Well what a big few days. I am writing this post race as the computers went down at the hotel and time just flew byI will break it down into three separate entries: pre-race conference,post race, and post-race activites.
Friday was the pre-race elite athlete conference on the lawns of the Strongman Expo area and finish line region. Before this I had a great sleep in and some light swim training to flush the blood after the fantastic breaky's we get served here in the mornings.
The conference consisted of Gernot, Clemens, last years 4th place, Matsumara, Hayato Kawahara, a previous girl winner, Izumi, myself, then Nadelle Legge. There was a huge bank of cameras, tvs, and reporters. With translations of anwers in German, Japansese, and English, all questions were to take some time. Overall three general qusetions were asked (How do you like the island and first impressions; Your condition for the race and aims; Who is your competition and list your prospective split times) plus a few other small ones to myself. Overall a great experience and some lasting memories but it also brought the race back into hard focus and to see the other guys that will be gunning for the win was nice. At the end an individual and a group photo were taken that ended up on all tv networks and newspapers. We even made the front page of the newspaper with individual photos and a small blurb of each of us. Was nice to get the Platypus Asset Management logo out and I also did some smaller individual interviews after the big conference. Then it was time to check out the expo (smallish but some good Ceepo bike stuff)and head home for a relax and gear clean up before the Carbo Party.
Carbo/Waido Party, what an experience. I have never seen so much food devoured in so quick a time! Lots of great cultural dances, songs, and an athlete swear in ceremony. The invited athletes were situated at the front of this banquet hall and we met with the officials of the Committee and sponsors of the race. Lots of other people came up to talk to us as well. The food was fantastic. Very healthy but thank heavens that they placed some on our table, as the side buffets were demolished in no time. There was one big table with a Strongman cake on it about 3m x 3m. It was gone in less than 8mins! They also made everyone do a 'cheers' drink with the official Strongman Beer. Very nice brew ;) . No seats though and everyone had to stand. Overall a very different experience.
Post race we had much of the same at the Awards Ceremony except that this was an afternoon feed. People devoured the food in much the same fashion but there was more alcohol (beer/saki) to do the rounds. The invited athletes got up on the stage to dance to the traditional Miyakojima Strongman dance - was a good laugh! Then there was a rock'n'roll band and some songs to get eveyone in the mood for a party. After this they held an informal celebration at a traditional japanese restaurant house in town where the food flowed again but this time the drinks did as well. Karaoke was performed by anyone and everyone. People were allowed to walk on stage, say something about the race, and then everyone did a 'cheers' drink. Let's just say there were a hell of a lot of people wanting to say something and get another 'cheers' drink. I was even dressed in traditional head gear by some of the locals for some photo's and participate in a traditional circle dance. Quite a good experience. Met some lovely people and had a good night. This is also a family affair with most people bringing there young children in and the kids getting into the spirit as well. I was lucky to be sitting next to Patrick and Nadelle Legge who have lived in Japan and could translate for us with the young family group we sat with and others that dropped in to congratulate us for coming and honouring the island by racing.
All the invited athletes then headed to Tokyo the following morning. We all checked out the city touring for the afternoon before ending up in a backstreet bbq house-restaurant. The whole gang was there which made for an enjoyable evening. We all then went up market to Gary's hotel for traditional cakes and coffee as desert. Great views in a 'Times Square' type area out of 'Lost in Translation'.
The following day was a sightseeing expedition back into town do the prerequisite gift shopping, nature park gardens for the cherry blossums, skyline viewing at a skyscraper, and then general fun banter before we all went back to fly home. The trains are very efficient and a great way to travel.
Overall, Strongman was a truely great experience. The locals really make this race and the organising committee would rather that the invited athletes have a great experience culturally and see the island for the amazing place it is than just to rock up and race. Do not be fooled, they want you to race well and to the best of your abilities to do a good showing, but mostly they want you to finish and take something away from the island and race that makes you a better person for the experience of Miyakojima and the Strongman.
Would I come back to do this race again even with the bad mechanical luck I had and a missed opportunity for a victory/great placing in the Strongman? Most definitely! I would happily bring back my partner and our newborn next year to take up the Strongman challenge once again. But also for my loved ones to experience the island called Miyakojima and the people that make it.
Bevan.
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