Strongman Race Day

Woke up early as normal and put in the calories. A good stretch and headed out to transition to organise special needs bags, bike tyres etc. An ordered hive of activity here. All good, even had the translator take me around to the special needs stations to make sure my gear was in the correct places and in the correct way.

The media was crazy, but in a polite way and let you go about your morning rituals in peace albeit with tv cameras and lights blaring over you (handy though in the dark pumping up tyres).

As the race start was at our hotel, I was able to head back up to the room and chill out before having to head to the start line. Was nice to be warm and lie down for the last time in the day. Great conditions greeted us after the mini typhoon mid week and strong gusting winds over the past few days (100km/hr winds hit the race one year lately).

Swim warm up and all was ready. We lined up for a deep water start and then all the japanese started going crazy with a big chant. The reason, the ex-prime minister was here to start the race. A BIG DEAL here in japan. They love him, and he had graced the race with his presence. Well, he finally was able to start the gun after minutes of applause.

Swim 3km + beach run: I got off to a great start and lead out for a while. Had a japanese guy going schizo on my inside so I let him go off at full speed. Obviously he was there to win the swim prime and nothing else. I slotted into the lead group and worked my way along nicely. The group slowly broke up to leave 4 of us. Tim Hola, myself and two japanese. I slotted in behind Tim for the free ride. The guy next to Tim wanted to play 'bashes' with him. My guy decided he wanted to start the same. My guy learned quickly that was not a good idea and then for the remainder of the swim stayed out of my way and we swam comfortably along at a fast pace. Tim on the other hand had to fight his way the whole time. I looked ahead and the winning guy was only about 30secs ahead, I decided to go around the group but the group all floored it to keep up. This final leg was against the current for the last 1.3km. No point wasting energy when I had two guys willing to do the work for me, as I wanted the overall win, so I let them do their thing.

Out of the water in a comfortable but fast 37.5 mins for 3kms plus a fair bit of a sand run. Good overall swim, crossed the timing mats last of the group in 5th overall swim time, less than 1min down on the winner.

Transition 1: passed two guys in the bag transition grab and headed out, whoops, bag split, u-turn for gear and on my way without much loss. I later learned this was a warning for how my day would progress. Transiton was about 1km long with a run around the hotel grounds to the bike compound.

Bike 155km:

Worked into a good rythym and within 1km found myself nearing the lead. A slight swerve around a drain and all my nutrition bottles popped out and started skidding over the road. Brakes and U-turn head back 100m against bikes with some dodgy WTH looks from the athletes and locals. Anyway, after that little mishap it didn't take long to get back up into the lead. Although for about 15km I didn't know I was in the lead. I was just concentrating on turning over at a hard but sustainable pace for the 155km. I kept thinking that if there is someone up ahead they must be motoring because I was. I had a heap of vehicles and police escorts but thought that I must be in 2nd/3rd place as the way the media was before the race, I expected cars etc for all of the top 3 on the bike and run. There was daylight behind me after doing a lap of an adjacent island with a 1km+ bridge and I couldn't see anyone behind me. It was then that Patrick Legge yelled out I was winning and to go for it mate.

The crowd support on the island was only what can be described as totally inspiring. There was not one part that did not have some person cheering for you. Including workers in the rice paddies who would stop and chant 'waido, waido, waido' translated to 'go for it.....'. Japanese traditional drum groups and dancers littered the course.

The back half of the bike were rolling hills into a wind. I consolidated the lead and tried to get as much water/fluid/gels into the body as possible. I found it hard to get water at the aid stations as me yelling 'miso' (water) somehow kept getting me cola half filled bottles. After a couple of these I ended up stopping at a station to load up on water. I really wanted to go for the win and a few seconds would not make a big difference if I couldn't get energy into the body. And it was really starting to heat up plus the humidity was starting to kick in.

I lead onto the traditional media and bike photo prime position of Higa Road Turnpoint. A beautiful peninsula with a light house at the end that graces all the postcards of the Okinawa region and Miyakojima. It was here I could see my first look at the other guys. I had an ok lead and Clemens and Matsumaru were flooring it to try and catch up.

Some bigger hills started and I had run out of gels and water. I paced myself to not blow up and awaited the special needs station at 100km. I was passed by Clemens and Matsumaru on some hills leading into the bridge taking you to the 95km mark. I sat a little distance back (few hundred metres) to await the special needs and get some more energy before ramping the bike up again to hopefully bring a lead into the run as I felt confident of being able to work the last third of the bike with no problems.

Special needs came and unfortunately they had lost my bag. After dismounting and searching with the whole aid station searching, my bag was not to be found. Hell, that was going to make the rest of the day and bike interesting as I was out of gels/electrolyte and had everything there for the next 60kms (plus the last 10kms where I had run out). I then had to stop at each aid station to get a half filled water and electrolyte/coke bottle and a banana when I could.

