Children from the Tohoku region of Japan and their chaperones stop at Diamond Head during a visit to Hawaii last winter as part of the Rainbow for Japan Kids program | Photo courtesy Rainbow for Japan Kids

A reported 240 children lost both parents, and more than 1,300 lost one parent in the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, according to Hiromi Okada, Hawaii Senior Life Enrichment Association Nadeshiko Club president.

In an effort to help these children, the Nadeshiko Club created Rainbow for Japan Kids, a nonprofit program that enables children (primarily teens ages 12 to 15) from the Tohoku region of Japan to visit Hawaii for 10 days.

While here, they are treated to various Hawaiian cultural activities on Oahu and Hawaii Island, and get to experience the aloha spirit first hand.

To help raise funds for Rainbow for Japan Kids, travel company Hawaii H.I.S. Corp. and the Nadeshiko Club have teamed up once again to host the third annual Lea Lea Charity 5K Run and Clean Up Saturday, Aug. 10 at Ala Moana Beach Park.

The race starts at 6 a.m. and will be followed by an awards program and 30-minute voluntary beach cleanup. Participants also can bid on auction items, and each finisher will receive a T-shirt. Prizes also will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers.

Enter online at Active.com or stop in at Hawaii H.I.S. (in Don Quijote Kaheka, Waikiki Shopping Plaza, 1046 Bishop St. Suite A in downtown Honolulu, or at the H.I.S. Lea Lea Lounge in Royal Hawaiian Center).

Entry fee (before Aug. 6) is $40, or $20 for children over 5 years old, students with ID and seniors over 60 years old. Late registration is $50.

Since 2011, more than 120 children from Tohoku have participated in Rainbow for Japan Kids, including a group of 15 who arrived this week. Fliers about the program were distributed through the department of education in Tohoku, and the children are asked to submit an essay about their future.

“We want to help these children because they are the next generation,” explains Okada, who is from Yokohama and moved to Hawaii 16 years ago. “We have to give them hope. Hope in rebuilding Tohoku, and hope for their future.

“Also, many of them worry about water or don’t like it because of the tsunami. But, when they come to Hawaii, they see the beaches are so beautiful and it helps them overcome that fear of water.”

I used to be one of those gym rats who loved to work out. So, what happened?

Well, I still love to exercise, but I just don’t have the time to. Between work, two young kids, house chores and errands, there really is no time. I know, it’s an excuse we’ve all heard over and over. But really, when I finally have a minute to relax, that’s all I want to do, relax.

Personal trainer Kara Stoner uses the ROM at Rom Gym Hawaii | Photos by Leah Friel, lfriel@midweek.com

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Then I was introduced to the ROM (range of motion), an exercise machine that claims to give a full body workout in just eight minutes. It was created in 1990 and coincidentally was invented by Honolulu resident John Pitre, a world-renowned artist and inventor.

So how does it work? At the front of the machine, you sit down for a full-range rowing-like exercise with resistance in the push and pull for your upper body. At the back is an extended stepper/climber for your lower body.

When performed at high-intensity for four minutes each, the ROM claims to give you a workout equal to about 15 to 20 minutes worth of stretching, 45 minutes of circuit training in a gym, and between 20 and 45 minutes of cardio.

The ROM is manufactured in the United States by fitness pioneer Alf Temme, and costs $14,615. Among those who reportedly use it are Sylvester Stallone, Simon Cowell, Steven Spielberg, pro golfer David Duval, as well as the U.S. Army Special Forces.

In Hawaii, there are about 100 machines that are privately owned, and two local businesses offering it for use and/or purchase.

Fortunately for me, one of those places, ROM Gym 8 Minute Fitness at 320 Ward Ave., is conveniently located just a few blocks away from my office, making it easy to squeeze in a quick workout during lunch or in between meetings.

It’s also available at Quick Exercise Gym by Shiatsu Therapists of Hawaii at 1999 Dillingham Blvd.

Both locations offer month-to-month memberships, and you can try the ROM first for free. For more information, call 523-7777 or 843-8006.

The final obstacle in the Spartan Race is a couple of guys with pugil sticks Photo from Spartan Race

The popular Spartan Race is coming to Hawaii Aug. 17 at Kualoa Ranch.

“It is our first time in Hawaii and it was a race that was demanded,” says Spartan Race public relations manager Carrie Adams. “It was requested that we bring the race, and so we did, and the people of Hawaii should be very proud. That’s not something that happens all the time, but the demand was so high that we responded.”

Founded by Joe De Sena, the first Spartan Race was held in 2010 in Vermont with fewer than 1,000 people. This year, there are more than 60 Spartan Races taking place worldwide.

More than 6,000 people are expected to take part in the upcoming local Reebok Spartan Race, which also includes the Spartan Kids Adventure Race (for children ages 4 to 13) benefiting Big Brothers, Big Sisters Hawaii.

“The Spartan Race is what’s referred to as obstacle course racing or OCR,” explains Adams. “A lot of people have heard of mud runs or fun runs, we are something very different. We are a race that is trying to elevate this idea of functional fitness and movement into a sport, so we challenge athletes with rugged terrain to run on, and then a variety of obstacles to test a variety of their skills, whether it’s endurance, agility, speed power, strength.

“Anybody can do it.

Certainly, you’ll go faster if you’re in great shape. We encourage people to train, but more than anything we want people to get off the couch and get outside and get active.”

As for the different obstacles on the 3- to 5-mile course, Adams says you can expect to climb walls, to go under things, traverse across things, there’s a spear throw, and usually something heavy to carry or drag.

“The last thing you see before the finish line are couple of guys with big pugil sticks and you have to cross those guys before you get to the finish line, which is kind of a fun way to finish and a standard for us, and absolutely one of my favorite parts of the course,” adds Adams.

Finishers receive a medal, T-shirt, headband and free beer (one for participants over age 21). It’s a family-friendly event, and there also will be live entertainment.

Cost is $99 before Aug. 15, $119 on-site race day. The Spartan Kids Race costs $25. To register or for more information, visit spartanrace.com.

The popular Run or Dye 5K is coming to Hawaii Sept. 2 from 9 to 1 p.m. at Aloha Stadium, and event organizers have partnered with Aloha United Way to offer runners and volunteers an opportunity to help the local nonprofit.

