a NOLA girl in a Big world

The last few days in Tokyo were a whirlwind.

The vibe of the trip shifted into RUN MODE. 26.2 miles is no joke and it was crucial that I got my mind in the right headspace.

Saturday, we joined Paramount Running and AFE Tokyo for a 4K shake out run. It was incredible to see so many friends from all over the world, gathering in Tokyo to run.

This BTG thing is special, y’all.

The rest of the day was spent shopping and trying to stay off our feet as best we could. Retail therapy definitely does the trick, of keeping your mind preoccupied.

Saturday night was chill. Got my fit together, hair braided and chatted with friends and family back home. I was ready. I was calm. I remembered this amazing quote by my friend Meddy, “Fuck off and relax.” Might sound aggressive, but it was the mantra I took into this race. (Disclaimer: he didn’t say this to me. He just said it in general, one day. I just took it and ran with it … literally.)

Marathon Day:

The unique thing about this race is that it doesn’t start until 9am. Which I loved. I was able to naturally wake up and get moving. I took a shower, ate breakfast and had time to myself.

Thankfully, Ashley and I took the day before to do a “test run” on how to get to the start. This made race morning a breeze.

In typical, Japanese fashion … minus the bib pick up … everything was well organized and like a well oiled machine. The bathroom line was moving and finding the starting corral was simple. The time efficiency was impressive. We started moving around 9am. Our corral was about .25 miles from the start line, so we had to walk a bit but we heard the gun at 9:10 and started the race around 9:30am.

Running through Tokyo was a blast. Having Ashley as a running partner was exceptional. It takes a lot of trust to run a marathon with someone. To be in lock step for 4 plus hours isn’t easy. And Ashley made it easy. She settled my anxiety and made running FUN. She pushed me. She knew I had a goal and held me to achieving that goal. I missed the goal by 3 minutes, but there is ZERO regret or disappointment. I PR’d by 14 minutes. That’s big in running. I’m proud.

Now, let me share a little bit about the end of the race. First, the out and backs. They are great … until you have to run the last 4 miles, IN AN OUT AND BACK. There were a total of 3 out and backs in the race. The first 2 were splendid, actually welcomed. We saw the elites run by, which was incredible. They move with such power and grace, it was motivating. We saw our friends. Getting to high five folks and cheer them on throughout the race, was my favorite part. Then, the last out and back … Seeing the sign for the final 1k, knowing I had 4 miles between me and that sign, did NOT motivate me. It actually pissed me off. Something I should work on in therapy. But I digress. I was grateful for Ashley’s positive energy and keeping my head in the game as best she could. And what I appreciate about Ashley, is her ability to be an adult. She did what she could and recognized that I maybe needed to finish the last 3 miles alone. She took off, running the last few miles on her own and I’m so glad she did. I needed to find the motivation to get through those last miles on my own. And I did. And it was a grind. And I’ll tell ya why …

Japanese Gum.

Yep. You read that right, Japanese gum made the last few miles A GRIND. At the 20K mark, Bowen asked if we wanted gum. I said OF COURSE. Chewing gum is a distraction. We took off. Then, around mile 22, I started to feel sick. Like, SICK SICK. I looked at Ashley and said, “I don’t think I’m going to finish this.” And I think she believed me. My legs were tired, but still going. My head and heart were a bit pissed off, but I was still moving. But my stomach, it was in crisis mode. And it seemed as though, on the back half of the course there were no bathroom stops. I needed to throw up. I needed the bathroom. The last 3 miles, was me fighting to keep going and get it done. I wanted to PR, I knew I wouldn’t hit my goal but I was so close. It was miserable. I finished and I finally was able to make my stomach feel better. #IYKYK

So this Japanese gum. Apparently, it had a sweetener in it that did NOT sit well with me and come to find out, neither with Bowen. He had more pieces of gum than I did, and was sick for the rest of the day and all night. It was a tough day for us both. NEVER AGAIN. That guy tried to kill me.

World Major #5 was one for the books. I experienced every emotion known to man during those 4.5 hours. It ended up being a tough but rewarding race. My toughest one yet. But the one I’m most proud of. I dug deep. I relaxed. I had fun. I did the grind.

