la oportunidad, la expancion y el red para corrida divertida

first challenge for the fuji mountain race

2009-07-24T20:49:00.014+09:00

I was always so slow when I went to Mt. Fuji for training with everybody who signed up for this.

So, I set my goals; losing my weights and finishing for the whole distance, I didn't expect from any good result.

I thought this a good opportunity as training during summer for the early fall marathon since Summer doesn't make me feel like running for long distance, I chose to take a hard way to run a mountain race which is one of toughest races in Japan, it shoud be good as a part of training for Berlin Marathon. I knew it's a very hard workout because I joined a training once with running mates as an experience last year, then I felt I was lucky not to register, but this time I took a hard decision.

In the first training in Mt. Fuji, I was hungover, I couldn't run as I wanted, just terrible feeling, tummy was really groopy and felt miserable. It took over 2h30m the whole race course to finish.

In the secound time, we started running from the shrine is located at 2.5km point on the race course. It took over 2hours and 10 minutes, I felt really hard and I couldn't keep up to Chika-chan. She ran very fast and lighter than me. I was so proud of her she finished in 10th place last year, fantastic. She looked like just popping, stepping and jumping. It was obvious I just was heavier than her. I made a decision to stop drinking by the race a while, soon after some people I look more fit for race, yeah! so glad to hear that.

As a strategy, I ate a yummy Unagi bowl (eel bowl) for a power lunch on the day before, it actually worked well for me, I could run as well more than I expected.

Why do people who run fast like register for 21km division??

So it's recommendable to race in 15km division.

It starts late at 8:30am, the course is not so busy, distance is enough!

All fast legs runners ran in 21km division, so in the 15km division, the course was not so busy and only 5 to 6 people went ahead of me, but I cought up one by one and little by little, however some people were cheering me as "You are No.2!" EEEEhhh? Am I No.2? it was unbelievable thing for me, but I got motivation even though I wanted to quite the race all the time, though.

The next thing I knew, 5 to 6 men were around me, front or behind around 7km before Nakano Chaya (Cafe). A guy tried to beat me many times, once passed me hardly but got be slow later and passed me but got be slow, he repeated this many time, finally he gave up to beat me before Umagaeshi at 11.4km point, yes it was a hard section and I also run seriously as a Namban!

I was running very carefully not so fast but not so slow, just running at my pace, I knew I couldn't keep on running after Umagaeshi, it's a steep hiking section to goes to 3,776m. That's why I allowed by myself to walk after Umagaeshi, so tried to run for there but I just walked for a minute before pass.

Before finish, some of race organizer screamed "secound woman is coming!!!"

I still couldn't believe that, then I realized I'm finishing in secound place! I felt so happy.

I really thank to Chika for organizing this and Geraldine, Shoji-san also Ishida-san for taking me the venue by their car. I had a great race and great training with you.

Finishing time: 1:56:34 2nd place in 15km women division.

summer greeting by asanas

2009-07-17T07:21:00.014+09:00

Hello mates from Tokyo with yoga poses (asanas),

I hope you are having a fabby summer, I'm relaxing these poses in my studio in neighborhood. Now I'm running for Mt. Fuji climbing race for the 5th station (15km) on July 24 Friday and the Berlin Marathon on September 20th Sunday.
I will take a dayoff for Mt. Fuji race, I think I'm not ready for this because I haven't lost any weights though... still chabby to run up on hill. I would love to be a slim but my mission failured as I expect because of very heating weather in Tokyo, I miss beers daytime and drink it easy in the night... so finally I got stomach problem.

I have been having knee problem too, once a doctor said it's a cartilage problem so never fixed it. Ummm... but I didn't want to give it up and asked yoga instructor Nancy who were visiting from San Francisco to Kichijoji in Tokyo. Nancy gave me some unique poses what help well for knees and back especially a runner who was having a knee problem. She gave us unique poses which I have never done before. My another favorite instructor Dominica gives me very unique poses too, but Nancy is more unique!!!!, so I'm huge fan of Nancy and really am into it. Nancy is so charming, sweet, smart and tough woman.

Time has really flown by, after one month of teaching yoga, she went back to SFO. I'd love to visit her if I run in San Francisco or Seattle near future.

Due to her unique poses, my knee is getting better and better. But now I got a stomach problem... I'm dissapointed from disaster things.
Well, I hope to lose some weights until Berlin Marathon for a couple of kilograms.
Have a good summer!!!

tough trail in mt. mitake

2009-06-09T07:13:00.002+09:00

6 people went to Mt. Mitake in the otherday, it was hot temperature about 27 to 29 degree in the city, but in the forest it was so cool and green, green, and green!

The course is very tough for me, but it was a nice training for Mt.Fuji clibming race on the end of July.

When I joined the training, I couldn't follow Chica-chan who came in 8th place last year, but this year, I want to follow her as well as I can do.

Anyway, I registered for this steep up hill race, so no choice to train hard and hard and hard!, sounds hard in summer...

trekking to above clouds

2009-05-06T13:24:00.009+09:00

I joined trekking to above clouds on holiday, it was my first experience to do this thing, carring clothes, snacks, and staying over night in a lodge on the peak.

We walked up from Shibusawa in Hadano-city Kanagawa-Prefecture to Tono-dake first. Because of holidays, lots of people were climbing up, so we didn't have to worry about water, restroom, also foods because there were some lodge here and there, and we enjoyed yummy coffee, surprisingly fee is only 130yen, it was fantastic.
After climbing Tono-dake, it was clear that other climbers decreased on the way, however we kept heading into Mt.Tanzawa, scenery was very beautiful to see Tokyo, Pacific Ocean, Hakone area, and our destination Hiruga-take. We could see Sakura again on May, so lucky!

When we arrived at the lodge, space was almost full, so we were told to sleep in the dining space with stranger men and needed to turn off lights at 8pm, get up at 4:30 in the morning to make space for breakfast, I felt so bad...since service quality was worth even though we paid 7,000yen!!! They served Rice as all we can eat, Oden for dinner with Tsukemono japanese pickles, Rice and Miso soup as all we can eat with Tsukemono for breakfast... I was not happy with them so we decided to go for Onsen and BBQ Yakiniku afterwords, so it made us feeling happy...

In the midnight, the space was not silent as I expected, because of some stranger's snoring. They should had to sleep in a tent instead outside with the others!!! I could sleep for only 4 hours!!! on-again-off-again, so waking up before 4:30 was naturaly happened to me.

Weather forecast said, it was going to be rainny on the secound day, so Kiki offered me everything what I needed to protect from it, BIG thanks to Kiki. Finally we had shower when we were arrived at Onsen.. we had Yakiniku and beer with happy smiley faces afterwords, in total very enjoyable.

The 1st Hasetsune 30k

2009-04-20T22:09:00.005+09:00

Hasetsune 30km was held for people love nature, mountains, and learn how to live with nature, something like that.

My face is on the official memorial site, please check it out!

I was totally exhausted by a first challenge of hard mountain race.
It sounds 30km distance race, but they say it's about 30.88km(???) WHY it's called "30K"? even though it's longer than 30km, maybe is it just easy to say?

Since I was not ready for this race as making my goal, I set it as just finish and do my best! As same as Tokyo Marathon, I ran with my mate Steve again! He never made me bored, he sang a couple of songs; Kangaroos, but not ABBA this time. It was great we didn't have any argue this time, enjoyed the race at the beginning. Unfortunately, we started from end of the line, 8 minutes behind of the first line!!! So, we killed over 10minutes at some busy narrow sections!

Steep up-hills made me tired, it was really hard to keep on moving as you could imagine. I couldn't run for all distance there are many many up-hills and stopped twice, it was easy to move ahead from side not from front as usual, I felt easier to move and I didn't need to make step higher.

My finishing time was 4hours 41minutes 26second, and my watch time was 4:34:33, finished in 28th for women division, I couldn't move after finish for a while, because I was completely exhausted, fatigue was same as marathon, perhaps more. I swore I never do this, but now I think I might do this again and finish faster, we will see!

OMG!

pre-race run for Hasetsune 30k

2009-04-14T23:46:00.020+09:00

The left picture looks normal as a Spring has come! but I feel regret why did I sign up for a such hard and steep up and down trail run!

I might die next week but I will be fine because I got trekking insuarance, just in case!!!

Oh man!!!

tokyo 2009 part-2

2009-03-30T22:57:00.023+09:00

The race just started, from Shinjuku, through Ichigaya, Iidabashi, the palace, Hibiya and Shinagawa... I enjoyed running with viewing dancing people, singing people and Nambanners too.

The most funniest thing was Steve wanted to stay in front of Tokyo Tower, because there was a big group of Berry Dance, they were wiggling... but it didn't look like for me...

Since I brought special drink with my hand, I didn't need to pick it up at crowded aid-station by 10km. I put Musashi REPLINISH into bottled water at home, taste was okay it's much better than their supplements. I had been taking Musashi especially for Tokyo, it was a tough trial week.

In Hibiya, Shinagawa, Ginza, my face tried not to smile but failing, familiar faces were here and there, and other running teams and Massage trainers from K's were on side-walk. I answered Haaai, Arigato, and Ganbarimasu!.

Everytime when I turned at the corner, the wind was blowing against me. So tried to not to use energy and legs. I was okay at Asakusa, and Hama-cho, but after turning at the corner in Nihonbashi around 33km point I realized my energy almost empty. Tried to stay with Steve, but he was getting away when I did not run strongly. I wanted to walk by myself, it would be easier for me but I shouldn't had to do it, helluva day, man.

Steve cheered me on to keep on running at ideal pace, but it was clear I was slow, but I kept on doing my best, suddenly Steve yelled at me; what happened? why don't you run hard???

YES, I'M DOING MY BEST, PLEASE GO AHEAD! I yelled at him...

But he stayed with me by finish, he is a such sweet friend and coach.
The wind was getting blowing harder and harder towards the finish, sun-glasses protected eyes from sands, rain and wind, they are recommendable for your next race.

I was going to finish under 3:15 in Tokyo, but I didn't care about it at Toyosu, since I had no choice to change my mind as finishing was my goal, but Steve said I had a chance to finish in PB, so hopefully tried to make it.

When I run with Steve in marathon, then the heavy wind blows me, Arakawa and Tokyo... but it might be a just traditional in the spring.

Around 40km, some Nambanners were there but I had no energy to answer... I barely ran to the finish. after 41km I changed my gear to be faster with all my power, so past people as much as I could. According to Steve, we past lots of people then, over 20? over 30??? perhaps more???

Anyway, I finished in 3:18:54 as official time. 1:04 faster than 2008 Nagano Marathon, very happy with my PB, and thanks to Steve very much for your big supports.

5km 00:23:49

10km 00:46:46 0:22:57

15km 01:09:37 0:22:51

20km 01:32:23 0:22:46

25km 01:55:18 0:22:55

30km 02:18:15 0:22:57

35km 02:41:55 0:23:40

40km 03:07:52 0:25:57

Finish 03:18:54 0:11:02

tokyo 2009 part-1

2009-03-23T22:53:00.004+09:00

The day before the race;
I was feeling like doing “DNS” on the day before the marathon because I’ve strained my back since a couple of days before, so it’s been painful despite having acupuncture treatment, then I got a reply from Steve as; My advice is to rest as much as you can. Prepare your marathon stuff then stay in bed till morning. Then come prepared to run and even if you are feeling some discomfort, try to start the race and wait until 10 km and you are warmed up…abbr… See you in the morning. So, I have decided to run in the race.

Because of my back ache, I was going to skip it this time despite the odds-low race and first chance for me, but I changed my mind as positive. Since I have been training very hard, I had second thought as shouldn't miss it... so rest well in my bed all day and took a nap for a couple hours, so I couldn't sleep in the night.

On the race day;
I woke up at 4am in the morning, then realized that could sleep only for four hours but it was much better than staying awake all through the night. I finished eating breakfast before 5am, took some Ibuprofen to heal backache and dressed with the Namban singlet plus running shorts for the race as planned, gathered with friends, then I totally forgot about the pain, somehow I was confident of achieving my PB.

By the chance, bumped into some familiar faces; Chiba-san, Shiba-san, Taizo-san, Jay, Ed and Gerard at the starting point, so I had no time to be bored to wait for over 30minutes to start, just relaxed. Despite serious runner starting block(?), surprisingly some people costumed as a swan, dancers to have a fun.

By the time we were waiting, it looked like rain any time, and it blew but not so cold around 9am. After 5 minutes of the wheelchairs started, the starting gun for the marathon went off at 9:10am, and millions of pieces of confetti fall on us as usual, everybody started to go ahead.

I actually have been waiting for the start since I got in the entry list by lottery because I had never gotten the winning ticket two years in a low, that's why I must had to run it. I was very lucky because one of my best friends and training coach; Steve the Lacey offered me to run for whole distance, he helps and gives me advice how should I train and makes plan always, I really appreciate to him.

We trained together when we could have time especially for long distance pace run and tempo run. This time, we raised target time for speed workout from 10 to 20 sec for tempo run, so it was really hard to be accustomed the pace even though I wanted to. We set the strategy to finish under 3:15 this time, I have been tried it for a couple times but never succeed. I was confident of achieving it because my condition had been excellent in all races; Frostbite Half marathon, Ome 30km, and also regular workouts too... so we set to run at 4:38/km to 4:35/km pace by half point, and see condition what's going on then make running pace. I set my goals as...

1. Don't push too hard.
2. If I feel too much pain, then see condition.
3. Go easy at the beginning and don't use legs.
4. Have a fun and relish pleasures of race.
5. Making PB is not so important this time.

After started, we started to run easier, it took over 5min/km for the first 1km because the place was crowded and it was 30second to cross the line, Steve introduced me skyscrapers in Nishi-Shinjuku. Sounded like his favorite is Tokyo Mode-Gakuen building.

It was great scenery to see lots of spectators were cheering on side-walk and lots of volunteer people, everybody said "Ganbatte" and "Fight". Some people called me my name and some people called us "Namban Rengo" to cheer on, so glad to run in Tokyo for only 5km. I kept on running easier and like free-wheeling, tried not to use legs as strategy. Steve looked so happy to run in his 3rd Tokyo Marathon, screaming something, singing songs and waved his hands so he made me feel a fun, but I preferred to save energy for the end, so I said I'm listening but I can't answer you, sorry!

taper week

2009-03-17T23:05:00.007+09:00

It's only 5days to go for the Tokyo Marathon, I think I'm ready for the race because I have been training well and my body condition is not bad.

It's no use being too ambitious, but I would love to lose some weights... yeah I know the reason because I couldn't be patient for beer, sweets and meals... that's why I'm running!

As a strategy for the race, I bought supplements "NI" and I have been taking it twice a day since last Saturday but nothing changes for me. It has great reviews from heavy users but tastes disgusting and price is very expensive (fortunately, could buy with discount price!), I feel like return it if I couldn't achieve my PR in Tokyo ;-) I will see the power of Musashi in a few of days!

I really look forward to run in Tokyo, this is my first challenge at this race, so see you there! By the way, my bib number is 15085 start from the block A at 9:10am on Mar 22nd Sunday.

Ome 30km

2009-02-16T23:06:00.008+09:00

It was first challenge to race in Ome, this is one of popular and hystrical race in Tokyo. Fortunately, it was a beautiful day like Spring has come!, but Winter is back on next day, so I could dress with a Namban yellow singlet and short pants for it even though it's February. I can't believe it's been cancelled because of snow last year, unbelievable!
I'm trying to do a thing this year as a slogan; Register races never run before!, Ome 30km was a preparation for Tokyo Marathon after Frostbite Half Marathon, three of them are first challenge for me.

Official Time, Place and pace
15km 01:10:44(79th) 4:44/km from start to 15km
20km 01:33:32(69th) 4:22/km after 15km to the finish
25km 01:55:21(64th)
Finish 02:17:19 60th Place

Unofficial Time by my watch
5 km 22:57 4:35/km
10km 46:14 4:39/km
15km 1:09:36 4:35/km
20km 1:31:32 4:23/km
25km 1:54:11 4:32/km
30km 2:16:09 4:24/km

I found some pace makers for the others, sometime followed them but sometime I made my pace and ran naturally. But tried not to run too fast, I could see the course how much is tough on going, so saved my energy until 20km mark. After the returning point, two women of Harriers changed gear to be faster, so followed them for a while. But I gradually ran ahead, and I took rhythm naturally, and felt very comfortable and it was very fun to run on the hilly course because could run as well as I wanted also cought running pace even though HR said over 180, but I know hill makes me tough so no choice to have lots of fun.