Sign up to be a volunteer by emailing jody@auw.org, and Run or Dye will give Aloha United Way $50 for every volunteer involved with the event through Aloha United Way. For race participants, Aloha United Way has an exclusive coupon code for $10 off the regular ticket price. Go to runordye.com/locations/Honolulu-2013 and use coupon code “RODAUW10″ to redeem it. Aloha United Way will receive $10 for every coupon code redeemed.

Chris Benjamin. Photo courtesy Alexander & Baldwin

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Run or Dye is not a timed run, and it’s open to all ages and fitness levels. Throughout the course, runners are showered with safe, eco-friendly plant-based cornstarch dye at every kilometer. There’s also the famous Dye Festival at the finish, where you can “tiedye the sky (and friends).”

Among the many runners looking forward to Run or Dye is Alexander & Baldwin president and chief operating officer Chris Benjamin, who also serves as this year’s Aloha United Way campaign chairman. His company will kick off its Aloha United Way Campaign on Labor Day by participating in Run or Dye, the first of several taking place in the Islands.

“I’ve run off and on since high school, but never competitively,” says Benjamin, who has participated in various races, including marathons, in the past. “I just do it for exercise and fun.”

Born and raised in Detroit, Benjamin moved to Hawaii 21 years ago, and in addition to running, he also enjoys swimming and kayaking.

“Chris is very philanthropic and caring, and has helped to set the pace for numerous charitable organizations, and now Aloha United Way,” notes Kim Gennaula, Aloha United Way president and CEO. “Alexander & Baldwin and Aloha United Way have been partners since the beginning, with A&B among Aloha United Ways’ leading contributors donating millions to the needs of our community over the years.”

In 2012, the Aloha United Way Workplace Campaign raised nearly $9.5 million, and when combined with other fundraising efforts, Aloha United Way puts more than $10 million annually back into the community.

“Our community’s charitable organizations have lost a lot of financial support over the past several years because of the economic crisis we’ve been through, and yet, the needs of our community have only continued to grow,” adds Benjamin. “With less resources to go around, Aloha United Way provides the financial support that so many charitable organizations can depend on.”

Run or Dye is a family-friendly event (kids age 6 and under run free). Participants receive a T-shirt, extra dye packet and a goodie-stuffed swag bag. For more information, visit runordye.com.

Dr. Alan Nomura after winning the Ringside World Championship. Photo courtesy Alan Nomura

Honolulu dentist Alan Nomura always has been physically active, but it wasn’t until this year, at age 56, that he became a boxing champion.

On Aug. 3 he entered the Ringside World Championships in Kansas City, something that was on his bucket list. And he ended up winning his division – Masters, 141 to 152 pounds.

“It’s the first time I ever won anything,” says the 1975 Kalani High School graduate. “My younger brother Nelson was a state wrestling champion and a judo champion, and my youngest brother Wesley was an all-state baseball player and got a college scholarship to play baseball. So even though all three of us played sports, I was never a champion like my brothers.”

That is, until now.

Nomura, who did judo and played baseball in high school, started boxing for recreational exercise while at the University of Washington. Throughout his life, he’s also played basketball, football, golf, practiced tae kwon do, muay Thai, kick-boxing and jiu jitsu.

“I just love sports,” he says “After high school, I dabbled in everything, so it would be like streaks, but I never stayed away from boxing. I trained at Kalakaua Gym, and I used to go to Palolo Gym, too. I’ve been a member of the Honolulu Club for about 26 years, and they always had a heavy bag and a speed bag, so it was nothing formal, just recreational to stay in shape.”

Then, two years ago, he decided to pursue that bucket list dream and started training with the famed Waianae Boxing Club to prepare for his amateur boxing tournament debut. He actually planned to enter Ringside last year, but a complete rotator cuff muscle tear in his right shoulder and cartilage tear in his left knee sidelined him for three months. But he never gave up, and his hard work paid off both inside and outside of the ring.

“My blood pressure was 140 over 94, and now it’s 110 over 60,” he explains. “Before boxing I was about 175 pounds. Now I weigh 145 pounds, and I cut my body fat. Also, my blood sugar was high and my cholesterol, too, so everything dropped.”

He also gained many new friends, as well as coaches, including coach Freddy “Papa” Pereira of Waianae Boxing Club, and teammates who he says have become family.

“I thought I did boxing only because it’s a sport, but I realized it’s such a great feeling to be part of a family again,” he says. “I enjoy the camaraderie among your teammates. I missed that, where you hang out with your teammates, and that whole Waianae community, they just embrace you.”

As for whether or not he’ll enter the Ringside World Championships again, Nomura says he’s considering it. He continues to work out six days a week, including cardiovascular and boxing specific lifting exercises. He also is a member at UFC Gym in Kakaako.

“I wanted to do this as a bucket list thing,” he says. “But everybody is encouraging me. Right now, I feel good, and if I decide to do the tournament again, I’ll be ready.”

Licensed optician Joe Kibler takes digital measurements for prescription glasses | Natalie Walker photo

Oakley at Ala Moana Center has relocated a few stores ewa makai of the mall, and now has an in-store optical center enabling customers to fill eyewear prescriptions on-site, including athletes looking for topof-the-line, sport-specific performance eyewear.

Customers can bring in their eye prescription (no more than two years old), and work with one of the store’s three opticians – store manager/optician Cameron Wehrli, licensed optician Joe Kibler and apprentice optician Matt King.

“We are able to take our sport-specific glasses and accommodate the prescription directly into the shield itself so they can actually use the comfort and the styling that’s designed for sports with their prescription,” says Wehrli, noting that there about 30 styles of sport-specific glasses to choose from. “And they can be used for multisports. A lot of baseball guys are using (the style with) one-piece shields, but so do runners and cyclists, so it crosses over. And some people like the two individual lenses, so it’s really personal preference.

“Also, the type of lens we use is a ballistic-graded lens, so it’s going to be impact resistant and shatterproof. And the lenses are interchangeable for different light conditions.”

According to Oakley, which sponsors the U.S. Olympic team, there are five things to look for when choosing sunglasses:

* Comprehensive UV Protection. Wear sunglasses that have UV protection built into the lens material so it can’t scratch off and leave your eyes exposed. The lens should filter out 100 percent of all UVA, UVB and UVC.

* The Right Fit. Look for a secure fit and wrap-around lenses to protect your entire eye. A wrap-around lens will block sunlight and wind coming in from the sides and decrease the chance of eye injury due to flying debris such as sand and dirt – a must for cyclists.

