I felt a little sluggish on the run, perhaps from my switch from all running to tri training in mid-January. My ultimate goal was to go sub-2 hours, but I forgot how hilly this course is, and that slowed me down. It was an extremely enjoyable run, in relatively cool temps (loved the 6:30 a.m. start time!) just as the sun was coming up over Haleakala. There were many times I wanted to stop and take pictures, but I didn't - I was concentrating on my run.

Take a faster pace and walk through aid stations. I ran the entire race with the exception of about 100yds 3 miles from the end.

Walk, water, Recoverite, banana then big breakfast!


Hydrate better the days before the race. Although I managed to take a complete rest day (from workouts) on Friday, I was so busy at work I forgot to drink any water until late afternoon.

I really need to start getting more runs outdoors. My early am treadmill training did not pay off on this hilly course.


Pre-race felt disorganized. Hotel and surrounding park areas were completely dark at 5:30 a.m. - none of the volunteers were giving proper directions - timing chip pick up was hard to find - starting line was not marked and there were no volunteers to show the way.

Swag bags were nice and race shirts were tech (NICE!) and I got the right size and it was a ladies cut (for the ladies), which is a plus.

Post race was nice and spacious, there was entertainment, but a HUGE line for the food tent, so my group went to a local restaurant for breakfast.

I will run it again, just because the course is so beautiful.