12 June 2010

Tokyo Island Series Part 2 - Oshima

大島 - Oshima, the big island triathlon was another well organised, enjoyable and fun event on the Tokyo islands.
I took the night ferry from Yokohama, arriving at the other Motomachi soon after 6am and cycled the short distance up to pension Subaru for a tasty breakfast on their vast lawn garden. Nice place, I would recommend staying here if you are on the island. As I arrived early, I was able to check out the cycle course with Jerome, a Frenchman staying at the pension with his family. It was obvious the cycle would be fast, as we were flying along at almost 50kmph with no effort on the flat course due to the strong tail wind. Even better, the return road was protected by trees and inland, so we would not have to pedal so hard on the way back.
The main concern was the swim - the wind was creating quite a sea, and the waves were big enough to redirect the jetfoil, with the other Namban Rengo on board, to Okata port as it is more sheltered. The most important part of the swim is the warm up - get used to being out at sea, the temperature and the current. We could only practise a short distance but it was clear that this swim would be about survival first, having a reasonable finish time second.
I bobbed up and down in the waves, spotting several small blue fish in the clear water below, but on the return to shore crested a wave and smacked straight into an oncoming Japanese man, lucky we were not fast swimmers or we could have been knocked out and the tri would have ended here. Instead, my goggles popped apart on impact at the nose piece and I was left to breast stroke back to the black sandy beach, where I could safely put the goggles back together again. 
I started in group 1, which is ordered by age not speed, and unknown to us the organisers had shortened the course by 300m due to the conditions. Also, we were to swim clockwise, not anticlockwise as in the program again due to wave conditions. It was a struggle to get a sight to the next bouy at times, I really had to wait to be at the top of a wave to take a look ahead to make sure my direction was good. After the first lap, I found myself swimming through the back markers of the 2nd and 3rd groups, and it seemed that many people were in difficulty, being picked up by the lifeguards on their surfboard. Over 20 people failed the swim, no major problems but the choppy water was just too much for them. I was glad to finish this swim, and clamber over the rocks to get up to transition. 

So my next triathlon - I must wear my cycle shirt under my wetsuit. Here, I managed to first put the shirt on backwards, then tear the number off one corner and so have to repin it back on, and some more general fumbling before getting on the road. Every second counts in these standard distance triathlons, so next time I dont need this hassle. 
As expected, the bike was fast, up to 57.5kmph on the mainly flat road out along the coast, nice views across the lava fields and generally I went as fast as possible and managed to catch Phil on the first lap, he is a much better swimmer than me. He asked if this was my second lap, but I wasnt going that fast!

2 water bottles and 2 energy gels are my intake for these Olympic distance events, it seems to work well taking one gel after 5km and 35km of the bike. 

After T2, I felt like I was flying and having a really strong run, but I should have realised that again this was due to the strong tailwind taking me out to the 5km marker. Every aid station I soaked myself in water, it was really hot out there. After rounding the 5km cone, the brutal run home began, and the true strong runners would have made there mark on this section. It is so important to finish with a strong run, you lose so much time when tired on a run, though here I would say the headwind was more of a limiting factor than my tiredness as I ran on the brink of getting a stitch the whole way home. 

The finish area is immediately between 2 onsen, and the open air baths were free to competitors so we took a well deserved soak overlooking the ocean. 

In the end, I was pleased with my time and placing, the main area I could improve is my run time. Oh and the transition. And maybe the swim as well. And concentrate more in the later stages of the bike section.

The after event party involved lots of local seafood, especially サザエSazae, turban shells. Luckily no stinking kusaya dried fish on offer here. After the lively taiko drumming we sat out a lengthy raffle in which none of us won any prizes before drinking some more beer in the foyer of Motozo and Megs hotel.