* Polarization. Polarization protects your eyes from the sun’s harsh glare and enhances color and depth perception.

* Impact Protection. Polycarbonate, shatterproof lenses protect your eyes from injury caused by high-mass and high-velocity impact, such as from baseballs and golf balls. Oakley’s research showed that one in five adults have experienced an eye injury while participating in outdoor sports and activities.

* The Right Lens. Choosing the right lens tint for your activity, and the time of day and sun, also reduces eyestrain and squinting. A dark-gray lens works best for extremely sunny conditions, while lens tints like amber, brown and rose enhance the eye’s ability to recognize colors and improve depth perception in flat to medium light. Also, choose a lens with hydrophobic coating, which repels sweat, sunscreen and water to help reduce obstructed views.

“Our goal is to replicate natural vision,” adds David Blenkle, regional manager for Oakley Stores. “We understand a golfer who wears prescription lenses needs to look up and gauge distance and be able to immediately look down to putt or write on a scorecard. Our lens technology provides maximum optics in our optional Oakley Sport Specific progressive lenses, and great peripheral vision as well.”

The new store also offers Oakley’s full custom center, allowing customers to design their eyewear by selecting style and performance features, along with frame, ear sock, icon and lens color. There’s also a great selection of surf- and swimwear, men’s golf apparel, training gear, luggage and backpacks, watches, special products only available in Hawaii and more. For more information, call 949-7104.

Even thought I’m an adult, my mother still points out all the things I do wrong, including my posture. It’s almost like a greeting. Instead of “hello,” it’s “stand up straight.” I know the criticism is because she cares, and, OK, she’s also right. At least in this case. I do have a bad habit of slouching and bad posture.

Doctor of physical therapy Stephanie Heacock shows a back extension stretch

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According to Stephanie Heacock, doctor of physical therapy at Absolute Physical Rehabilitation, signs of bad posture include a forward head position, rounded shoulders and slouched sitting. “We have natural curves in our spine so you always want to have a little curve at your lower back, your shoulder blades should be back and down, and your ears should be in line with your shoulders,” explains Heacock. “And it’s important to have good posture because you want your muscles to be in the most optimal position. If we’re sitting and especially sitting for long periods of time (such as at work, prolonged drives, in front of the computer, etc.), it’s going to change the positioning of our muscles. This can lead to long-term changes in spinal alignment and can lead to pain and dysfunction.”

If you have to sit for a long time, Heacock recommends changing positions every 45 minutes to an hour, or if you have a history of back or neck pain, then get up more frequently.

As for ways to improve your posture, Heacock says awareness is No. 1. “When you’re on your computer, you’re focused on your work and often don’t have time for those breaks, but take a minute to stand up and stretch,” she says. She also suggests dedicating a few minutes a day to various postural exercises. Here are some examples:

* Shoulder blade squeezes: Bring the shoulder blades down and back toward the spine, hold for three seconds, repeat 10 to 15 times.

* Spine lengthening: Stand up and pretend you have a string attached to the top of your head pulling you up toward the ceiling.

* Back extension stretch (see photo): Stand up, place your hands on the back of your hips, gently push the pelvis forward and look up, hold for a few seconds, repeat 10 to 15 times.

Rusti Gephart (right) with best friend Kelley Niide, who was surrogate mother for Rusti’s daughter Averi | Nathalie Walker photo

When Rusti Gephart gave birth to her first baby Sydni on Thanksgiving Day 2003, she was excited about being a new mom. But it didn’t turn out quite as planned.

Despite a normal pregnancy, she had some life-threatening complications during delivery, and her husband, John, had to make the difficult decision for doctors to perform a sub-hysterectomy (removing her uterus).

“It was super traumatic; I almost died,” recalls Gephart. “I remember the doctor saying it’s boggy, it’s boggy. I just kept bleeding and my uterus wasn’t contracting to stop the bleeding.”

Emotionally, the couple was torn between the joy of a new baby, health and recovery for Rusti, and the sadness of not being able to have more children.

“We wanted to have more children, so at that time the whole dream was done, it was shattered,” says Gephart. “I went through crazy depression, even though it was, ‘Hey, you can adopt a baby or be a foster parent or have a surrogate.’ All of those were possible, but in my brain it wasn’t probable.”

Well, on March 31, 2013 (Easter), Gephart welcomed her second daughter Averi. Best friend and maid-of-honor Kelley Niide, whom she met in 1992 as a freshman at Punahou, served as the surrogate.

“Right after Sydni was born, Kelley would say, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll have your baby,’” recalls Rusti, who is director of field operations at United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

But Kelley would go on to have her own children, 3-year-old Emma and 5-year-old Sammy, with husband David.

“After my second one, I turned 35, so I was like, Rusti, it’s now or never,” says Niide, a biologist at Waikiki Aquarium. “And I knew I didn’t want to have any more (of my own) kids.”

So with the support of their families, the surrogacy journey began at Pacific In Vitro Fertilization Institute. In just one try, Niide was pregnant with one baby.

The entire process, though, isn’t so simple. For about three months, Niide had progesterone shots daily, sometimes multiple times a day. Then, of course, there’s giving birth to the baby, which Niide did a month before the expected due date, and after laboring for about an hour and a half without an epidural.

“My biggest fear wasn’t so much the baby but, God forbid, something happens to Kelley that happened to me,” says Gephart. “That’s what I feared the most, and that’s why I was so reluctant to sort of go ‘OK, let’s do this.’

“I think the defining factor was how Kelley had shared with me about her dad’s mom.” Niide goes on to explain how her father is one of four kids, but there actually was a fifth child, a brother, whom they gave to an aunt because she couldn’t have children.

“I cried when I saw Kelley (in the hospital),” says Gephart, who has been working with a lactationist and now is able to breast-feed Averi. “To have another baby was my dream, and there was a point in time where my dream was taken away from me. But then you have these angels in life, and when I was ready to accept this gift, it’s not like granting someone a wish – like for a car or a house. This was something that would take a toll on her emotionally and physically.

“You just never realize (the possible role of) the people you meet in life. When I met Kelley in high school, it was almost like fate. We’re best friends but we’re more like sisters.

“She’s the reason our family is now whole. She’s my hero.”

On Mother’s Day 2012, Alice Woods boarded her 38-foot sailboat True Blue III and left Oahu for a 14-and-a-half-month sail around the world.

