Getting Ready For Kauai Marathon

I’ve always wanted to run a marathon. But I’m the kind of runner who celebrates finishing three miles without stopping, let alone 26. Needless to say, it’s on my bucket list. Those more athletically inclined already are gearing up for the Kauai Marathon, set for Aug. 31. A Kauai Half Marathon training group led by Pam Kruse and co-sponsored by Kauai County Parks and Recreation already is under way, but if you’re looking for some professional fitness guidance as well, visit fitbodkauai.com.

Another way to train your body for the upcoming race is Boot Camp by Stacy. The class, led by owner Stacy Ricciardi, offers a variety of outdoor fitness routines to help runners get in shape for the race. Call 635-1143 or email bootcampbystacy@hawaii.rr.com for more information …

In other marathon news, Work It Out in Kapaa is offering a Kauai Resident Registration Promotion for the marathon. From now until May 31, Garden Islanders can register and pay at the store to receive a $40 discount as well as a Kauai Marathon gift. Work It Out is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 822-2292 for more information …

Kauai folks line up for the opening of the new Pier 1 imports. Pier 1 imports photo

Kauai folks line up for the opening of the new Pier 1 imports. Pier 1 imports photo

Some may be opposed to corporate entities filling in the empty spaces of Lihue (remember the Big Box debate?), but I find it rather refreshing that not only is the island feeling a little more up-and-coming, but also that kamaaina now have more opportunities for gainful employment. We also have the ability to purchase items from friendly faces on the island rather than having to order everything online. Sports Authority was added to the growing list of new retailers last week. It offers sporting goods and equipment from brands including Nike and adidas. Doors officially opened May 24, and the first 250 customers received Mystery Bucks of up to $500 – and former San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu also was in the house that day. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pier 1 Imports held its grand opening festivities earlier this month with a Hawaiian blessing by Kahu Lady Ipo Kahaunele of Ke Akua Church, a donation of $2,500 to Child and Family Service Kauai, and also distributed free gifts to its first customers …

If you appreciate electronic music, local DJ Meeshu (Eric Boltz) recommends you tune into Radio Alchemy and Rough House Radio Sundays. He DJs for the Big Island and Pennsylvania-based Internet radio stations and has been doing so for the past nine years. Boltz has been in the industry for almost two decades, and since 2009 he’s lived intermittently on Kauai. For more information, visit kauaimusicscene.com/a/eric-boltz-meeshu or facebook.com/ebolz

DJ Meeshu of Radio Alchemy. Photo from DJ Meeshu

DJ Meeshu of Radio Alchemy. Photo from DJ Meeshu

Poipu Bay Golf Course is offering a “Tee for Two” program designed for couples to enjoy an afternoon round of golf together. Couples may tee off between 1 and 1:50 p.m. every day and play an 18-hole round. The cost is $135 per person and includes rental clubs. For more information, call 742-8711 or visit poipubaygolf.com. Poipu Bay was one of four local courses to earn top-10 status recently in Golfweek‘s 2014 “America’s Best Courses You Can Play,” listed by state. Prince Golf Club, Princeville Makai Golf Club and Kauai Lagoons Golf Club also made the Hawaii list …

On Sunday (June 1), Rotary Club of Kapaa hosts its 26th annual Taste of Hawaii event, The Ultimate Sunday Brunch. More than $45,000 of last year’s proceeds was distributed to vocational, community and youth service projects across the island, including $8,000 in scholarships to Kapaa High School seniors. Beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Smith’s Tropical Paradise, attendees can enjoy cuisine from island eateries including Rumfire at Sheraton Kauai Resort and Nanea Restaurant & Bar from Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Visit tasteofhawaii.com for more information …

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