Strongman 2011

A lot has happened in my life since I last 'blogged'. I was just starting semester 1 of 2 for my primary teaching diploma. Well, semester 1 went great, loved it. Met a lovely man :) The summer holidays came, as did the entire extended family for Christmas, Semester 2 came...I'm half way through the semester, I start my next 6 week prac placement in school soon, then I'll be DONE! Amazing! So, I'm in Japan for the Strongman Triathlon - a race I never believed I could do when I lived here...I guess I had unfinished business with this island after all!

I arrived in Okinawa to stay with Theresa for a few days before coming down to Miyako. Great to see Theresa and Mo-chan. Hannah came down from Kobe. Jaimee, her boyfriend and I had all travelled together from Brisbane. It was quite a reunion! We went to the Canadian Bar, Eager Beaver - Paul Patry was also preparing for the Strongman, so it was good to touch base with him before the race.The rest of the weekend we basically walked around reminiscing and eating...it was perfect!! (and a lot colder than I remember!)


So, Brian, my boyfriend, is a pro triathlete and had already been invited to take part in the race - he was injured last year and couldn't go, so it's amazing that we were both planning to race this year! His flights were paid for, so we travelled separately. He was lodging at the nicest resort on the island, I was in the guest house - not perfect, but not the end of the world.

I flew to Miyako on Wednesday and was met at the airport by the invited athletes co-ordinator - which was strange - I was meant to be heading into town to my little guest house by taxi. He explained that he didn't realise that I, the girlfriend, was a competitor. It turned out there was an uneven number of pros, and Brian asked if the rooms could be rearranged to allow me to room with him, and the co-ordinator said yes! Amazing! So, I got to stay at the best hotel, with all the pros, it was brilliant! It really heightened my strongman experience and build up to the race. Because I knew the island, and could speak some Japanese, I felt useful, driving everyone around, which is always good!

Wednesday night we all went out for dinner. In the middle of the night, Brian starts throwing up...and again...and again...and by morning is half dead :( Through vomiting and a dodgy stomach, he'd managed to lose 5 kgs overnight! We took him up to hospital and they put 2 IV drips through him and gave him some other medicine to stop the vomiting etc. I got him back to the hotel and went out on a cycle to get supplies and register for the race. I managed to find Campbell's Chicken Noodle soup - surely that sorts everyone out! Basically, because it was Thursday, with the race being Sunday, there was still time to build up his energy again, as long as he kept food in his belly! It was stressful - he'd come to win this race...and here he was, a total mess :(

So, Friday was Jaimee's birthday and the carbo-loading party...very fun day! The biggest cake you've ever seen in your life!

Saturday was packing race bags, racking the bikes, eating...stressing...early to bed.

Sunday...race morning. Amazingly, the sea was the calmest I've ever seen it and not a whisper of wind - the flags hung limp against the poles. This is extremely rare for Miyako...being an island.

I felt totally disorganised, I was running around putting talc in my socks., squeezing gels into little bottles for the bike, changing laces in my shoes, charging ipods...it was a mental couple of hours. Brian threw up again before breakfast...indicating that whatever bug was in his tummy was still there :(

Luckily, Jaimee was there to keep me straight. We headed down to the swim start and melted into the crowd of wetsuits. (I think I'm pointing at the pros heading off on the swim start...I don't even have my goggles on!) So, the swim was good. I definitely got bashed more than my fair share, but it thinned out quite quickly and only had crazy contact at all the corners on the course. Beautiful 3k swim - you can see the sandy bottom, fish and coral the whole way round, water was about 23 degrees c.

Swim predicted time: 1hour.....actual time: 52 mins. Hooray! Smiling right from the start!