The journey started with Woods and two other women, Anne Bayly and Mary Campbell, (all in their 50s). From Hawaii, they went to the Solomon Islands, and then the Northern Territories, Australia, La Reunion near Madagascar, South Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope, Granada, Panama, Ecuador and then back to Hawaii. The longest leg was 51 days across the Indian Ocean.

Anne Bayly and Alice Woods return from their sail around the world (left) aboard True Blue III | Anthony Consillio photos

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“I thought of it more as a pilgrimage,” says Woods, who spent much of her adult life as a mariner. “Just to do a journey, to really find out what we’re actually sitting on. Also, when I started the journey I really needed to give me a good task to distract myself from grief.”

Woods’ husband Stephen Bergh died in August 2010, and the couple had just purchased the boat before his passing.

Throughout the trip, Woods says they would catch fish for their meals. They also encountered some storms east of Papua New Guinea, but nothing they couldn’t handle.

“It’s very taxing and you need to be physically and mentally fit,” notes Woods on what it takes. “You need to have patience and be a calm sort of person. Also, your boat has to be very sturdy.”

As for some of the highlights of her trip, Woods lists seeing the beauty of the ocean, sailing under the stars with phosphorescence in the sea, and being welcomed by all the different people they met wherever they went.

They also often were accompanied by dolphins. Wild fish and schools of tuna would sometimes follow their boat. Large flocks of flying fish would occasionally jump up from the water, and they even saw a few whales.

With no TV on board, the ladies spent their down-time reading, talking story, and if it was calm, swimming.

“My favorite thing about sailing is being propelled by wind,” says Woods, who recently turned 60. “I think being delivered by wind, it’s really a magical thing, and to be able to sail around this planet is really something.”

A retired lighthouse keeper from Canada, Woods has three grown sons and one granddaughter, and currently lives on her boat moored at Hawaii Yacht Club. She plans to reunite with her family next spring when she sails back to Canada.

Until then, she hopes to gain a better understanding of Hawaii, including the graciousness of the people here. She also paddles with the Kamehameha Paddling Club.

“I was humbled,” recalls Woods on how she felt when she and Bayly returned to Oahu Aug. 2 (Campbell stayed for only the first few months of the trip, deboarding in Australia). “And not so much because I had done this thing, but because I have been allowed to do it. I feel very lucky that I had a good boat to do it on, good companions to do it with and the sea was kind to me.

“My message to people is if you have a dream, follow it. Pursue it and work to make it happen because anything is possible.”

And while her husband, who also was a lighthouse keeper and fisherman, did not make it on the journey, he was definitely there in spirit.

“In many ways he was with me, even just the knowledge he shared with me that made it possible for me to do this,” says Woods. “And I took his ashes with me and scattered it around the ocean, the beautiful spots along the way.”

Alika Winter teaches his 5-year-old daughter Tiana to surf. Photo courtesy Tanya Winter

Alika Winter, founder of Soljah Clothing Co. and event promoter of the raging Soljah parties of the ’90s, always has loved the ocean. Now 42, the lifelong surfer and firefighter with Honolulu Fire Department, is hoping to spread the joy of surfing to Hawaii’s keiki through Soljah Surf Camp, which he started with wife Tanya.

A father of three daughters (15-year-old Chien, 9-year-old Malia and 5-year-old Tiana), Winter says the camps started as a way to teach his keiki and his friends’ kids how to surf.

“I’ve noticed that there are a lot of overzealous parents these days and I was one of them,” admits Winter. “My oldest daughter didn’t like to surf because I was overzealous. So when I had my second daughter I decided to be very patient and not push her, and it worked out really well.”

The surf camps are open to kids age 6 to 16, and take place during the long school holidays, such as spring, summer, fall and winter breaks. It’s held over four days from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Waikiki Beach (meeting near the Duke Kahanamoku statue).

“Depending on their skill level, we take them to Baby Queens, Baby Canoes, Canoes and even outside at Queens,” notes Winter. “They will be standing up on the first day for sure. After that, we teach them to turn around, paddle back and catch a wave by themselves.

“The magic about Waikiki is it’s the best place on the planet to learn how to surf. It’s not a pitching, barreling wave. It’s a rolling wave on a sand bottom.”

Surfboards of different types and sizes are available, but students can bring their own, if they prefer. Winter lists safety, being comfortable and having fun as their top priority for the kids.

“The ocean has such a healing property to it,” he says. “When you’re stressed, you can just go in the ocean and feel good afterward.

“And it’s healthy. I was up to 206 pounds, but when we started the camp, it kind of forced me to get back in the water and now I’m 182 pounds. It’s such good aerobic exercise. You’re working your lats, and next thing you know your beer belly’s going away.”

Surfing also is a great family activity. “The cool thing is my oldest, I thought she would never surf again, but she actually helps us at the camp,” says Winter. “And my two younger ones compete in contests.”

Registration for the winter camp begins in November. Cost is $265. Interested parents also can stop by the fall camp this week (Oct. 7 to 10) for a peek at what they do. For more information, email ta@soljah.com or visit soljahsurfcamp.com.

San Shoppell, Jim Favalora, trainer Kyle Higa, trainer Glenn Philhower, Jenny Chanhpheng, and Maritza and Lei Yamada at Egan’s Fit Body Bootcamp’s Ala Moana Beach bootcamp held Saturdays | Lawrence Tabudlo photo

In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MMA champion Egan Inoue has been offering Bootcamp for Boobies as part of Egan’s Fit Body Bootcamp. Through the end of October, join the Saturday Ala Moana Beach Bootcamp for $5 per person. All proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help in the fight against breast cancer.

The bootcamp starts at 7 a.m., meeting at lifeguard stand 1D, and is led by trainer Glenn Philhower.

“It’s high-intensity interval training,” explains Inoue, who also is a former racquetball champion. “Sometimes we involve short swim sprints or, if people don’t want to swim, we give them something else to do out of the water. We’re trying to get full body (muscles worked) all the time, but for sure your legs are going to get a good workout.

“Also, there’s a lot of cardio, and when you do it in the sand, it adds a lot of resistance. That’s how I did most of my training for racquetball, and what I found when I went back on to the court was I was a lot more explosive and my muscles didn’t get as tired as fast.”

The Saturday bootcamps started about three years ago as a community service, with the fee to join being canned food items to donate.

The workout runs 45 minutes to an hour, and is open to men and women of all ages. Participants should bring a towel, extra change of clothes and a bottle of water. Shoes are optional.