I tried this and kept my position (after being passed into 5th/6th at the special needs station fiasco). I could feel the body depleting but kept working within a sustainable pace hoping that I could get some gels or something at one of the aid stations and load up for the rest. I was on good pace and the splits were the same or slightly decreasing to the leaders.

With 30kms to go, I heard the bike chain start to grate. I hoped off and tried to fix the problem. What had occured was the front derailler had come loose from the frame and slipped down into the big chain ring at the bottom bracket and locked into a position I couldnt get it out of. I could peddle for about 1-2mins max before I was unable to turn the cranks over. I was able to slowly grind away (with 2 stops per hill to fix derailleur) to be able to get up the rolling hills, but had to glide downhills, stop at the end of the glide, dismount fix the front derailler and go for the next roller. As there were only two bike mechanics on course at either end of the course and I had passed them both, the closest and only chance was a media/aid station before the finish line. So the slog home continued with no mechanical assistance to be found and me grinding my way home. Needless to say I was not a happy camper. I tried to make the most of a bad situation and limit my losses and get some bananas and fluid in for the marathon.

Coming into transition 2, the bike sounded like those BMX's you ride as a kid and put the paper pieces in the back wheel to make it sound like a motor bike. Geez, did I get some funny looks on this smick tri bike making play motorbike sounds!

The organisers had worked out from the course what had occurred at the special needs and were apologetic. I had gone a bit cold and clammy and the athlete liason guy was a bit worried about me due to the lack of nutrition in the heat and humidity. I said I was still going to go for it and try and get back up there in the top guys. I had still somehow managed to come into transition in 10th place overall nut had dropped 15mins in the last 30kms of the bike. I wanted to go well even though I could feel that the body was empty. With all the tv cameras hovering over me in transition I rushed throught the transition and out to start the marathon and try to get this body going by feeding gels into it asap.

Marathon:

The marathon is an out and back 21.1km of rolling hills and no coverage in baking heat and humidity. To make things more interesting, aid stations are not the norm being at different distances. Some are 1.2km apart, others 2.9km and they vary throughout the course. The crowd support is only what can be described as something like in Roth Germany or the other European iconic races where the whole course is lined. There was only one part of about 100m where I did not see someone who was seated to cheer on the race for the entire duration.

I ran the first few kilometres holding a good pace. At about the 15km mark things started to go a bit with the body running on empty. I tried to get calories in but the damage had already been done on the bike. I slowly dropped back in the field placings. As the marathon progessed and the chants got louder by the supporters, the heat and humidity increased. My body started to slowly pack it in in the speed department. By the last 10km's I was stopping at each aid station for a few minutes and following the ritual of: Ice the head and body, drink some electrolyte/coke and water + gel, ice the body and head again, then spray muscle cramp/numbing spray over the hips, thighs, knees, and anywhere that I could still feel ;) . Then start the run to the next aid station. I tried to limit any damage to the body and get to the finish as quick as possible.

Seeing the finish stadium was a welcome relief. The final 3/4 loop with girls/guys running behind you with banners 12 feet high was amazing with a packed stadium. All finisher recieved immediately when crossing a wreath on your head, a gold finishers medal, and a finishers t-shirt with your overall placing on the arm! Plus a couple of lovely people to guide you to the ground (in my case) followed by a dry retching in a wheelchair to the medical centre for some treatment, 2-3 drips, then some massage with students trying to practice their english after you come back to consciousness!

I was then looking forward to some japanese food, soups, and one of those strongman 2008 beers, but unfortunately we had to head straight back to the hotel.

Well, that was my Strongman experience! I was very disappointed at how the race turned out result wise. It was good to ead for a large portion of the race. I was in a good position to go for the overall win but some mechanical mishaps along the way changed the situation. I was proud to have got to the finish line of this great race albeit a little slower than I had planned. A few good things to take from this race as I know my swim and biking is placing me in a good position to challenge for the wins in these long distance races. I am now going to enjoy the rest of the trip here in Japan and the cultural experiences the race organisers have planned for us.

Bevan.

Strongman Overview - Press conference, Waido/Cardbo Party, After Events.

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.

Strongman Adventures

Hi All,

Have settled at the Miyakojima Tokyu Resort here now with a great sleep in (so nice to not be up at 5am) and an amazing spread at the breaky buffet. Sleep was disturbed by what at first sounded like firecrackers but was in fact horizontal rain hitting the glass balcony doors! This is a typhoon area and winds have been known to get to 100km/hr on race day. That will make sunday interesting if this rain and wind continues.

Had another swim on the course. A strongish current flows one direction but this is of no help as the return leg is directly into it for a greater distance. Should help me and the strong swimmers though which is nice. Water is clear and reminds me of the hawaiian islands crystal clear waters.