Some Namban supporters pushed my back to ahead, after saw Rie around Ome station, my running pace could be faster surprisingly! but also tired at last 2km...
The best thing is I succeed to make negative splits, oh men I have done.

the last edition of Tokyo women's

2008-11-17T23:17:00.013+09:00

To be honest, I was hoping to make my PB in the final edition of the Tokyo Women's since I've never finished this race. In my opinion, this is harder than Boston Marathon for me even though the course is almost flat, and also there are many Namban supporters.

Unfortunately I caught a cold a few of days before...no choice but to take medications, but I felt OK when woke up on the race day. I set my target time as under 3:15:00. My strategy was to run easy for first 10km, keep on running a bit faster, and just go ahead. I started in the second wave, so I had enough time to go to the toilet, which was an advantage. :-)

After the gun, the leaders started slowly, it took 4m50s in the track for the first km mark. I dressed with arm warmers, gloves, but I didn't need them because I sweat a lot after a few km, so decided to throw the arm warmers to Namban cheering group in Shinagawa (thanks to Luke for catching them!!). Then I thought it's going to be a tough race.

At Suidobashi, I could hear Shibasan's voice yelling loudly, but I was so glad to hear his voice!!! Thanks to Shiba-san. After Shiba-san, Yumiko-san was standing at the station, Satohiiiiiii----!!!! Arigatou Yumiko-san too.

From my past-experience, I tried to stay easy, not rush, just stay cool with my pace. Enjoyed running at Shinagawa with high five with some TTOG. I got many encouragements there from Namban cheering group, thanks a lot! Saw the leaders passing the other way after Shinagawa. I thought Shibui was going well. I tried not to do any ineffective things during the race, but sometimes I could run at someone else's pace.

Running at 4:40/km pace was not so hard until 25 km, and then suddenly my ankles felt light pain. The pain was getting harder step by step, ankles to knees were not moving so well, just repeated the same moving from there to the finish. When I was getting slowly, Peter called me, "Satohi how are you doing?" I answered, yeah.. so so... because I was worrying about the bad situation happening again...three times in a row...I met Nambanners in Shinagawa again, they put me out to ahead, but I was so slow. It makes me feel so terrible when I can't run at my pace. I guess looked so tired even though I could give a smile.

At Hibiya Park, my co-worker Taka-aki was cheering me on with his wife, so glad to see them!!! Thanks for coming on Sunday!!! So, I got motivation again to get to the destination, but I didn't running just jogging perhaps walking faster. A woman called me by my name at 35km marks, "Satohi-saaaan", but so sorry I didn't know who she was? On the sidewalk, many people cheered me by my name, Numasawa-san or Satohi-san, otherwise Namban-Rengooooo!!! I was blessed by everyone's support... thank you for your support, I couldn't finish without your help.

In front of Yotsuya hill, I passed Yoshiko-san, but she passed me in front of the stadium, she is so strong. The hill was hard for me even though it's easier than the Heartbreak-hill in Boston, I wonder why? I was worried about passing time at 40km mark since I got cut off there last time. I really wanted to pass it. Suddenly a judge might require me to stop...but it was okay this time, so could jog after 40km gate too. The stadium was getting close a little by little, and entered inside when suddenly Yoshiko-san passed me and she said, "Beat me!" I had no energy to run at faster than 5 minute pace, however I tried to follow her and we passed over 10 girls in the stadium. It was amazing!

I will run again in Tokyo 2009, see you there!

Distance Time Total Time Pace
5 km 22:59 22:59 4:36
10 km 23:22 46:21 4:41
15 km 23:05 1:09:26 4:37
20 km 23:08 1:32:34 4:38
25 km 23:33 1:56:07 4:43
30 km 24:27 2:20:34 4:54
35 km 27:08 2:47:42 5:26
40 km 28:00 3:15:42 5:36
Finish 11:46 3:27:28 5 :21

summer greeting

2008-08-06T11:05:00.012+09:00

It's hard to get motivation for running because of hot summer in Tokyo, but I started to run for a fall marathon on November, actually it's 102 days to go for it.

I have been taking yoga class in my neighborhood since January, it's very nice as stretching (I'm in the middle, in front of instructor on picture) and core strength. Due to my efforts(?) my legs are more flexible, also all my body feels better. I took a workshop the other day, the point was shoulders. We learned how shoulders move, made some simple basic poses, but it was really nice class.

I have been running in trail running courses as well as I could do since June! my running is getting better even though I look very heavy on a cross country course where an Olympic gold medalist Noguchi Mizuki trains in camp. I was hoping to run there but it was very very hard run, I was satisfied with only 3loops...distance is 12km plus jogged as a cool down for 2km.

I went to Kamakura as beginning, Mt. Fuji running up, Ome, Mitake, Mt. Tanzawa etc...
10 people joined in Mitake for hike and run on the first Sunday of August, I showed a cool trail running course for 12km, it's like a adventure race course because of cliff, and variety different, actually I like this course. We found a beetle which was hanging on a tree. I only took a picture, and let him go.

Next race is a trail race "OSJ Ohtaki cross marathon" on September 15th in Ohtaki village in Nagano, it should be a hard one, but I really hoping to run in a trail race, so I can't wait for it.

women's olympic trial race for 5,000

2008-07-01T22:03:00.006+09:00

I was hoping to watch it, I should had to go out to the stadium to cheer them on.

kita-tanzawa mountain running

2008-06-15T22:06:00.020+09:00

I went for trail run with 12people to Kita-tanzawa, it's located behind of Oyama, and Tanzawa. I was so excited since have never been there before!!!

That morning, got up at 6:05am just 30minutes before going out and hurried to made a rice ball, packing some snacks also water, then room was dark, I couldn't see clearly how was dirty the water pack molded. I was ready to get be feeble with constant diarrheathe...

The course was super steep like a following picture as I have never taken before. We couldn't run on hills, just climbed like a monkey with both hands and both legs.

It took over 6hours to finish for 26km but my mileage was 28km because I missed the sign to turn left and take down-hills, I was lost before 5km to finish. Some people were supposed to follow me but nobody was coming so I thought something bad happened perhaps I could be lost.

I felt so scared after realized I was lost, yes I was alone on the course. Some time I screamed name of Shoji-san and Kuri-chan but I couldn't hear anything from them. I was wonderling perhaps a bear could be close? Just tried to hurry to come down from top of mountain. On such an occasion, legs were tired either my phone didn't work, I should had to be back to the point where I missed it but no energy to do that since it was almost empty. Shoji-san saved my life(?), he made a phone call to me and picked me up, yes I knew it.

Finally, my trail shoes got a big hole each, I throw the trash them at my station. I thought I wouldn't use enough them when I bought, but I actually was happy to comsume completely. I need to buy new pair of shoes, maybe buy a pair of Montrail again.

There is a mountail race in the same course on July 6th, most of my today's companions will race in it, and I also considered to register for it but I didn't because mileage is too long and course is too steep, I thought I made a safe choice. I was very satisfied.

iyengar yoga

2008-05-25T08:55:00.007+09:00

I usually go to yoga studio in my neighborhood, and took a workshop class for beginners by Paul Cabanis and Marla Apt on Saturday, they have been teaching Iyenger yoga for 17 years in the States and go to India for study, now they are visiting in Japan from CA.

In their class, I mainly studied how to stand, it was not only difficult but also interesting. Standing sounds simple and easy but it's not easy. I needed to do many things when I make a pose once, for example standing called "asana" in yoga, you can see how to do this. First of all, stand erect. Arms stretch below, arches of feet are up and use balls of feet, need to do something more and deep breath by ujai breath. It's a very busy more than I thought.

I started to learn it for running once a week perhaps more if I have time since January, I believe that it makes body core strong, my all body is not soft. It would be caused flexibility all muscles for run by making poses. I hope it makes me run faster more.

tamako results

2008-05-03T00:05:00.006+09:00

Take a look this, here are our all results from Tamako-Ekiden, it was a really really cold rainny day!
Thank you for coming to run with us, hope we have a good race again next time!!!
No pictures, no prizes but we got a cool nail clipper for lovely nails.

PS: If there is something wrong with your places, please let me know.

Namban W	Name	Mika T	Satohi	Chika	Rie	Finishing Time
	Time	26:48	24:29	27:59	24:34	1:43:50
	Place	6th	2nd	6th	3rd	4th
Namban A	Name	Gerard R	Fabrizio	Christian	Edward	Finishing Time
	Time	20:45	21:30	20:37	21:20	1:24:12
	Place	16th	20th	6th	11th	10th
Namban B	Name	Paddy	Jay	Steve	Bob	Finishing Time
	Time	22:03	21:17	23:38	25:41:00	1:32:39
	Place	38th	18th	33rd	50th	32nd
Namban C	Name	?	?	?	Chad	Finishing Time
Adam Y Keren	Time	24:58	24:03	23:25	22:48	1:35:14
Yuji	Place	58th	40th	31st	24th	37th
Namban E	Name	Jun(?)	Shoji(?)	Taizo(?)	Kiyonari(?)	Finishing Time
	Time	23:27	26:06	22:40	26:00	1:38:13
	Place	48th	57th	23rd	52nd	41st
Namban D	Name	Motozo(?)	Thomas(?)	Shiba(?)	Gerard(?)	Finishing Time
	Time	24:55	24:48	25:24	24:42	1:39:49
	Place	57th	46th	49th	42nd	45th
Namban F	Name	Yoshiko	Kazuo	Christiane	Daniel S	Finishing Time
	Time	26:21	28:53	30:48	35:29	2:01:31
	Place	77th	81st	94th	98th	96th

the 10th nagano olympic commem. marathon

2008-04-22T22:43:00.011+09:00

Official Finishing Time: 3:19:58 (PR 5:12 faster than previous).

I am not able to be happy with my finishing time from the Nagano result since I had been training so hard from last December. I thought I was ready to break the wall “3:15:00” this time, but unfortunately, I couldn’t finish as I hoped, it was so shame.

The race was pretty hard, as an example the course was not so easy as a PB route. A couple of time, crossed bridges, train rails then took uphill and downhill. After returning points and beside river, against wind was just waiting to knock out my energy, it was not friendly.

Even though I’m not happy with this result, I enjoyed observing scenery and people from the beginning to the 10k point, lots of people cheered us on from sidewalk enthusiastically, I did high touch with lots of children in sidewalk, they gave me power and joy, it was really fun.

After 10km point, I tried to follow my strategy; I was supposed to pace up a few second faster, I was observing my body feeling then already sweat from 4km point on the other hand, tummy was a bit uncomfortable that’s why I didn’t have water after 5km point until 15km mark. I was looking for my marathon pace after 10km, tried to make running splitsevenly, but when my watch said “5:05” for 1km, then surprised! no choice no to pace up a bit faster then watch said ”4:05”! I just tried to run a bit faster, but ran at that too fast pace for 1km many times, I could continue this action from 10km to 32km even I was running in the marathon. During suffering to find out even splits, I exhausted. That's why I couldn’t manage my marathon in Nagano, I believe.

What kind of training could be work more?
Long slow running?
Endurance running?
Track speed session?
Social community on Wednesday night?

I was hoping to report as a satisfaction but really shame my efforts didn’t pay me off again as I set my goal.
Should I change my category not to marathon shorter distance race?
Anyway, hope to performe the best in a marathon next time, still can't give up my goal.

Thank you for all your supports.

carbo-loading with krispy kreme dona dona

2008-04-17T22:15:00.002+09:00

I'm on a carbo-loading for the marathon, it's only a few of days to go for it!
I could leave early from office today, and was going to head into my place directly. After getting off at Shinjuku, a thing came into my head that checking the krispy kreme donught shop. It's a very popular shop in Tokyo, usually there is a loooong line, I gave up to it for many many time, normally the sigh said it's over 1 hour to get a dona!

It's a rainyday today, I surprised when I saw the sigh, they said it's only 15minutes to get it! Mary said it's new record. I had no choice, just waited for a while with a dona. They served a fresh one during waiting for the turn. I thought I could be satisfied with it, but... I couldn't come back without perchase. My good feeling was screaming, you have to buy one! But my another feeling was screaming you don't need to buy anything. I just couldn't leave from the short line, because it was a short line, though...

Taste was sweet... more than I thought... I prefer to eat a sugar dona at Starbucks to be honest.
Anyway, I'm satisfied with good dinner plus sweet dona, enjoyed a carbo-loading dinner.

Last month, I atteded a meeting to listen to pro-athletes experience directly, it was a good opportunity. One of famous twins runners Ohminami were in the venue. They look like same, no different! They said, their daddy confuses who is she? and who is she?
I barely was managed my hard training when I went for it, and asked them how do you manage your fatigue and keep train? What's your secret? Their answers were just normal, takes a bath and sleeps well. Another girl said, having massage is her secret to recover from running.
It was normal answer... I expected something more interesting, something more different answer because they are professional, but also they are human like me, that's why.

lfd for 25km at marathon pace

2008-03-10T07:29:00.001+09:00

I did today's duty; a race pace running for 25km around the palace with some Nambanners.
Because of their helps, I could complete a whole distance, but I'm not satisfied with splits.
After half loop run, pace up to 4:30/km for 25km, but pace was a bit slower than I expected.

Hereis the link to view my running log: Intervals (Palace)

It's 42days to go to my next marathon, what should I do the next.
I followed my watch to make splits, I should had to realize the time with my body feeling.
I think shouldn't had to depend on it.

relaxing saturday...

2008-03-01T21:42:00.005+09:00

I moved enthusiastically from morning, ran as a fartlek for 12km, went to Yoga class for stretching all my muscles. And after training, I went for a movie "EARTH" to Shinjuku. Fortunately, today is a discount price day, it's only 1,000yen. So Rie and I went to a theater for this.

The story is completely simple, cameras followed some animals that looking for water and feeds. They say, polar bears are predicted to become extinct by 2060 due to the global warming. If ice melt, they can't hunt feeds in polar. It was poor scene that a polar bear was dying after hunting, he looked completely consumed energy more to live.

Cameras followed elephants, whales, birds and more. Every moments were so beautiful.
If you haven't watched this movie, please hurry to go to a theater for this, you can really enjoy it, then you can't wait to consider something good for our beautiful planet earth.

tokyo marathon 2008

2008-02-18T21:21:00.016+09:00

It was a beautiful and clear sky! on the marathon day!

Thanks to everyone who came to cheer on the cold race day. Hopefully run together next time.
It was a beautiful ideal day for a marathon.

Please click on the pics to view super size.
Left: Peace signs of Christian and Steve from 9 o'clock's direction
Center: There are more 30,000 runners behinde of me!
Right: Christian and Steve could make to jump into the front of line!

Tokyo marathon 2008 was sort of my family union thing; one of my uncles came for it from Tottori prefecture who finished in 4:21?? and he is 73 years old!, and also my cousin ran in 10k, it was second time of 10k race for her. It was nice accident to reunion not for ceremonial functions. She enjoyed a lot to join "post-marathon chinese dinner".

Left: Mary Center: Rie (Yellow singlet)
Right: in front of Nomura Builging

Due to the result of bad luck to run in Tokyo marathon 2008, I registered for Nagano marathon which will be held on April 20th, so now I'm training, not prepared enough for marathon. That's why decided to enjoy a lot and do a mission; warming up until 10k mark, after there pace up to 4:30/km for 20km and jog until finish. Splits were not even as planned, I think I need to train more for my aim.

Left: Luke cheered me on in front of Takashimaya in Nihonbashi, and Rie's husband was cheering me on !!!.
Center: After taking this shot, I bumped into Anna, so happy! (Were you wearing a yellow Jacket and white cap Anna???)
Right: On the Tsukuda-bridge, still needed to run for about 7km more...

I enjoyed a lot in Tokyo with lots of cheering people even though I was unofficial runner, I could get lots of cheering voice my name. Hopefuly run again with lots of you guys and get be on the list next time.

Here are unofficial splits from web

Point	Split	Lap	Time
5km	00:26:28		09:36:28
10km	00:52:40	0:26:12	10:02:40
15km	01:15:09	0:22:29	10:25:09
20km	01:37:52	0:22:43	10:47:52
25km	02:00:48	0:22:56	11:10:48
30km	02:24:38	0:23:50	11:34:38
35km	02:53:10	0:28:32	12:03:10
40km	03:20:12	0:27:02	12:30:12
Finish	03:31:33	0:11:21	12:41:33

nagano marathon 2008

2008-02-11T12:03:00.000+09:00

I have been interested in running in Nagano Marathon sometime, but I wasn't sure when I would be registered for it. Except Nagano, there are other options;
Tokyo Marathon on February 17th,
Arakawa Marathon on March 26th,
Kasumigaura on April 20th,
and Nagano Marathon on April 20th Sunday.
According to the magazine for runners, it's the most popular one in Japan, it took only 4 days to be full by 7,000people for first registration. It's famous story that they provide secound registration on February 1st on official web-site, and it would be like a war to get be on the list.

