It’s amazing how the simplicity of four words can be so empowering, a reason why Michael DeCarli and his family have embraced the motto toward living a healthier lifestyle and as a motivational tool to achieve fitness goals no matter
It’s amazing how the simplicity of four words can be so empowering, a reason why Michael DeCarli and his family have embraced the motto toward living a healthier lifestyle and as a motivational tool to achieve fitness goals no matter how daunting of a task it may be.
Quite often, DeCarli says that just finding a few random coins while they are training or racing brings an instant reminder that, “if you want change, you will find change – nothing is just handed to you in life, and fitness is just the same. If you work hard toward something you want, the change will follow.”
So it was no surprise to find DeCarli sitting on the sea wall on Sunday morning, with a pocket full of newly found loose change – symbolic of his accomplishment on conquering a personal goal that began at 7 p.m. the previous night– running Kona’s first Lava 100K.
DeCarli, and two others — Kailua-Kona’s Bryan Sawaya and Rob Sargent of Oakland, California — embarked on an adventure of running 62.1-miles starting from Pololu Valley and finishing at the official start line of the IRONMAN World Championships, the King Kamehameha sign located next to the seawall of the Kailua Pier.
“I feel great,” DeCarli said smiling. “I’m surprised that nothing is really hurting that bad, I just feel tired.”
DeCarli said that Sawaya came up with the idea as he wanted to do a ceremonial rite of passage of sorts before turning 40 years old on Feb. 4.
“Initially I didn’t think I would do it,” DeCarli said. “But after a couple of days, I decided to do it because I wanted to be an example to show that if you set your mind to something, then you can do it even if it seems like a big chore.”
The inaugural Lava 100K began under starlit skies and virtually no winds – near perfect conditions for the 7 p.m. start time. While running in the dark offered much cooler temperatures than most events occurring during daylight, it did come with some challenges along the way.
DeCarli said because it was so dark, he fell into a hole in the road followed by some tumbling before getting back up. Then after 31 miles, it became mentally challenging to keep focused.
“I think I had a spell of seven miles that was really hard,” he said. “Then at mile 48, I got back into the rhythm. I think it’s because I’ve never ran over 32 miles which was during Ultraman with Staci (Studer). So for me, it was entering the unknown.”
Adding to what was already a difficult challenge, DeCarli decided against using an Ipod for music to kill the monotony of the run and focused his attention on shooting stars, cows grazing in the pasturelands, the beauty of ancient lava fields, and seeing if he could find any coins along the way to keep his motivation going.
“If you want change, find change,” said the 40-year old husband and father of three. “That’s the basis of our Connect the Dots Foundation. How can you change yourself if you aren’t looking for change?”
DeCarli said that he and his family began the non-profit organization last year as a way to help steer people in the community toward a healthier lifestyle through their coaching program offering personalized fitness and nutrition plans, and on-going positive support and encouragement.
Yet to be a successful fitness coach, DeCarli knows that one must lead by example.
“For me, doing this 100K directly connects to our foundation,” DeCarli said. “People need to understand that if I’m going to be a role model, then I need to follow through on what I’m set to do. It’s all about setting goals and once you do, you can do anything.”
Although it was not a race to the finish line, DeCarli completed the arduous trek in a fabulous time of 10 hours and 37 minutes, an average pace of 10:15 per mile. Sargent followed next in 15 hours and 31 minutes, and Sawaya in 17 hours and 15 minutes.
Feeling around in his pocket, DeCarli was now 13 cents richer than he was the day before. Yet it was crystal clear that what’s most important and dear to his heart is the wealth he has achieved well beyond the value of money.
“I’m so thankful to my family who supports me in everything that I do. I wouldn’t be able to do this without them.”
Coming Up:
Sunday: Dana Strang will host the Strang Super Bowl Sunday Fun Runs at Kua Bay and Kaiminani Drive. Start time is 7 AM for the 13.1-mile run at Kua Bay, 7:55 AM for the 8-miler at Kaiminani Drive, and 8:15 AM for the 4-miler at a site TBD. All runs will finish at the new Yoga Hale parking lot location in Old Industrial Center. Donations of $20 are being accepted for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. For more information contact Dana Strang at 938-0040.
Sunday: Team Mango Races presents the Springtime Triathlon at the Kailua Pier. Start time is 7 AM for the ½-mile swim, 15-mile bike, and 6-mile run. For more information and registration details contact Carl Koomoa at 324-7252.
