Hard to believe, but Craig "Crowie" Alexander has announced his retirement from iron-distance triathlon. With Crowie as a huge role model for me, it's hard to imagine following iron-distance racing and not seeing his name as a favorite before races and at the top of the results after. But, at the same time, one thing I admire so much about him is his ability to step outside himself and take an objective look at his own situation. He's done that again here.
From all that I've read and videos that I've seen, Crowie is a modest champion, a respectful competitor and a tenacious family man. He may not be racing iron-distance, but he'll definitely remain as my role model.
If you don't know much about Crowie, check out the above clip from ESPN's Aussies Abroad series. Also, below are a few recent articles.
Last week was great! The weather is turning around and spring is bringing in slightly warmer temperatures. Also, we're now only a few weeks out from our wedding and everything is coming together. Can't wait!
In fitness news, I joined a new coworker for my first trail run of the year and got my first swim in. Incredible feeling :)
To keep me honest to my 30/ 30/ 30 Goal for 2014, I'm going to post updates regularly so I can see the progress (or lack thereof). Feel free to chime in with some motivation if you think I'm slacking.
pic from triathlete-europe.competitor.com
Finally, here's an interesting article from triathlete-europe.competitor.com on the 25 greatest male triathletes of all time. Today are numbers 25-20 with the rest to come later. Click HERE to read.
Finally, two months in, here we go. 2013 IN REVIEW
Last year was an excellent one. Here's my biggest life and athletic highlights.
On paper, officially married the most amazing woman! What a wonderful feeling. Can't wait to celebrate with her and our family and friends in 2014.
Ran across the Sahara Desert: The Marathon des Sables was an incredible experience. Looking back at the things that I and 1,000 new friends did and challenges we overcame will serve as a lifetime of inspiration.
Let's hope I can do it again sometime!
Marathon PB, 3:12: My only other race on the year was the Kobe Marathon. Despite feeling that I could have run faster, it was a PB by 7min. Gotta be pleased with that.
2014 GOALS
This is going to be a year of personal change. The biggest plan is heading to Hawaii with Natsuko to celebrate our marriage with friends and family! After that comes a move back to finance (hopefully). This means we'll be leaving Japan. Our next destination is unknown, but I'm looking for jobs in California (if you've got any job leads, let me know :) or possibly New York City or Singapore.
Because of the uncertainty brought by these changes, my goals are fairly general. Also, I suspect there will be more posting on non-athletic pursuits. Should be interesting.
30/30/30:Pretty basic, but I want to do at least 30 sessions in the pool (1km min), at least 30 bike sessions (30mins min) and 30 runs (30mins min). Running to work should take care of the running, but I'm going to have to make time for the others.
I've grown to hate the excuse, "I don't have time to do it." I used to use this a lot. Then, it dawned on me that I have the time but choose to do other things. If I want to be a multi-sport athlete, I have to make it a priority.
Compete in at least three multi-sport events: "Well, you're not a triathlete anymore. You're a runner." A friend recently spoke the truth. At first, I was a little offended, but then I thought about it. Most of my cardio is running and my last triathlon was July 2011. That's pretty good support for her thoughts.
Don't get me wrong, being known as a runner is great. But, I love cross-training and multi-sport more.
Take on at least one multi-day adventure: Did I mention how amazing MdS was? Well, it opened my eyes to a less competitive and more free-spirited way to challenge and improve myself. So, it doesn't have to be an organized race, just a multi-day, out in the elements, carrying everything I need trek with a friend or two. More to come.
Despite the title, I'm not yet signed up for any tri's this year. But, I am getting back in the spirit with a few YouTube videos. Here are the 2013 Ironman World Championship and the final Hines Ward videos for your viewing pleasure.
PS, expect more posts on varied topics to come soon.
Hey everyone. It's been way too long. Sorry for the same excuses, but Jan was crazy with job search, studying, work and finally a much needed vacation (more on this to come under separate post).
Anyway, on to the business at hand, one of Japan's many naked festivals.
Welcome to the annual Saidaiji Hadaka Matsuri in Okayama, Japan. This annual festival pits over nine thousand men in fundoshi (traditional Japanese loincloth) against each other for the honor of being named "the luck man".
LEGEND (background info from: http://www.fest300.com/festivals/hadaka-matsuri)
According to Shinto legend, Hadaka Matsuri began in Nara in 767 AD when bad luck and disease were widespread in the area. Believing that nakedness could absorb all of the evil taking place, one man from each village was chosen to be the shin-otoko (godly man). That man was shaven and paraded through the town where villagers touched him to release their misfortune. Unfortunately for the shin-otoko, now laden with all the bad luck of the village, this meant banishment from the village for life.
Since the original Hadaka Matsuri, the tradition has spread all over Japan and beliefs have changed. In today's festivals, the shin-otoko volunteer and fight to be named "the lucky man" which is gained by catching one of the shingi or sacred lucky sticks thrown by the Shinto Priests. Whoever is lucky enough (or unlucky enough) to get the shingi has to fight off the crowd and get the stick into a barrel of rice. The lucky man who achieves this will walk away with immense luck, about $4,000 and bragging rights. Today, this luck makes the shin-otoko desirable instead of bringing life long banishment.
2014 FESTIVAL
We missed the daytime events, but apparently it's an all day celebration for the whole family. Four friends and I showed up around 8pm, took about 30mins to put on our fundoshi and tabi (traditional Japanese socks with a split toe) before heading into the shrine.
(front, left to right) Connor and Joe (back, left to right) me, AJ, Armando
With the temp around 2C / 36F, we made our way arm-in-arm into the shrine chanting "Wasshoi, wasshoi!" (very roughly "heave-ho!"). First, it was into the freezing cold water (I think to cleanse yourself), then parade around the outside of the shrine and finally choose anywhere to try and get into the mob.
With the Priest throwing the sticks around 10pm, we had about an hour to fight into position. AJ led the way, and we tried to stick together. The force of such a swaying crowd can not be imagined. As we fought our way in, others got in between, and I lost the group. After spending a few minutes just trying to breathe, let alone find the others, I bailed.
I spent the next 30mins breathing comfortably but freezing my toes off outside the main group. Promptly at 10pm the lights went out, shingi were thrown and the crowd inside the temple slowly broke into smaller groups to fight over the lucky sticks sometimes realizing that they were fighting over nothing.
It was crazy.
WHAT AN EXPERIENCE
Despite being disappointed that I bailed so early, it was awesome! I went for three reasons: (1) cultural experience, (2) have fun with friends and (3) as someone with a fear of very tight quarters, to face a fear.
The holidays continue. It's been a super relaxing week, but don't worry, I'm still getting in my workouts.
First thing today was a 20min high intensity leg and core workout: jumps, burpees, squats, lunges, one-leg squats and wall sits. Had to earn this wonderful Japanese New Year meal cooked up by Natsuko.
osechi ryori, traditional Japanese New Years meal
Soon I'll be reviewing 2013 and looking at the year ahead.