I was so nervous to get be in... I already booked rooms for me and companions to go, but I needed to get be in definitely, otherwise go to Nagano for cheering for people? No, I can't!
It was hard job to get be on the list, I think I had good luck because I regisstered for me and my friend too... They said, it took only 15minutes to be full by 1,000 participates this time, though...
I wonder, why it's still open for only non-Japanese people? I will try to ask organizer at the registration.

According to IAAF, it's on the list as a silver class marathon.
Here is the article.

the wall...

2008-01-20T19:03:00.000+09:00

Absolutely I'm satisfied with my race and I recommend you to race in Chiba Marine sometime. Last time, the organizers mistakes did not allow me finish the whole course, but his time I finally could see how they connect from point to point.
I wanted to push me up more after 17Km, but suddenly something bad happened to my tummy, it made me feeling like escape into a private room, so decided to slow down a little bit, no choice...

As everyone has, I have a barrier that I want to pass; it's finishing under 1:30:00 in a half marathon.
I got close, but couldn't break it! The best thing was I had positive thinking during the race, even my legs were so tired just tried to keep the pace up more and more. I raced well and learned a lot. I wanted to push more after 17 km, but suddenly a bad feeling in my lower tummy forced me to slow down a little bit, no choice or else bad accident :-(

Let's see my logs...
05k 21m24s avg HR 164/81%
10k 42m32s avg HR 173/85%
15k 1h03m46s avg HR 176/87%
20k 1h25m27s avg HR 176/87%
Finish 1h30m30s avg HR 178/87%
Official finishing time was 1h30m33s PB! (48sec faster than previous pb)

I was going to run with a LST plus a singlet, but took off after 2k, so I just wore a singlet even it was a winter race. As a result, it was a good choice at the beginning because I sweat a lot after that even though I didn't need lots of water due to the dry climate. I could relax and enjoy because could go out with very good running maties and saw and said HELLO some of Rie's friends who train as members of team Koide Kantoku, we met in Sendai half marathon, they are very friendly too.

It was a good start as a second race in 2008, looking forward to running with lots of you in Kanagawa marathon.

yoga weekend

2008-01-14T21:20:00.000+09:00

saturday;
I was waiting for Saturday was coming!
Because I booked a Hata Yoga class for beginners in my neighborhood.

Why I'm interested in Yoga?
I normally don't like to do the current hot things; for example... having Yoga class in yoga apparels, using i-pod, acting like a groupie is not my hobby. Even Mujirushi-Ryouhin also sells Yoga stuffs as Muji Yoga...

I went to Hong Kong to visit my friends from the end of year, friend's husband looked a bit different, figure but very healthy. My friend said the reason is doing Yoga!
We did Yoga once at their apartment, them I knew Yoga is very difficult thing and very effective for core strength also having balance, I couldn't stand by a feet them...

I knew there is a nice studio in my neighborhood, so as soon as return from HKG, I booked a class. I take beginner's class. As a first time, I took a head instructor's class for beginners, the studio was crowded with yoga lover, she taught basic lesson specific how to stand how to lie how to get up too. So I have muscle ache... Hope it will work for my marathon.

sunday;
I went to Tama-river for 30k pace running, it was a strong windy day, though...
I worried about running... I thought perhaps I couldn't complete 30k... but just tried to keep following fast guys. My all companions are very fast, so I felt it was the same situation like just joined Namban Rengo when I just became a member, yes I used to be the slowest runner four years ago in the group. Here is my running log.

monday;
I went out for recovery run as soon as wake up in the morning for 13km.
Today is a national holiday, I wanted to pass a day very easy and slow...
I had a yoga class in the afternoon, today's instructor was japanese woman, the class was good, she gave us lots of poses more than Saturday, and learned basic well. So I liked this studio. I'm getting keen on it.

new year's 10k race as a beginning

2008-01-05T18:55:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year 2008!!!

I would like to report my first 10k race in this year, it was good going as a beginning, though.
BTW, have you ever raced with Nike FREE before?
I had a fabulous experience with them today, but it was an accident, just forgot to bring my favorite Tarther Japan. Shoes were on the washing machine during my 10k race. Nike FREE was very comfortable for running like walking around there, but I barely smashed my previous record, it was only 39 secound faster than it in 2006. It means that it doesn't matter of shoes? I think I just had good luck today, the reasons were training from hot summer, hill running in HKG and also some speed sessions with you guys.

Actually, according to my watch, I finished in 41:58! However, I don't complain about the result because all of Namban ladies started from the first line, though. Because of the some up and down hill sections, my heart rate was so high looked like a 5k time trial. Let's see how was my log...

Splits and HR records:
4km Time: 16:29 - Avg HR: 174(86%) - Max HR: 183(90%)
7km Time: 29:17 (12:48) - Avg HR: 178(88%) - Max HR: 183(90%)
10km Time: 42:00 (12:43) - Avg HR: 178 (88%) - Max HR: 181(89%)

I wasn't running so hard at the beginning, but due to hilly sections, my heart rate was so high as above. That's why I saved my energy not to run too fast, just tried to wait that leading runners could come down slowly.
I fortunally could catch a couple of girls and just kept running, yes, ran hard with my Nike FREE and came in 6th in 42 minutes, well done me! However, HR says, I could run more harder at the last 3km, it's my homework for next time.

Cheers,

kamakura trail running for 25km

2007-12-16T23:20:00.000+09:00

Two years ago, I went to Kamakura for Trail Run with Namban Rengo's friends.
Kamakura is one of popular sightseeing places in Japan.

On Sunday, I visited Kamakura again for running, many places were so clowded with lots of visitors when we were there.
We started from the station through many shrines, temples, and passed many up and down-hills. We took a trekking course in the hills, and passed straight beach-side.

Last time, I cut-off at around 20km since I got tummy cramps, so I just stopped.
This time, my condition was pretty good more than I expected, so I had no any reasons to quite it. Automatically, could enjoy run the entire course today. The scenery from the top of the hill was very fantastic!!!
(This way toward Mt. Fuji)

My legs were light today, probably the sports massage what I had yesterday worked well, that's why I couldn't stop running, couldn't slow-down. I just tried to follow leaders; Jay, Greg, Adam and Mika. Meg who is the youngest pretty girl also ran very fast, her running was amazing. Mary looked like so tired, but she made the whole course. That's great nobody cut-off this time, finished for about 25km! Time was 2:47:00!

They are today's all my companios, we had a great time from start to finish, afterwards, we had a tasty beer and burgers at the Hawaiian Burger's shop.

I realized that I left my HR wearlink belt in the locker after closing the door. So there is no my HR datas, sorry coach.

Here is the link to view my running log.

my season's results

2007-12-10T22:21:00.000+09:00

How was my 2007's result???
I'd like to say, yeah it was pretty good at all, but I'm not satisfied, I was hoping to get good result as I trained hard. I did't race a lot, but I train hard as well as I could.

On January, I headed for Makuhari Chiba for the Chiba Marine Half, it was nice cool day. My condition was pretty good, I enjoyed racing by 13km point. We were supposed to go straight more, but suddenly runners who leaded me turned left into the park! I was wondering... WHY? Yes, cones put to make a wrong short course... It was like a nightmare for me... In total, my result was accepted as 10k result... even though I registered a half marathon.

One week after, I made a PB of a half marathon result in Shinjuku City Half Marathon, I was really happy to make my PR!!! Then over 30 Nambanners participated, Mary, Adam Y, and some more raced together. My result was 1:31: 21, and net time was 1:31:10! Yes, I was satisfied with this result.

In Arakawa Marathon, I got strong against wind from turning point after 22km mark. I ran very very hard, I really wanted to quite running due to the strong wind, but never stopped. Finally I got PB result even though I wasn't satisfied with finishing time, it was 3:25:10. and net time was 3:25:02. Steve celebrated me by local-tasty beer!

In Boston Marathon, I enjoyed a lot. Yes, it was very hard because of many steep up-hills and down-hills, however, it was first time I really enjoyed a lot sincerely for a marathon. Time was not so bad because I was in a rest room for a couple of minutes. Time was 3:26:27. Yes that's ok. I stayed at Aya's mother-in-a-law's cute house, it's sweet memory.
The Boston city also is really fantastic, I visited Samuel Adams Brewely, love beer very much.

In the early summer, I went back to my home town for Sendai city half marathon with Rie-don.
I got abdominal pains at around 18km, could't run, just stopped and walked, audiences cheered me on from sidewalk, I was really glad to hear from them, so as soon as, restarted running and finished in 1:33:57... not satisfied... The course wasn't so steep, it was gentle steep course, yes it wasn't easy for me.

On November, ran in Tokyo Women's Inter'l Marathon.
I was training a lot for this, but I couldn't finish it for all distance, got cut-off at 40km.
I was thinking just finishing would be okay after 35km point, but they didn't let me pass the gate at 40km. It was so shame for me, maybe I have bad luck with Tokyo Women, I will see next time, I would like to improved more and hope my efforts pay me off in the future.

Here are my 2007's efforts:
5k 20:34 Oct 31 Oda Field (SB)
10k 42:49 May 13 Sendai Inter'l Half 10k point as a half marathon pace (SB)
Half Marathon 1:31:21 Jan 31 Shinjuiku City Half Marathon in Tokyo (PB)
Marathon 3:25:10 Mar 16 Arakawa Marathon in Tokyo (PB)

for a spring marathon

2007-12-06T23:33:00.000+09:00

I started training for spring races. Last season, ran very hard until May, my last one was 17th Sendai Half Marathon, ran with Noguchi Muzuki who is the fastest woman in the world(?). My season was started from Tokyo Women, Chiba Marine Half, Shinjuku City Half, Arakawa, Boston and Sendai.
Boston's result was better than this year's Tokyo Women's even I was in a rest room for a few of minutes in sidewalk around 38km point mark. ;-) It's funny...

I was worrying about my motivation after Tokyo Women because of my bad luck and bad result even I trained well and took care enough for it. Since I recovered well in Kyusyu by natural spa, I could start to think about spring races, though...

On January 20, go to Makuhari, for the Chiba Marine half marathon.

On February 3, run with Namban People in Kanagawa Marathon. (a half marathon)

On April 20, I have decided to run in Nagano Marathon. !Woo Hoo!

However, I worry about registration because it's the most popular marathon in Japan according to RUNNET. Did you know that? it's more popular than Tokyo Marathon... So, I have no time to waste what I do to the next. Just run to make a PB hopefully.

Ran hard last night in the track with Namban People. Since it was a long time no run for intervals, so I couldn't run well as much I wanted. According to my watch I made some good splits almost evenly 4minutes pace per 1km even though these weren't even. Here is the link to my Running Log.

post-marathon trip for kyushu, fukuoka, oita and kumamoto

2007-11-26T22:04:00.001+09:00

The day first:
I flied to Kyushu for vacation as a post-marathon trip.
I have been running from hot summer, yes it's just my prise.
My purposes were relaxing and no running, but I needed to hurry and run in the Haneda airport to get in the airplane due to the big space. It was first time to visit to Kyusyu.

We stayed in Kurokawa Spa in Kumamoto-Prefecture in the day first. They have a unique system to take three spas whichever you like, and the system is like this, buy a coupon that valid to take any places for three times and show it before entering, fee is 1,200yen. There are over 20 ryokans in the area, already sold it over 2,000,000 passes. My friend Kanako and I enjoyed the bath which we stayed the Ryokan has very comfortable and also visited two more places for the others, we loved this system. Took the bath and happy faces and took the other then happier faces.

Right picture: took a bath for legs.
Left picture: typical memorial photo tool.

The day second:
We woke up early, and took a Spa in the Ryokan before breakfast and we headed for another Ryokan to take a spa after checkout. We showed a coupon(above left pic), and had a natural hot spring(above middle pic).
I was driving a car from Fukuoka airport after landing, and headed to Mt. Aso for sightseeing. (above right pic). Mt. Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan. On the day, we got stop to climb to the top of mountain due to the gas activity.

Went back to Kurokawa Spa to take the another Spa again...
And finally got to the Beppu-kannawa-Onsen, as soon as check-in, ran into the bath. In total, we had five spas a day, it's PB!!!

Right: In the Ryokan in Beppu with steamed huge shrinps and other seafood by spa
Left: Death Valley in Kurokawa Spa

The day third:
Slept well because of good spas, I didn't feel any tiredness even though driving for a long time.
I didn't check well about Beppu-Onsen, according to the guidebook, Beppu is the feast and it has the most plenty Onsen in Japan.
We visited some places to see the source of Spa and took the Sand Spa in the beach.
After this, we moved to Yufuin-Onsen to take another spa in front of Mt.Yufu.
I think I'm ready to think about the Spring Marathon.

Left: I was in the Sand Spa on the beach
Right: Yufuin-Beer

reviewed my 2nd tokyo women's,

2007-11-19T22:04:00.000+09:00

My aims were finishing in 3:15 and never give up.
I have some reasones; my funky cool running friend Mary wasn't able to join it due to limited number and a friend passionate for running Grainne isn't able to race Ohtawara because of injury. Last year I quite at 29km point because of cold rainy weather, rain hit me hard and took my motivation. I think I was scared to finish in bad result. I wanted to thank to Steve very much to coach and give me good advice and train my running by my result.

My result was DNF.
I was hoping to report my best result of Tokyo women's. It was first time got cut-off the point instead, I was going to finish the whole course even though it was like jogging pace. I could see people at 40km point, they were getting off the step mark to let nobody steps on the 40km mark. I screamed let me go in my mind, and try to go threw, but I was required to quite then, so I had no choice either no option. Someone was running on the sidewalk toward the stadium, but I had no energy more. DNF sounds so pity for me, no thanks more, I hate that.

Why I was DNF?
I think I wasn't recoveried well from my cold.
I cought a cold in my office 10 days before the race day, sore throat, runny nose, cough, and headache, no fever, but feeling terrible. I skipped train a couple of time not to get to be worse. I took rest some time when I felt pain in inside of shin. What should I had to do more? Running more hard? Running more fast? Strength train more? Otherwise losing weigt more?
Yes, I shouldn't had to cought a cold!!!, OH MAN!!!

How was the race?
It was okay, at the beginning, just took care about speed, not to run too fast.
After 18km point, it felt hard to keep running at expecting running pace at 4:37/km.

I couldn't take a breath easily, I felt it was like 10k race.

Then I checked my heart rate, it was 185, my maximam HR is 205, so it was over 93%.

So I slowed down to take a breath easy, I thought it could be more easier after half-way point, since the wind was blowing against runners but didn't change so much.

Here are official splits; (except split at 40km)
23:09 5km
46:18 10km (23:09)
1:09:27 15km (23:09)
1:33:13 20km (23:46)
1:38:42 Half point
1:58:55 25km (25:42)
2:25:50 30km (26:55)
2:54:26 35km (28:36)
3:24:45 40km (30:19) by my watch

I wanted to run more faster and easier like a fun race.
Somehow, sometime maybe next time, I try to run as a fun marathon, also run hard.

What's my next?
I need to be recovered well and think possitive.
I have registered Chiba Marine Half Marathon already, so train to finish under my expecting time.

I thank to all people who cheered me on, I really got energy from you in sidewalk.
I know Steve, you ran with me in Shinagawa!
Yes Gary you acompanied me to up hill in Yotsuya, Mami, Chika, Yumiko and more people.
See you in the track soon.

35days to go

2007-10-14T20:28:00.000+09:00

It was a nice weather for a long running, I was supposed to run for over 30k at my marathon pace around the Imperial Palace. One old man closed up and asked me "How many kilometer is around?" Then I answered him "It's about 5km." Before becomig a runner, I had no idea it's 5km, and no interesting at all, but now I could have memories of mileage for running places in Tokyo.

Actually my condition is pretty good so far, I only worry about my left ankle which I twisted in mountain running in Karuizawa in this summer that's why I have acupuncture treatment sometimes. Due to my tainer's recommendation, I bought leg supporters that help to move from curf muscle to ankle. I tried to use them today, but I got sore legs, I think it could be worse if I didn't use them.

My mileage is still building up for around 110km as this weekly mileage, I would love to run a bit more, but saved my energy not to get huge distance and any injury.

I ran with Mary and my coach Steve, suddenly Christian came up behind of me around Takebashi, he was running very fast pace. Does he run for Ohtawara??? for a marathon??? Anyway, his condition also looks pretty good, Mary kept running just a little bit of slower than me, she is a poweful funky lady, but Steve got leg pain on curf so shame.