Visited the Fukimine Junior High School today with Tim Hola from the Timex Triathlon team and his wife Nicole. Justin who is an American english teacher living on the island and racing also helped us out. Lovely school of 28 students with 10 teachers. Bit different to the 30+ students 1 teacher deals we have in Australia. The school is immaculate and the gardens are stunning with centuries old architecture. Pretty nice place to study. The kids sang us the island song accompanied by the traditional guitar/banjo and dance. This was followed by a powerpoint presentation of the island, school, students, and some race information. The kids man an aid station on the marathon course and have signs made up for us! Sure to help when the pain kicks in. After question time and some speeches we played 'jung-ko'. It is a type of paper/scissors/rock whereby most arguments/draws/decisions are made here in Japan. A tied baseball grandfinal was determined by the two teams lining up agaisnt each other and playing it - no kidding! We than took the students in smaller groups for talks and games (darts, bowling, volleyball) and I got free throws. I ended up dunking using some of the kids. Good fun. At the end we were presented with brown rock sugar in bags (japanese sweet) with the schoolkids photos on it. A lovely present for home. The school is on the southern end of the island with is literally stunning. It is where a lot of the postcard photo's of the island are taken. We both bike and run through here race day.

Arvo ride on the course showed it to be a fast paced smooth ride with many rollers. With no wind this could be a fast course, but that rarely happens. Bike is all ok after the travels (Greg, your bike is all good).

The evening we had a dinner with all international athletes hosted by the Rotary Club of Miyakojima. Banners were exchange and we received a t-shirt banner and icecream toy from them. A great dinner and presentation of local culture (songs, traditional band, tradition martial arts dance). This was followed by a famous singer and a movie star, who compete in the race, who have designed a dance and song for the race. Of course, everyone was up and learning the dance and song words for the carbo/awards parties to follow. More games followed of paper/scissors/rock and a musical chair like game but with bodies! The japanese love games. Then it was home and to bed.

We made the front page of the newspaper today with photo's of us and the Mayor of Miyakojima.
Friday is the elite athletes press conference followed by the carbo dinner. The race favourties are to go to the press conference and Clemens, Gernot, and myself are to participate. Should be fun. Nick, the Platypus Asset Management gear will get a run at this ;) .

All is looking good for the race. Cheers,

Bevan.

Strongman Japan Miyakojima Triathlon

Hi Guys,

I have arrived in Miyakojima ready for the Strongman Japan on Sunday 20th April. I flew into Tokyo last night and roomed with an Austrian pro male, Gernot Seidl. A quiet night with only one funny episode when Samantha's g-string fell out of my washing in front of Gernot! On my flight over from Sydney were two other Aussies racing, Patrick and Nadelle Legge. Nadelle has placed well in this race the past two years and Patrick raced here last year. They absolutely love the race, the island, and the locals that make this race.

This morning we met the other pro athletes in Tokyo before all flying here to Miyakojima. Gary Sato organises the international guys and gals to come and compete against the best Asian competitors. He has been a part of this race for many years, first as an elite competitor and now lately as a liason. Clemens Coenen (Germany), Tim Hola (USA), Luis Dela Torres (USA) are the other pro males flying in. Verena Walters (Germany) joins Nadelle in the female race.

Miyakojima is a beautiful island. So clean, lush, and with stunning beaches and coves around every bend. Upon first arriving at the airport we had photo's of our group and individually, newspaper interviews, and television interviews. Quite a fun thing to do and really gets you into the spirit of things showing you how much of a big thing this race is in Japan and on this island for the locals. It is the 24th edition of the race here and there are tv specials of previous editions, posters all over the place, banners over road ways, and locals screaming out to you. They even do a special run of the beer cans from the beer sponsor with it changing each year. This year it is a photo of the island and course layout on the can. Think one will be making it to the trophy room! If you go top 10 overall, they give you a special year edition saki bottle in the shape of the island with the course and details on it! I am definitely aiming for one of those little babies...

After a swim in the crystal waters and building the bike to make sure all is ok, the invited athletes headed to a meeting with the Mayor of Miyakojima and Chairman of the Strongman Committee. A lovely man who is genuinely interested in supporting this race and bringing athletes from around the globe to his island to talk to school kids, see their culture, fall in love with his island, and challenge us to have fun racing whilst doing our best. We all brought gifts from our home countries (myself a boomerang, Patrick and Nadelle a Sherin football - watch out locals as the Mayor looked like it was Christmas with those gifts). Some more photo's with the Mayor and associates from the Committee and we were off to a Japanese restaurant for dinner. A good helping and it was home to run off dinner, the flight, and loosen up.

Tommorrow we have school visits, some training, registration, and a dinner with the Miyakojima Rotary Club.

All's going well and I am looking forward to racing on the weekend.

Cheers,
Bevan.