What might an athlete eat the day before the Kona World Triathlon Championships? Chances are they'll hit up local hotspot Lava Java. Outside dining with a view of the swim course, lots of healthy calories (and plenty of indulgences), and 100% Kona coffee--it's no wonder so many triathletes call Lava Java their favorite place to eat on the Big Island.
Last week I traveled to Kona, Hawaii for the Ironman World Championships. I have heard so much about the island, the race and Ironman week that I wanted to check it out for myself. My only previous experience with the Big Island of Hawaii were the lucious pictures of the golf courses and the brutal descriptions of the race depicted in Chrissie Wellington's book and on the NBC race coverage.
Last spring I read a few articles about elite athletes crediting beet juice for their improved times. There’s this one about marathoner Ryan Hall in Outside and this report from the London Olympics in the NYT. But I first heard about the wonders of beet juice in 2007 from one of my training partners. 
The Story: SJ and his partners from Team ATP Light finished third in the masters division at this weekend's USARA Adventure Racing Nationals (10th overall). This trip to the podium required almost 30 straight hours of paddling, mountain biking, and trekking in the western Catskills.
I was extremely honored and grateful to take part in the Half Full Triathlon on Sunday. It was a very cold and rainy day and usually that would take over my thoughts and stresses concerning my race. However, as much as I was shivering and suffering, I kept something bigger in the forefront of my mind througout the race and the entire weekend. Yes, I was there to race hard and try to win, BUT, we were all really gathered in Columbia, MD for more than that. We were there to compete, raise awareness, celebrate survivorship, remember loved ones and support the cause and mission of the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. 
Snack: Grilled cheese with sliced pears
Timing: I eat this snack as my second breakfast since it is savory and my first breakfast is always sweet. It would also make a good afternoon snack, eaten a few hours before running.
Why I like it: It allows me to eat a comfort food in between workouts without feeling sluggish.