Today, there was a running event around the Palace, so it was crowded with lots of runners.
I was going to make even splits for 25km, first lap was the harder than 2nd lap, because my body still was not able to run at race pace, but just ran harder as much I could. I tried to count the flowers signs each 100m, just took 27 to 28 sec evenly, it was perfect as planned.
I took inside course of sakurada-mon and outside of Sakurada-mon altermately.
Had some water and gels twice as planned, I felt like running more after 25k, perhaps I might be able to make my PR in Tokyo International Women's Marathon.

learn running by ears

2007-09-29T22:50:00.000+09:00

Since a kind offering of Masako-chan, I could attend a running seminar by Kiyoko Shimahara who finished in 6th place in the World championship women's marathon in Osaka and the others.

right pic; me, Mara and Kuri-chan from left

I couldn't wait about it for a long time, how much good secret for running can hear then!
Today's main purpose is discussing strength training can help more and can improve running efforts.
For example, it happens to get injury as the muscles weaken, so runners should train a few of time a week to make strong of them. It's working if train and stand on only one leg. And also need to take care about body trunk etc... I realized I definitely do it a few of time a week for my aim... it might be late for the TIWM.

Afterwards, I surprisingly could talk Mara Yamauchi (She also ran in the World championship marathon and came in 8th palce), she and her husband were invited as special guests for it. She is very lovely and her japanese is very smooth and nice. She is going to run in Osaka women or London as a next race, unfortunatelly won't run in Tokyo women since still recoverying, she talked me like that.

I talked about Namban Rengo, we always cheer her on, and she said now she doesn't live near from the Oda Field, so can't come for Namban track workouts, and thank you for cheering on and please say hello to all. Yeah... she is so nice and brilliant as Jaynie's talking!

visiting my old friend to kamakura

2007-09-24T20:36:00.000+09:00

I was only running recently, I have been running for over 100km as weekly mileage in this week, though. I visited Kamakura to see my old friend lives in Zushi, it's located next to Kamakura.

I went to Kamakura in this summer to stay on the beach on the day for trail running, but I had already run before heading, so just had a relaxing time on the beach then.

This time, I was expecting seeing my friend and girl's talk!
We went to Hase-temple as begin, I didn't like to pay 300yen for enter, but my friend said it's Okay, so I also paid it.
However, it was surprisingly fun to explore many things in Hase-temple. There is a cave, many beautiful flowers, copying Buddhist scriptures, Kan-non-sama, sculptures, and nice scenery of Sagami gulf.

We arrived to see the Daibutsu.
Do you know you can enter inside from back side?
You need to pay for it 20yen...
It's too hot to stay for a long time in the summer.
They say it has hard constitution, definitely doesn't fall down even it has earthquake.

In Kamakura, there is a fancy Starbuck behind of Kinokuniya super market, also it has a nice garden and a pool!!!
(Unfortunately, nobody swims there.)
I enjoyed a fresh baked muffin with a huge cup of coffee.
Smells so nice, and tastes so yummy.

After coffee time, went to another Maine shrine, Tsuruoka-Hachimangu.
There are beautiful architects with unique color. I like visiting shrines because it feels nice, no pray.

ganbare--- ganbare---

2007-09-11T23:03:00.000+09:00

I had a little happy occation tonight, a girl who looked like a high school student cheered me on from sidewalk during my neighborhood run. We haven't met before we just passed on the road, but I was a little bit glad to have a cheer girl.

I have beeing having sore sholders since elementary school student, my backpack for school had been so heavy. I'm still have a same trouble after hard running. I went to the massage room in my office, the fee is very cheep but can't expect from the efforts.
I should take a bath everyday, but because of hot temperature, feel like taking only shower still.

I aim for 90k running this week, I'm on building up more and more for my marathon on November.
BTW, ran for about 7k for 40minutes just followed my program.
http://www.runningahead.com/logs/9745d414ffdd4526ad9569a9e794499e/workouts/f1466aead8e84a578fc545653654b474

summer camp in a cool resort karuizawa

2007-08-29T00:12:00.000+09:00

36 years old!

2007-08-27T00:07:00.000+09:00

Happy birthday to me...

Thanks to my friend for flowers, but looks like a candle or a cake.
But it's not...

the fabby trail running with muscle ache

2007-07-30T22:53:00.000+09:00

Because of Shoji-san's kindness, I could go for trail run with Shoji-san, Taeko-san and Ma-san. I knew Shoji-san was supposed to run in Mt. fuji climb race on Friday, and checked his blog to know how was the race. And he posted to announce to us it was DNF.

According to Taeko-san, time restriction is severe, on the road race, runners don't need to make a long line to ahead for the finish, but in that race, the course is pretty narrow, so it can make a long line to climb and pass the gate of time.

Anyway, I asked Shoji-san to go for trail run together, and he said OK! We made a plan to gather at 6AM at Shinjuku, and headed for Minami-Alpus in Yamanashi-prefecture. It took about 3 hours to get to starting point by a car. Today, we started from 1,500m sea level to 2,700m, it was a tough trail climbing for 11km, and time was about 3hours 10minutes.

Because of overcast, there was no nice scenery as we expected, but not humidity, not high temperature, not rain, so it was almost perfect condition. It took about 4hours 27minutes for all course. We mostly climbed outward journey since up-hills are so steep for run, so just walked as well as fast and quickly, it was a discipline. Gradually, it became to hard to take a breath because of high elevation, I didn't have any high-altitude headache, however this time was the most highest experience in my life, maybe. We had some onigiris, mangoes, plums and candy with natural cold water, lunch was so yummy in the mountain. After lunch, we headed to the destination, the top of Mt. Yakushi-dake, the elevation is 2,780m.

After taking some picture and viewing the beautiful scenery, we went to back to the starting point, mostly ran for 11km it took about 2hours 17minutes. Tonight, I had an easy recovery run for 8k for 46minutes. During running, legs were getting better than begin, but still heavy to walk.

nippon team samurai beat australia in a penalty shootout

2007-07-21T22:15:00.000+09:00

Tonight, I went back to home early to watch the football game which held in Hanoi, Vietnam.(Sometimes I'd like to travel there...).

We lost the game Aussie team in World Cup 2006 in German, so needed to beat them this time.

There are many differences between Australia and Nippon. Face, tall, legs and hands length. (Look at the left picture, looks like not difference!)

According to the commentator, Nippon passed the ball low, if kick it high, then aussie guys can get it easily... it was our team's strategy.

They look like eating Aussie beef, meanwhile, a team of Samurais looks like a group of slightly-built boys. I was hoping to get win the game, on the other hand, I thought it would be difficult because normally couldn't kick the ball as shoot.

Only once Takahara did make the kick and goal, he was so cool!
Samurai team was holding the ball almost, but nobody didn't shoot determinant goal.

Today I was going to run for trail, but I had a fever, so canceled it. As an alternative, I went to Gosho again for hill run for 8km as lower aerobic. This week I need to run everyday, If I keep running until tomorrow, my mileage would be around 70Km! Go Go Me!

a tofu lover

2007-07-15T22:12:00.000+09:00

I love tofu very much, recently eat it with yuzu-kosho. Last night I found a new one it called "Yakko yarou", I couldn't stop buying it plus beer. By the way, Yakko means a cold tofu, yarou means a guy, tofu guy makes sense, yes it's a funny and unique name. The label says "I'm happy if you(tofu) and beer are here".

What is yuzu-kosho? It's a kind of condiment, tastes salty and hot a bit. Put some on the foods, and eat it. It's yummy with grilled fish, chicken steaks etc. It made by peel of fruits, salt and green chilli.
I was so happy with you and beer.

today's efforts:
I was going to take a break from running today since storming.
But a cheeky guy says, "We could run in yoyogi.", but I didn't go today either run, so just went out for running for 20K. I felt sore back, sore knee because of a long run, just went slow at 145 to 150%.

summer discipline and race watching

2007-07-09T23:16:00.000+09:00

I started training for a fall marathon from July 1st. However I'm not full of motivation for it. Happily, I found the official web site of Tokyo Inter'l Women's Marathon has updated for 2007, I'm so happy to be able to run in this marathon.
They say this year lots of stars will sign up for it included Namban Ladies. Perhaps, we might be 8 people or more.

I went to Ome for a trail run with Taeko-san, we ran very slow and slow for 17Km, we were sweating after a couple of kilometers. I expected more from tiredness because I just started, but I didn't so much tired because of steep Hakone trail running on June 24th, I can't compare then how much different.

After run, we had a lunch at a coffee shop and we were back quickly to watch Sapporo half marathon. Actually, I was hoping to run too, but I'm not qualified for it, so just postponed it for next time. Race was so exciting, Noguchi won, Mara came in 2nd, and lots of stars ran in Sapporo. I hope to run there next year.

By the way, ran for only 4.4km tonight. I feel my sholders are so hard because of yesterday's trail run.

asics running clinick

2007-06-24T22:12:00.000+09:00

I joined the running clinick which asics Ginza stor e presented for customers.
I really was hoping to learn the basic good running form to be more fast runner without injury and run more easier.

Today's running coach is a very tough ironman, he participated for Hawaiian ironman for four or five times. I couldn't give the lesson up since coach is very kind, he cheered us on and pushed our back up a lot. Today's class was occupied, 15 people joined it. In fact, they said yesterday only a couple of people came and most people canceled due to a toasted weather.

Now asics Ginza store is popular, they have some unique service; running clinic, running form check, and scan foot to make original fit able shoes. They also have lockers and showers for only members.

According to today's running coach, I should imagine and just go straight on the two lines.
Someone said me that that I should had to run on a line before, but this time I changed my mind. If imagine two lines and step on the ground, I can move more easier and my trunk posture doesn't break up and can keep balance. I felt I could get the swing of new style, my performance was really good as below.

Afterwards, I had yummy lunch with draft beer as a prise of today's hard running in Aux Bacchanales in Ginza. I'm wondering why pastry shop stuffs in the restaurant wear a white lab coat? even it's not a pharmacy.

today's efforts:
time: 1h46m14s
avg HR: 146-72%
avg pace: 7:15/km
mileage: 14.63km
cal: 755kcal
beginning time: 10:18am
location: from asics store via the Palace and return to the store.

gosho hard running

2007-06-18T22:29:00.000+09:00

I had a great running with Rie-san on Saturday, so glad to have a pretty good company for nice running. We went to Gosho together even it was toasted weather, and had three loops hill-dash running for fourth times. She looked like saved her pace, but burned energy on up-hills then I just followed her not to get so pull away from her, still she was strong!

Now we have the same goal for TWIM, I will start to train for it since July, can't wait!!!

saturday's efforts:
mile: 12km
time: 1h03m14s
1st: time: 17:46 avg HR: 143-70% max HR: 640-81% avg Pace: 6:34/km mil: 3.3km
2nd: time: 16:23 avg HR: 159-78% max HR: 183-90% avg Pace: 5:47/km mil: 3.3km
3rd: time: 15:59 avg HR: 170-84% max HR: 189-93% avg Pace: 6:34/km mil: 3.3km
avg HR: 154-76% max HR: 180-93%
avg Pace: 6:34/km max: 3:50/km
cal: 489kcal
starting time: 11:14am
location: gosho

seeking runners for a free ekiden

2007-06-16T08:53:00.000+09:00

I'm looking for runners who run in a Ekinden which will be held on Sep 17th Monday(NATIONAL HOLIDAY) in National stadium.Surprigingly the entry fee is just free.

64 teams are limited numbers, each leg must run for only 1km around National Stadium, the course is sort of flat.

If you are not satisfied with short distance, you can run more afterwards around Stadium, it's kind of Mecca for run in Tokyo.

Currently we have six legs!

Date: Saptember 17th Monday (National Holiday)

Starting time: around 3pm

Distance: 1km each

Team: It's compounded by four legs, that's ok to arrange teams as fun, mixed and fast serious.

Fee: Free

Location: around National Stadium in Sendagaya

Dead line: August 20th.

Prise: Nothing

They also organize for 10km race and fun race for 3km.

The fare is 2,000yen includes a T-shirt.(not for ekiden)

http://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/event/sp/greenribbon/run/2007/index.html

chubby's speed workouts

2007-06-14T23:00:00.000+09:00

I feel getting chubby now, the purpose is pretty simple since I can't stop eating a lot of foods as same in the hard marathon season without any hard session.

On Wednesday night, I felt so hard to finish for only 4 times of 1,200 meters hardish intervals.
I am not in the mood for serious running, so it's kind of impossible to measure my maximum HR as my coach wants to know. He looks like a devil sometimes and then one of TTOG is so sweet. That's a wondering thing, they might achieve a balance, maybe.

wednesday's efforts:
time: 1h24m23s
800m warm up:
time: 3:21 avg HR: 77-157% avg pace: 4:22/km mil: 800m
1,200m intervals:
1st session time: 4:45 avg HR: 86%-174 avg pace: 4:07/km
2nd session time: 4:52 avg HR: 89%-181 avg pace: 4:11/km
3rd session time: 4:56 avg HR: 90%-183 avg pace: 4:21/km
4th session time: 5:10 avg HR: 88%-179 avg pace: 4:25/km
cool dowm
time: 1:38 avg HR: 78%-158 avg pace: 4:24/km mil: 400m

avg HR: 73%-149 avg pace: 6:01/km
mile: 14km cal: 618kcal
location: yoyogi park and the track
beginning time: 18:52pm

gps run by adidas running for keitai

2007-06-05T22:52:00.000+09:00

Tonight tried to run with adidas GPS for keitai that Steve mentioned to the Namban list before. I figured if use it, fee could be expensive to connect the LAN to Server, but looks it doesn't connect during running, only once it sends the data how far run and how long time does it take. I should had to be pround of currently technology, but I didn't surprise anything because now GPS is usual tool for walking and driving, just it's thankful the mileage is almost correct like my Polar watch. I'm satisfied I could get some mileage to put my running calender, no run no life!
http://www.adidas.com/jp/iin/content/

today's efforts:
mil: 4.35km
time: 22:24
avg HR: 137-67%
avg Pace: 5:06/km
cal: 141kcal
location: zenpukuji-park
beginning time: 9:16pm

sendai 1/2 with rie-don

2007-05-16T23:54:00.000+09:00

happy friday's night training

2007-05-11T23:04:00.000+09:00

Because of effective sports massage, my legs are feeling better than yesterday. Instead of last night's training, just put a few of km more. Since could run very lightly like with wings! Just ran for 10km, feeling pretty good.

today's efforts:
time: 57:22:04
mil: 10.5km
warm up: time: 27:11 avg HR: 144-71% avg Pace: 5:05/km mil: 5.3km
pace up1: time: 1:01 avg HR: 166-82% avg Pace: 3:56/km mil: 0.26km
pace up2: time: 1:01 avg HR: 158-78% avg Pace: 3:49/km mil: 0.27km
pace up3: time: 1:01 avg HR: 159-78% avg Pace: 3:52/km mil: 0.26km
pace up4: time: 1:01 avg HR: 166-82% avg Pace: 3:42/km mil: 0.27km
cool down: time: 19:46 avg HR: 140-69% avg Pace: 6:01/km mil: 3.28km
avg HR: 145-71% avg Pace: 5:20
beginning time: 9:29pm
location: inokashira park and track

speed session on tuesday night

2007-05-08T23:23:00.000+09:00

I took a rest yesterday and went for having sports massage. I was grabbed by a female trainer, I felt like my body was broken completely, it was hurts, but feeling pretty good also could sleep all night last night. However I am not okay today...feel tired.

After work, went for run for 13km, warmed up for 5km and 8km speed session at 4:30 to 4:20 pace and cool down for 3km. Because of tiredness, cut back to 5km, my heart rate was so high, couldn't take breath, I skipped for 3km!, sorry... I started taking this supplement which got in the state to be recovered soon, hopefully be genki by my last spring marathon tour Sendai.

today's efforts:
mil: 13km
time: 1:10:50
lap1: time: 4:29 avg HR: 162-80% avg Pace: 4:29/km mil: 1km
lap2: time: 4:29 avg HR: 168-83% avg Pace: 4:29/km mil: 1km
lap3: time: 4:29 avg HR: 173-85% avg Pace: 4:29/km mil: 1km
lap4: time: 4:24 avg HR: 174-86% avg Pace: 4:29/km mil: 1km
lap5: time: 4:18 avg HR: 178-88% avg Pace: 4:29/km mil: 1km
beginning time: 7:43pm
location: the track in the inokashira park

cool 20k run in the heritage point

2007-05-06T22:13:00.000+09:00

I completed today's 20k cool running in my neighborhood "tamagawa josui" in the rain, it was cool running. I usualy run in my neighborhood, Inokashora Park, beside of Ghibli Museum, and mostly run in the Tamagawa Josui, it's a sort of heritage, historical channel.
It's completed in 1,654 Era Edo, there is a famous story that a famous writer Osamu Dazai commited suicide with his buddy by themselves around Murasaki bridge 5 minutes walk from the south exit of Mitaka station.