There is 1 more world major out there. Will I complete it? I’m 99.9% sure I won’t. I have no desire. I don’t know. But what I do know, is that I will continue running with the crew. Showing up, every day, to support the people around me to achieve their goals. Running isn’t stopping and 5 seems to be a pretty solid number to end on.

Alexa, play “I got 5 on it, by Luniz”

It’s your lucky day … 1 blog post, 2 days.

Thursday:

I was confident that the Japanese would have the most efficient race day expo of all the major marathons. That was a grossly overestimated expectation. We waited almost 2.5 hours to get our bibs. It was madness. They also ran out of finisher jackets. How sway!? You know how many people are running this marathon, buy enough. But I digress. We walked around the expo for .5 seconds because we had a reservation at an art exhibit. Naturally, we went to the lululemon booth, where you couldn’t purchase Tokyo branded gear, but could WIN Tokyo branded gear by spinning a wheel. I spun the wheel. I WON.

My 1st thought, I shouldn’t have won – I work for lululemon. My 2nd thought, I’ve been doing so many offerings at every temple/shrine all over Japan, this must be one of my blessings. Cool. I’ll take.

Expo being cut short due to inefficiencies and needing to make it to the art exhibit on time, really made for a frustrating morning. But my mantra all week has been – “I’m in Tokyo. I’M. IN. TOKYO.” (If you know me, I think you can HEAR me saying this to myself to calm down.) There isn’t anything that could make this trip less than 100% enjoyable, because I’M.IN.TOKYO.

We made it to TeamLab:Planet. Remember the digital Light and Art show I shared with you a few days ago? We went to its counterpart. While the 1st exhibit was all sites, sounds and smells; this exhibit was very TACTILE. The walls were textured. The ground would go from soft, to hard, to jelly, to unstable, to knee high water. Each room would smell like the environment you were experiencing. It was another WILD Japanese experience that would never happen in the states.

Speaking of things only happening in Japan: the UNKO Museum.

Kawaii is concept in Japan that is essentially the aesthetic of CUTENESS. and they make EVERYTHING cute … even Poop. Don’t be shy, click the link. Your brain can imagine what this museum is like and I promise it’s even more confusing in person.

We ended Thursday with a 7 course meal at an incredible sashimi/sushi spot. And some of you may be asking yourself, “but Lindsey, what did you eat!? You have the pallet of an uncultured 5 year old.” While you may be right, the theme of this trip has been “BE BRAVE.” A little inside joke with friends here, but it’s been spot on while at dinners. And this dinner was no different. I ate EEL. I ate Sashimi. I ate another freaking Mushroom. I was brave.

Friday

We did NOTHING. There’s a point in time, where you must remember why you’re here, and that’s to run a marathon. So, walking 11 miles everyday, ain’t it 48 hours prior to 26.2 miles. So, we shopped … I bought all the SKINCARE.

We then headed to dinner and I’m not sure if you’ve picked up on our dinner themes yet but they have been EXPERIENCES and this was my favorite of the trip. We went to a Tuna Auction and Rock.Paper.Scissors. Tournament.

The chef puts a LARGE TUNA on a cutting board and filets the fish LIVE. He then auctions off parts of the fish for folks to bid on and have as their meal. It was intense and fun and we understood NOTHING. Thankfully, we could order food and didn’t HAVE to win at the auction. Food was PHENOMENAL. I wasn’t brave tonight, I ate noodles, veggies and rice. but Ashley ate octopus. #Brave.

Then! The 🪨📄✂️ started. The premise of the game, the entire restaurant plays against each other and the MC, to win prizes. There was sake, ramen, a book and the grand prize of a gift card for a free meal and 2 expensive pieces of tuna. The MC would throw his hand and if you “matched” or “beat” him, you stayed in the game. It went on until there was 1 winner. It was incredible.

Let me set the scene: it’s the GRAND PRIZE. People are standing up. They want to win.

We are just happy to be there. The game starts.

Round 1: I match him.

Round 2: I beat him. (15 people left)

Round 3: I match him. (9 people left)

Round 4: I beat him (3 people left)

Round 5: I beat him … I WON.

