KONA 2011

October 09, 2011

KONA 2011

Wow, what a day. Conditions were pristine! Not hot and not windy, save a few gusty bits heading out to Hawi and back.

I must thank you blog readers and twitter followers, some of whom I had the great pleasure to meet in person this past week, for sending your good wishes to me. Always very much appreciated!

The day after a big event like this, for me, is always a bit of an anti climax. It's a year in the making, and it's an incredible high and then...it's over!

At the moment, while I'm happy with my Kona IM PR (22 minutes; a finish time of 10:17, down from 10:39 from 2010), of course, being a high-goal setter, I've got a HUGE fire in the belly to get on the podium next year, as I missed it yesterday by the skin of my teeth (57 seconds).

(Remind me WHO says Paleo doesn't support a strong performance at the races? : )

Today is dedicated to taking it all in, getting a bit of R&R with my husband and good friends, while we spend on more day in paradise before heading home tomorrow.

Send your post-race questions along, please, as they always make for good blog topics!

And again, thank you for your support!

Oct 9, 2011 10:12:10 AM | Racing!!

19 Comments

Congratulations!!! You rock Nell!

Posted by: Miriam | October 09, 2011 at 11:11 AM

Thank you!!! :)

Sent from my iPhone

Nell Stephenson
BS USC EXSC, ACSM H/FI

www.nellstephenson.com
www.shop.nellstephenson.com

blog: http://stephenson.typepad.com/train_with_nellie/

book: www.wiley.com/buy/9780470913048

training plans: http://home.trainingpeaks.com/training-and-nutrition-plans/training-plans/nell-stephenson.aspx

twitter: @nellstephenson

Posted by: Nell | October 09, 2011 at 11:51 AM

Congratulations....what an inspiration!

Posted by: Gal | October 09, 2011 at 11:58 AM

Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone

Nell Stephenson
BS USC EXSC, ACSM H/FI

www.nellstephenson.com
www.shop.nellstephenson.com

blog: http://stephenson.typepad.com/train_with_nellie/

book: www.wiley.com/buy/9780470913048

training plans: http://home.trainingpeaks.com/training-and-nutrition-plans/training-plans/nell-stephenson.aspx

twitter: @nellstephenson

Posted by: Nell | October 09, 2011 at 12:02 PM

Congrats Nell! I was watching it on live stream and kept thinking of you. what a great performance.

Posted by: Donna Gallardo | October 09, 2011 at 12:15 PM

Thank you so much!

Sent from my iPhone

Nell Stephenson
BS USC EXSC, ACSM H/FI

www.nellstephenson.com
www.shop.nellstephenson.com

blog: http://stephenson.typepad.com/train_with_nellie/

book: www.wiley.com/buy/9780470913048

training plans: http://home.trainingpeaks.com/training-and-nutrition-plans/training-plans/nell-stephenson.aspx

twitter: @nellstephenson

Posted by: Nell | October 09, 2011 at 12:22 PM

Bravo!!! Way to conquer the course. You amazing.
When you get a chance, please go through your nutrition during the race and what you might change in the future.(if anything).
Enjoy this moment. You earned it. Bobby

Posted by: Bobby Levin | October 09, 2011 at 02:57 PM

Amazing! I was following from my iPhone while I worked our benefit golf tournament. A great finish for you...I know you will kick it next year!

Nell, I know you do nutrition counseling, but do you coach triathletes for racing as well? And, if not, are you considering it? I'm thinking of hiring a coach for my half-ironman race(s) next year and want to consider all the options.

Enjoy the rest of your well-deserved vacation. October is the best time in Hawaii, I think!

Aloha, Dianna

Posted by: Dianna in Maui | October 09, 2011 at 05:03 PM

BRAVOO!!!!This is so fantastic Nell! It's awesome to follow someone and see them conquering their dreams. I followed from my computer while doing my own exercise (45 min of dance aerobics - I know, funny). Really, really inspiring. Thank you Nell, for sharing all your advice and showing us how to get out there and do what you love to do! I think I just might want to sign up for an Ironman! (did I just say that out loud? yikes) Which course do you recommend for a beginner?

