Although I was quite busy, being able to train and hang out with the Japanese guys over the last ten days was really fun.   I’m also glad that the younger guys on the Stanford team were able to train with them.  I’m sure that being able to observe a different type of training style was very educational for the guys.

By now, they’re probably already back in Japan or at least almost there.  Seemed like the last 10 days flew right by.  When I asked the athletes how they felt about going back to Japan, most of them told me that they wanted to stay in America.  If you’d ask me, I’d like to be in Japan.  The food is good and it’s just a fun place to be.  I guess the grass is always greener on the other side

Surprise birthday celebration for Hiroshi!

Since the competition ended on Saturday, the Japanese team were able to spend a couple of days to sightsee and hang out.  On Monday night we had a surprise birthday party for one of the guys on the team, and on Tuesday, we had a farewell dinner.  I’ll definitely miss them and their coaches but I hope to see them in the near future at some international competitions. Hope the athletes will continue to train hard as I’ll be doing the same!