Due to the lack of wind, everyone was feeling optimistic about the 155k bike leg. It was such a beautiful day, the water looked amazing as we cycled around the island. I did the first 30k in exactly an hour, and I managed to hold that pace the whole way round. Although drafting is totally illegal in these races, there were definitely huge packs of speedy men all coming past me...packs...drafting. They had blokes on scooters with whistles, but I don't think they were busting people properly.  I felt a bit heavy in the legs at the 100k point, so I tucked into my food - 2 power bars that had melted together in my bento box...I never want to eat another one after that, grim! But it did the trick. I was sticking to my nutrition plan, 6 gels in the first 100k, and the power bars. I had oreo biscuits waiting for me in my special needs bag at 100k - I felt like I'd had a real boost to get me through the next 55k - the wind had picked up a bit. At 120k I decided that enough was enough - time to bust out the ipod tunes - although it's not encouraged, it's not forbidden either, so I thought I'd go for it, just one ear! I managed to roll into transition at 1:15 pm - giving me a bike time of about 5:15. They lump the 2 transition times into your bike time...so, my recorded time is 5:29 - maybe 7 or 8 minutes for each transition...hard to know exactly, but my transitions were definitely quicker than in Ironman NZ!


We had visited a Junior High school on the Friday morning - the same students were at the bike transition volunteering, so they were thrilled to see me racing, pointing me in the right direction, handing me my kit bag etc...It definitely gave me a boost to see them so excited!! :) 2 of the current ALTs helped me out with some sunscreen and an update on Brian's race. When I heard that he was in about 20th place on the run, I knew that something bad had happened - he should've been at the front. My bike predicted time: 5:45-6:00...actual: 5:15-ish = thrilled + legs a bit wobbly!

I set out on the run with my music blaring (my original plan was to save it for the 21k half way point...but I needed the rhythm!!) It was H.O.T. I knew I was going to struggle with the heat...I saw the race leaders coming towards me when I was about 12km in - it's an out and back course, so you can see everyone who's in front of you! The Japanese athletes had run a good race, the first 6 or 7 were all Japanese. Then I saw Anton, from Ukraine, and a few others, then I saw Brian - he looked to be running well, he had teamed up to run with Eneko from Spain. At least they only had 10k to go!

I got to the turn around in 2 hours...the first 10k was tough, getting the legs going, I ran solidly from one aid station to the next. A lot of the course has some sort of slight gradient - I'd run really fast down the slopes and Paul Patry witnessed me walking up one of the hills...I was on the way back, he was on the way out - his first long distance race, he was doing great!!

Next I came across Jaimee - she had set off on her run without her ipod! Oh noo!! I had about 10k to go, so I decided that her need was greater than mine - I'd had a great day and was full of cheer and genkiness. I strapped my sweaty ipod onto her arm and sent her on her way. Jaimee's first long distance triathlon too, she was full of genki spirit!! So fun!!

The last 10k, as always, seemed to take forever... winding through the streets of the town - it's never a direct route to the goal. So many people out cheering - saw a few of the Jet English Teachers - always a huge support. Dave had been doing the announcing all day, at the swim start and the bike transition.

Stopped for a photo with Shimoji san, we formed a mini irish band when I lived on the island! I'm amazed he recognised me (I used to have blonde hair).

FINALLY, I was at the end...I was hoping for a sub 4 hour marathon, but was happy with 4:10 because everything else had gone so well! I felt happy with all the little details: nutrition, choice of clothes, music...it had all gone better than I had expected!
Predicted finish time 11 - 12 hours. Actual time: 10:32 :)

As soon as I finished, I got interviewed...aaaaa the life of the gaijin in Japan!!! I felt good and happy...able to walk and speak, at least! It's a crazy atmosphere down at the strongman finish line. I showered and caught up the race gossip with Brian. Then we cheered Paul home, and then Jaimee!! Hooray!! Everyone home safe!!


Went home on the bus back to the Tokyu Resort, crawled up in a ball and just lay there - unable to sleep due to all the sweet gels, and the body just tingling with shock and trauma from the day! We went for a 1am stroll around the hotel lobby, in search of a vending machine.