The 43km channel, stretching from the Hamura water intake to Yotsuya-Okido (present Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku), was planned and completed by the Tamagawa brothers, for the purpose of sending the clear Tamagawa stream to Edo. Thickets line the channel, creating an atmospheric walking trail. Now it's a good timing to run around there, so come to run before summer!

today's efforts:
time: 1:54:33
mil: 20km
avg pace: 5:38/km
beginning time: 9:20am
location: in the tamagawa josui

weekend's running logs

2007-04-30T22:03:00.000+09:00

sunday:
I went to Yoyogi park as usual, then I could meet Rie's friend John-san from Australia and Tamami-san, it was first time to meet him. He is very kind and runs fast even he has injury. He invited Rie and me for drink before lunch to kill time. We had big pasta lunch at La Verde, it is one of Gareth's favorite place, foods are yummy also price is cheep, no excuse.
It's been a long time no run since Boston marathon, it was hard to keep following Steve, so I clashed after 5 loops, I ran into the rest room... shame. But my running and legs were fine, probably.
sunday's efforts:
time: 1:06:29
mil: 12.5km
beginning time: 9:06am
location: yoyogi park

monday:
I went for run in my neighborhood in the late afternoon, I knew it only I'm supposed to run today. I just started running as warm up for a couple of kilometers, and speed up for 5min/km pace, then speed up more for 4min/km pace for last 1km. I was feeling very good, no hot, no humid, legs are fine. I felt a little bit of confidence for Sendai half marathon, hope it's not my imagination. I ate double small 31 ice-cream as today's prise, it's like a summer!
monday's efforts:
time: 1:02:18
mil: 12.0km
lap1: time: 45:36 avg HR: 155-76% avg Pace: 5:04/km mil: 8.99km
lap2: time: 3:51 avg HR: 178-88% avg Pace: 4:05/km mil: 0.93km
lap3: time: 12:51:6 avg HR: 154-76% avg Pace: 6:02/km mil: 2.1km
avg HR: 156-77%
avg pace: 5:10/km
cal: 490kcal
beginning time: 9:06am
location: yoyogi park

just two weeks to go

2007-04-29T07:16:00.000+09:00

Even I'm still suffering jet lag, just two weeks to go for my next race "Sendai International Half Marathon".

Fortunately I will run with Rie-don and the other real athletes Athene Olympic winner and third world record holder Mizuki Noguchi, 2006 Nagoya women winner Harumi Hiroyama, and Tokyo marathon's winner Daniel Njenga etc.
Noguchi was supposed to run in a Marathon on April 22nd, but because of her injury changed her plan and choose this half marathon, I'm happy to run with her even revel is totally different.

I planned Spring three races, Arakawa on March 18th, Boston on April 16th and next is last chance by fall November probably, that's why I want to try to run very hard as much as do my best. But I'm not sure how can I do.

I got notice of my bib before leaving for Boston, it's 989.
Women entry number is only 143, even though it's a huge half marathon, it would be very nice.

prizes

2007-04-26T20:28:00.000+09:00

I ran for lobster, clam chowder, steak and beer actually. I had all things as my prizes after marathon.

The day after the marathon, I couldn't walk naturally. My legs were chubby more than usual, left ankle felt painful inside and outside.

We went out for mall and Wal mart for shopping, and went to see doctor in the afternoon. Official private hospital gave a free ticket for all runners to check injuries. Then Doctor said just stay cool and no run until feels good, it's not serious.

Next day, Aya and Keith left to NYC, soon after leaving them, my friend landed from D.C. to Boston for sightseeing with me. We visited Samuel Adamus brewely, Newbury street area, a whole course of Freedom trail and Library.

We met up with lots of marathonners here and there, we enjoyed having good conversation with a guy finished in 2:45 is from CA, it was secound time for him. He said trained well for Boston, and ran for over 40 miles as a weekly mileage at least. But I couldn't realize how much far is it??? I think he doesn't run too much even an elite.
He showed his pic us on the paper published by cell phone, he was on the Boston times(?) with guts pose.

On Friday, four days after the marathon day, we flied to Buffalo to visit Niagara Falls. We rented a car and drove from airport to Canada, we crossed the border by a car, it was fantastic experience. It's right thing that the falls look more beautiful from Canada side.

According to my canadian friend Renald, we should visit to small town "Niagara on the lake". There are good souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, also there are many wineries. We tried to some icewine, not so sweet very tasty. Killed time there until twilight, saw fabulous scenery.

boston 2007 part3

2007-04-24T00:04:00.001+09:00

Result; 3:26:27 (Thanks to Steve for caluculating this)

Distance	Time	Race Pace	Split Pace
5	0:24:27	0:04:53	0:04:53
10	0:48:36	0:04:52	0:04:50
15	1:12:29	0:04:50	0:04:47
20	1:36:35	0:04:50	0:04:49
21.1	1:41:44	0:04:49	0:04:41
25	2:00:24	0:04:49	0:04:47
30	2:25:08	0:04:50	0:04:57
35	2:50:09	0:04:52	0:05:00
40	3:16:07	0:04:54	0:05:12
42.195	3:26:27	0:04:54	0:04:42

I was in the corral 10, people who had bibs from 10000 to 11000 were there. Most of people wore a poncho or a light jacket to protect own body from rain. I took off my old jacket and pants to donate, I've heard that's a tradition of Boston marathon.

I was warmed well by stretching with Namban singlet but I should had to wear the national flag "Hinomaru" to run bravely as a Japanese. It was so lovely some people were running with their own flag, I will try to do it next time.

I needed to pass an up-hill before start, people were standing around me, encouraged each other, "Good luck", "Good luck you too" etc. Gun had shoot at 10am, then everyone screaming "WOOHOO" "OHHHH", I was also exciting! I started slowly to maintain my running pace between miles and kilometers. Rain had stopped around 4 miles point, but I got against wind beside of lakes.

Some time I could hear theme song of Rocky, people on side walk were encouraging like "Go!", "Keep going!", "You are great", etc. I got energy from them. I thought I made split too slowly, so just speed up a little at 4:45 after 6 miles. I saw lots of encouraging board said "Go Steve". Is the name "Steve" the most popular name for boy?, just curious.
Rain had stopped at all, but still couldn't through it to trash because of possibility of raining again.

Before passing 12miles, I could hear Girl's screaming. I'm very happy to see good scenery which most of Men is expecting to kiss with girl's. Actually an Italian guy was kissing on the lips! even he was running for marathon! Aya's mom in law told us Former American first lady Hillary Clinton graduated from there.

Just kept going, my legs felt tiredness until half point, but they didn't feel anything after that. So I tried to run a bit of faster with my patient. I just entered four uphills area around 16miles, first one was not so steep but not so easy. And received free energy gel, taste was Cafe latte, fruits flavor is better I think. Before 18miles and after 19miles, I had the others.
I was thirsty around 20miles, so wanted to drink water, even extended my warm, couldn't get it. One girl offered me a cup of drink after that, I got it and drunk, but spited it out since it was BEER.

I got water and washed my mouth soon, it was cold water, then started finding restroom...
I took a break inside for a couple of minutes, that's why I could speed up apparently. Just ran and ran, dash and hurry, I passed many many people, it was good feeling.

"Heart break hill" is too steep for marathon course after running for 20.5miles and there are 5miles more. Fortunately there were lot of people on sidewalk, some people called me "Chinese character" because of wearing Namban singlet, "Konichiha---" "Ganbatte--", "がんばってくださーい" in japanese etc. I just kept running and focused on my running. Then my legs had some energy to get speed up a bit faster more, I thought.

Around 24miles, I just speed up for 4:35 to 4:40 pace, nobody passed me. Just ran and focused on. After the sign "1mile more", I could be faster more. Ran, ran and ran, it was hard but I was feeling so great!

It was the best moment when I saw the finish gate, then my tears came down. My finishing time was 3:26:27, not so fast but not so bad result. I really had good experience as tougher, colder and best marathon. I'd like to try this again sometime if I have time and money, absolutely this was valuable for me.

boston 2007 part2

2007-04-23T07:36:00.001+09:00

How many up-hill and down-hill did I need to I pass in this marathon?

I knew this is the hardest marathon course I've never run before upon checked it out on the day before the race day. It's very famous it has "Heart break Hill" around 33Km point, actually there are three steeply up-hills and down-hills before the BIG ONE. Then I knew I should go slow, not too fast in the race, other wise, I could be crap after half point, decided to go slow anyway, hopefully at 4:40 to 4:45 pace at least perhaps more slowly.

On the race day morning, got up at 5:30, it was pretty good that I slept for about nine hours, I felt great at all. I ate a bagle, some fruits, coffee and orange juice as a breakfast.
Outside was not so cold as I thought, but it was still raining sometime hard and once it stopped but rainning again. Aya's mom in law took us to the starting point.

There were some trouble before start, #19 bus that I was supposed to leave my stuff was missing.
My shoes were already soaking.
It was still raining but not cold, etc.

boston 2007 part 1

2007-04-22T23:41:00.000+09:00

Have you ever answered what is your purpose of staying in the USA "because of the Boston Marathon" before? I normally answer "sightseeing", but I answered like that since I was so exciting about it.

It would be time to bloom flowers in the state Massachusetts, but it had been raining for a long time, the scenery looked like winter, it had been so cold. The weather forecast said, it should be a rainy day and it should be caught in a storm, temperature should be 4 to 5 degrees Celsius. However, I was still so exciting about the marathon, even it would be the worse condition, but trying to run for all.

The day before the marathon, my friend Aya's mother in law took us to see the whole marathon course from country side Hopkinton to the city side Copley Square, the course is very tough more than I thought, but still looking forward to running, it's funny. After picking up our bibs, gathered Pete-san, Leng, Aya, Aya's hubby Keith and me in the Pub next door of the Expo. Enjoyed big american hamburger with beer as lunch, and went to back Keith's mom's home soon and took rest well for the next day.

Fortunatelly, Red Sox's game cancelled that I was looking forward to it.

sunday run and ramen with cabecha-

2007-04-08T23:18:00.000+09:00

I ran to the Yoyogi Park this morning. I asked matie to make today's running splits since my watch's battery has died. It's too early to die, I got it on December, and now is April, its been worked for only four months, that's ridiculous.
Due to my running mates Rie and Steve, I had great Sunday running.
The splits are below.

I had a ramen with an appetize of cabbage and char siu, a photo on left side is I ate on Saturday after run in my neighborhood. I want to have this snack with beer, but they don't carry any beers.
The restaurant called Musashi-ya, it's located under the train rails between Kichijoji and Nishiogukubo, shall I guide you next time?

Lap Distance Time Pace
Lap 1 2.5 0:13:15 0:05:18
Lap 2 2.5 0:13:18 0:05:19
Lap 3 2.3 0:11:13 0:04:53
Lap 4 2.3 0:11:01 0:04:47
Lap 5 2.3 0:10:59 0:04:47
Lap 6 2.3 0:10:36 0:04:37
Lap 7 2.3 0:10:17 0:04:28
Lap 8 2.3 0:10:16 0:04:28
Lap 9 2.5 0:12:45 0:05:06
Total 21.3 1:43:40 0:04:52

Hope our efforts will pay us off soon in Boston.

season's greeting with sakura

2007-04-03T22:29:00.000+09:00

I am very happy to run under the trees of cherry blossoms, even though flowers fall off due to the cold rain but they are still beautiful. Last week, I went to Meguro-river to see this scenery, so gorgeous!

Today is a speed session day: Fartlek. Mostly moderate HR 72%, but do five times two minutes of 4:00/km with good rest in between each one is my today's running plan. I was freaking out when checked this plan up, because running at 4minutes pace for 400m is hard for a slow runner. The first run would be alright but after second could be disaster. Unbelievably, could complete barely for five times because of Steve's properly training plan, it would be better control running speed more evenly!

By the way, I got a good news. I'm very happy to know the Japan Association of Athletics Fededrations says Tokyo Women's Inte'l Marathon will be held on November 18th this year, there is no choice to train very hard for that!

today's efforts:
after warmed up for 3km did speed session for 400m five times, and jogged for 400m each one.
lap1: time: 1:32 avg HR: 163-80% avg Pace: 4:03 mil: 0.38m
lap2: time: 1:29 avg HR: 159-78% avg Pace: 3:57 mil: 0.38m
lap3: time: 1:31 avg HR: 161-79% avg Pace: 3:59 mil: 0.39m
lap4: time: 1:35 avg HR: 169-83% avg Pace: 4:03 mil: 0.39m
lap5: time: 1:32 avg HR: 171-84% avg Pace: 4:00 mil: 0.39m
afterwards, cooled down for 2km

my bib for boston

2007-03-29T23:47:00.000+09:00

I got my bib of the Boston marathon, it's 10049! I don't know it's good number or not. Actually I don't like the number 4 and 9. Most of Japanese don't prefer to have these numbers because they can image bad things. We can call Four, Shi, it means death. And we can call Nine, Ku, it means bitter things, hard things... not good image.

Anyway, I will be on the end of the participants of first group at 10am.
Look forward to running in the Boston!

temaemiso/self-applause

2007-03-29T22:32:00.000+09:00

I did very well tonight's speed workouts if I do say so myself. Due to the last night's break, I could complete my speed session. I didn't like track workouts before, however, that's a wonder once could get a good result because of the speed hard training then it's okay to do it on a track even it's very very hard.

So went to the track via the Inokashira Park tonight, there were many many drinkers, it should be the best moment to enjoy viewing beautiful scenery with Sakura, cherry blossoms under the trees. In fact, fresh green leaves are glowing between flowers and flowers, so not beautiful as expected.

Speaking of workouts, I was supposed to run for 14km total, 6km of easy run, 6km of tempo run at 87%!!!!! and 2km of cool down. It's been a long time no run in a track, so it was hard session for me even I did 4:19/km run in the Shinjuku half marathon, but I couldn't run because of ankle injury. Anyway, I did very well tonight's speed workout as below.

today's efforts:
mil: 16km
time: 1:29:49
lap1: time: 4:29 avg HR: 168-83% avg Pace: 4:32/km mil: 1km
lap2: time: 4:29 avg HR: 174-86% avg Pace: 4:29/km mil: 1km
lap3: time: 4:32 avg HR: 175-86% avg Pace: 4:32/km mil: 1km
lap4: time: 4:36 avg HR: 176-87% avg Pace: 4:36/km mil: 1km
lap5: time: 4:32 avg HR: 177-87% avg Pace: 4:32/km mil: 1km
lap6: time: 4:35 avg HR: 177-87% avg Pace: 4:35/km mil: 1km
avg HR: 145-71% avg Pace: 5:24/km
cal 631kcal
beginning time: 19:38pm
location: via the Inokashira Park to the track

running logs from March 24th to 26th

2007-03-26T23:50:00.000+09:00

March 24th Saturday,
---------------------------
I started running for only 5km in the Inokashira Park.
I needed to return a DVD "Nacho Libre", so woke up earlier and watch it before running by 10am. Tsutaya started a returning before the store opens, the fee is cheeper than 1 night and 2 days fee. It's a nice service for me, rent the DVD, watch it quickly and return it soon is a nice service!

Well, ran for 5km very easy, my left leg was fine.
Hope to run for 20km tomorrow as a LSD.

today's efforts:
mil: 5km
time: 25m34s
avg HR: 136-67%
avg Pace: 5:22/km
cal: 147kcal
location: Inokashiwa Park
beginning time: 8:39am

March 25th Sunday,
--------------------------------
It was a rainy day, I was supposed to run for 20km as a LSD for the Boston Marathon's training. But I had no motivation for waking up either running in the rain. I couldn't get up until afternoon. After having breakfast, went back to sleep for four hours, it was very comfortable sleepy time.

In the afternoon, I went for run for 20km, I did great running even though I had a long time nap, but managed to wake up!

I ran 20km in my neighborhood, I took 2loops of 8km course and 1 loop of 4km.

First lap, very easy at HR 120-60%, Second lap, tried up to 155, but AVG was 152-75%

Last run was cool down to 145 but AVG was higher around 151-74%.

It's totally different with Eric's HR running.

today's efforts:
mil: 20km
time: 1:50:40
avg HR: 139-68%
avg Pace: 5:30/km
cal: 715kcal
location: in my neighbor hood
beginning time: 2:19pm

March 26th Monday,
------------------------------------
I was supposed to aim for 8km at 75% of HR, I started running very easy under 60% at the beginning, and tried to get up more around 70% after 1km, but the pace was not so easy, thenrealized I was running at 75% then slowed down because my left felt light pain. I kept running at 70% HR pace to warm up more until 6km, then my left ankle felt good, no pain, so just speeded up some more to 75%. Well, went well!

today's efforts:
mil: 8km
time: 42:49:
avg HR: 147-72%
avg Pace: 5:19/km
cal: 302kcal
location: in my neighbor hood
beginning time: 7:57pm

lucha libre

2007-03-25T21:50:00.000+09:00

I watched a movie "NACHO LIBRE", it was very funny commedy one. The actor plays as a leading roll is Jack Black, he sings very good. His looking is very funny as a chubby is enough as a commedy movie. The location looks like a beautiful city Oaxaca, in Mexico. It takes one hour from Mexico City by flight, it's one of my favorite city in Mexico.

