Timex History with Ironman & Kona

Tim Hola
My Blog

How many years have you competed in Kona?
This year will be my 11th Year in a row at Kona. My 1st was in 1999 when I was 25.
What is your most memorable moment or best year in Kona?
I’d have to say it was in 2006. I was about 1 mile from the finish, doing a quick calculation on my Timex Bodylink to see if I could finish in under 9 hours. After digging so deep and my legs feeling like they were going to come off my body, I finished in 8:58 and 2nd in my Age Group.
Do you have any “Epic” stories from the race?
No specific “epic” stories, however, each year I’ve raced in Hawaii seems to be epic in it’s own way either from the wind, heat, or watching people just plain suffer during the run.
What is your favorite place to eat dinner?
Huggo’s. You cannot beat sitting by the water and watching the fish feast on your leftover bread when you throw it into the water.
Where is your favorite place to watch the sunset?
We have watched it all over town and it’s always wonderful. However, after walking out of Wal-Mart one year with my parents right at sunset, my dad proclaimed, “This is the best Wal-Mart parking lot in the world!”
Did you know Hawaii consumes more SPAM than any other state?
Wasn’t aware of that one.
Have you ever had SPAM?
I had it when I was growing up fried with mustard. Gotta love that gooey spooge that each can of SPAM comes in.
What is your goal this year?
I really would like to place top 5 in my age group. I used to have goals for time, but since the weather is so unpredictable, I just hope to place high among the amateurs.
What is your favorite thing to do the day after the race?
A swim with my family at the Kona Aquatic Center the morning after the race. Each year my dad and I see who can do one length the fastest. We have been doing this every year for the last 10 years.
Do you have any traditions that you do while on the island?
Nikki and I go to St. Peter’s church on Ali’i drive (mile 5 on the run course) and say a prayer together to say thanks for allowing us to be lucky enough to be on the island for another year. We got engaged there on my birthday in 2001. It truly is a special place for me.

How many years have you competed in Kona?
This is my first year.
Did you know Hawaii consumes more SPAM than any other state?
I have heard this before...very impressive.
Have you ever had SPAM?
No, and I would not be upset if I never did.
What is your goal this year?
Number one goal, as usual, is to have fun :) I just want to have a solid race that reflects my training and feel like I did the best I could.
What is your favorite thing to do the day after the race?
Eat lots of ice cream, sit around and watch movies.

How many years have you competed in Kona?
This will be my first time racing. I do own all the races on DVD though, that has to count for something, right?
Did you know Hawaii consumes more SPAM than any other state?
I did not know that. This smells like a Wikipedia fact to me.
Have you ever had SPAM?
Not a chance! I’m not an adventurous eater. I tried my first Banana about a year ago. SPAM is pretty far down my “to try” list.
What is your goal this year?
My goal this year is to cross the finish line knowing that I’ve gone as fast as I am capable of. I don’t want to wake up the next morning feeling that I could have gone faster on the day.
What is your favorite thing to do the day after the race?
The beach has my name on it.
Do you have any traditions that you do while on the island?
I will have to start some this year.

How many years have you competed in Kona?
3 years: 2005, 2006, 2008
What is your most memorable moment or best year in Kona?
First time is always memorable but having finished the 2008 race after 2 flats and a crash was a unique feeling
Do you have any “Epic” stories from the race?
I hate cateyes, I crashed because of them
What is your favorite coffee spot?
Java on the rocks
What is your favorite place to eat dinner?
There is a good Italian near the finish line but I don’t recall the name, it is good though
Where is your favorite place to watch the sunset?
Lava java
What is your goal this year?
Have a better overall finish and preferably with a PB in the course
What is your favorite thing to do the day after the race?
Do nothing, relax and good food
Do you have any traditions that you do while on the island?
I love being in Hawaii, being this is already a tradition for me

How many years have you competed in Kona?
This will be my first.
What is your most memorable moment or best year in Kona?
Spectator 10 years ago… and at that time I decided that I would only return if I was racing, so here I am.
Did you know Hawaii consumes more SPAM than any other state?
That is disgusting.
Have you ever had SPAM?
Yes, of course. Only on the trail. Tastes pretty good when you are starving from backpacking all day.
What is your goal this year?
Have Fun! Celebrate the opportunity to race.
What is your favorite thing to do the day after the race?
Eat.