Free Willy.

This morning I braved the murk at Ala Moana Beach Park. As far as fugly water goes in Hawaii, I think only Keehi Lagoon is worse. And no one swims there. I was shocked at the crowd swimming at Ala Moana this morning, boldly putting their faces in the urban run-off and bacteria of yesterday's storms. Stefan leads a swim of longer intervals Fridays at 6:30 am and this was my first time trying it. I actually held onto swimstar Ryan Leong's feet for the first 500. He must have been swimming backstroke. After that it went a little downhill. When Stefan yelled GO! for the fifth 500 on 8:00 it seems I thought he meant GO! home. And I did.

As I cooled down back into shore, a shadow came up a few feet below me. Once it was within arms reach, I realized it was a small sea turtle. I briefly considered trying to grab him, but I think that's illegal. I was trying to save him, marine patrol officer! Perhaps he has no idea that just half a mile away there is a real ocean. One where you can see for more than two feet in front of your face. One that isn't 50% salt water, 25% sunscreen and 25% s-h-i-t. I could grab him, run over the reef, and drop him off in a place where the sand isn't made of that stuff they put in ashtrays. Follow me to freedom, little guy!! But he disappeared before I could kidnap him and show him that the ocean doesn't always taste like coconut oil.

I survived the elements yesterday to get 100 miles in. Maggs called 20 min before we were to meet, but I didn't pick up. I knew what she was calling for. She was forced to show up at the Kalapawai rendez-vous and kept me company for two hours of downpour and slippery streets, for which I am very grateful.

I am having a little issue with downtown Honolulu. Both the last building I worked in (at he US Geological Survey) and my current building do not allow you to bring a bike in. Not even in the service elevator. I begged and pleaded, and they repeated that there aren't that many thefts from the bike rack out back. Great. I can't park Clemetine out there, she cost more than my volvo. Plus she's not insured. And not even really officially mine to lose. I don't get it.This building is always patting itself on the back for it's green-ness. Yet no, no bikes allowed. I asked friends in different buildings around Honolulu - same deal. No bikes allowed. One small bike rack in the back alley, with no security. I feel a letter to the editor coming on. I know I should buy $100 beater and ride it in, but it was already an hour ride.. that would make it two. And not really help me kill two birds in the training arena like I was hoping to do...

Check out Barack at Sandys yesterday. Somehow in all my looping around I didn't notice the sea of cop cars 2 miles from my house. You know I would have been there bodysurfing had I seen him.