There really is nothing like an early afternoon run in Honolulu. Except for probably a run in just about any other beautiful island community. I was in Honolulu for a quick distributor show, and after setting up the Okuma booth, had an opportunity to get out and squeeze in a few miles.
Started the morning off with some fresh papaya that the Aunties gave to me.
After some fresh fruit and the set up, ran back up to the room and made a quick change into the running gear. It was a beautiful afternoon. Here is a view from my room at the Ala Moana hotel overlooking the harbor. We had whales crossing in front of the harbor all week. It was great.
After looking out at the whales and ocean for a bit, it was time to head out. Here is a shot looking up as I was leaving the hotel.
And a quick shot looking across the street from the hotel.
From the hotel, I head on over to the Ala Wei canal and start the run towards Diamond Head. Here is what I am looking at as I head down the Canal.
Lots of interesting things in the canal. This year I saw multiple shopping carts, a mattress, probably the biggest puffer fish I have ever seen, and various other objects that I couldn't decipher.
Once you get to the end of the canal, about mile two, you head past the Honolulu Zoo and head through the park. This is what it looks like when you get to the end of the canal looking toward Diamond Head.
From here you keep heading straight until you get to Diamond Head street. From there I like to head to the right and keep the ocean on my right side. No particular reason.
There is a little incline when you actually get near the water and head up past Diamond Head. Once you get to the crest of the street, there are some spectacular views.
Here is a shot looking where I just came from.
And a shot of where I am headed.
There is a nice little bluff when you get to the crest that I like to stop for a quick stretch. At this point you are at roughly mile 4-ish. This year I stopped to watch the humpback whales playing just outside the surf. Unfortunately I couldn't get a good picture of them, but with the help of Instagram, I did manage a pretty nice shot overlooking the sea.
Once you leave the crest of the road, you start to head down the other side and around the back of Diamond Head. You complete your circle and get back on Paki road and then rejoin the Ala Wei Canal and work your way back to the hotel.
All in all it was a 9 mile run and felt really good.
This was a good little training/prep run for my upcoming Rock N Roll Pasadena Half that is coming up in a few weeks.
Of course, after a nice long run you should generally reward yourself for a job well done. I did just that. Here is my reward from Shimazu Store on School Street right next to H1 just short of Liliha Street.
This was the Strawberry Colada and Pina Colada combo. Yummy!
It was a great trip and a successful show for Okuma. Our new Ulua reel was a hit.
Happy Running!
Dave
