Bintan!

Following a unique and highly controversial regiment of donuts, coffee and the occasional workout Mark spent the last few months getting himself ‘into shape’ for an upcoming triathlon. Mark signed up for this race back in January without much thought for what it would ultimately entail… but wanted to do so as a good way to say goodbye to three great friends who are leaving JIS and Jakarta this summer… all of who were participating in the triathlon.

So after months of sporadic training Mark headed up to Singapore and then over to Bintan Island to take part in the 2010 Bintan Olympic distance triathlon last weekend. Olympic distance entails a 1500 meter swim in the ocean, a 40 kilometer (about 22 miles) bike ride and then a 10 kilometer (about 6.5 miles) run.

Silencing doubters from around the world Mark finished the race in record time and placed first in the 'guys in scrappy board shorts' category!

It was a very arduous afternoon…. but a fantastic experience!

All smiles 30 minutes before the race.


Mark smiles with good buddies Rhona Polonsky (our school librarian) and Dan Kerr on the beach minutes before the official start.


Still smiling near the end... not in last place! Sweet.