It proved to be an early night, and an early morning for me as I woke at 3:30am to at first enjoy the England USA world cup match, but of course become increasingly frustrated at the lack of further goals and the goalkeeping blunder of all time.
Jerome and his friend Tanaka san were up for cycling to the top of the mountain at 6am, the 11km climb took us up to the crater and lava fields, and to the base of the cloud layer. Not worth hiking any further today, another day it would be nice to mountain bike down the other side of this volcano. Instead we descend to the east of the island, avoiding a 2m snake on the way down, and loop around the north of the island before breakfast. 

Nice to have breakfast with the others before they leave for the fast jetfoil back to Tokyo, but I still have plenty of time and explore more beaches, the other onsen, and finish up swimming in a very nice pool at Okata. Well worth a swim, there are cold showers above and a nice way to spend the final hour waiting for the ferry back to the mainland.

Sayonara Oshima, mata rainen.


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6 June 2010

7th Fuji Hill Climb

After Miyakojima,  Mount Fuji hill climb was one of my main goals for 2010. The race is in its 7th year now and more popular than ever with over 5400 entrants. The main race is 24km long and averages 5.2% gradient, with the steepest section being 7.8% and total ascent of 1270m. An athletes section starts lower down the slopes and covers 28km, ascent 1435m.

On the very same day, Mount Fuji International Hill climb is taking place - on the Azami line road, its half the distance, same ascent and so twice the gradient! Make sure you know which race you're applying for if you want to enter one of these races next year. Not sure why they're both on the same date, I can only guess it is an agreement with Fuji national park.

Kimm from the running group Namban Rengo had found a nice hotel/onsen to on the southern side of Kawaguchiko for 7 athletes and Phils family from Australia who are over visiting. But Kimm, Keren and Tim had made a big mistake - cycling from Tokyo west along the Doushi road, (long, steady climb) over 150km on the Saturday, lead by the Sergey who was out for a day ride and never cycles at a leisurely pace.

Instead I enjoyed a relaxing train journey, no express trains just reading the paper and listening to podcasts in preparation for the big race. After arriving at Fujiyoshida station, I cycled up through the torii to Sengen-jinja. In the past, climbing Mount Fuji was a pilgrimage and climbers would visit this shrine before starting the ascent. So it was a good place for me to visit the day before the event. Very atmospheric, huge cedar trees and attractive setting, it always seems like you're stepping back in time or to a different world when visiting temples and shrines in Japan.


After leaving the shrine I cycled up to Fujihokuroku park for registration, which was quickly done as I could see heavy rain clouds forming in the warm late afternoon. I had to wait in Fuji visitors center for some heavy showers to pass, then cycled over to the hotel, took and onsen and had some tasty local food in nearby restaurant.



And so the alarms were set for 4.15am. This was essential, as we had to cycle to the start before 6am when the buses carrying bags depart for the finish line. Crossing the lake, Tim got a flat - bad news, we all had to carry on as we had no time to spare at this point, but in the end Tim repaired the flat and got to the start in time.

Misty start to the day, no sign of the big mountain as we share coffee shotz and people drink Red Bull, energy gels and other products with caffeine. A real Floyd Landis breakfast for all. I was happy with water and the shotz, no point carrying extra weight up the hill in my stomach.

We were all in the 3rd group, 7:05am start after the mountain bikers and womens groups set off. It will mean we will be cycling past them all later, but at least if they start early, they'll be up and down sooner and the event will take less time. We roll out for 1.5km and this works very well in steadying everyone and sorting out the group before we roll across the startline after turning left onto the Subaru line road. From here its up all the way !

The gradient of this climb is very gentle, even though its up for 24km. With this in mind I knew drafting would be a possibility, but I was surprised at just how much drafting was possible and how significant this would be for my final time. We climbed on, the air cooled but I was sweating all the way up. Great views across and above the cloud layer to the snow covered southern alps.

The steepest kilometer of the course, 19km-20km has a prize for the fastest to complete this section so a small prize for the winner. I wonder if anyone purposely tries to win this prize? Everyone around seems to plod on at their comfortable speed.