Inoue also is offering his popular 14-day Fat Furnace Program for only $25 before the end of October, with all proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure as well. The program normally costs $79 and includes 14 days of workouts at Egan’s Fit Body Bootcamp and a fat loss meal plan.

“Personally, (my wife) Marcia and her mom both had breast cancer, so it’s directly related with us,” adds Inoue, a father of five.

“We also have bootcampers who have had mastectomies, so for me, it’s a big deal and it’s real.”

Egan’s Fit Body Bootcamps are located in Manoa, Downtown, Kailua and Waipio. He also owns Grappling Unlimited, and will relocate the Manoa studio to a larger space at 2700 King St., opening Nov. 1. The new training center was designed with the help of Hawaii Five-0 star Alex O’Loughlin, who trains with Inoue. For details, visit hawaiifitcamp.com or call 271-3779.

Dorian and Lehua Wright | Leah Friel photo

Power Yoga Hawaii and The Modern Honolulu host a daylong yoga festival, Poses emPOWER, Oct. 26 at the hotel’s Sunset Pool.

The event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and features seven classes taught by some of Oahu’s top yoga instructors, and accompanied by a local musician and/or DJ, including John Cruz, Makana, DJ G-spot and Ashley Lilinoe.

The event also serves as a benefit with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Mental Health America Hawaii and its programs in preventing youth suicide and bullying.

“Power Yoga Hawaii (which is a donation-based yoga studio) has been doing charity events since we opened,” explains Lehua Wright who, along with husband Dorian, opened Power Yoga Hawaii at 510 Piikoi St. near Ala Moana Center two-and-a-half years ago.

“We started with member passes like other yoga studios and we just didn’t like that model, we liked the model that our teacher Bryan Kest in Santa Monica came up with,” adds Dorian. “They say when you start practicing yoga, your intuition gets stronger, and my intuition just said do the donation thing, now is the time. So, we did (at the start of the year) and it’s going great.

“We have a whole new group of people both young and old where it’s affordable for them, which is what yoga should be. It should be for everyone.”

Lehua and Dorian specialize in traditional Power Yoga but also offer other types of classes in their studio, such as Bhakti Flow with Coco Zhang, Fluid Power and Aerial Yoga.

For Poses emPOWER, the Wrights chose to give back to Mental Health America Hawaii because it’s a cause close to their hearts.

“When I was 19 my dad died of a heart attack, and six months later my mom committed suicide on Christmas Eve,” recalls Lehua, who started practicing yoga at 24. “I had a lot of anger and guilt toward my mom, and until I did my teacher training (in yoga) I didn’t have that release.

“I’m finally OK with it, and yoga was a huge part of it. In Power Yoga, a lot of the teaching is based on philosophies about feeling good with who you are and where you’re at, and that’s a healing process from the inside out. The physical aspects – that’s a byproduct of the practice.”

Participation in Poses emPOWER begins with a $30 donation per person, per class. Reservations are required at poweryogahawaii@gmail.com. Class packages also are available. For more information, visit poweryogahawaii.com.

Keith Mylett of Precision Parkour does a parkour move known as a kong vault over a box that’s more than 3 feet tall | Leah Friel photo

Ever dreamed of becoming an American Ninja Warrior or your favorite superhero who can effortlessly climb up and down buildings, leap over picnic tables and jump over railings? A new gym in Kakaako called Precision Parkour can help you learn some of those impressive moves.

“When I watch The Avengers or see Spider-Man and Captain America, they’re actually doing park-our moves,” says owner Keith Mylett, noting that many Hollywood stuntmen are parkour athletes, as are many of the participants in the popular American Ninja Warrior competition.

Mylett, who also works as an English and yearbook teacher at Kalani High School, started doing parkour three years ago as a way to get in shape. He began with classes at Hawaii Parkour and instantly was hooked.

“Parkour is the physical discipline of overcoming obstacles in our environment,” explains Mylett, 35. “Doing repetitive stuff gets boring for me, but with parkour, every workout is different. It got me motivated to be more active, and now I’m more muscular and my endurance went up. Also, my energy levels are higher and my outlook on life is more positive and playful.

“Parkour emphasizes playfulness and creativity in an environment. So if you’re a parkour practitioner, you don’t see handrails, you see something that you can play on and exercise on. You don’t see a staircase, it transforms into an obstacle or a challenge. Walking around in an urban or even natural environment, you start seeing the world as your playground.”

Mylett offers classes for all ages, including Keiki Parkour for kids ages 3 and up. The facility features movable boxes in various sizes and heights to create obstacles for different levels of skill and comfort. Little blocks and metal bars are attached throughout the walls to climb on, and there are several high bars to swing from. Even the front desk is only accessible by jumping or vaulting four feet over it.

“At Precision Parkour, we want people to come in and do something awesome that they didn’t think they could do before they came in,” adds Mylett, whose 6-year-old son Bodhi also practices parkour. “Kids naturally do parkour (picture the typical playground with monkey bars, a rock wall, rope bridge, etc.), and I think parkour is a way of encouraging play and making physical activity fun.

“Our phrase is ‘Level Up In Real Life.’ So if you like watching superhero movies or playing video games, why don’t you put those down for an hour a week and come down here and learn how to do it in real life?”

Precision Parkour is located at 423 Keawe St. For more information, email keith@precisionparkour.com or visit precisionparkour.com.

Hawaii Ki Federation celebrates 60 years of aikido in Hawaii with a special public seminar Friday, Nov. 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Jodo Mission Social Hall (1420 Makiki St.). Hosted by Lokahi Ki Society, the seminar is open to people of all ages and abilities who are interested in the principles of ki (aikido).

“Aikido for some people is a way of defending themselves, a martial art, but that’s the small picture,” says Clayton Naluai, one of the founders of Lokahi Ki Society. “The big picture is that it’s a way of living.

“At the seminar, they’re going to experience something in ways that they’ve never experienced before. For instance, the power they have to achieve anything that they put their mind to doing, and discovering that they can be more than they thought they can be, do more than they thought they could do and have more joy, peace, love, harmony and prosperity than they thought they could have.”

Naluai, who sang with the famous old Hawaii musical group The Surfers, and has appeared on the original Hawaii Five-O and Hawaiian Eye, has been practicing aikido for 55 years. He first discovered it while observing a class taught by Koichi Tohei, a top student of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba in Japan.