Monday was busy. Breakfast - still not much of an appetite - despite the best breakfast/brunch buffet ever! Then car up to transition to pick up our bikes, then cycle home - stopping to get medicine on the way - I have been coughing up green gunk for almost a week now, I think I'm finally on the mend today (Tuesday). Quick chill in the ocean before heading up to the awards ceremony party. So much food and beer - everyone just hobbling around, struggling to stand through all the speeches!!

We picked up our certificates and glanced over the results. I was 3rd in my age group (25-29), 20th Woman and 305th in the whole 1300 or so starters - so happy!! Hooray! Brian was also 3rd in his age group (25-29), and 18th overall - not bad for being in the state he was!!

So, for male age group awards, they give a nice big blue award folder to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the age group - so Brian got that. For the girls, they only give it to 1st in the age group :((((( So, I felt very sad about this! Brian changed his certificate with mine and gave me his blue folder, sweet man! It's much harder to place in your age group as a man, so I DO get it, but still!!! Girls LOVE awards too :)

So, that's pretty much it...I could go on and on and on and on about all the finer details, but I'm sure it only means something to me!

It was a great way to come back to visit this place that means so much to me. I'm looking forward to a few more days of chill time on Okinawa before heading back to Uni exams next week, then that 6 week block in school.........I'm pretty shattered right now, so I'll be sleeping in tomorrow!

The count down is on for the next Ironman race - Challenge Roth, July 10th, Germany!!

Thanks to everyone for all the messages and comments, it means the world to me. And I've said it before, that all you people who are taking an interest in this - it's only because you've done something like this before, or you're maybe motivated by it...that means that you've got the ability to do it too! It's hard work training for something like this, but it's such an amazing feeling to have completed something you never thought you could do!

 

More Photos: Copy and paste this link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150552672170088.665768.614915087&l=56123a37d3

8 and a half months...and it's over

Well, 8 and a half months ago I ditched the old London Bank job, packed up my little life and bounced around South and Central America...then back to London, then on to Australia, then off to Canada, then back to Australia...zero structure, zero commitment, zero Sunday blues...zero job offers...zero income...
Now it's all over, routine is finally upon me. Pretty much finished my cert III in Fitness, have found it super interesting so far. It's going to be taking a back seat until November I reckon!
This week is the lead-in week for my Diploma in Education programme...they are holding a mid-year conference. It's all a little overwhelming - I'm part of the semester 2 intake, so there are loads of people doing the same courses who have already done a semester and a prac placement. Hopefully they'll be handy when it comes round to assignment writing time! :) I'm quite liking the prospect of a hectic semester, then a HUGE long summer break, then another hectic semester...then back to the simple life?!? haha. There's free food at this conference, it's amazing...morning tea is like high tea at the Ritz...every type of cream cake you can imagine. Funny looking around at all the different types of people who are psyched about becoming teachers...and soooo many stupid questions at the end of each lecture!! Some people just love the sound of their own voice - I suppose they'll make great teachers though!
One of the lecturers was explaining the risks of social networking sites etc... 'my space - which used to be a big thing a few years ago', I love that they had to explain that - how young are some of these students?? eeeek. So far the majority of the lectures have all been about behaviour management...if you can control your class - you're in! Also kids these days are not lazy - there must be another explanation, one of a zillion new learning disorders that we must learn to identify. 'The kids are disgusting and I can't do anything - maybe it's you who's crap'. Waaaaa hahaaaa.
Zooming up to uni on my scooter is awesome, just like being in a computer game. It costs $3.50 to fill her up, and she'll go 100km on that ;) No parking worries at the other end woohoo.

I finally had to break out the alarm clock - 5am to go cycling, 5:30am to go swimming...soon it will be light and the strange birds will be singing their crazy aussie song, that should help.
Proper lectures start next week - Mon, Tues, Weds pretty full on. Thursday OFF, Friday 8-10am!! Just 6 weeks of lectures, then exams, then 6 weeks in school, then holidays!! It's going to FLY!!!!

