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.
I stopped in for breakfast my first day in Hawaii with Lava Magazine's Jay Prushan, his wife, triathlete Donna Phalen, Robert Kunz of First Endurance and his New Zealand rep Walter after a quick swim around the race course. Thanks Robert! I ordered the World Record Marino wrap, but I couldn't resist snapping a pic of my neighbor's dish - an athlete food favorite, steel cut oats. These were done island style--topped with a bruleed banana and served with a side order of sliced pineapple. A perfect way to replenish after chasing a group of fast men through the ocean for 2.4 miles.
As for the swim? The water was the perfect temperature and it a clear aqua blue. We swam up to the coffee bar about 5 minutes from the shore. I wanted to linger and chat with Triathlete editor Julia P who was treading water with a coffee in hand, but out of the corner of my eye I saw a group of fast moving men. Of course I had to give chase! When we stopped to regroup about a mile in, I realized it was Chris and Matt Lieto, Matias Hecht, Jake from Aquasphere and a couple other guys. I took my goggles off and Matt said, "I knew that was one of the Wassners". Sorry guys for turning the easy swim into a workout! Just couldn't resist. Let it be known that Matias and Matt did "beat" me to the shore - I got a bit seasick(!) when the water got choppy at the end.