“He pointed to me, said come over here, and asked if I can tumble. I said yes, and the next thing I knew I was flying through the air,” recalls Naluai. “It was not an uncomfortable feeling. It was, in fact, a feeling of elation, joy – and I tumbled. And through that experience I said, ‘I want to learn about this.’”

Now 76, Naluai was recently promoted to 7th dan black belt in shin shin toitsu aikido kai, and teaches at Lokahi Ki Society once a week.

“My teacher realized rather fast that I was not interested in learning how to defend myself. What I was interested in was the bigger picture: How do I apply these life principles in my life?

“I used to be a rascal kid. Before, they called us rascal kids and then they changed the label to juvenile delinquents. I could’ve been the best crook in the world, but fortunately, for the seeds that were planted by my parents, my teachers and mentors in life, including my aikido teacher Koichi Tohei sensei, I’m not the best crook. Aikido has made me a better person, I cannot deny that. And it’s a journey that continues to grow.”

It’s also a great form of exercise both physically and mentally.

“The principles (of aikido) have to do with exercising your mind and your body. Mind moves the body, so what condition your mind is in determines what condition your body is in,” explains Naluai. “If a person thinks that they’re weak, then the body responds accordingly.”

Cost for the upcoming seminar is $15. Space is limited. RSVP by calling Lokahi Ki Society at 372-7724 or email lokahiki@me.com. For more information, visit lokahiki.org.

Egan Inoue and Alex O’Loughlin. Chrissy Lambert photo

When Hawaii Five-O star Alex O’Loughlin moved to Hawaii, he met MMA champion Egan Inoue and quickly discovered a passion for jiujitsu. “BJJ (Brazil jiujitsu) is something I’ve wanted to learn for many years, and I’m glad I started in the hands of Egan,” notes O’Loughlin, who was introduced to Inoue by Scott Caan. “Over the last few years, I’ve had the chance to travel and roll with a number of different black belts, and through those experiences I’ve been able to see how great Egan’s jiujitsu game is.

“But, above and beyond that, what separates him from other teachers and makes him a master is his spiritual connection to the martial arts. Egan has an innate capacity to impart his life philosophies onto his students, as well as the art itself.”

Inoue, who is a black belt third-degree in jiujitsu, five-time MMA world champion and two-time Brazilian jiujitsu world champion, also offers Egan’s Fit Body Bootcamps in Manoa, Kailua, downtown Honolulu and Waipio. He also owns Grappling Unlimited and has relocated his Manoa studio to a larger space at 2700 S. King St.

Inoue is extremely proud of the new gym, called Egan’s Training Center, and especially thankful to O’Loughlin, who was responsible for the fundamental design, layout and materials.

“I also organized the construction team,” adds O’Loughlin. “In addition to that, over the last six months or so I’ve worked closely with my friend Steve Finch in updating the artwork for Grappling Unlimited, including a commission samurai piece that now hangs on the back wall.”

The new training center also has a hexagon cage and additional mat space, which O’Loughlin lists as his favorite things, along with a unique concrete bench they poured near the reception desk.

“I train as much as I can. If I could train every day, I would, and sometimes I do but usually a few times a week,” notes O’Loughlin, who is now a blue belt in jiujitsu. “The thing I love most about jiujitsu is that it forces me to be in the moment. I can’t think about the past or the future, only right now. The minute I leave the moment I am being put to sleep.”

The public is invited to a grand reopening Nov. 16 with free 20-minute boot-camp mini sessions at 9 a.m., a keiki bootcamp (ages 4 to 12) at 10 a.m., a bootcamp challenge at 11 a.m. and a jiujitsu seminar taught by Inoue at noon.

Also Nov. 17, Inoue and O’Loughlin team up for a women’s self-defense seminar at 1 and 3 p.m. Cost is $300, and all proceeds will be donated to Kapiolani hospital. Only 40 spots are available per seminar. For more information, call 271-3779 or register online at eganstrainingcenter.com.

Starting my 31-story rappel down the Sheraton Waikiki for Special Olympics Hawaii | Leah Friel photo

I’m a pretty adventurous person – I’ve gone para-sailing, jetpacking, flew in a wind tunnel, went drifting at a race track and even operated the camera for the old KHNL Chopper8 helicopter before it had doors.

Well, believe it or not, I am slightly afraid of heights. But I think it’s that little bit of fear that makes these things thrilling and exciting. You know, that sudden empty feeling in your stomach when the roller coaster drops from its highest peak.

Earlier this month, I was given the opportunity to go “Over the Edge” and rappel 31 stories down the Sheraton Waikiki in support of Special Olympics Hawaii. Without hesitation, I signed up. But as the day neared, I found myself feeling extremely nervous, and started to question my participation.

I shared with my 6-year-old son what I would be doing, that like Spiderman with his web, I would be descending 315 feet from a building with the use of a rope. He immediately asked, “Why would you do that?”

I told him about Special Olympics and how it helps empower people with intellectual disabilities through its work in sports, health education and community building. That like the Olympic Games on TV, Special Olympics provides sporting competitions for its athletes to train for. And how sometimes in life, you’re faced with challenges, but you should never give up and always try your best.

My son’s response, “OK, Mommy, you can do it, but can I pray for you?”

So the day came, and I remember feeling a little nauseous as I read the tip sheet on what to expect. Staff from Over the Edge showed us how to operate the descender, and we got to practice from a shorter distance just a couple of floors above the ground.

Taking that first step off the roof is definitely the hardest part. But once you let go and feel your body is secure in your harness, the rest is actually quite easy, even from the 31st floor. At the beginning of the rappel, your feet are up against a wall of an overhang from the Sheraton’s roof. But then the wall ends, and it’s a free rappel down by yourself with a rare bird’seye view of Diamond Head, Waikiki and the deep blue ocean far below.

The experience is really like none other, and the feeling once you get to the bottom is of pure joy, survival and victory.

In fact, I’ve already convinced my boss Ron Nagasawa to signup next year, with my co-workers teaming up to raise the approximate $1,000 donation needed to secure a spot and toss our boss in next November’s Special Olympics Hawaii Over the Edge. (Yes, you can probably expect a “What’s Next” column from Ron.)

Special Olympics Hawaii started its annual Over the Edge event in 2009 as a way to raise much-needed funds. “We were facing a deficit of about $200,000 that year,” recalls development manager Kyle Karioka. “The economy had just tanked, and our corporate sponsors’ giving went down.”