My hip has been sensitive lately - I did long runs 3 weeks in a row...I've now stopped the long runs...pretty depressing really. I don't think I could handle the same injury all over again!!! I'm training for the Gold Coast Half Ironman in October. I think if I ease up a for a bit now, I'll still have time to build up some running before the race. Sigh.

My brain is fried! Miss McRae, over and out.

New beginnings

I couldn't find a job.
I've started a certificate III in Fitness, which leads on to a certificate IV in Fitness...which means that I can be a personal trainer, or work with group fitness....I'm doing it online, so that I can cram in as much as I can before my Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) starts at the end of July. This year is now the year of taking on new skills! It's also the year of checking out this huge country and deciding if I want to be here.

I have an awesome little scooter, zipping around the coast on it. It costs $3 to fill up, and that lasts 100km!

I'm swimming in a 50m heated outdoor pool, cycling around the countryside - coastal routes or mountain routes galore, running with a serious group twice a week - intervals and hills. (My right shin has been hurting, and my right hip has also been a little sore. I think it's because the running that I'm doing is the toughest I've ever done in my entire life - I'm taking a week off to see how it is.)

I'm still missing people...but am thankful for the world that is facebook, and emails, and iphone applications!

A day at the airport

'Homeward' bound

I find myself lying on an airport sofa - staring up at an altered
Asian piece of art, with the Taipei sun streaming through the tinted
roof...11 hours done, 9 to go with china airlines. But first, a day in
the airport :)
My toothpaste was confiscated at security in Vancouver :( this is my
first mission of the day. Next mission is shower - there are only a
few places where renting hotel rooms by the hour is seen as acceptable
(airport being one of them)!

I managed 2 movies on the way over - The one about the South African
rugby team winning the rugby world cup, and the other one was Percy
Jackson - demi god.

Already missing my new moose travelling friends :( for them the
travelling continues, but I suppose it's the same for me. So much to
explore in Oz, not a minute to waste!

Travelling gives you so much perspective; I just hope I can hold onto
it this time.

