Categorized | Running, Sports

Stanis taking day off in Honokaa

Special to Hawaii 24/7

Nadia “Nate” Stanis is well on her way, running completely around the Big Island.

Stanis took off from Kona Oct. 17 and raising funds to protect native Hawaii open spaces, farm land, paths and trails. Her mission is to promote healthy lifestyles and a greener planet.

A recent resident of Kailua-Kona, the environmental educator and natural foods chef has backpacked 2,000 miles and run six marathons.

She said she loves to explore the natural world, travel lightly on the earth, and spread the messages of health and wellness.

The two-week, 240-mile run around the Big Island will allow Stanis to explore her surroundings and raise money and awareness for preservation.

She expects to average 20-30 miles per day and aims to return to Kona on Oct. 29 on the full moon.

Those interested in supporting this cause can do so in various ways, by making monetary contributions or offering physical help with the run.

Aid is needed with food and water drops along the route, running company (she will be running at a 9-11 minute mile), places to stay and campsite help, and donations to PATH.

Friday: Day 3 and Feeling Great!

First of all, some stats so far:
* Miles run: 57
* Hours on the road: 11 (Highway 19 north from Kona to Kawaihae, then east to Waimea and Old Mamalohoa Highway into Honokaa)

Friday was definitely one of the highlights of my run circling the Big Island. I ran 15.5 miles from Waimea to Honokaa along the Old Mamalohoa highway; a welcome change from busy highways and lava fields.

The road was peaceful and calm, and the scenery went from rolling farmland to lush rainforest like vegetation. Just gorgeous!

I ran from the center of Waimea at around 9:15 a.m. after Thad, my coach and host for my first two nights showed me the turn-off for the Old Highway and dropped my water and food for the route.

What an awesome guy to start the journey with – totally laid back, hilarious and giving.

To give back, I made dinner last night after my challenging and nerve wracking 10 mile push up the highway into Waimea. Lentil mushroom patties and kale salad with avocado and fresh tomato. The salad ingredients were all Hawaii grown!

After that full meal and a great night of sleep, I was recharged for the day’s miles; and feel so thankful for the awesome change of scenery and peace of the country road.

After the run, I immediately re-fueled at a natural food cafe with a smoothie and veggie sandwich, and met my friends, here to run the Honokaa Half Marathon to check in at our hotel and drive down to Waipio Valley.

Waipio Valley is WOW, amazing. Enough said.

A dip in the ocean and a nap, and I felt revived and ready to enjoy Saturday’s race– I plan to go really easy and enjoy the scenery and company.

Saturday: Honokaa Half Marathon and Enjoying Rest!

Saturday morning, I took a “break” from my forward progress circumventing the island and ran the Honokaa Half Marathon.

It was a fun change to run with a bunch of good friends, and acquaintances from the running and racing community. The race was sponsored by Big Island Running Company and Bioastin and benefited Brantley, the local community center.

The course was beautiful and well supported (besides a lack of salt), and I had good energy despite sore legs, and ran steady and strong.

My friend, and a total inspiration to me, Ellis won the race; he’s here in Hawaii to compete in the Ultraman race.

His advise about all things running and endurance, and his openhearted friendship have meant the world to me!

One last shout out for the day: Simply Natural restaurant in Honokaa totally rocks!! I’ve gone there for both my recovery meals yesterday and today and can’t rave about the flavors, the freshness, and the ambiance of the friendly cafe enough!

— Find out more:
www.runningongreens.blogspot.com

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.