22km-23km feels like its downhill, but its still up yet the speed accelerates and I find Im doing 39kmph, working well with a Japanese rider and we continue to fly past many racers through the final snow tunnels before the final kick of the climb up the the finish line, and I pay for the high speed here as Im out of breath, and crossing the line in 1hr 12min 21s I starting gasping for breath in the thin air.

Theres a special award for times, I might be receiving a silver spacer for my headset in the post next week - (gold 1hr 5, silver 1hr 15, bronze 1hr 30). Also 1hr 15min is the time to register as athletes class in next years event!

Kimm was several minutes behind me, and on training rides I havent been able to keep up with him, so I think the ride out yesterday had to have affected his and Kerens times.

Did I mention James and Tim were riding fixed gear bikes? Very impressive, but how about descending 24km on a fixie! James was wondering why there were no other fixed gear bikes on the climb, well for me, Im sticking with my 11 speed compact.

Then followed the amazing 24km descent, which this week was pleasantly warm compared to last week. In the rule book, we were supposed to be going less than 20kmph starting in controlled groups and not overtaking the lead vehicle, but the lead vehicle must have been moving as we sailed down the mountain. Otherwise, this would have been slower going down than on the way up!

Tasty udon was served at the finish, and I met Steve who had started in the 8th group along with the Positivo Espresso team members. They had made this trip in style with a  team bus to take them to Fuji Highland resort hotel and even designed a special team jersey for the climb. 4 of them were up for cycling back to Tokyo and we eventually left the hotel, after posting the towel/clothes/event junk back home rather than carrying it.

Between Fujikyu and Yamanako is heavy traffic, and not pleasant but once you're at the lake you get the final perfect view of Mount Fuji for the day across the water. A short climb follows (very short, almost didnt notice this one) then the Doushi road is one huge roller coaster road all the way back to Tokyo. Except this roller coaster is mainly downhill and very fast, its such a great road and we are quickly back in the outskirts of Hashimoto, where James takes us on an interesting alternative route to the more direct road I am familiar with, over what is known as the "tank road." This is a hilly area with a bike/running track which was used by Mitsubishi to test tanks many years ago. Today its a great break from the traffic, the build up starts around Sagamiko, before we hit the One kai and roll down to the Tamagawa. In total, its 170km for the day, but the main mileage is downhill, but oh yes there was one significant climb this morning wasn't there?



Results later............


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31 May 2010

Misty Mountains

Today was about training on big climbs, to be more prepared for Mount Fuji next week. Otherwise why would you cycle 1 way up a 1100m climb in the cold and wet with warning signs of brown bears at every corner? I would have changed my original plan if Steve wasn't so keen on joining me for the assault on Ootoge and Matsuhime Toge. Steve is fresh from the ride/race he did last week Tokyo to Itoigawa, which was a mere 300km?!? Very impressive, but this is from someone who cycled London to Tokyo a few years back. Not that he ever mentions it of course :)
It was my first time to climb Ootoge (means BIG mountain pass) as its a long way out, or at least its a long way back home. Also, the north side is closed due to many landslides and so is unrideable.

Leaving Otsuki station at 9.30am, we arrived at the start of Ootoge quickly, and this is also good practise for next week, ie no long warm up, just straight into the climb. The start is around 400m, the summit up in the clouds at 1560m. Its also very cold for the end of May, 13 degrees showing on a sign on route 20.
The climb is very gradual, steady 6-7% for the 15.9km climb. Its a quality road, used by many hikers to get to the start of their walks, but today the roads are extremely quiet.
I summit in 1hr 5min 9sec, a long climb indeed.
We get wet from the low cloud on the climb, but going up is hardwork so we are comfortably warm so far. But the descent is back to winter conditions. We both put are bike bags up the front of our jerseys for extra padding from the cold air, Steve has very lightweight disposable gloves for small protection but I suffer freezing hands until the very lowest part of the climb.