In search of fundraising opportunities, they discovered Over the Edge.

“We raised $180,000 that year, just enough to cover our deficit, and we were able to hold our Holiday Classic as scheduled,” notes Karioka. “Special Olympics is all about challenging athletes to go beyond something they think they are capable of, and Over the Edge is a way for regular folks to overcome their fears and challenge themselves to do something they might never have thought they would be able to do in the same way that our athletes may challenge themselves. It’s a great fit and we actually have a lot of people who do it because they have a fear of heights, to challenge themselves and get over that.”

Special Olympics Hawaii has the exclusive right with Over the Edge on Oahu. Only about 100 slots are available each year. For those interested in participating next year, email kylek@specialolympicshaw aii.org or visit specialolympicshawaii.org.

Pop quiz: You want to cross the street, and see this signal. Do you:

A) Enter the crosswalk and take your time getting to the other side, even if the countdown hits zero while you’re still crossing.

B) Stand at the curb, and wait for the next “pedestrian walk” signal.

C) Enter the crosswalk but walk really fast so that you get to the other side within 14 seconds.

D) Call out to your friend behind you to hurry up, and sprint across together before the light changes.

Countdown To A Pedestrian Ticket

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Correct answer: B

If you got that wrong, you’re not the only one. In a poll I conducted in the MidWeek office last week, 14 people said they would cross the street. Only three knew to wait at the curb for the next light or risk a citation. That’s right, you can get a ticket with a fine of $130 for entering a crosswalk once the signal starts counting down, even if you think you can make it across in the amount of time shown.

“It’s pretty clear what (the law) says: no pedestrian shall start to cross the roadway, whether it’s flashing or a steady (Don’t Walk) signal,” explains HPD Maj. Kurt Kendro. “The idea is that countdown clock, everybody says, well, I can still enter because that gives me enough time to cross the street, but the reality is that countdown signal is for the people who are already in the crosswalk to safely proceed across the roadway. It’s not for pedestrians to enter into the crosswalk.”

To be honest, I didn’t realize this rule until just a few months ago when I heard about people getting ticketed for it, including my aunty in her 70s. Now as I drive around, I can’t help but notice countless people dashing into crosswalks while the pedestrian signal is counting down, especially when I’m trying to make a turn but can’t because there are pedestrians in the roadway from when the light turns green to the second the upraised orange palm or “Don’t Walk” signal appears.

Each August, the state Department of Transportation’s Walk Wise Hawaii pedestrian safety program teams up with private and public partners, including HPD, to promote and educate pedestrian safety.

In August, there were 2,376 pedestrian offenses cited by HPD.

“Generally, jaywalking is probably the No. 1 offense,” notes Kendro. “Disregarding pedestrian walk signals is probably a close second. Normally, officers can and do give out these citations, but that may not always be their primary responsibility for that day.”

In their work of promoting safe walking habits, Walk Wise Hawaii teaches people to look left, look right and look left again, and to maintain eye contact with the driver of the vehicle that is stopped, as well as drivers in the other vehicles on the roadway.

And while the law prohibits drivers from holding a mobile electronic device, there currently is no law for pedestrians using smart-phones, MP3 players or even laptops while crossing the street.

“People are quick to blame the vehicle for hitting the pedestrian, but pedestrians have responsibilities as well,” says Kendro. “It’s one of those things that goes back to what your mother told you when you were a young kid crossing the street. Look both ways, pay attention and cross when it’s safe.

“Pedestrians have a false sense of security even if there’s a crosswalk and if they’ve made eye contact. You can be 100 percent right, but if that 4,000-pound car coming down the street at 25 miles per hour hits a pedestrian, it’s going to cause serious bodily injury or death. We have such mixed-used roadways, so pedestrians have to walk defensively and drivers have to anticipate the movements of pedestrians.”

So far this year, there have been 51 traffic fatalities on Oahu. Seventeen of those were pedestrians, 17 were in automobiles and 17 were on motorcycles/mopeds.

As for the rules of the roadway for drivers when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, Kendro says, “If the pedestrian is on your half of the roadway, then you must stop for the pedestrian in the crosswalk until they leave your half of the roadway.”

These days, everyone seems to be in a rush, myself included. Between school, work, children’s activities, appointments and errands, we’re all driving or walking around from one place to another.

“Time is a commodity, we have to walk fast to get to where we need to, we got to drive to get to where we need to, but you’re talking about people’s lives,” says Kendro. “Drivers need to be patient and drive with aloha, and pedestrians wave a thank you to the driver.”

yting@midweek.com

More than 450 people gathered early morning Nov. 16 at Nordstrom Ala Moana for its popular semi-annual Beauty Trend Show, highlighting the latest and greatest beauty trends, tips and products for fall.

According to Nordstrom, the three trends for the fall/holiday season are:

Nordstrom’s three beauty trends this fall/holiday season are a bordeaux lip and smoky eyes (as seen on model Rain Rusden), as well as the graphic eye.

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* The Bordeaux lip – from juicy berry stains to three-dimensional red-velvet finishes.

* Redefined smoky eyes – an edgy look with a touch of feminine aesthetics. With colors like plum, grays, blues and charcoal; mix matte and metallic shadows to create a graphic halo effect around the eyes.

* Graphic eyes – inspired by the ’60s winged cat’s eye, this trend was seen on many of the Fall runways.

To get these looks, Nordstrom regional beauty director Joelle Russo suggests the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil ($25), Bobbi Brown Smoky Eye Palette ($48.50, available in cool or warm tones) and Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner ($20).

Also getting a lot of attention are anti-aging beauty products that can help bring life back to your skin, as well as CC (color control) creams like Amore Pacific’s Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50, which won Elle magazine’s ‘Genius’ award and Allure‘s ‘Best of Beauty’ award for Best Top Splurges for 2013. My splurge for the day was on Dr. Lancer’s Microcurrent Power Boost Device ($250) which massages facial muscles, stimulates the deep layers of the skin and optimizes the skin’s electrical potential. Stay tuned for a review shortly. Mark your calendars for Nordstrom’s Spring/Summer 2014 Beauty Trend Show May 24.

Fourteen-year-old Precious Rivera gets her wish to be a princess. Photo from Kulana Malama

Fourteen-year-old Precious Rivera made a wish to be a princess, and last Friday that wish came true.