When I visited there before dissapointed very much, I asked a child to accept to take a his picture in the market, then he constantly asked for money from me, then shocked a little bit...

I was hoping to watch the wrestling "Lucha libre" in Mexico city, but they say it's dangelous to watch it, it's very hard to watch it without company.

The story is very simple, laughing laughing and laughing.
It's very recommendable for everyone when want to laugh over.

recovery run for 5k

2007-03-22T09:45:00.000+09:00

I went for 8km recovery run this morning. It would be a first recovery run after marathon, however, due to some reasons, I had to run in Ekiden race for 6km without recovery run yesterday. So I did run very easy for two races.
My legs were okay, a little bit of pain, but not uncomfortable.

today's efforts:
time: 44:15
avg HR: 141-69%
avg Pace: 5:28/km
cal: 301kcal
location: in the zenpukuji park
beginning time: 7:31am

10th arakawa marathon

2007-03-20T21:14:00.000+09:00

I was wondering why lots of the Namban people used to run Arakawa marathon as an annual Spring marathon? Do I certainly run Arakawa marathon???
It seems to be Arakawa is a common usage event in the Spring, Ohtawara is a common event in fall every year, there should be what worth cousin other than the reason that is easy to go from a house, and there was no Tokyo Marathon one year ago.

According to the Arakawa's organizer, there were 14,850 participants for a full marathon this time, what a huge number isn't it? There were 5 people including me of the Namban Rengo running club. But why is it that I did not have a too good image?

Reason 1. much same scenery.
Reason 2. seem to be dull.
Reason 3. on an embankment of a river, I take influence of the wind velocity straight.
Reason 4. a lot of runners freeze and too major.
Reason 5. it's located in East Tokyo and the border between Saitama and Tokyo.

But why did I bring myself to appear?
Reason 1. there is no good another race at the same moment before Boston marathon.
Reason 2. it's an official race of the JAAF's marathon.
Reason 3. the course is almost flat, it would make a PB result if there is not wind.
Reason 4. the participation fees are cheaper than others.
Reason 5. a friend lives in neighborhood.
Reason 6. I can seem to concentrate on runs.

I went to register on the day before the race with my matie to know how's the venue how's wind to prepare well and to be tougher. There was no wind as I thought then but it was windy on the race day. Around 5km point, I was going well humming to myself, Shoji-san called me, and matie passed behind of me. The wind pushed me until returning point, so I made comfortable splits at 4:40 pace through half-way. I didn't need to use my legs so much, either cardiorespiratory function. That's why I was not so tired, had still some motivation to run after the marathon, just kept going with lots of patient. However slowed down to below 5 min after returning point. It felt like I was running towards wind mills! Just running at 4th gear but no heading for the goal. It wasn't a tough as TIWM for me, because no rain, not cold so much.

I was sulk with my disappointment result 3:25:10, matie and some people said me "YOU DID VERY WELL WITH THIS BAD CONDITION", but I was sulk and said, "It's not my PB!". Yes, it's my PB, but I didn't want to accept my ideal result. But I realized after getting back to home. I got lots of encouraging mails. I could realized how my 4th marathon was great. The number is just number, what I've been training, what I've been learning by the race are very important things, I guess.

I just want to believe it will make me more tougher and faster. So, now I will just keep saving my energy and training hard for the Boston Marathon and Sendai Half Marathon. And I hope to get my ankle fixed soon.

doughnuts doughnuts and doughnuts

2007-03-06T22:36:00.000+09:00

I have sore leg a part of ankle to knee, I'm unable to run right now. It's hard to be cool without LSD on Sunday especially even though there are only 12days until my marathon day. I want to believe walking in the pool for one hour could help as a efficiently training. I've heard that TWIM's winner Reiko Tosa walked in the pool for three hours when she was unable to run like me. So I was trying to walk for three hours but I couldn't do it like her because it was too much boring, the distance is only 25meters in the pool and there is only one lane for walkers, it's hard to go and back during in that world. As a result, completed to walk from front, back and sideways so I used my legs muscles completely. I see my sports trainer as much as I can go and have massage and acupuncture sometimes, hope it's going to be better soon.

Afterwards, I went to Shinjuku with my friend, we went for check the doughnuts shop which has opened on last December in the Southern terrace in Shinjuku. We'd like to try to be on the line to get some, but we gave up because there was a pretty looooong line from the shop to the bridge to Takashimaya department store, incredible scale!
I remember that I had the same one in South Korea, the taste was not so bad but there is no valuable to wait to be on the line for over one hour. Speaking of radio's DJ, he was on the line for one hour, but he gave up to get it. I'm happy to be with a sugar doughnuts which made by Starbucks, but also it's my enemy to get be fatty and chubby. I guess, there would be no long line after six months.

sidewalk around gosho construction almost is finishing

2007-02-28T00:11:00.000+09:00

I went for run to Gosho tonight after work not to see Luke's running company. He might lives there but never see him...Sidewalk around gosho looks clean and got be wide! It's better for running, construction is almost finishing.
I was supposed to aim for 12 to 14km tonight and follow my HR numbers from 75 to 80%.
My legs were better than last night, they are getting better day by day, I think they are still not perfect is a problem for me. I booked to have acupuncture treatment on Thursday morning, I wish they would be perfect for Arakawa marathon on March 18th, there are only 18 days until starting. See how was my tonight's training with following numbers.

tonight's efforts:
mile: 15.6km
warm up from the gym to the venue plus 1 loop:
time: 23:45 avg HR: 140-72% avg Pace: 5:16/km mil: 4.5km
loop 2: time: 17:21:04 avg HR: 146-75% avg Pace: 5:15/km mil: 3.30km
loop 3: time: 17:20 avg HR: 147-75% avg Pace: 5:13/km mil: 3.32km
loop 4: time: 17:04 avg HR: 152-78% avg Pace: 5:08/km mil: 3.32km
cool down: time: 6:44 avg HR: 145-74% avg Pace: 5:33/km mil: 1.21km
time: 1h22m16s
avg HR: 146-75%
avg Pace: 5:15/km
cal: 607kcal
beginning time: 19:15pm
location: Akasaka Gosho

indoor running for 39 loops!

2007-02-25T23:03:00.000+09:00

Friday night, I hutsled in the city gym because inside was warm and confortable meanwhile outside was chilly. I didn't need to wear a jacket, wore only T-shirts and half pants, that's enough. I was supposed to do 7km run at 86% to 90% of HR monitor pace. It's not easy, very hard tempo pace. Because of 180meters of indoor track, I needed to round 39 loops! So I did left turn 156 times, then got damage my left chubby ankle, I've been not able to run weekend, just walked for 2 hours in the city pool, it was so bored...

sore knee...

2007-02-20T23:58:00.000+09:00

I'm having sore knees from weekend. When I was running around the Palace last Saturday, my knees were not comfortable for run after 20k point. So took care of form straight and extended legs for straight and straight while running.
On Monday I had 10k run afterwork, then got sore knee again, so cooled off both for a half hour, it was fine. Today, I went to have Sports massage after work just in case. They said, my hamstrings are so hard and stiff, it's not weired even I feel painful of legs. After that, went for running to complete my duty for 16k running in the Inokashira Park with having knees sore...still pain!

I started eating dinner from 11pm tonight, yes it's unhealthy.
Now having a dessert "tiramissu", but I can't living without sweets now.
Go to bed since I'm already dying...

today's efforts:
mil: 16km
time: 1:23:22
avg HR: 152-78%
avg Pace: 5:17/km
cal: 664kcal
beginning time: 9:12pm
location: Inokashira Park

hardish for 12k as last friday

2007-02-16T10:03:00.000+09:00

I just needed for three repeats speed session, I really cared of speed not too fast, but as a result repeaded six times, double session...

today's efforts:
mile: 12km
time: 1:12:27
lap1: 1:41 avg HR: 164-84% avg Pace: 4:21/km mil: 0.39km
lap2: 1:42 avg HR: 173-89% avg Pace: 4:19/km mil: 0.39km
lap3: 1:43 avg HR: 174-89% avg Pace: 4:24/km mil: 0.40km
2minutes rest
lap4: 1:42 avg HR: 155-79% avg Pace: 4:53/km mil: 0.36km
lap5: 1:43 avg HR: 173-89% avg Pace: 4:26/km mil: 0.39km
lap6: 1:40 avg HR: 177-91% avg Pace: 4:20/km mil: 0.39km
2minutes rest
lap7: 1:41 avg HR: 157-81% avg Pace: 4:49/km mil: 0.37km
lap8: 1:43 avg HR: 176-90% avg Pace: 4:22/km mil: 0.39km
lap9: 1:41 avg HR: 178-91% avg Pace: 4:21/km mil: 0.39km
2minutes rest
lap10: 1:41 avg HR: 162-83% avg Pace: 4:40/km mil: 0.36km
lap11: 1:43 avg HR: 176-90% avg Pace: 4:25/km mil: 0.39km
lap12: 1:40 avg HR: 179-92% avg Pace: 4:18/km mil: 0.40km
2minutes rest
lap13: 1:44 avg HR: 159-82% avg Pace: 4:52/km mil: 0.37km
lap14: 1:41 avg HR: 177-91% avg Pace: 4:18/km mil: 0.39km
lap15: 1:40 avg HR: 180-92% avg Pace: 4:16/km mil: 0.40km
2minutes rest
lap16: 1:39 avg HR: 163-84% avg Pace: 4:35/km mil: 0.36km
lap17: 1:42 avg HR: 179-92% avg Pace: 4:21/km mil: 0.40km
lap18: 1:37 avg HR: 182-93% avg Pace: 4:10/km mil: 0.38km
2minutes rest
avg HR: 156-80% avg Pace: 5:21/km
cal: 609kcal
baginning time: 7:39pm
location: on the track in Inokashira Park
weekly mil: 47km

weekend running

2007-02-11T21:32:00.000+09:00

***saturday gosho run***
I went to one of mecca for running in Tokyo, Akasaka Togu Gosho, for 12k hill running in the morning. It's been a long time no run there, so I felt like I was new to do the Gosho run, it was fresh feeling! Why I'm running? because I like running is my main purpose. I shouldn't forget about this basic feeling. I was supposed to run for 12km and hill-up running at HR75% so after warmed up ran 3 loops around Gosho and cool down. Afterwards, I had sports massage in my neighborhood.

today's efforts:
mil: 12km
time: 1:04:37
lap1: time: 17:17 avg HR: 143-73% avg Pace: 5:26/km mil: 3.18km
lap2: time: 17:22 avg HR: 146-75% avg Pace: 5:24/km mil: 3.21km
lap3: time: 16:54 avg HR: 149-76% avg Pace: 5:17/km mil: 3.19km
avg HR: 144-74%
avg Pace: 5:27/km
cal: 467kcal
location: Gosho
beginning time: 9:23am
weekly mil: 68km

***sunday lsd***
It was lonely LSD in the Yoyogi Park for me since everyone had own plan, there were many Nambanners, but I was only one who had a plan for 32km LSD, yes it's time to taper for Tokyo Marathonners.
I made splits evenly as much as I could at 5:30/km pace but there were differences each... I had sports massage yesterday, but felt sore knee under the plate of left leg after 20km point. But I had to manage today's LSD plan definitely. My priority was 32k not my knee, I mean, it was not a huge problem.
Afterwards, I enjoyed with Ramen, Gyoza and beer, and taking a bike to Kichijoji to get to my place for 40minutes!
I stopped by to get sweets at a tes souhaits in my neighborhood, I couldn't survive this afternoon without them.

today's efforts:
mil: 32km
time: 2:56:14
lap1: time: 14:07 avg HR: 140-72% avg Pace: 5:48/km mil: 2.43km
lap2: time: 13:43 avg HR: 145-74% avg Pace: 5:33/km mil: 2.47km
lap3: time: 13:33 avg HR: 145-74% avg Pace: 5:33/km mil: 2.44km
lap4: time: 13:30 avg HR: 139-71% avg Pace: 5:32/km mil: 2.44km
lap5: time: 13:10 avg HR: 146-75% avg Pace: 5:22/km mil: 2.45km
lap6: time: 13:24 avg HR: 147-75% avg Pace: 5:26/km mil: 2.46km
lap7: time: 13:16 avg HR: 149-76% avg Pace: 5:21/km mil: 2.48km
lap8: time: 13:19 avg HR: 149-76% avg Pace: 5:24/km mil: 2.46km
lap9: time: 13:15 avg HR: 150-77% avg Pace: 5:25/km mil: 2.44km
lap10: time:13:07 avg HR: 152-78% avg Pace: 5:19/km mil: 2.46km
lap11: time:13:10 avg HR: 153-78% avg Pace: 5:22/km mil: 2.45km
lap12: time:13:04 avg HR: 154-79% avg Pace: 5:24/km mil: 2.42km
lap13: time:10:18 avg HR: 151-77% avg Pace: 5:23/km mil: 1.91km
lap14: time: 5:12 avg HR: 140-72% avg Pace: 5:41/km mil: 0.92km
avg HR: 147-75%
avg Pace: 5:28/km
cal: 1,330kcal
location: in the yoyogi park
beginning time: 8:11am
weekly mil: 100km

hardish for 12k

2007-02-09T09:07:00.000+09:00

It's friday today, so in other words, it's an unhappy tempo run day.
Warmed up for 3 km, then on a track 3 x 1.2 km repeats with 2 min rest between. During the repeats, try to run pretty hard, but even pace for each repeat. Maybe about 4/10/km to 4:15/km. That's 1:40 to 1:42 per lap of a 400-m track.

I did my best as below, it was pretty hard like I could die!
But I could run a bit of faster than I needed...

today's efforts:
mile: 12km
time: 1:04:03
lap1: 1:38 avg HR: 158-81% avg Pace: 4:16/km mil: 0.39km
lap2: 1:43 avg HR: 166-85% avg Pace: 4:21/km mil: 0.39km
lap3: 1:41 avg HR: 170-87% avg Pace: 4:19/km mil: 0.39km
2minutes rest
lap4: 1:40 avg HR: 156-80% avg Pace: 4:37/km mil: 0.38km
lap5: 1:44 avg HR: 171-88% avg Pace: 4:25/km mil: 0.39km
lap6: 1:40 avg HR: 175-90% avg Pace: 4:18/km mil: 0.38km
2minutes rest
lap7: 1:38 avg HR: 158-81% avg Pace: 4:31/km mil: 0.37km
lap8: 1:43 avg HR: 174-89% avg Pace: 4:46/km mil: 0.38km
lap9: 1:38 avg HR: 178-91% avg Pace: 4:20/km mil: 0.38km
2minutes rest

avg HR: 143-72% avg Pace: 5:36/km
cal: 456kcal
baginning time: 7:14am
location: on the track in Inokashira Park
weekly mil: 56km

speed workshop on wednesday morning

2007-02-07T09:32:00.000+09:00

I've been doing for "speed workshop" on Wednesday for a while.
I'd like to join for Namban's track session, but can't make it because of work. Numbers look faster than I needed, should had to run more slowly and evenly.

today's efforts:
mil: 15km
time: 1:20:41
lap1: time: 4:40 avg HR: 159-82% avg pace: 4:49/km mil: 0.97km
lap2: time: 4:42 avg HR: 164-84% avg pace: 4:44/km mil: 0.99km
lap3: time: 4:37 avg HR: 169-87% avg pace: 4:40/km mil: 0.98km
lap4: time: 4:36 avg HR: 171-88% avg pace: 4:41/km mil: 0.98km
lap5: time: 4:37 avg HR: 172-88% avg pace: 4:44/km mil: 0.98km
lap6: time: 4:43 avg HR: 171-88% avg pace: 4:48/km mil: 0.98km
lap7: time: 4:39 avg HR: 173-89% avg pace: 4:45/km mil: 0.98km
lap8: time: 4:39 avg HR: 174-89% avg pace: 4:47/km mil: 0.96km
lap9: time: 4:39 avg HR: 176-90% avg pace: 4:54/km mil: 0.97km
lap10: time: 4:37 avg HR: 177-91% avg pace: 4:46/km mil: 0.96km
avg HR: 156-80% avg pace: 5:17/km
cal: 689kcal
beginning time: 7:03am
location: on the track in the Inokashira Park

asa-ren week has started

2007-02-06T23:30:00.000+09:00

This week, I have to run in the early morning while sunrise. That's good I don't need to run in the cold evening, but it's hard to wake up earlier some times, it's hard to do speed session because body could n't get warm up easy to run at fast pace as my coach expects my speed.