The roads are wet, and this sprays up and soaks our feet, this will be more uncomfortable for the rest of the ride so back at the convenience store near Otsuki station we get some new 350yen socks and buy the usual coffee, onigiri, royal jelly and sugary foods. Feels good to have dry feet again!
So soon enough, we arrive at the start of mountain climb 2 for the day, Matsuhime toge (south). Another brute of a climb, 20.5km long, around 900m of vertical ascent though the first section has some significant drops so the total ascent will be greater. Need to check Steves GPS on this one. Anyway, its another long, long climb and great training. Today the lower slopes were quite stunning, the rice fields are filled with water and have recently been planted, the forests are a stunning shade of green.
After the rolling section, the road reaches a large dam and the road follows the eastern banks. To the west, the unpassable north approach to Ootoge tempts cyclocross adventurers and mountainbikers, maybe one day we will cycle past the "danger - bears" signs. It would make a great route, dropping down to the dam instead of all the way back to Otsuki.
Once past the dam, the climb really begins. Soon enough we head up into the clouds. Visibility drops to around 50m, but the effort of climbing keeps us warm in the cool damp air. Theres one 360 degree tunnel on this climb, its like the PS2 game Wipeout if you're descending.

After 1hr 6min 40 I reach the top, take a few photos of the fog and when Steve arrives we descend as safely as possible to Okutama lake, a reservoir and the source of the Tamagawa river. Steve spots a monkey by the roadside on the descent, but its gone by the time I arrive.
We are glad to arrive at the ramen restaurant by the lake in short time. A usual resting place for weekend cyclists and motorbikers, today there are only 2 cold cyclists foolish enough to be out in the mountains in such poor weather. The friendly owner knows us well now, and she adds bread rolls, coffee sweets and tea to our order of mountain vegetable ramen, and puts the heater on by our table. Again, wet socks from the descent and with no shops in these parts, we take to roasting socks on the gas burner! Works a treat and soon toasty socks are back on our feet.

The original plan was to climb a 3rd mountain pass at this stage, but its just too cold and we've climbed enough so the ride around Okutamako and down to Oume will be enough for me. Spot another monkey near Okutama dam, this one is not so camera shy.

Of course, when we reach Oume, Steve has had his second wind and continues on to ride home to north part of Tokyo. Why stop after a mere 110km ride?

Great hill climb training despite the weather, hope we get some sunshine next week, or we're going to be toasting socks somewhere in Kawaguchiko.
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15 May 2010

Tokyo Islands Series 2010 - Niijima


The Tokyo Island series kicked off on Saturday in cool but sunny weather on the island of Niijima. The series is 2 standard distance triathlons on Niijima and Oshima in May & June, then a 4.5km open water swim on Niijima in July and finally a 1.5km swim,10km run aquathon on Shikinejima in September. I'll just be doing the triathlons, its a long way and expensive trip just to go for a swim in the sea.

The ferries for the Izu islands leave Osanbashi Pier, Tokyo at 10pm every night and its an impressive sail out under the Rainbow Bridge to see the city by night, especially the Odaiba area. Its worth starting from Tokyo for the view, but you're better off starting from Yokohama an hour and a half later and nearly a thousand yen cheaper, if the ferry timetable allows.


After leaving Yokohama, the ship sails out of Tokyo bay and onwards to Oshima. The beer vending machines make a heavy profit at this time, and the decks are full of surfers, fishermen and tonight triathletes enjoying the ocean air. Except its cold tonight, anyone who can has retired to the seats/cabins below. Only a few Namban Rengo triathletes brave the open top deck as we were quick to grab the only raised and sheltered area on the deck.  Here I met Bevan and Vanessa, they're both Ozzie physios who live in Niseko, Hokkaido where they have a practise (?) as well as one in Setagaya and train for Ironman events in their spare time. Really nice couple, and tomorrow I discover just how fast they really are after their modest talk of various triathlons they've competed in recent years.

The ferry arrives at Oshima 6am, then stops at Toshima before we all get off on Niijima after 8am, feeling surprisingly refreshed and all slept well after a smooth sailing. 

All credit to Phil as hes sorted out a great minshuku for around 24 people near the center of town. But on this island, anywhere is near the center of town. Breakfast is waiting for us, then theres no time to relax before we get all our gear together and rollout to the start/finish area.