I would love to hear how difficult an IM course is. I've heard about the swims being a nightmare with waves, sea life, etc and then the wind can be bad too on the bike and then the heat. I've only done one Ironman distance event it was called Vineman up in Santa Rosa, Calif. Great course = super hot though and hilly, but very fun.

What's up next now after such a tough effort? What does Nell do now before she starts training again for 2012?

It's so funny to say but I'm sure all of us following you are SO proud of you!!! Enjoy and bask in the feeling of it all.

Posted by: CK | October 09, 2011 at 08:58 PM

OH yeah.....and can't wait to see PICTURES!!!

Posted by: CK | October 09, 2011 at 09:06 PM

Oh Wow Congratulations Nell!!!So inspiring and motivating. You are truly the Paleo Queen! You are proof of so many wonderful things beyond just eating Paleo - you are proof that anyone can accomplish their goals if they put in the work, in all areas of life. You walk the walk and talk the talk, a true life heroine, and you also prove that you can live, eat and breath a Paleo lifestyle AND be not only healthy, but an Ironman champion and totally kick major ass :-)
Whoohoo, bravo Nell!

Posted by: Danielle Guttinger | October 10, 2011 at 08:10 AM

Thanks so much for thinking of me, Bobby! How are you doing?

Do you receive my newsletter? In the Oct issue I outlined exactly what I eat during race day.

Here are some related blog posts about my race day fueling:
Pre Race Day Fueling

Gels Paleo
Nell Stephenson

BS USC EXSC, ACSM H/FI

www.nellstephenson.com
www.shop.nellstephenson.com

blog: http://stephenson.typepad.com/train_with_nellie/

training plans: http://home.trainingpeaks.com/training-and-nutrition-plans/training-plans/nell-stephenson.aspx

twitter: nellstephenson

book: http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Diet-Cookbook-Breakfasts-Beverages/dp/0470913045

Posted by: Nell | October 10, 2011 at 02:20 PM

Hi, Dianna!
Thanks for following- it was such an amazing day! : )

Yes, I do focus primarily on nutritional counseling but do coach a few athletes. More commonly, though, I work with athletes who have another professional guiding their training and I do the fuel component!

Its been a lovely time in HI! Next time we may tack on a few days, post race and visit Maui. If we do, Ill definitely be asking you for some referrals of must see places!
Nell Stephenson

BS USC EXSC, ACSM H/FI

www.nellstephenson.com
www.shop.nellstephenson.com

blog: http://stephenson.typepad.com/train_with_nellie/

training plans: http://home.trainingpeakscom/training-and-nutrition-plans/training-plans/nell-stephenson.aspx

twitter: nellstephenson

book: http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Diet-Cookbook-Breakfasts-Beverages/dp/0470913045

Posted by: Nell | October 10, 2011 at 02:22 PM

I think its awesome youre doing dance aerobics! JUST MOVE is what I always say! : )

You should definitely race another Ironman if you want to. Its hard to say which course to do, but Id say research and find which ones appeal to your particular strengths as well as areas of the world youd like to visit. For example, consider what time of year you want to do the race if travel is involved, what climate you like best, what conditions, etc.. and then sort it out from there.

I know Vineman very well as I usually do the 1/2 there every summer.

Up next is marathoning in off season:

Nov: NEW YORK MARATHON
Dec: CAL INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
Jan :CATALINA 50 MILE RUN

Then back to triathlon:
Honu 70.3
Vineman 70.3
IM NYC
Vegas 70.3
and
planning on Kona!
Nell Stephenson

BS USC EXSC, ACSM H/FI

www.nellstephenson.com
www.shop.nellstephenson.com

blog: http://stephenson.typepad.com/train_with_nellie/

training plans: http://home.trainingpeaks.com/training-and-nutrition-plans/training-plans/nell-stephenson.aspx

twitter: nellstephenson

book: http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Diet-Cookbook-Breakfasts-Beverages/dp/0470913045

Posted by: Nell | October 10, 2011 at 02:28 PM

Will post as soon as I have some!
Nell Stephenson