Monday, 5th in the morning.
Just went to zenpukuji park as usual for very easy running, it was fun but chilly.

monday's efforts:
mil: 5km
time: 27:52
avg HR: 148-76%
avg: pace: 5:34/km
cal: 215kcal
beginning time: 7:43am
location: zenpukuji park

Tuesday, I was supposed to 14km moderate running before work.
I built up the pace lately from 5:30, 5:15, 5:10, 5:05... and finally got up to 4:30 in the end for only about 2minutes. After that paced down to around 5:30.
Why my heart could beat even run in the slow pace as 5:00/km? Does my heart have any problems?
Should I go to see a doctor??? Just I want to be a little bit fast runner more...
Because of my half marathon splits, I'm really interested in running in my hometown Miyagi, there is a Sendai Inter'l half marathon that will be held by the Japan association of athletics federations on May 13th in Sendai, I just have signed up already to get good result that I want to get.

tuesday's efforts
mil: 14km
time: 1:17:14
avg HR: 154-79%
avg Pace: 5:29/km
cal: 601kcal
beginning time: 7:31am
location: via zenpukuji park, ome kaido, mitaka station to Inokashira park
weekly mileage: 19km

weekly reports fron Jan 29th to Feb 4th

2007-02-04T21:59:00.000+09:00

On monday,
Ran as recovery run very easy for 8k.
I felt very tired from Sunday's race. My legs were so heavy and hard.

monday's efforts:
mil: about 8km
time:　51:26
avg HR: 130-67%
avg Pace: 6:14/km
cal: 314kcal
beginning time: 8:00pm

On tuesday,
Went to the Inokashira Park for built up run after work. It was not so chilly and cold night.
It was nice for run, but my legs were still heavy. I was not in the mood to run for 5k TT tomorrow.

tuesday's efforts:
mil: about 8km
time:　1:08:39
avg HR: 136-70%
avg Pace: 5:47/km
cal: 461kcal
beginning time: 7:45pm
weekly mil: 11km

On wednesday, I got an order from Steve that I was supposed to keep running at 1:35/lap, it was not so easy for me. My heart couldn't calm down, it was very hard like breathless. Also my legs were not working.

wednesday's efforts:
mil: 5km (at TT)
time:　21:03
avg HR: 177-91%
avg Pace: 4:23/km
cal: 225kcal
beginning time: 7:39pm

On thursday, I needed to take a day off because of working on Saturday and the team budget.
In the afternoon, I went to the Musashino gym for muscle training, it was not crowded as usual. So I relaxed for muscle train and stretch by a balance ball and a stretch pole.
In tha afternoon, went to the Palace for run with my friend and coach Steve. When I asked some people who were likely running around the Palace, I got a positive mail from a petal. But we couldn't run together, she had a plan to run with her friend, she was just running toward clockwise.
Since the cold temperature, it was hard to run until warmed up. When we were running, could feel faster more. But it was not so fast as I felt, so shame a bit...

thursday's efforts:
mil: about 15km
time:　1:55:37
avg HR: 154-79%
avg Pace: 5:15/km
cal: 585kcal
beginning time: 3:27-, 6:05pm
location: Palace, my neighborhood
weekly mil: 48km

On friday...I had a hard train on the track, 4 minutes hard run and 2 minutes easy. I repeated this six times. I was afraid of Saturday's running. Could I complete 32k LSD in the early morning?
friday's efforts:
mil: about 12km
time:　1:06:38
1st: time: 4:00 avg HR: 161-83% avg pace: 4:46 mil: 0.84km
2min rest
2nd: time: 4:00 avg HR: 163-84% avg pace: 4:46 mil: 0.84km
2:10 rest
3rd: time: 4:01 avg HR: 169-87% avg pace: 4:41 mil: 0.86km
2:10 rest
4th: time: 4:02 avg HR: 169-87% avg pace: 4:39 mil: 0.87km
2:30 rest
5th: time: 4:01 avg HR: 170-87% avg pace: 4:33 mil: 0.89km
2:01 rest
6th: time: 4:01 avg HR: 170-87% avg pace: 4:34 mil: 0.88km
avg HR: 152-78%
avg Pace: 5:28/km
cal: 544kcal
beginning time: 8:14pm
location: in the track in the Inokashira Park
weekly mil: 60km

On Saturday, LSD.
I consumed all my stamina. I had no energy to do... I felt very bad tiredness during running, but it was good I was starving and ate a lot afterwards.
saturday's efforts:
mil: about 26km
time:　2:34:22
avg HR: 147-75%
avg Pace: 5:53/km
cal: 1,184kcal
beginning time: 8:05am
location: from yoyogi park to the Palace and return to Tokyo gym

On sunday, recovery run for 10km.
During running, I couldn't take a breath even though I didn't run as hard race.
I go to bed even it's before 11pm. I have sore knee today, I ride a bike to get for about 13.5km to my office today, I should had to take trains for commuting because of tiredness...

sunday's efforts:
mil: about 10km
time:　57:58
avg HR: 139-71%
avg Pace: 5:46/km
cal: 402kcal
beginning time: 5:16pm
location: in my neighborhood
weekly mil: 95km

shinjuku city half marathon plus something more

2007-01-31T07:22:00.000+09:00

First of all, I was very lucky to run in Shinjuku 1/2 marathon with torn of Nambanners.
My official finishing time is 1:31:21, in other words 91:21. it's 4:19/km pace by my Polar watch. It's about over 6 minutes faster than my previous PB in the 52 and 3/4 laps time trial on the Oda Field with Rie-don, Steve and Matthias.
I just could expect a little bit from my previous race splits, perhaps could I break the wall to the big chance? But it was not so easy to get that result.

In tern of my marathon strategy, I needed to complete and finish a race for the sake of my motivation as a step to the next, as a satisfaction what I've been dedicated for. It was a very hard race because of curvy and busy course as everyone said, and also it was high pace running for me, 4:19/km pace for 21.0975km, I felt it could be more faster, I had no energy to smile, to say "Thank you" to everyone who came to cheer us on.

As a strategy, I've been dedicating for intervals, speed sessions, running on the track as daily training, yes it's suitable for me.
I realized that Wednesday track workout is very important as Sunday park running with TTOG.
I concentrated on repeating intervals to get be accustom fast pace, my heart was running at capacity, it was very hard training when I was running at minutes/km pace like breathless. But just kept repeating and repeating at easy pace and sometime hard pace.

I'm very satisfied with my result, I could get high motivation due to this race because of my good friend and coach's support. Thank you very much.

my splits:
21:53 - 5k
21:20 - 10k (43:14)
21:24 - 15k (1:04:39)
21:44 - 20k (1:26:23)
4:43 - 21.0975km (1:21:07)

a picnic day

2007-01-27T13:28:00.000+09:00

It's nice and beautiful day today, I want to go out somewhere if it's my holiday. I had a lunch in the Park in front of my office, yes I'm working today from 9 to 6.

I woke up at 6:15am this morning, and opened the door at 6:23am for moderate running for 8k in the cozy Zenpukuji Park before sunrise. Since my body was sleepy, I chose an easy running at 4:50/km pace, and got up to 4:15/km at last 1 loop for 3 minutes. I didn't become short of breath as before, but just sweaty. Today, I'm having a lot of green tea, volvic and coffee with milk, I won't drink it too much.

I planned to run in the Shinjuku City Half Marathon with tons of Namban people tomorrow, so hope it will be very nice day for a half marathon, let me run a whole course, please!

today's efforts:
time: 38:43
mil: about 8km
lap1: time: 7:25 avg HR: 151-77% avg Pace: 4:54/km mil: 1.51
lap2: time: 4:05 avg HR: 159-82% avg Pace: 4:45/km mil: 0.86
lap3: time: 4:00 avg HR: 164-84% avg Pace: 4:39/km mil: 0.86
lap4: time: 4:02 avg HR: 166-85% avg Pace: 4:39/km mil: 0.87
lap5: time: 4:06 avg HR: 166-85% avg Pace: 4:42/km mil: 0.87
lap6: time: 3:01 avg HR: 173-89% avg Pace: 4:16/km mil: 0.70
avg HR: 153-78% avg Pace: 5:03/km
cal: 321kcal
beginning time: 6:24am
location: Zenpukuji Park
weekly mil: 43km

moderate running on thursday and friday

2007-01-26T23:59:00.000+09:00

On 25th Thursday, I didn't want to get up morning, I was sleepy even the time was for running. I wanted to skip running, but I couldn't skip it. Just followed my plan for 10km at moderate running and stretches for three minutes at the end, before cool down. Went to the Inokashira Park for 1.8km at easy pace 5:30/km and went around the Park for 1.7km per a loop, repeated four times from 5:15/km to 5:05/km. I felt pretty good, running pace got fast very naturally, it went just peachy.

thursday's efforts:
time: 55:29
mil: 10km
lap1: time: 9:10 avg HR: 145-74% avg Pace: 5:14/km mil: 1.75km
lap2: time: 8:59 avg HR: 152-78% avg Pace: 5:09/km mil: 1.75km
lap3: time: 8:52 avg HR: 156-80% avg Pace: 5:05/km mil: 1.75km
lap4: time: 8:06 avg HR: 166-85% avg Pace: 4:39/km mil: 1.74km
avg HR: 149-76%
avg Pace: 5:14/km
cal: 436kcal
beginning time: 9:32pm
location: Inokashira Park

On 26th Friday, I took a half dayoff from work for having sports massage and going on an errand around my neighborhood. I needed to work at the late shift this week, so had to work definitely from 4pm, actually I really wanted to skip it, but just went to work. I was amazing!
I went to the Zenpukuji Park this morning, it's not a corny, it's a cozy place.

friday's efforts:
time: 29:40
mil:5km
avg HR: 136-70%
avg Pace: 5:39/km
cal: 198kcal
beginning time: 8:49am
location: Zenpukuji Park
weekly mil: 35km

asa-ren for moderate running + more

2007-01-24T23:46:00.000+09:00

Today's duties: 12k moderate in the morning (4:50/km) -- You could run some parts faster, say three-minute stretches at a bit faster than half-marathon pace.

Now I'm taking care about my foods and health as a runner. Since I'm working at the late shift for a whole this week from 11 to 8, there is a kinda problem for lunch. There are some places for lunch around my office, a cafeteria in the buildind that closed at 1:30 is not good, a chinese place where closed at 2pm is impolite, Denny's is bored, and the Parks are cold for a picnic. I had some bad experience at Chinese. They served me dirty rice without smile, took a long time to bring meals even other custmers who arrived after me were starting to eat already. I never prefered to have lunch there, but no place for it a lot.

Speaking of running, I followed my plan that made by Steve, ran for 3Km as warm up at avg 5:32/km pace, and built up avg 4:48/km pace for 6km and three minutes stretches at 4:14/km pace. Hopefully could run more a bit faste, but it was maximum because of early morning, my body was sleepy. But my body is good for running, my condition is still perfect for half marathon, hopefully.

today's efforts:
mil: 12km
time: 1:02:56
lap1: time: 4:48 avg HR: 151-77% avg Pace: 4:54/km mil: 0.99km
lap2: time: 4:47 avg HR: 155-79% avg Pace: 4:51/km mil: 0.98km
lap3: time: 4:49 avg HR: 156-80% avg Pace: 4:55/km mil: 0.98km
lap4: time: 4:47 avg HR: 158-81% avg Pace: 4:49/km mil: 0.99km
lap5: time: 4:42 avg HR: 161-83% avg Pace: 4:45/km mil: 0.99km
lap6: time: 4:46 avg HR: 161-83% avg Pace: 4:48/km mil: 0.99km
lap1: time: 3:01 avg HR: 171-88% avg Pace: 4:14/km mil: 0.71km
avg HR: 148-76%
avg Pace: 5:10/km
cal: 489kcal
location: on the track in Inokashira Park
beginning time: 7:34am
weekly mil: 20km

incredible rikuren official half marathon, chiba marine

2007-01-21T22:35:00.000+09:00

I was wondering, why watch was not ticking even I've been running for a long distance? Is it my imagination? The answer isn't difficult. Because of the short distance, I finished in 1:20:27 by my watch. According to the official comment, the distance which every runner ran was 18.7475km, it shorter than 2,350meters as a half marathon. The organizer gave wrong and short direction.
That's so shame if I would complete a whole distance, I could make my PB over 5minutes faster than previous 52 and 3/4 loops half marathon time trial on a track with Steve, Rie and Matthias.

I have a reason to stick resolutely to run in the official race of Japan track & field association. Actually I was hoping to run in Sendai International Half Marathon on May in my home town, in fact they require to get some kind of result as a member of Rikuren in the official race.

The weather was pretty nice, moderately a little of breeze, cloudy but no rain.
The course was separated for 1/2 Marathon runners and 10K runners, it was really comfortable. One of elite Namban Rengo Yoshida-san also was running in this race, he called me around 7Km point, so I cheer him on at another point where could pass him again.

As well as doing my best during the race, taking care to press the red bottom of my Polar watch at every 1km point , but the signs didn't show at every 1km point, then missed to it some time until the goal. Everything was perfect until around 12km point, after that, I couldn't see the sign to know the distance because all runners followed the wrong direction, that's why there were no signs.

Some people complained, some people just disappointed, and I was also disappointed, but don't be negative. If it was my real result, I could run in the same pace again. So, don't be mad too much.

Fortunately, there are some good news: I have another chance for Half marathon next Sunday, I could run again like this pace, I feel like get motivation for next time. Anyway, I definitely need to be ready in a week, yes my duty is recovering completely in a week.

splits:
1km: 4:11 2km: 4:29 3km:missed 4km: 8:44 5km: 4:25
6km: 4:25 7km: 4:25 8km: 4:26 9km: 4:23 10km: 4:23
11km: 4:20 12km: 4:20 13km: ? 14km:11:31 15km: 2:36(wrong direction)
16km: 4:28 17km: 4:25 Finish: 4:50

thu's recovery run & wed'night speed session

2007-01-19T00:12:00.000+09:00

Thursday, I was so tired a whole day, I want to have massage but just go for recovery running. Now feel better, even though I feel like having heavy irons on my sholders.

today's efforts:
mile: 8km
time: 42:16:3
avg HR: 141-72%
avg Pace: 5:23/km
cal: 301kcal
beginning time: 7:37pm
location: my neighborhood
weekly mil: 40km
__________________________________________________

Wednesday night, I joined Namban's workout on the track. Today's my duties were: don't stop in the middle, keep running in the same pace all intervals, just maintain. However I misunderstood when I was running for three laps, I thought I might finish four laps! Then I stopped...Oops, did the same mistake thing, but it wasn't kaind of same this time.
I'm not satisfied with these numbers, what should I do to run more evenly and fast like a rabbit?

today's efforts:
mile: 12km
time: 1:00:55
warm up from Sento to the track and intervals for 6.4km plus cool down
=intervals=
lap1: time: 6:53 avg HR: 169-87% avg Pace: 4:21/km mil: 1.6km
lap2: time: 6:36 avg HR: 178-91% avg Pace: 4:17/km mil: 1.54km
lap3: time: 5:08 avg HR: 177-91% avg Pace: 4:16/km mil: 1.2km
lap4: time: 6:55 avg HR: 175-90% avg Pace: 4:21/km mil: 1.6km
avg HR: 158-81%
avg Pace: 5:26/km
cal: 532kcal
beginning time: 7:07pm
location: oda field

steady run for 12km with heart beat

2007-01-16T23:43:00.000+09:00

When I went for trail run with one of Namban crew Jay last Saturday, my maximum heart rate was higher 205. Then I had heart sore. I couldn't take a breath, either walk. Just took a deep breath quietly. I thought perhaps I could die suddenly on the top of mountain.

