one through a journey of personal rediscovery – testing the boundaries of human endurance, spirit, and willpower. A grueling three-day challenge encompassing Big Island’s most magnificent natural wonders, and all of it accomplished by swimming, biking, and running.
It is the Hawaii Ultraman World Championships, and it all starts today.
As one of two Big Islanders representing the State, Kona’s Staci Studer will begin Day 1 with a 6.2-mile open water swim from Kaiakeakua Beach to Keauhou Bay, followed by a 90-mile bike ride to Volcano.
If that’s not punishing enough, Day 2 will consist of riding another 171.4-miles from Volcano to Kapaau, with the finale happening on Day 3 – a pulverizing double marathon – from Hawi to Old Airport Beach Park.
“It’s exciting. It’s terrifying. It’s everything you can think of,” Studer said. “Right now I’m just trying to stay relaxed and get my things organized while trying to wrap my head around what I’m about to do.”
With the Hawaii Ultraman World Championships celebrating its 31st year on the Big Island, Studer is one of eighteen “Ultra rookies” out of an invited-only field. Yet, the 42-year old Kailua-Kona resident is no rookie when it comes to endurance triathlon events.
As a three-time IRONMAN World Championship finisher, Studer began her year with a convincing overall win at Team Mango’s Iron-distance Monster Triathlon in February. She also crewed for Ultraman athlete, Martin Raymond, over the last five years giving her the much needed vantage point of what was required to complete the daunting distance. Thus, it planted a seed that someday she might give it a try.
“Having been part of Ultraman over the last five years, and seeing just how everyone worked together – the ohana and the kokua to help one another – made me want to be a part of it and participate,” she said. “It was such an inspiration to be able to watch everyone. Just to see the ups and downs, highs and lows, and how everyone helped each other to get through their day.”
Studer said that it wasn’t until last year that she became more serious of attempting one of the most grueling and intense sports in triathlon.
“Before last year, I wasn’t ready,” she said. “Although it was in the back of my mind to do it, I really didn’t know if my body was (ready). But my coach, Toni Hasler, helped me to get ready. There are things I’m doing now that I couldn’t do back in April that let me know that I’m stronger.”
As a physical therapist with Club Rehab for the last five years, Studer said that some of her biggest challenges are fitting long training days into an already busy work schedule.
“I start work at 7 a.m., get in a training session somewhere in between, and finish my day at 7 p.m.,” she said. “I’m really lucky to have such support with my job. Club Rehab has allowed me to be flexible with my schedule so that I can fit my training in.”
Studer added that although she doesn’t know how many hours of training she averages a week, it happens to be what she enjoys most.
“In general, I love being outside enjoying the sunrises and sunsets while training,” she said. “And with the ocean, I love it when the dolphins come and swim with me – it’s really a special time.”
While each athlete is required to be accompanied by a support team of at least two members over the entire event, Studer’s support crew is comprised of some of the island’s most experienced triathletes. Dan Gampon and Mercedes DeCarli will escort her during the 6.2-mile swim, while Dene Sturm and Michael DeCarli plan to follow her throughout the bike and run portions.
“I want to finish every day and finish happy,” Studer said. “I know I’m going to cry, but it will be a good cry. It will be a huge accomplishment not only for me but for everyone who has helped me get to the startling line. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Coming Up
Sunday: Frozen Pea Productions presents Post Pigout Peamania at Kaiakeakua Beach. Start time is 8:08 AM for the free ¼ mile swim, 2-mile clockwise run/walk, followed by a ¼ mile swim, 2-mile counter clockwise run/walk. A shorter Pea Wea course is always available for everyone. No sign up, just sign-out when finished. For more information contact Peaman at 938-2296.
