Carey shattered her record last year and finished second in the women’s division during the 31st All Japan Kaike Triathlon in Japan’s Tottori Prefecture.
The pro triathlete ranked 36th overall and timed in at nine hours and 50 minutes, shattering last year’s 9:56:38 mark.
“I was challenging myself and I just tried to finish,” Carey said in an email to Marianas Variety.
Her best performance came from the grueling 145-km bike leg, where she finished 17th overall.
“The bike was great. I was enjoying the nice view and kept my pace. I was second when I started, then I was able to pass the first female. I am happy with my time,” she said.
The 3-km swim, equivalent to 1.86 miles, was no walk in the beach as Mieko struggled alongside 845 other athletes.
“The swim was good, I thought. I knew every year that the swim is the hardest part in Kaike. I had to stop twice last year because I almost drowned. I was ready for that this year and tried to avoid it,” she said.
Carey fought dehydration as she started her 42.195-km run to the finish line.
“I had to stop under the shade for a few seconds and walk. I felt sick and started thinking about stopping the race.”
Putting everything aside however, Mieko still pulled through.
“It was really hot. My hand began to numb and I felt dizzy. My family came to cheer me and they were really excited. I decided to keep going and not think of anything. In the last two kilometers, I just thought of family and friends from Saipan,” she said, describing her final moments along the course.
Carey hoped she could’ve finished the run-leg within four hours.
In 2009, she finished fourth in the women’s division with a faster time of nine hours, 47 minutes, and 43 seconds.
Carey aims for first place next year.
“I thank everyone for their support. I am so glad to be here as a representative of Saipan,” she added.
“Thank you also to Taga Inc., Marianas Visitors Authority, Asiana Airlines, IT&E, and Brabu Pharmacy for giving me this great opportunity.”
Mieko returned yesterday and will take a one-week break before training for the upcoming XTERRA Japan.
