In April 2006 I went to Miyako Island to take photographs of the  Strongman Triathlon. I had no deep interest in triathlons myself, but as it is the island’s largest annual event I thought that I should get some images ready so I would be able to illustrate any future articles about visiting Miyako. A few of my Okinawan friends took part in the triathlon and I was impressed, if not amazed, by their strength, fitness and determination. This was a full strongman triathlon. Which means….

3 kilometer swim during which you are hit  / kicked  / partially drowned by 1500 other swimmers.

Miyako Triathlon Swim

Exit the water, rip off your wetsuit and stagger up the beach.

Miyako Triathlon transition

Jump on your bike and cycle 155 kilometers around the island while locals wave you on.

Miyako Triathlon Bike

Get off the bike and run a full marathon.

Miyako Triathlon Run

Arrive at the goal to cheering crowds and wave triumphantly ( or collapse / vomit / seek medical help )

Miyako Triathlon finish!

Time passed by but the triathlon remained in the back of my mind. Then this summer I realized I was already swimming a couple of kilometers each time I went for a snorkel at Cape Maeda (with a mask and snorkel and fins) I was still cycling around town on my rusty old mountain bike, and I was even jogging on most days trying to exhaust Bear my one year old chocolate lab. Doing a triathlon would simply be putting all three things together…