He bangs a drum, the people cheer and congratulate me, the MC calls me the “GRAND CHAMPION.”

I gave the winnings to the table next to us.

Y’all. I don’t want to leave. The people are so nice and respectful. The culture is a bit out there, but also has restraint. And apparently, the Japanese Universe and I are in sync.

Truth be told, all the winnings are because of the MULTIPLE offerings I’ve given up to the universe. Who would have thunk!? (Wink)

A bullet train to Kyoto … check.

The 6am boarding time was a bit aggressive, after 2 very long days. Thankfully, the JR to Kyoto from Tokyo was very pleasant. We passed Mt. Fuji (the picture doesn’t capture it’s beauty), we saw a bit of the Japanese country side and most importantly, didn’t have to walk for roughly 2 hours. #SaveTheLegs.

Arriving in Kyoto was hectic. Shocking, I know. The instructions to meet our driver were a bit wonky. But after 30 minutes of traversing the entire Kyoto Train Station we met Steven, our tour guide. A Philippine Native, 5 star chef, car enthusiast, turn tour guide business owner, by way of Dubai. Not who I thought would be our Kyoto tour guide, but 10000% who we needed.

With Usher and early 2000’s music playing as we drove, we headed to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Miles and miles of Bamboo. It was incredible to see. It was “off season” so the trees weren’t as vibrant, but you could easily imagine would it would look like in late Spring/Summer.

We then walked through a bit of Kyoto and of course grabbed Ichigo Ame or Candied Strawberries.

Our next stop was to the Kinkakuji Temple. But remember when I said, Steven was a car enthusiast, well so is my friend David, and naturally Steven and David became fast friends and I not only learned about Kyoto, but the car culture in Japan. Tokyo Drift is REAL.

This temple was stunning and the grounds were incredible. Everything about Kyoto was reminder of the vast culture and history that its in Japan.

The temple was covered in golden and have new meaning to “a golden hour” photo.

Naturally, I did another offering to have an easy, breezy run through Tokyo on Sunday. Ya know, all the help we can get.

Then it was time for “KYOTO”, KYOTO. When I think of Kyoto, I think of the Hokan-Ji Temple. The six tiered temple, with the busy street of vendors, the kimonos and old traditional Japanese style buildings. Even though it was PACKED with tourist, you could still feel the chill and calm vibes of Kyoto.

Like every other shrine/temple in Japan, there is some sort of “legend” or “ritual” that is associated with each landmark and Kiyomizu-dera Temple was no different. The first legend: prisoners were told to jump off of a 100 foot building and if they survived they would join the shogun’s army. Only 8 prisoners survived out of thousands. The second: if you drink from this fountain you will have either peace, love or prosperity. Naturally I went for prosperity, because it seems to be the vibe in Japan.

Ok, so I’m sure you’re wondering when I get to the point of buying a Torii. Well, come to find out the popular Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrines and Torii’s can be PURCHASED. Most of the newer Torri’s are purchased by corporations, wanting to offer up blessings to the universe, for prosperity. There are over over 10,000 Torii’s on the whole mountain and can take up to 4 hours to see them all. So naturally, when I learned I could purchase one, I added it to my “if I win the lottery” list. I’m letting you all know now, if I win the lottery, I’m buying a Torii on this mountain. A BIG ONE.

All in all, Kyoto was impressive. It was exactly what we needed to break up the hustle and bustle of the previous two days in Tokyo. We ate street food, learned the history and maybe was told a “legend” or two – that are probably false, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Day 1 in Tokyo did NOT disappoint. There were no plans for the day, other than to wander. So, wander we did.

It was a slow start to the morning. And due to a +24 hour travel day before – I have no idea where Sunday went. Because when I woke up, it was Monday.

We decided to eat breakfast at the hotel … I know, such a rookie move. But it was needed to regroup and discuss the “non existent” plan for the day.

And lo and behold, as I sit down to eat my eggs and seaweed, I look up and see my first friend I made in high school, Aubrey Howard. Sitting, eating breakfast, staying at the same hotel, IN TOKYO. We haven’t seen each other since 2005/2006. The odds of being at the same hotel, half way around the world is serendipitous. We chatted a bit, we planned to get together before she leaves, she’s here for work.

