Jaimie is back with Jaimie’s Blog – enjoy!
Post Kona has been busy! Upon landing at Brisbane Int Airport Pete went straight to the Gold Coast for a 2 day Bucks Party, developed a short lived though strong relationship with Starbucks in a quest to keep up with his seasoned drinking matesJ
I was lucky enough to head straight back to Noosa! Asics arrived the next day to shoot a global campaign utilizing our house as base camp in addition to the Noosa surrounds. The next two and a half days were spent riding, swimming, surfing, running, and speaking for the camera (won’t give a few quirky details away which you’re sure to see in a couple of weeks).
Next day we were once again at the airport, 4 days after arriving home from Kona heading to Pete’s best mates wedding in Sydney.
A great night!
It was tough as always seeing your family and close friends for a day, fortunately or perhaps unfortunately reestablishing that homesick feeling.
Next Stop – NY Marathon with Asics America. A week before Kona we decided we would head to NY for the NY Marathon courtesy of Asics for Pete to do some appearances. I thought whilst there why not do the marathon, my first marathon having never ran more than the 21km in a half ironman. When Pete’s race didn’t go to plan in Kona he decided he would love to experience it too, running it together would be icing on the cake!
Annie from Asics was fortunately also able to run it last minute so we resembled three amegos totally under prepared, set for a wild adventure through the boroughs of New York City. Meeting Pete’s Asics team mates was a real buzz – Ryan and Sarah Hall, Julie Culley (and Chris), Deena Kastor & Alicia Montano.
Lots of fun!
Some NY Tips I hear you request – for those of you travelling to the Big Apple in the future!
Best Burger: Shake Shak (order any burger, you can’t go wrong) in addition to a must have Peanut Butter Shake. (691 8th Ave, New York in Times Square)
Best Fast Food: Chipotle (Mexican which we consider healthy) 854 8th Ave, New York
Best Trendy Bar/ Restaurant: The Renaissance Bar (this overlooks Timesquare and resembles what I imagine a “sex in the city” atmosphere for either a romantic night or a girls night out. 714 7th Ave New York
Best Asian Meal, bring your hunger: Inakaya is a trendy hotspot with the best Japanese experience in town! http://www.inakayany.com 620 Eighth Avenue (Aka: 231 West 40th Street),
Best Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch Café: Le Pain Quotidien (70 W 40th St
(between Avenue Of The Americas & 5th Ave)
Best activity hotspot: Hire a bike for a couple of hours and ride around Central Park, in winter you can stop and ice skate also. Check out http://www.rent-a-bike-centralpark.com
So much food!
Best Nutrition Tip for a Marathon as a first timer: I had porridge (oatmeal) 2 hrs before the race start, a Shotz (www.shotz1.com) gel 5minutes before the race start then continued consuming 1 each 45min. The last 15km I was cramping with the last 10km excrutiating (not running the kms will do that) so I ended up having a Shotz gel once every 20min to a) take my mind off it and b) minimize the cramping
Best post Marathon meal: We did Chipotle (Pete the burrito with Steak and all the trimmings, me the 3 soft shell tacos), and Steak N Shake for Shakes!
Best Purchases: Asics NY Marathon 2013 gear from the expo, Victoria Secret goodies, and that $5 umbrella that was needed!
Awesome riding everywhere.
Next stop: SRAM/ZIPP Headquarters in Indianapolis
We were lucky enough to spend a day at the SRAM/ZIPP Headquarters in Indianapolis with the SRAM crew (all geniuses hidden in sane, fit exteriors achieving things that mad scientists would be proud of) . We saw first hand how true their ideology for 20years “aerodynamics doesn’t have to come at the expense of strength, durability or comfort” resonates.
The warehouse was massive!
Next Stop: 72hrs in London for the Boardman Bike (http://www.boardmanbikes.com) 2014 Releases.
We got dressed up for cocktail hour to meet and greet the UK media (well Pete did, I got to drink champagne and attempt to act normal)J Pete got to meet the Brownlees for the first time which was a real buzz. We really got to ‘bond’ with the Boardman crew which just reconfirmed to me – Pete’s one of a kind (bias I know, those of you who really know him know what I mean), he has surrounded himself personally and professionally with companies and personalities that are unique and incredibly special.
Check these three out…
Some London Travel Tips
Best Coffee Shop: Ruby Dock in Camden Lock Market, I smelt this coffee from a mile away – literally! Their famous bean of choice is The Roasting Party (https://twitter.com/RoastingParty) located in Camden Lock Market Chalk Farm Road, London.
www.camdenlockmarket.com/food-drink/4434-2/
Best Specialty Store: Peloton & Co (http://www.pelotonco.cc) is a funky concept store catering to coffee enthusiasts, & avid cyclists. Boasting a wall hosting constant footage of the Tour De France, Boardman Bikes amongst giant fluffy cakes and homemade salads. Result: Mouth watering, motivational experience that leaves you wanting more.
Best Markets/Shopping with a funky London vibe: Camden Lock Markets, London (where Ruby Dock is located).
Best Food Find: The Kensington Creperie just a short stroll from the Museum. http://www.kensingtoncreperie.com
Best Activity: Exploring the Natural History Museum Cromwell Rd, London. http://www.nhm.ac.uk
10 flights within 16 days – we are happy to be home!
Coming Soon – Croatia fun Update with all the trimmings thanks to Alexis at www.fcactivetravel.com/
Love Jaim xx