Chet the Jet and the Double Deca

Is this Guy Crazy or What?

"Chet the Jet" is a well known triathlete in Honolulu.  I met him in 1997 when I had just gotten into triathlon and he had recently moved to Hawaii from the mainland.

We started training regularly and became close friends.  Next thing you know, he talked me into doing my first Ironman distance triathlon (The Maui Triathlon). 

Several years back, Chet started coaching triathlon groups and started his own clinic, called Team Jet Hawaii. He's always managed to get a great crew of elite and everyday coaches to assist in the swim, bike and run training of his groups.  

Several years back, Chet did the Deca Triathlon in Mexico.  That was 10 Ironman distances - swimming 24 miles, biking 1120 miles and running 262 miles.  Yeah.

Another year or two later, the organizers decided to hold a one-time only Double Deca (multiply those distances x 2).  Chet went back to Mexico and did it again.  He was gone for about a month!

Well guess what?  The organizers decided to hold another Double Deca in 2010.  Chet signed up and was ready to go, along with fellow triathlete Charles Dias, who would be his "handler" - taking care of Chet's food, drinks, etc.

They were all set to go, but then decided to cancel because of the danger these days of being in Mexico. Organized crime, drug dealers, shootings etc.  They didn't want to risk their lives and Americans might be more at risk than some other participants.

Chet and Charles decided to do the event in Honolulu.  Just Chet with Charles' assistance.  On November 13, 2010 Chet started his swim at the Oahu Club pool in Hawaii Kai.  That's 48 miles, going back and forth in an olympic-distance pool.  

Three and a half days later, he wrapped up the swim and began his bike ride on Lagoon Drive, near Honolulu Airport.  On Thanksgiving day, 13 days into the event, Chet reached 1,200 miles on the bike.  Due to health issues (try sitting on a bike seat and ride that far), his doctor advised him to discontinue the bike ride and move on to the run.  So the bike portion became a "Deca" instead of a "Double Deca."

Now Chet's at Kapiolani Park, running laps for about 11 hours a day.  Averaging 33 miles per day.  He will wrap up on Saturday afternoon with 26.2 miles left to go.  Sunday morning, Honolulu Marathon here we go! He'll finish the event and his supporters will be there in force!

If you see Chet on Sunday, give him an encouraging shout.

Aloha, Mike Bates

Hawaii Realtor

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

(808) 548-1220