It was such a treat and a great remember that we always end up where we’re meant to be.

We then set out on our wandering expedition. Taking lefts on random streets. Rights down alley ways. Tokyo is overwhelming, in the BEST WAY. So many stores. So many things to see. So much time on feet. (We are here to run a marathon, after all)

We ended up walking to Yoyogi Park. It was extremely pleasant. We stumbled upon a traditional Japanese wedding. We made an offering at the Meiji Shrine – my offering was for “victory and perseverance.” Let’s see what this offering and the universe has in store for me this coming Sunday.

Naturally, the only thing to do post nature walking was SHOP. I found a dope pair of shoes at GR8 and walked into so many stores, I’m surprised I didn’t walk out with multiple bags. But it was only day 1.

We then made our way to Cafe Capyba, to pet the capybara’s. It was full. We didn’t pet them.

Starting the day at 7am, called for a bit of a break and reset, in order to head to the west side of Tokyo.

Prior to coming to Tokyo, I asked my friend Paul, who is a Tokyo PRO, to set us up with some restaurant recommendations. Not only did he make recommendations, but he and his team went above and behind and booked our reservations for us. He’s the best of us.

Tonight. Thanks to Paul. I had the best meal of my life. Period.

If you know me, you know I strongly dislike mushrooms and I don’t really eat meat, especially not steak. So, when I learned that Paul had booked us at a Tokyo Steakhouse, I was less than thrilled. However, I am always down for an experience and I knew it wouldn’t be “just” a dinner, so I would eat the veggies and pick up something from a 7/11 after. But there was no need. I was full.

While I can’t say I LIKE mushrooms now, what I can say is, I will eat steak again … but ONLY in Tokyo, Japan and ONLY at TOKUYOSHI. It was insane. The entire meal was impeccable. The salad. The fish. The tomatoes. The tuna. The veggies. The Abalone. The ice cream. The wine. And the CHEF. He was truly wonderful. His place is special. He only serves 4 groups a night. This 7 course meal and experience was worth coming to Tokyo.

I am going to bed with a full and happy heart and stomach.

I thanked Paul for the amazing evening and his response, “it only gets better from here.” And if that’s the case, Tokyo and I, will be just fine.

Today, I shut my laptop for the next 7 weeks. No emails. No teams messages. No decks. No zoom meetings. No lululemon.

But, YES adventure. YES running. YES friendship. YES exploration. YES family. YES self love.

And I believe the best way to start this 7 week travel blog, is with a special guest.

You’ll be introduced to her tomorrow, but until then, I’m honored that she agreed to start this little literary adventure of mine. Enjoy.

She was FIRE. Passionate, spicy, maybe a little ego flare. But who could blame her. She was interviewing with the person who got the role she wanted. Probably a role she deserved. Definitely one she knew better than I did.

Lindsey and I could not have been any more different, but when I met her in 2018 after a 6 month parenthood leave there was something about her that drew me in. I knew she’d push me. I knew she’d challenge me. I knew she’d give it a shot regardless. She made me feel comfortable. Confident. And suffice it to say…she was pretty funny.

You see, over the course of the last 5 years we haven’t just been co-workers or peers or leaders together. She’s been my friend, a confidant. She trusted me when she’d never hugged me. She valued what our friendship was without ever having seen me in the flesh. We passed work back and forth. She let my kids rummage around in her bed when she really enjoys her personal space. We disagree in the most agreeable way.

5 years later – I got to spend her last week at “work” before she heads out to live what I know is her best life. She really likes her personal space, ya’ll. So as I spent my last week with her in this crazy job we have – I was so proud to watch her allow new folks into her space. For her to surrender control on a really big job she’s been carrying. BUT MORE THAN THAT – I loved every moment of her sharing her wild dreams with those around her.

Here’s to your adventures my friend.
To running your last
To exploring new places
To sisterly love
To cherry blossoms
To deserty dirt
To returning when it’s right for you.

Thanks for always inspiring. Thanks for always loving. Thanks for the fire. – Christina