BALI INTERNATIONAL TRIATHLON

A morning run

This is a little nicer than the GT

Cruzin the bike course with the man "Robb"

Beach side dinner

Talking whilst riding... again

My sarong for the bike blessing

Looking good boys, looking good!

I could get used to this.

Ta Da!

The Welcome dinner.

Beach side interview.

Transition Bali style.

The swim start.... perfect!

That's me running in there.

I would like to point out that both my feet are off the ground and this is km 8...Kristian you are doing something right :) 

Jimmy smashes them by 13 mins.... nice one Jimmy!

The nicest race director in the WORLD !!!!! We love you Robb!!!!!

A short trip took us down to Bali for a fantastic little race. It is only the second year of it's running and we were privileged to be flown down by  the race sponsor Garuda Indonesia Airlines. 

Robb Strom the amazing race director picked us up from the airport. From the first second that you are at this amazing place you know you are in for a treat. 

The hustle and bustle of Kuta is the first thing you see as you leave the airport. As our cab weaved through the crazy traffic it transported us to the incredible Four Seasons Hotel. Here we were treated to a breath taking room that would be our home for the next 5 days. Instantly we regretted not making our stay here longer. 

Bali has not changed in so many ways since I was here 20 years ago....yes that long. However the huge hotels have made an impact on the island but in a positive way. It was amazing to see how the Four Seasons had opened its doors to triathlon and had put together this amazing little race. 

In our first few days we spent time swimming and running on the beach. We also rode the course with a police escort that took us the wrong way but hey that's Bali. 

The race was run.... in the beautiful waters, on the crazy roads and through an incredible market square with people and food and chickens and trucks. It was quite possibly the most fun one could ever have doing a triathlon. 

For anyone wanting to do a race in the end of June..... Please come to this event. You will NEVER have a race experience like it. The people of Bali are so special from the pre race bike blessing to the hundreds lining the streets wondering what the hell you are doing but cheering anyways, this is an event like no other. 

Tokyo Capers

In the back alleys of Shinjuku.

MMMMM Post IM Beer.

Tasty treats.

Some sort of weird street cake.

Yakatori Yum!!!!

At the Imperial Castle.
Walking through the East Gardens.
This is a street in Hirajuku.....seriously!
Cleansing at the temple.... I am not sure there is enough water in this thing to help me but HECK I will give it a go.
A prayer has been made.... I wonder if it will come true. 
Shopping.
Crepes.... I love crepes.
Pre big night out.
During BNO
Wine consumption BNO

After the Ironman Luke and I headed off to Tokyo for a few days. What a crazy city. We had the best time running around and exploring all the nooks and crannies. We found the coolest little Yakitori Bars on night one. After stuffing ourselves silly we headed home to our tiny hotel. The next day it was time for some site seeing, shopping and more of my favourite thing...EATING!  

The next night we headed in to Shibuya which is off the charts busy and has a million drunk people running in every direction. We had a blast! By the end of the night we fitted right in. 

The Perfect Day!!!!

By now everyone probably knows that Luke won his first IM!!!!! I was meant to race but decided for a number of reasons not to. Most days of the week i would have FOMO ( Fear of missing out) but not this day!!!!

After the choice not to race was done I went into super supporter mode. Primarily we race in English speaking countries. In Tokyo most of the Japanese speak English but Tokyo is a long long way from Goto. Our home stays Junko, Kieko and Ichiro helped me map out the day. With the aid of a super tiny car and the generosity of Shane Smith and his Tri Travel bus we got around to 6-8 spots on the bike course. There we were able to yell splits and cheer our boy on.

Everyone kept pointing out "He is not talking, he is not saying anything" but to me that meant only good things. If Luke is calm and quite and relaxed I know he is on fire. This day I don't think he said a word till the 12 km mark on the run. A quick wink and a quick question and he was on his way to victory. He never hesitated. At the 36 km mark he mentioned as he passed by that unless Mitch was about to run sub 4 min kms he was good and that I should meet him at the finish line.

At the finish line Junko, Kieko, Shane Smith, Marcus and I welcomed him over in what was an amazing moment that I will never forget. He looked so relaxed , excited and so happy. Both of us just stood there and realised that "That just happened". I thought back to the day in the park last year where he was recovering from a knee injury and we were taking his first bike ride together. A rather large lady in a bright pink jersey, riding a clapped out old mountain bike passed us like we were riding backwards. My my we came a long way in a year and a half haven't we Jimmy.

Next stop presentation ...... what a fun night. All the Aussies were being a bit rowdy as usual and a few drinks where had. Luke gave a terrific speech that made everyone cry. I was so proud of him. Afterwards it was off to the Karoke bar for some more drinking and bad singing.

Goto Japan was a place that was so good to us and we can't wait to return.

Next time Vicki and Pete (Luke's parents) will have to come and watch....they were the only thing missing on "The Perfect Day"

Jimmy your the best...... "shake n bake "

Arrigato and sayanara

Memphis!!!!!!

MEETING THE KIDS

What a fantastic day we had yesterday!!!! Luke and I went to a local school and took Junko our home stay as our interpreter. We had the giggles as we walked into the gym as we were actually a bit nervous about meeting all these little critters :) 75 Primary school kids can be a little bit scary.

We introduced ourselves...well Junko did... and had a bit of a chat about triathlon. Then we divided up into 5 teams and played this fun game that basically involves us all running around like idiots and trying not to get out sprinted by 6-11 year olds.

There were not really any rules just loads of screaming , running , high 5s and sweat. A lot of sweaty little kids and very sweaty big kids.

After the game these amazing little people sang us a really cute song about being Ironman Athletes. Also they presented us with the most beautiful hand made signs/flags.

Clearly this has been the highlight of our trip to date. Upon leaving they all cheered and crowded around us like we were rock stars. For a day I feel in love with the little blighters. Japanese kids are so cute. I look forward to riding past the school on the weekend and calling out some of the Japanese words I have learnt to them.

I will always remember that these tiny people went to so much trouble to welcome us.
"Tri making a change" seems to be taking shape with every day. I look forward to putting together the programme over the next few months that Luke and I can take all around the world.

Stay tuned
Love Memphis

The beautiful kids of Kawara
The silly triathletes taking stretch class!
I am tall... they are very small! Actually we are giants!

This is more fun than I ever had at school!
My team kicked a#$