Sent from my iPhone

The Moose Tour

Hiya,
Well, I'm on the Moose Tour - currently in Banff. It all started in Vancouver on May 11th. Our little mini-bus was driven by French-Canadian Philippe - very charismatic and enthusiastic about everything - mainly skiing. We drove up to Whistler stopping at various scenic view points along the way. Our hostel was on a stunning lake. The next day we went skiing on Blackcombe Mountain - still really great snow up the top. It was totally hard on my body, I think the ski boots were a little tight, had sore muscles and bruises!! Didn't fall over too much, super fun. I forgot how much I loved skiing :) We headed back to Vancouver that night, stayed in the Jerico Park Hostel - again, amazing location, right by the beach and very close to University of B.C. (Perry's old Uni). I went for a run early the next morning and came across a sign for a beach: 'Clothes Optional Beach'. Haha. There seems to be a lot of nude sun-bathing here!! We saw more nude sun-bathers in Whistler, on the 'Lost Lake'.
The next day we joined a new bus - with Shelly as the driver - great chick, works way too hard but is furiously passionate about her job, and her beautiful country. She's a great guide and has really added huge value to our experience. The first day we crossed through the Fraser Valley, we stopped in a beautiful rainforest - Bridal Falls - a stunning huge waterfall. Then we headed into desert country - Merrit - the Canadian Capital of Country Music. It was a really strange little place, it gets up to 40 degrees celcius in the day and they have to use sprinklers to make anything grow!! Felt very weird after seeing all the snowy peaks and having been skiing just the day before! We stayed on the shores of Shuswap Lake (about half way to Banff from Vancouver). They had these old broken bicycles for us to get down to the lake - no tyres, no breaks, some with broken handle bars, it was hilarious. We got the whole group into the whole 'jumping' for pictures thing. After dinner we sat in the hot-tub before an early night. The next day we had another long drive to Banff - we passed through 4 national parks on this day. We witnessed the destruction that the pine beetle is causing to the pine forests in Yoho National Park. Basically, the pine beetles lay their eggs in the trees and the trees die. The problem is that the extreme cold and snow used to keep the beetle population at bay, wiping them out every winter. With the warmer winters the beetles are taking over and dominating entire hillsides, killing all the trees. They say that the forest will take 100 years to regrow. In Banff National Park they have decided that to burn the forest is the lesser of two evils, as the regrowth period is only about 30 years.  Coming in to Banff we saw a black bear looking for grain on the railway tracks!
We arrived in Banff on Friday night, just in time for Caribbean Karaoke Night. It was a great party. Rebecca and I won prizes for best dressed :) Drank a fair amount, cheap drinks and karaoke, always a fun happy time :)
The next day I had a sore head! But we were back on the bus heading north to Jasper along the Ice-fields Parkway - a famous route through the centre of the rocky mountains. On the way up we stopped at lake Louise, a stunning lake with a huge Chateaux, still partially frozen. We stopped at the Columbia Icefields centre, where you could do a trip onto the Athabasca Glacier. There is a HUGE amount of snow and ice up on the Columbia Icefields. The trees in the area only grow branches off one side of the trunk because the glacial winds are so cold. In the visitor centre over the winter they recorded a temperate of -57 degrees celcius!!! So cold!!!!
We saw a black bear at the side of the road - the whole mini-bus had our camera jammed against the window, this big bear was just wandering along the side of the road, then he stood up to scratch himself on a tree ;) It was amazing!! Shelly told us that black bears have to eat something like 20,000 calories a day when preparing for hibernation!! Insane!
We stopped at numerous canyons and waterfalls along the way, all absolutely stunning. The snow-capped mountains looming up all around are unbelievable, I have a zillion photos of mountains at the moment...we had amazing weather, blue skies the whole way.
Our hostel in Jasper was an eco-hostel, with no running water. They did have a well outside, you had to pump up the water and use it for cooking etc. We weren't allowed any food in the dorm cabins for fear that the bears would come and eat us!
The next morning we jumped back on the bus and headed south along the icefields parkway towards Banff. We stopped at even more stunning locations along the way, spotted another bear, and lots of Bighorned sheep, climbed up more waterfalls, then our last stop of the day was at Lake Peyto. We hiked up through the snow to a high viewpoint - the snow was up to our waists....jeans and trainers were probably not the best snow hiking gear. We did see someone trying it in shorts....his legs were bleeding all over the snow! Gross!! Some of the group turned back, it was really hard going, but the view was amazing. We could hear avalanches on the opposite mountain!! This cute Aussie girl was so miserable, her feet were totally numb and she didn't notice that her shoe had come off in the snow!! We had to dig into all the footprints to try and find this shoe, she was so upset and was really worried about frostbite, but I think she's ok! It reminded me of the time Kirsty and I hiked up Gaustatoppen mountain in Norway - having to dig out your legs from the freezing snow - hands all numb!!
Anyway, after that we hurried back to Banff and jumped into the showers at our swanky hostel - which used to be a hotel :) Shepherd's Pie for dinner before the Sunday Night Pub Crawl...Everything was running super late so we actually only went to one bar before going to Club Arora - I think there are only 2 clubs in Banff - it's a very small place!
Today is the 'free day' in Banff. We were going to hike up another hill and get the Gondola back down, but our trainers are all still wet from yesterday's hike - we're all a bit knackered and just happy to be chilling out and walking around this cute little town, gazing up at the snowy mountains all around.
It's an amazing part of the world, so much nature. Looking forward to the rest of the trip - we go as far as Kalowna tomorrow, visiting more scenic spots and a winery. Then the last day we head back to Vancouver, then I fly back to Australia the night after that. It's been a really quick trip!! I am starting to think about my new Australian life again...putting my life back together, finding friends, finding a job, finding triathlon clubs, finding some new definite direction...!!!