Tonight, I had a running plan by Steve: Steady for 12k, if I'm tired just run a whole distance at 5:00 to 4:50. And also there is an option, but I couldn't burn energy for all things, would rather completing today's small dutie diligently, no adventure. As warm up, started very easy at 6:00 pace from my place, and got pace up by bits. I felt like I was running at under 4:40, because my heart beated hardly like couldn't take a breath lightly. After 3k warm up, arrived on the track and started pace run at 4:50 pace for 7km. I took an easy way to save my energy for tomorrow's training. It was hard one, tonight.

today's efforts:
time: 1h06m21s
mil: 12.65km
lap1: time: 4:46 avg HR:158-81% avg pace: 4:57/km mil: 0.96km
lap2: time: 4:54 avg HR:158-81% avg pace: 4:54/km mil: 1km
lap3: time: 4:46 avg HR:162-83% avg pace: 4:51/km mil: 0.98km
lap4: time: 4:52 avg HR:164-84% avg pace: 4:52/km mil: 1km
lap5: time: 4:45 avg HR:166-85% avg pace: 4:45/km mil: 1km
lap6: time: 4:51 avg HR:166-85% avg pace: 4:51/km mil: 1km
lap7: time: 4:25 avg HR:174-89% avg pace: 4:22/km mil: 1.01km
avg HR: 152-78%
avg Pace: 5:14/km
cal: 544kcal
beginning time: 8:05pm
location: Inokashira Park in the track
weekly mil: 20k

weekly training report from Jan 2nd to 8th

2007-01-08T20:21:00.000+09:00

hashiri-zome/first running on Jan 2nd
I had a plan to go shopping and eat lunch with my friend, so dashed out from running as soon as possible.
The cafe where we had lunch, they accept customers bring pets, that's fine. But pets can't control to stop peeing and doing duties and they don't care about even customers are eating meals or drinking, the restaurant should keep out of inside, the things happened so I won't be there.

jan 2nd's efforts:
time: 1:21:06
mil: 14km
avg HR: 147-75%
avg Pace: 5:41/km
cal: 623kcal
starting time: 7:41
location: my neighborhood

irregular intervals with Namban People on Jan 3rd
I was supposed to run with Ma and go for sale after that, but one of Namban girl Robin emailed to the list to ask about the workout, then I invited all to do intervals together. Finally seven people gathered at the zero-point of PG, we ran around Gosho in the beginning, and repeated four times intervals, ran harder for 1,200meters, and jogged for 125 meters to zero point. It was not only hard work but also good exercise. Thanks to Steve for making the plan and thanks to all for coming!

today's efforts:
time: 1:32:11
lap1: time: 5:01 avg HR: 165-85% avg Pace: 4:09 mil: 1.2km
lap2: time: 4:48 avg HR: 175-90% avg Pace: 3:53? mil: 1.2km
lap3: time: 4:45 avg HR: 178-91% avg Pace: 4:06 mil: 1.2km
lap4: time: 4:51 avg HR: 180-92% avg Pace: ? mil: 1.2km
mil: 16km
Reduced about 10km as warm up and cool down.
avg HR: 155-79%
avg Pace: ?/km
cal: 781kcal
starting time: 14:25
location: around Gosho & PG

thursday workout: skipped

happy friday running on Jan 5th
Basically, "happy friday" means the day before weekend, the day before two days off. In case of working on weekend, does it work this kind of way to say? Well, never mind!
I woke up earlier and did asa-ren for 5k run as recovery running.
I remembered today was my mother's birthday, but I didn't do nothing special for her, never mind!
And after work went for run again to the track for built up train by Steve's instruction.

today's efforts:
time: 1:02:26
mil: about 11km
at 130HR for 1km at 140HR for 2km at 157-160HR for 5km & at 170HR for 1km + cool down
at 130HR for 1km:
time: 6:49 avg HR: 127-69% avg Pace: 5:49 mil: 1km
at 140HR for 2km
time: 10:53 avg HR: 141-72% avg Pace: 5:18 mil: 2km
at 157-160HR for 5km
lap1: time: 4:47 avg HR: 158-81% avg Pace: 4:52 mil: 1km
lap2: time: 4:51 avg HR: 159-82% avg Pace: 4:55 mil: 1km
lap3: time: 4:52 avg HR: 160-82% avg Pace: 4:57 mil: 1km
lap4: time: 5:01 avg HR: 162-83% avg Pace: 4:58 mil: 1km
lap5: time: 4:47 avg HR: 158-81% avg Pace: 4:52 mil: 1km
at 170HR for 1km
time: 4:24 avg HR: 171-88% avg Pace: 4:33 mil: 1km
cool down at 130HR for 1km:
time: 15:58 avg HR: 141-72% avg Pace: 6:09 mil: 2.6km
avg HR: 149-76%
avg Pace: 5:20km
cal: 491kcal
starting time: 20:29
location: track in my neighborhood

saturday run
It was rainy day in the morning and afternoon. When I was in outside to head to the station, it had been stopped. I thought, I had to run... I was expecting a bit not to stop raining, I was just tired.
So ran as easy for only 7km

today's efforts:
time: 41:49
mile: 7km
avg HR: 134-69%
avg Pace: 5:54/km
cal: 273kcal
starting time: 19:45
location: in my neighborhood

sunday's park run
As usual ran in the Park with two gentlemen and Yuka joined us.
She is running for Tokyo marathon enthusiastically, she looks like having high motivation and no problems of injury at all. I have one month more than Tokyo's runners, but now it's time to start more enthusiastically like her.

sunday's efforts:
time: 2:44:35 + 20m
mil: about 30km + 1k
lap1: time: 14:01 avg HR: 143-73% avg Pace: 5:33 mil: 2.5km
lap2: time: 13:36 avg HR: 149-76% avg Pace: 5:23 mil: 2.5km
lap3: time: 13:28 avg HR: 152-78% avg Pace: 5:18 mil: 2.5km
lap4: time: 14:27 avg HR: 148-76% avg Pace: 5:37 mil: 2.5km
lap5: time: 3:39 avg HR: 145-74% avg Pace: 5:15 mil: 0.69km
lap6: time: 31:04 avg HR: 144-74% avg Pace: 5:25 mil: 5.75km
lap7: time: 30:15 avg HR: 158-81% avg Pace: 5:17 mil: 5.71km
lap8: time: 29:28 avg HR: 168-86% avg Pace: 5:09 mil: 5.71km
lap9: time: 14:34 avg HR: 156-80% avg Pace: 6:11 mil: 2.5km
avg HR: 154-79%
avg Pace: 5:25km
cal: 1,362kcal
starting time: 7:59
location: yoyogi park
weekly mileage: 85km

holiday run as recovery running
I ran as recovery for only 13km, I have backache today since I didn't dedicate for core strength as previous training. I should go to Musashino-gym for it and swim.

holiday's efforts:
time: 1:15:33
mil: 13km
avg HR: 141-72%
avg Pace: 5:48km
cal: 537kcal
starting time: 8:52
location: tamagawa josui

お正月/oshogatsu/new year/ano nuevo

2007-01-04T20:24:00.000+09:00

December 31st, I was in Tokyo Station to have a sheet in Shinkasen to get to hometown Miyagi, and visit my uncle & aunt in Yamagata. I spent a lot of time in the huge station over 2hrs to get a ticket and to be on the line at the platform. It was crowded with people were going back to hometown. My uncle and aunt live in a small town in Yamagata, they had been upset me since I had been in Tokyo without visiting for a long time. So I had no choice to get to be there this time.
Actually I was very happy to see them with Soba for having new year and Osechi that my aunt made for me. We watched Ekiden on Gantan morning by TV for a while. They surprised very much to know that I've been running for Tokyo Women's Marathon. I left their house very quickly to move to Sendai and took a local train.

After arrivals in Sendai, went for visiting to the temple where my parents are sleeping, afterwards I met my friend who was playing with me since about 25years ago!. She has two cutie girls, but doesn't look like that, doesn't change nothing at all as before. We had a chat for only two hrs at Jusco, it was very fun as childhood.

Going back to hometown is no bad, seeing friends, family, and eating typical foods are so wonderful, a lot of memories reminded me. Fun and sad... sweet and bitter things.
I enjoyed staying even though it was too short trip, no run, no rush, just meeting my people and relaxed. I should had to go for Onsen with my people, yes I love to do it next time!

Look familiar scenery that taken by my keitai in my hometown Miyagi in Matsushima and which one is ekiben with beer & mikan in Shinkansen.

an alternative of Kamakura for 30k and adios 2006!

2006-12-30T22:13:00.000+09:00

Now I'm taking a break from the clean up of end of year! It's the important Japanese custom as a last important duty. That's why could have a happy new year at cleanness place due to a hard work.

I got a call from a running friend David Motozo because I was supposed to join for trail run in Kamakura... he might be alone, sorry!!! I know that over 10 people could gather and would have very fun running on the beach and trail section in the afternoon, so I figure he might be happy!!! I got a lot of task in the afternoon then couldn't make it.

Instead of going to Kamakura, trail running in Ome for 30k, it was soooooooooooooooooooo hard.
One of my running friend Ma could company me but she left me at 8.5km point, she went back to Ome to be back to Tokyo... but I didn't stop, just kept heading to Mt. Takamizu, Montrail trail race 30k course. The course is fairly hill up and down continually, I went down crash hill-down for 2-3km after Mt. Raiden. I felt bad when thought about the return trip... My legs were so heavy, couldn't move. Mostly just climbed around Takamizu area.

It was a windy day today, my face got chilly strong wind when running between mountain and mountain and also a part of road was frozen! Climate is totally different between starting point Ome and turning point Mt. Takamizu even though they are in the same area, but I estimate that elevation is totally different. It took long time today's running as surprised! And after arrivals at the finishing point, time was almost 2pm! I'm very satisfied because I completed a whole course for 30k and paced own my pace.

In closing, I would like to say thank you for everything all and have a happy new year!!!

today's efforts:
time: 3h58m
mil: about 30k
avg HR: 151-79%
avg Pace: 7m55s
cal: 1,901kcal
location: Ome to Mt.Takamizu
starting time: 9:31am

happy friday running

2006-12-22T22:54:00.000+09:00

Last night I got a Christmas card from my friend Theresa in WA, in the States, thanks for the card Theresa! !Feliz Navidad!
It was raining during today's asa-ren in the track in Inokashira Park. Not cold, it was warm actually.
I was supposed to run like this; 8 x 400 m on the track. Try to do each one in about 90 to 92 seconds and have a slow 200 m jog recovery in between each one, that's why hurried up to the track.
I just managed my track workouts, and incresed a bit of mileage from 400m to 800m for only 3 loops. I hopefuly would like to overcome my worse issue of running track workout, and improve more... as a rabbit lightly. Anyway, I had a pretty hard asa-ren today.

today's efforts:
time: 1:05:05
distance: about 10k, 2km as warm up, 3.6km as intervals, 3km as cool down + more as jog.
lap1: time: 3:18 mil: 800m avgHR: 157-81% avg Pace: 4:42/km
lap2: time: 3:21 mil: 800m avgHR: 166-85% avg Pace: 4:42/km
lap3: time: 1:39 mil: 400m avgHR: 162-83% avg Pace: 5:01/km
lap4: time: 3:30 mil: 800m avgHR: 170-87% avg Pace: 4:33/km
lap5: time: 1:42 mil: 400m avgHR: 164-84% avg Pace: 4:22/km
lap6: time: 1:41 mil: 400m avgHR: 163-84% avg Pace: 4:14/km
avg HR: 144-74%
avg Pace: ???/km (Couldn't caluculate because battery has died during running)
cal: 481kcal
starting time: 6:59am
location: in the track in Inokashira Park

asa-ren/workout in the early morning

2006-12-19T08:40:00.000+09:00

I need to work from 11 this week except Wednesday, so I'm trying to get up earlier and run in the morning before work.

Advantage: feel good all day, can use time effectively after work (I mean, don't need to run in the cold night...), etc
Disadvantage: cold... sleepy, some time get sleep during work, it's hard to run faster as expecting pace, can't stay longer in bed, etc

This week is like this.

monday's running:
Ran in the Inokashira Park, and refered the pace from Steve's recommendation, so set @ 5:30/1km pace as recovery running for 8.5km, my legs were heavy but no matter when I got starting. My knees were fine. My today's prise is a cinammon pastry for breakfast.

mil: 8.5km, 2km as warm up, 4km as recovery run @ 5:30 pace, and 2.5km as cool down.
time: 47m07s
avg HR: 146-75%
avg Pace: 5:37/km
cal: 359kcal
starting time: 7:07am
location: Inokashira Park

tuesday's running:
Ran in the track in the Inokashira Park, and used a track to know pace and my body condition. I couldn't get pace up for 5minutes pace. I felt left side of back ache, but it's not painful so I think it's going to be fine soon. Just need stretch enough.

I got an acceptance card of Boston marathon!!! YEAH!

mil: 8.5km, 2km as warm up, 4km as easy run @ 5:00 pace, and 2.5km as cool down.
lap1: time: 5:05 avg HR:155-79% avg Pace: 5:20/km mil: 0.96km
lap2: time: 4:57 avg HR:160-82% avg Pace: 5:07/km mil: 0.97km
lap3: time: 5:03 avg HR:165-85% avg Pace: 4:54/km mil: 0.99km
lap4: time: 5:02 avg HR:165-85% avg Pace: 4:54/km mil: 0.99km
time: 47m21s
avg HR: 150-77%
avg Pace: 5:34/km
cal: 375kcal
starting time: 7:07am
location: Inokashira Park

an elephant's legs

2006-12-17T20:41:00.000+09:00

I have run for 30K which an event running "The Magical Mystery Tour of Tokyo" organized by cheeky friend Gareth, he is very funny and sweet.
I asked Gareth recently to show me the course, but he said "NO" because it's a mystery... Even though went for trail running, my legs were okay until finished today's 30k run. After running, I stretched easily, and went to eat for Italian lunch with Mika and Motozo. After that, I was terrible to down the stairs. I'm walking like a lobot, can't walk naturally, they are so heavy. I'm supposed to run for 7k as recorvery running...

today's efforts:
mil: about 30k
time: about 2h40m
HR max: 169-87% avg: 153-78%
avg pace: 5:33/km
cal: 1236kcal
weekly mil: 67km

trail running with three companions

2006-12-16T18:20:00.000+09:00

I woke up at 6am and fell back to sleep, and got up at 7:10am... I planned to go to Ome with two chicas of Namban guys. Fortunately, we got one more trail lover in the morning, so we were four. We were going to run for 18km but I was only one person who cut off 3k and turned back at 7.5k point because I needed to follow my training plan. Just waited for the others for 20 min in Mcdonald's.

Ome is located in west Tokyo, it takes 57minutes by holiday express train. Now it's a season to hike and enjoy watching autumnal colors of the leaves, led, orange, yellow, and blown. The trail course which we passed have been covered by colorful leaves. It was a perfect day for trail run today, warm, sunny and no wind. Actually I got tan today. I should had to put sun block lotion on my face.

My running was not so bad because I didn't run too much, not too fast and slow. I just followed my plan, but I definitely will try to run long distance and more tough run for my spring marathon. I hope spring comes soon, and dreams come true.

today's efforts:
mil: 15k
time: 1h45m38s
HR: max189-97%　avg162-83%
Pace: max 4:39　avg 6:57
cal: 933kcal
weekly mil:37km

my efforts of the year 2006 as records

2006-12-11T22:54:00.000+09:00

early birds running with chicks

2006-12-02T17:40:00.000+09:00

There is a proverb "The cow that's first up, gets the first of the dew".
I ran as early birds running with chicks, it was very fun!
We gathered in front of Hanzomon, and started running at 8:35am.
Just ran easy and steady with girl's talking...
We rounded at 5min pace for 1 loop, it was perfect pace as an easy running, right? During running, not only enjoyed running, but also enjoyed viewing autumnal colors of the leaves in front of Tokyo Station. There were many tourists in the early morning, it was beautiful sunny day. Hope we can run again together!

today's efforts:
mil: about 15k + about 3k to get to Tokyo Gym
time: about 1:17 + about 20minutes

I didn't wear a wear link, watch either foot pod, today.

vacaciones en guam

2006-11-30T21:12:00.000+09:00

I was in Guam for vacation four days and three nights after the marathon.
I had gotten free air tickets for two as a prize of a charity race in the Palace on April, and I stocked them and waited and waited when I could fly and to be there for fun for a long time.
Usually I take a lot of pictures at the event but I'm not satisfied since they are not enough this time!!!

I could stay at high floor, non-smoking, and quiet room. so satisfied very much to stay in an ocean view room. Scenery was so beautiful as a tropical island, and blue sky was almost there!
I tried to do Parasailing!!! It was so fun.

After dinner, stopped by Hard Rock cafe in Guam, it was second experince to be there. First was Roppongi and second was this time. I was completely disappointed by this abysmal desserts. Whip cream was disaster, ice-cream was melting... Coffee was just like blown color hot water

I had massage in the Spa, then I was melting, relaxing and satisfied 100%.
I didn't remember the time of half when having massage. I should had to pay more money as chip... If I am lucky, hope to get free tickets again to get to another place next time!!!

start living out of the spring

2006-11-28T22:33:00.000+09:00

I started training from Monday's night, but today took a break since feel tired and had fever. I was going to sleep as soon as possible, but still suffering, writing and doing something.

Last night went for run for 7k as neighborhood running just easy but not too steady.
I felt my body heavy like an elephant. I ate too much in Guam trip.
I still can cry when I think about my failure third marathon, but have to keep moving to the next thing, shouldn't be negative... so applied for Arakawa marathon to make me feel better and be possitive.

Tomorrow, hope to join for 5k TT and run as well as I can run fast.