Photo By Sgt. Daniel Valle | Participants compete in the cycling portion of the 2012 Camp Courtney Open-Water...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - As the chilly water broke along the shoreline, participants rushed into the waves.
Marine Corps Community Services Athletics hosted the 2012 Camp Courtney Open-Water Triathlon on Camp Courtney April 29.
The race was open to all ages, islandwide. More than 150 participants competed in the event, which was composed of a 300-meter swim, an 8.4-kilometer bike ride and a 2.4-km run.
“I think the turnout for the event was great,” said Bryan White, a sports coordinator with MCCS Athletics on Camp Courtney. “At 150 participants, we maxed-out our sign-ups.”
Camp Courtney is the only installation on Okinawa able to host an open-water swim as part of a triathlon, due to the beach located on the camp, according to White.
“Since we are more than 25 meters off the shore, we have to get our event approved by the Japan Coast Guard,” said White. “The event is very unique because we get to work hand-in-hand with the Japanese to make it possible.”
Open-water races are always the best, said Lt. Col. Stephen P. Armes, the first-place winner of the triathlon.
“It is always nice to start with the open-water swim,” said Armes. “Coming from California, it is what I am used to.
“The pool swims are really tough because they are always during the hottest part of the year and are usually the last event,” said Armes.
“By the time you are done with the run and bike ride, you get into the pool and begin to cramp from exhaustion,” he added.
For short, fast events like the Camp Courtney triathlon, constant training is the best way to prepare, according to Armes.
“It is not that you need to do a lot of training to win a race like this,” said Armes. “You need to concentrate on high-intensity training. Do intervals on the track, in the pool, and on the bike.”
Keito Matsuda, a 12-year-old participant and the third-place overall winner, holds a similar training schedule.
“Every day, I go to swim at school,” said Matsuda. “Twice a week, I run and bike.”
Both Armes and Matsuda believe competitors must push themselves.
“You never know how far ahead you are,” said Armes. “You have to push as hard as you can because you never know how close that person behind you is, and you can’t let him catch up.”
Despite all the work that went into preparing for the triathlon, the participants agreed that it was time well spent.
“It is enjoyable and fun to participate in events with people older than me,” said Matsuda. “It was too hot outside, but I tried and I am happy with all I could do.”
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.03.2012 21:56 |
| Story ID: | 87852 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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