Niijima has the best of the beaches on the Izu islands, and the swim area looks impressive with the clear water, sheltered by beach breaks on 2 sides. A quick practise swim is essential, mainly to let you get over the shock that the water is still cool. Its so important to get into the water before the swim start, otherwise the shock of being in cold water together with hundreds of other swimmers can be too much, some people pull out triathlons at this stage due to the quite rational fear of "what am I doing here" taking over.

I initially make a bad start with goggles filling with water, (I must put the goggle straps under my hat for the next tri) and the usual mass start panic, but this only lasts to the first buoy and theres plenty of open water from this point on. 2 laps * 750m, and as always it takes me a long time to get into a rhythm swimming so my second lap was much smoother. A second wave of athletes started 4 mins after my group, and I saw one female yellow capped swimmer sail past me. She was probably the fastest swimmer, 19mins for the 1500m is pretty fast, if only she could ride a bike and run as well....

Transition was smooth, then onto the bike. 3 laps with hairpins, tight corners and a gentle rise over the the island from west coast to the surf beach on the east coast and back, but the wind was strong and unfortunately the section which should have been tailwind was in dense forest which was at least a welcome shade from the sun. I made the most of this bike section, and just went as fast as I could. Not a real course for the tri bars or disc wheeled tri machines, instead my road bike with mavic carbone wheels was about perfect for this course. I was 15th fastest on the bike, but this time includes both transitions, so I could possibly claim a few more places here.

The run was hilly, immediately out of transition it climbs up a hill I would guess 6% gradient with short level sections before reaching a mud running track up in the forest, it was a surprise to find this here where we did one lap before descending back down past the famous glass museum and even more famous outdoor onsen. One more lap to follow, and this descent was great to have at the finish, down hill all the way except for the final 500m. Its tough for everyone, but this makes the course more interesting. Kimm who is a really nice bloke from Korea was doing his first triathlon, and he even ran the second 5km of the run bare foot as his shoes were hurting too much! Theres been lots of talk about barefoot running recently, and Kimm has been practising a lot so his soles are used to it, he said climbing uphill was much easier barefoot than with shoes on. I can believe it, but for now I'll be running with fully clad feet.

Once everyone had finished, we all had a dip in the open air onsen which is a highlight of the island. Its open 24hours a day and is completely free. Overlooking the ocean, its the perfect place to relax after the afternoons exertions. Many small rock formations jut out into and way beyond the shoreline here, to make the scene spectacular. Nice in the evening as well, under a starry sky.

After that, back to the hostel, then down to the town sports hall where the prize giving and part was taking place. Taiko drums were played as we tucked into the fresh ocean food and beer. Everything was quickly consumed apart from the kusaya - fermented fish which is a speciality of the island. I had some on my plate and thought it was tasty, but I couldnt work out where the terrible smell was coming from before I realised.

Vanessa was the fastest female, and Bevan was 3rd although up until the point he went up to the podium we all though he was second. Turned out that a guy in the second wave who started 4 mins later had beaten him by a second into 2nd place! They all received trophies made from Niijima glassware, the special glass is only made here and in one place in Italy.


After the party we managed to do a deal with a dodgy pub-snack type place, which was large enough for us all to allow for karaoke and drinks for 3000yen. The usual songs came up, I selected bicycle race by Queen and by that time I'd had quite enough shochu before the tab on the bar ran out.

Sunday morning our activities continued by cycling to the highest point on the island (over 400m) then going for a swim in the surf beach. Lots of surfers out today, and it was fun swimming through the waves. The swimming wetsuits are great, they almost feel as if you are a small boat, its so easy to paddle away and cut through the water.

In all, it was a great weekend on the island and the standard distance tri was so different to the Miyakojima strongman event. It was nice to be able to go flat out for a decent distance without having to worry about conserving energy. I almost see the ironman events as a power bar picnic on wheels now, but both are enjoyable in different ways.

Now I have 4 weeks to improve my run time before Oshima....

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