Holy Buddah! If self-denial and suffering are essential pit-stops on the path to enlightenment, then I have not only acheived, but damn near own nirvana.
42.195 very self-examining kilomtres. An amazing experience.
I could write a 5 hour post about the whole run (which is, not coincidentally, how long it took me to hit the finish). My chp time, fore those of you who wish to know, was 5:02ish. A few minutes behind Washington.
The day began when I stepped out of our hotel at 6AM to wander over to the nearest convienience shop and buy something bread-like. I ended up with something resembling a turnover filled with corn, mayonaise, and sausage bits. Stop wretching, it was really good! On my way back to the hotel, I was stopped by a middle aged man (perhaps of Russian descent) who wanted me to go to his strip club (a much better one by his advertisment since it had showers too!). As tempting as that might have been, there was work to be done. Ah the early morning joys of staying in Tokyo's red-light district (Shinjuku).
Fast forward to about 8:40AM, Noriko and I are at the portapotties near the start line. It is teeming, pouring, and streeming from the heavens. So wet, it cannot get any wetter. There are about 3000 people lined up in front of about 100 portapotties. With all the efficiency you attribute the Japanese, the entire line clears in about 6 minutes. The portapotties are immaculate (even after 3000 people have used them), fully stocked with TP and had mirrors on the walls (??!!). The runners out there will appreciate why I am going on about the damn toilets.
9:05AM we are at the start line huddled in a throng of people in plastic bags holding umbrellas over their heads. 30,000 people pakced together and about 10,000 umbrellas forming a roof above our heads. When the gun went off, we shuffled as one super-organisim toward the start - umbrella roof in tact. As we passed the start line/timing mats there were huge bins on either side for the unmbrellas. In one continuous motion, 10,000 umbrellas went back to umbrella heaven.
And off we were.
more later. mikael....
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3 comments:
mikael, i bow to the totally amazing dane! training on ice, in minus 30 (i guess that northern birthright helps!). i figure that the rain added at least 45 minutes to your time! oh yes, and all those pictures with beer in them! jet lag 2 days before then massive quantities of drinking then 5C and rain. all i am going to say, is wait till you get on this side of forty! next step . . . mickey!
take care. mir
Just read your blog, saw your pics, WAY TO GO! The rain, and the training in cold and by yourself, you are one amazing dude! Can't wait to hear more over a brewski or too. What's next mikky boy, atb? record time? keep the pics coming, and enjoy the rest of the trip!
joannae
Congratulations!!!! That is totally amazing! You're insane (that's not new news), but you must be very proud of your accomplishments!!!
XOXO
K.
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