Dressed in a beautiful white gown and satin gloves, she was the star at a “princess parade” at Macy’s Ala Moana, organized by Make-A-Wish Hawaii and Macy’s. The celebration took place on what’s known as National Believe Day, when Macy’s and Make-A-Wish grant more than 50 special wishes across America to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Rivera, who has congenital hypotonia, which limits her ability to move, also had wished for an electric wheel-chair, which Make-A-Wish recently granted as well.

“She had initially asked to meet Zack and Cody from Disney, but it couldn’t be granted because of scheduling and logistics, so this was her second wish,” explains Waynell Hee-Goodman, director of social services at Kulana Malama in Ewa Beach. “She likes everything Disney princess. She likes everything very pink and purple and yellow.

“She’s a normal teenager, but her muscle weakness really limits her ability to communicate easily and her ability to move, which is why the wish for the electric wheel-chair made total sense, because it gives her independence that she never had before.”

A freshman at James Campbell High School, Rivera shares the same likes and dislikes many girls her age would have. Among the things she enjoys are music, television, Nintendo Wii, using her iPad and the company of others, especially other teens, notes her mom, Alison “Allie” Pascua, a dental hygienist.

But Rivera also lives a life of many challenges. According to Hee-Goodman, she has profound muscle weakness and can’t move her upper arms or legs, is unable to swallow her own saliva and needs frequent oral suction. She also cannot eat by mouth and receives her nutrition through a gastrostomy tube. She is on a ventilator around the clock to help her breathe, and a nurse accompanies her throughout the entire day. She also can’t roll over or sit up, but is able to hold her head up at times. She can move her tongue and say some words, but can’t speak loudly. And she can’t walk, but is able to move her hands allowing her to use an iPad and TV remote control.

Rivera also as two younger sisters, Hope and Faith, and a brother named Trustin who also had congenital hypotonia and passed away five years ago at age 4.

“Precious is very resilient,” says Hee-Goodman. “She has excellent cognition, and she’s very intelligent and alert.

“When she first got into her new wheelchair and realized it was an electric, she was so excited to move around. We are thankful to Make-A-Wish for helping Precious achieve some form of independence, because it really has improved her quality of life.

“Her biggest challenge now is really communication. She can communicate, but it’s hard for people to understand, so we’re trying to work on a communication device that can help her express herself easier.”

Macy’s National Believe Day is part of the retailer’s Believe campaign, which invites children of all ages to mail their letters to Santa using Macy’s red Santa Mail letterboxes. For every letter mailed now through Dec. 24, Macy’s will donate $1, up to $1 million to Make-A-Wish. Macy’s also donated $1 to Make-A-Wish for every letter that was mailed on National Believe Day, up to $1 million, and above the existing $1 million goal for the campaign, generating up to $2 million in total for Make-A-Wish during this year’s campaign.

Make-A-Wish Hawaii was founded in 1982 and has granted more than 900 wishes to children in Hawaii. Locally, there currently are more than 100 children with life-threatening medical conditions waiting for their wish to come true. According to Make-A-Wish, these wishes will give them something to focus on outside of the medical experience and bring the joy of childhood back to them.

“Precious is so bright and smart,” adds Hee-Goodman. “When you look at her, you might not think that because she’s so quiet, but she has such a sharp mind and is just really brave, and that’s what I would want people to take away from their experience when they see her. She’s very precious and wonderful to be around.”

yushing@midweek.com

There were at least 40 triathletes representing Hawaii at the Dec. 1 IRONMAN race in Cozumel, Mexico. Some of them are pictured here, along with their supporters. Rick Keene photo

When Lori McCarney registered for the recent IRONMAN in Cozumel late last year, she wanted to try to get as many people from Hawaii to sign up too.

Well, on Dec. 1, at least 40 people from Hawaii (including some who used to live here) made their way to Mexico for the grueling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run race.

That’s an impressive number of people, especially when you consider not only the physical challenges of completing an IRONMAN, but also the time, effort and expenses involved, including airfare, lodging and shipping of their bicycles, which the majority of the participants from Hawaii paid $520 to do.

“I’ve done IRONMAN Cozumel before in 2010, and it was one of my favorite races because the support of the crowd was so good,” says McCarney, 59. “They basically close down the island for the race, so all sorts of people are out cheering you on, and that feels so good when you’re out there.

“Also, I had a really good swim time; they have dolphins in the beginning, and the course is friendly – it’s not super hilly or cold or hot. It’s pretty much like racing in Hawaii.”

Among her first recruits was KC Carlberg. “She coached me for several of my IRONMAN races and I kept telling her, if you’re going to train IRONMAN athletes, you have to do an IRONMAN,” says McCarney.

From there, more and more people became interested, and before she knew it there were 40 people signed up, plus about another 40 people who went on the trip as supporters. As a way to build relationships among the group, and as an easy way to spot each other on the course, McCarney created Team Hola Y Aloha tri kits (triathlon-specific racing tops and shorts) and T-shirts designed by Mariane Uehara Marr.

It was IRONMAN No. 8 (with a finishing time of 13 hours and six minutes) for McCarney, who is president of Spice Marketing and Business Strategies, and started doing triathlons when she was 50. Members of Team Hola Y Aloha ranged in occupation and in age from their mid-20s to late 60s.

Two people placed in the top three for their age group – Wendy Miki Glaus for the 50-54 age group, and Brenda Wong Yim in 55-59.

And for 22 people, it was their first IRONMAN.

McCarney also notes that the swim course was actually shorter than the usual 2.4 miles because of potentially dangerous wind and ocean conditions. She says the swim course was changed and shortened by half a mile, making it a 1.9-mile course.

“It was a great group of people who now have this connection of a shared experience that I think they are going to remember for a long time,” says McCarney about Team Hola Y Aloha. “Great friendships were made. They’re talking about what next Ironman they’re going to do.”

This year, McCarney also finished the prestigious IRONMAN World Championship in Kona just seven weeks before Cozumel. Next year, she’s planning for IRONMAN Brazil in May and has been invited to be on Team USA competing in the ITU long-distance triathlon world championships in China in September.

“I know what doing these things do for people; I know what it did for me,” she adds. “It changed my outlook on life and my attitude about things. I’m much more of a positive person now than I used to be. I’m healthier now than I ever was, and I want to share that with more people. I get a lot of joy from seeing people go down that path ’cause I know what it’s going to do for them, and it does time after time.”

yting@midweek.com