A Q&A with Oʻahu Runner ʻĀina Racoma
‘Āina Racoma following a marathon
When guests contact down in Hawaii, many dream of lengthy seashore days, sundown cocktails, and unplugging utterly. However for devoted runners, the query turns into: how do you keep energetic in paradise with out falling into full-on trip sloth? We sat down with native runner ʻĀina Racoma, born and raised in Mililani on Oʻahu, to get his tackle operating on O’ahu, how one can gasoline, and what makes operating in Hawaii each stunning and brutal.
The place did you develop up, and the way did you get into operating?
I grew up in Mililani, proper in central Oʻahu. I wasn’t into operating at first—I performed baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. However after faculty, particularly throughout COVID, operating was one of many solely issues you could possibly do. I began taking it critically round 2021, and that’s when it turned a part of my way of life.
What’s your operating background like right this moment?
I ran my first official race in 2024. Honolulu and Carlsbad have been my favourite marathons thus far. I clocked a PR of three:25:56. One of many coolest moments was in the course of the 2024 Honolulu Marathon—at mile 24 I discovered my pal on the bottom, each of us off our objective tempo. I helped him up and we completed collectively. That’s a reminiscence I’ll always remember.
Favourite locations to run on Oʻahu?
For lengthy runs, I like beginning on the Outrigger Canoe Club and heading into Hawai‘i Kai and again—about 20 miles. For mid-distance, the loop round Kapiʻolani Park and Diamond Head is tremendous fashionable and scenic. That’s sort of the route in the event you’re staying close to Waikīkī.
Any ideas for visiting runners coming from the mainland?
Undoubtedly hydrate. It’s scorching and humid right here, particularly noon. Carry electrolytes in a handheld bottle, and attempt to get your run executed early—like 5 AM early. As soon as the solar’s up, it’s intense.
Āina and pals after the Honolulu Marathon
The place do you prefer to eat after a run?
The Sunrise Shack is my go-to. They’ve acquired nice açai bowls and sandwiches, and it’s owned by my pal Travis. If I’m craving one thing heartier, steak and eggs are my prime post-run breakfast. Zippy’s is all the time a neighborhood favourite, and for one thing a little bit extra chill, I like Pioneer Saloon and South Shore Grill. For pho, it’s all the time Saigon on Waialae—we go there after run membership generally.
You talked about restoration is a giant a part of your routine too. The place do you go?
Studio 7. It’s a distinction remedy studio began by my pal, Austyn Shimkus. You get your personal room with an ice bathtub and sauna, plus purple gentle, leg compression, and acupuncture. It’s legit, and he’s including chiropractic care too. It’s nice for restoration and simply hanging out with pals.
Moreover operating, what retains you energetic?
Seashore volleyball is large for me—it’s good cardio and tremendous enjoyable. I additionally carry weights at Outrigger to maintain an excellent steadiness between power and endurance.
Favourite seashore on the island?
Kawela Bay on the North Shore. I grew up going there, and for my part, it beats the city seashores any day. Simply extra peaceable, extra private.
Favourite place to catch a dawn or sundown?
Dead Man’s Catwalk in Hawai‘i Kai has one of the best dawn view—straight over Waimānalo and Kailua. After which there’s Stairway to Heaven. You need to take the authorized again method now, however the view from the highest is wild. Enjoyable reality: that’s truly how I acquired my identify. “ʻĀina” means “land.” My dad was driving house from there when he acquired impressed.
For sunsets, nothing beats the Outrigger. You’re proper on the water, nice meals, pals—exhausting to prime that. North Shore’s superb too. Sundown and barbecue? Doesn’t get higher.
Any remaining recommendation for runners visiting Hawaii?
Don’t really feel like it’s a must to cease your routine right here—Hawaii truly makes it higher. You will get your run in at dawn, hit the ocean, refuel with good meals, and spend the remainder of the day chilling or exploring. Simply respect the warmth, hydrate like loopy, and run early. Hawaii isn’t simply paradise—it’s the proper coaching floor.
