Pain brings gain for just $1 per marathon mile

The blisters are starting to heal, and the body aches are starting to subside — so this is the ideal time to register for this year’s Honolulu Marathon. That’s right, the 26.2-mile marathon is turning 40 this year and in honor of the milestone, the early registration fee is just $26.20 (a mere $1 per mile). Hurry, though: the online deal is good only for Hawaii residents, and only though Tuesday. After that, it’ll cost $40 through Jan. 15.

For more info on the Dec. 9 marathon, see http://www.eventsonline.caevents/honolulu/index_hawaii.php. And they’re off!

Visit new lands as they’re being made

Volcano fans, it’s time to gear up. Pack some water and some snacks, adjust that head-lamp, lace up those hiking boots — for the first time since 2007, lava from Kilauea volcano is entering the ocean within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Quite the awesome sight. Other recent ocean entries have occurred outside the park, through private land and other areas. This flow is reaching the sea at a spot dubbed the West Kailiili Ocean Entry.

Caution is advised and go prepared, but park visitors can hike to the site, starting at the end of Chain of Craters Road. It’s a 4-mile trek across an uneven lava field — and that’s just one way. That’s right: In addition to your gear, don’t forget the endurance training.