Posted on 20 August 2009 Imagine first jumping head first into the water for a 2.4 mile swim around the Kailua Kona Bay.
Without waiting to catch your breath you leap out of the salt water and hop onto a waiting bicycle. Cramping begins to appear more frequently. Imagine heading down from Keauhou to Hawi a 61-mile journey. The heat rises to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the cross winds, that threaten to topple you off your bike, blow in excess of 40 mph. You make it to Hawi at which point you turn around and head straight back to Keauhou, another 61 miles. Imagine the sweat evaporating before it has a chance to crawl down your face. At Keauhou you throw your bike to the side and run a distance equal to the New York City Marathon (26.2 miles). Imagine your legs begin to give out at this point. Up the coastline you make your way to the finish line in Kailua Kona. If you are lucky and mentally strong enough you might finish the course before it gets too dark to see. Now imagine doing all of this while still suffering from a collarbone injury inflicted a year previously. If imagining this scenario is too hard, then have a chat with North Haven native Steven Spitz. Spitz doesn