Mieko competes in Kaike for fifth time

  Saipan’s Mieko Carey is leaving for Japan next week to represent the CNMI in the Kaike Triathlon Championships for the fifth time.

“It’s another long race and big challenge for me,” said Carey, who will be leaving Saipan on July 13 for the July 15 competition that will take place in Yonago, Tottori.

The Kaike race is Carey’s second in less than a month, as she also joined the Lixil Ironman 70.3 Centrair in Tokoname, Japan on June 24. The 34-year-old triathlete topped the women’s 30 to 34 age group of the race, completed the 1.9-kilometer (1.2-mile) swim, 90-km bike, and 13-km run in 5:01:40.

“My body is still recovering after the tough race in Half Ironman. I am training and riding 100 miles with Lewie Tenorio. I know I will face another tough race in Kaike, but I will keep pushing myself to make it to the finish line, as I want to represent the CNMI well and make my family, friends, and supporters.They are the ones who keep me going,” Carey said.

Last year, the Saipan pro almost quit the 3-km swim, 145-km bike, and 42.195-km run due to dehydration, but decided to continue racing, as her nieces were waiting for her and wanted to run with her to the finish line. Carey also knew her Saipan friends were waiting for good news from Kaike last year and that encouraged her to complete the grueling race.

Carey went on to finish the race in 9:50:49, which is faster than her 2010 time of 9:56:38. She was ranked second overall in the women’s division and 36th overall out of more than 800 finishers. Carey was in first place until the 15-km mark of the run leg when eventual winner Sha Li Dasong of China grabbed the lead.

“I read Saipan Tribune’s story on me during last year’s Kaike and it reminded me how hard it was to race in Kaike. You have to be ready both physically and mentally. You never know what will going to happen. Last year’s experience made me stronger and more focus on racing not against others, but against myself. I am excited to race and make it to the finish line again,” Carey said.

Besides completing the Kaike race, Carey also hopes to encourage triathletes to join the XTERRA Saipan and Tagaman Triathlon next year.

“I hope to bring more triathletes to next year’s XTERRA and Tagaman,” said Carey, who recently received financial assistance from Taga, Inc. for her Kaike trip.

“I thanked Taga, Inc. for always helping me in my race in Kaike. Thank you also to PDI, especially Hiroko for making sure I’ll get a chance to compete in Kaike,” added Carey, who also recognized the help of IT&E, Bike Pro, and Mariana Resort & Spa.

By Roselyn Monroyo
Reporter