Sakura Marathon Race (The 26th)

Date: Sunday, March 25, 2007 Weather: Heavy Rain, Strong Wind

Location: Sakyra City, Chiba Pref.

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T Shirt


Record & Impression

• The weekly weather forecast had been saying that it would be rainy on Sunday.
• It seems that I became a "Rain Man" who invites the rainy weather since 2007 Tokyo Marathon Race.
• When I woke up at 4:00 AM on Sunday morning, it had already been lightly raining.
• I switched on the TV to watch the latest weather forecast. The weatherman said it would rain heavily daytime!
• I left home at 6:00 AM. It started raining heavily and I almost got wet to the skin when I reached the station.
• I took on the limited express train of Keisei Line from Nippori Station as usual. I could not meet my running mate there.
• I arrived in Keisei Sakura Station at 8:03 AM. It was still raining! A lot of runners were waiting for free shuttle bus. It seemed to take much time to ride on the bus and thus I decided to walk to the marathon site. The rain was not so heavy while walking. It was not cold. I walked as quickly as possible and I sweated very much by the time I reached the site.
• After the registration, it began raining in real earnest. It was difficult to change the wears in the heavy rain.
• The seats under the roof of the stadium were already occupied.
• Fortunately I found that the gymnasium of the primary school closely located to the athletic field was open to the runners.
• So I rushed to the gymnasium. However, it was almost occupied by lots of runners.
• I managed to keep the space for myself and changed the wears.
• After changing the wears, I went out into the rain to find out my running mates, however, in vain.
• As forecasted, the rain and wind became stronger.
• The full marathon race would start at 9:30 AM. I lined up around 9:15 AM in the heavy rain with vinyl bag fitted.
• 2,800 runners started at a time. No one cared for heavy rain.
• This is my second experience to start the full marathon race in the heavy rain following to the 2007 Tokyo Marathon Race.
• I felt that the rain and wind were heavier than those of Tokyo Marathon race. But I should be thankful that it was not cold.
• We were forced to run against the strong wind until we reached Keisei Sakura Station. I got sore when big drops of rain hit my skin.
• A lot of big puddles appeared on the road and my shoes got fully wet.
• Anyway, I tried to catch up with runners around me in the heavy rain and wind. I had no leeway to see the scenery.
• Although running condition was worst, I could pass the middle point after 1 hour 51 minutes from the start.
• The rain once weakened, but shortly the heavy rain and wind resumed. I exhausted myself since I frequently had to run against heavy rain and wind. The black clouds were hanging low in the sky. A real spring storm!
• I felt tired while I was running along side Imbanuma Lake after 25 km point. However, the rain did not seem to stop.
• The passing time at 30 km point was 2 hours 40 minutes. It seemed I might complete within 4 hours.
• The rain finally stopped after 30 km point. My running pace slowed down, but I tried to run as fast as possible.
• It was hard for me to run the last 10 km to the goal. I passed 40 km point after 3 hours 40 minutes from the start.
• I felt that the last 2 km was the longest. My running pace completely slowed down. I could not forward my foot. To make the matter worse, the rain started again. I even felt cold since I threw away my vinyl bag around 35 km point since I felt hot.
• The running pace at the last slope to the athletic filed was almost the same as walking. More than 10 runners passed me.
• Anyway, I could finish the race. The goal time was 3 hours 55 minutes. I could complete within 4 hours. During the race, I thought I might finish around three hours forty-five minutes, but I could not.
• I cannot finish the full marathon races with ease. I recognized that the full marathon race is profound.
• After getting finisher certificate, I went back to the gymnasium to change wears.
• I brought several canned beers to drink with my running mates after the race, but I had to drink by myself this time. Anyway, I felt good after drinking one canned beer.
• I rushed to the bus stop to get back to the station. I happened to meet my running mate while walking to the bus stop.
• We got back to the station and went to the Chinese restaurant to have after-the-race party as usual. I enjoyed drinking Japanese sake there.
• I came across the group from Tsudanuma City at the restaurant and said hello each other.
• I could come home around 18:00. Earlier than I expected.
• This race was one of the worst running conditions. I completely exhausted! I prefer to run on sunny day while enjoying the scenery.
• Several young gals were running in the heavy rain and wind. I would like to salute them with cheers.
  
  Records
  

  5 km	26 minutes
  10 km	*
  15 km	1 hour 187 minutes
  20 km	1 hour 45 minutes
  Middle Point	1 hour 51 minutes
  25 km	*
  30 km	2 hours 40 minutes
  35 km	3 hours 10 minutes
  40 km	3 hours 40 minutes
  Goal	3 hours 55 minutes

  
  

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