Previous Story
My Kaike experience
|
Posted on Jul 26 2008
Last July 20, I and Ken completed a great big race in Tottori, the Kaike Triathlon. It was an Ironman distance and this was my first Ironman race. So I had some worries even though I did a lot of training before the race, and my goal was just to reach the finish line with no injury. But thanks to the wonderful view in Tottori and warmhearted support and boost from everyone, we finished the race with big smiles on our faces.
Race day was very hot, like Saipan. There was over 800 participants, but over 150 participants couldn’t finish this race due to the heat.
The ocean’s condition was wavy due to a typhoon, but the temperature was cooler than Saipan’s ocean. I could enjoy the cold water with good feeling.
The bike course was pretty hilly. More than half the course was all up/down. But I loved the course! It was very fun to ride even though it was a race. And the view from the bike course was quite gorgeous. Tottori is a beautiful place. When I saw the amazing view, I was very happy and appreciate that I was there at that time.
The run was of course a long, long way, and this was also my first full marathon. But the strong boost from roadside spectators helped my run! And every aid station was well organized. The finish line was in a track stadium. I’m still excited when I remember that when I reached the 21-mile (35km) point, I could see the stadium, and run in the stadium, and couldn’t stop smiling! I was so happy that I could compete in this race and finish.
Tottori Triathlon Association people had taken care of us very nicely, and Ed from MVA and Hiroko from PDI too. I cannot thank them enough. Now Tottori is kind of another home for me in Japan.
We are very happy that we could travel to Japan as Team CNMI.
Lastly, thank you very much for all of sponsors and organizers. It was greatest experience to compete in this race, and I appreciate it very much.
[I]Editor’s note: The column above is the email letter sent by Maimi Shimizu to friends and media after completing the 28th Kaike Triathlon last Sunday.[/I]
