Sano Marathon Race (The 5th)

Date: Sunday, December 13, 2009 Weather: Cloudy, then occasionally sunny

Location: Sano City, Tochigi Pref.


Details of Race:Refer to the fourth Sano Marathon Race


Image

 
Long-sleeve T-shirt design

Records

5 km	28 minutes
10 km	55 minutes
15 km	1 hour 22 minutes
20 km	1 hour 49 minutes
25 km	2 hours 13 minutes
30 km	2 hours 43 minutes
35 km	3 hours 13 minutes
40 km	?
Goal	3 hours 58 minutes

Impression

• I left home at 5:20 AM. It was cloudy and cold. The weatherman said it would be getting sunny.
• I arrived in Sano Station at 7:554 AM via the same route as those of last year.
• Two times of runners made a line for shuttle buses in front of the station compared with the number of last year. Thus I could not get on the first bus and was forced to wait for the second bus.
• It took only 10 minutes to reach the marathon site this year since there was no traffic jam.
• Last year the reception was set very close to the athletic field. However, this year, runners had to go to the gymnastics a little bit far from the athletic field. I did not know there was gymnastics last year. I wondered if the runners could use the gymnastics last year when it was rainy.
• The location where the reception was set last year was used as luggage deposit. I could understand the reason why the reception was re-located.
• After finishing the registration, I changed the wears and deposited the luggage. (Free of charge!)
• The opening ceremony started from 9:00 AM. It was announced that the number of runners for full marathon race was doubled this year. (From 1,000 to 2,000) That's the reason why the shuttle buses were so crowded.
• Although the marathon is getting more and more popular among young gals, they seems not to have interested in the marathon race in countryside. Only the middle-aged male runners increased.
• The guest runner was Mr. Seko. His speech was interesting with humor. (Someone said his speech was always the same!) He said he would join 5-km race.
• I was looking for my running mates; however, I could not find them before start.
• The full marathon race started at 10:00 AM. It was still cloudy and cold.
• The number of runners was not so many and thus almost no loss time after start.
• Shortly after the start, I was passed by my two running mates. I promised them to see after 4 hours 30 minutes.
• Soon the sun appeared and it became a little bit warm. I started to sweat a bit since I wore thick long-sleeve shirt.
• The time at 5 km was 28 minutes. 10 km: 55 minutes. Normal running pace for me.
• Last year, I was forced to run in cold rain. However, it was fine and an ideal day for marathon. I ran seeing desolate wintry mountains.
• It took long time for me to reach the upward 15-km turn-around from 10 km point.
• 20-km: 1 hour 49 minutes, Middle point: 1 hour 55 minutes. Good pace!
• After 20-km point, my running pace was up! 25-km point: 2 hours 13 minutes. Good time after an long interval.
• I could keep the pace. 30-km point: 2 hours 43 minutes, 35-km point: 3 hours 13 minutes. I could finish within 4 hours.
• Eating a big rice ball made by myself might achieve a successful outcome.
• I strived to run from 30 km to 35 km.
• However, my running pace started to slow down at 5 km point to the goal. It seemed that I exerted myself too much.
• Anyway, I managed to reach the 2 km point to the goal. However, I was exhausted. The pace further slowed down. I was passed by many runners. I was almost about to finish the race within 4 hours!
• I tried to run as much as possible with clenched teeth, but the pace was very slow.
• I had to run last 1 km with my last energy, but it was so hard to death.
• Anyway, I could finish 3 hours 58 minutes. I was burned out.
• After changing the wear, I got free pork soup with vegetable.
• Then I could meet running mates. I thought they finished earlier than me. However, I was the first one.
• We got back to Sano Station by shuttle bus. While it was a short ride, anyhow, I got carsickness.
• Anyway, we got into Sano Noodle restaurant. I had a glass of draft beer, however, I felt bad and had no appetite. I excused them and had to leave by myself.
• I got on the local train of Ryomo Line bound for Oyama at 15:22. This time, I found Ryomo Line was double track. I had thought it was single track.
• I could get home earlier than expected (before 19:00)
• I could finish the race within 4 hours after one-year interval. However, I had to pay the price. I may not make an excessive run any more.
• I got damage on my body. I had a difficulty in walking up/down the stairs at the station on the following morning.

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