8)Saturday June 22, 2002 It is only one week now before Saroma-Lake Ultra Marathon Race. Cloudy after rain

• It also rained in torrents this weekend in the early morning. The rain continued till 7:00 AM.
• I left home at 7:15 AM immediately after the rain stopped. The destination was Ohizumi Central Park.
• The temperature rose up to 30 degrees Cetigrade yesterday, however, today's temperature was only 20 degrees Centigrade. It was chilly this morning.
• When coming back from the park, I happened to see a mother spotbill duck with five chicks.
• The total running distance of today was just 20km. From now on before the ultra marathon, I have a plan to run totally 30km. (Tomorrow: 20km, next weekday: 10km)
• In order to maintain the best condition, I had better refrain from hard work (?) and heavy drinking next week!
  
  

7)Saturday June 15, 2002 Running around the Tamako-Lake in the rain & Saroma-Lake Ultara Marathon Send-Off Party. Cloudy then rain

• It has been humid in Tokyo since the rainy season started around June 5, 2002.
• We had a thunder-storm in the early this morning althouh I had a plan to run around the Tamako-Lake as I did last week.
• The weatherman said it would be rainy all in the morning. However, the rain tentatively stopped and thus I went out at 6:45 AM.
• As I approached Tamako-Lake, it started to drizzle. As soon as I entered into the Tamako Circular Road, it changed to rain! The weather forecast was correct!
• Shortly after, one middle-aged runner passed me. So I tried to catch up with him and run as fast as possible.
• For a few kilometers, I ran the same running pace as his. However, finally, I gave up and ran at my own pace.
• Hereafter the rain continued strongly or weakly. No one was running any more in the rain until I came back home.
• I came back home at 11:00 AM. I was wet to the skin.
• By the way, Mr. O, my running mate, called me on Friday night and told me that he wanted to have a Saroma-Lake ultra marathon send-off party for me.
• I highly appreciated his offer and accepted it.
• I met three members of "Higashi-kurume fathers Club" in front of the station and went into the Japanese pub. We had a small send-off party and had a good time! Mr. S gave me a talisman of Hikawa Shrine! Thank you very much for the party!
• Only two weeks left before ultra marathon race!
  
  

6)Saturday June 8, 2002 Running around the Tamako-Lake Cloudy, then sunny

• It is only three weeks now before Saroma Lake ultra marathon race.
• I took the 40-km course:running around Tamako-Lake.
• I left home at 4:50 AM. It was cloudy, but hot and humid.
• Hydrangeas were in full blossom. I could see a lot of flowers in the Tamako-Lake Cycling Road.
• I entered Tamako-Lake circular course after 1.25 hours. Usually, I run counter-clockwise via Sayama Park around the lake. However, this time I ran clockwise. Thus the scenery seemed to be different this time.
• Soon, I could hear a cuckoo singing in the forest.
• I was surprised to meet more runners than I expected in the course in such an early morning!
• Most of them were running fast in a sweat. I cannot run such a fast speed.
• It was hot and humid and thus I sweated a lot. The only problem of Tamako-Lake circular course is that only one toilet is available during the course.
• I felt tired whe I approached the terminal of the circular course (approx. 26 km from my home) I didn't want to run one more round as I did last time.
• Anyway, I took rest at Sayama Park for a while and left for home. I had to drink water several times since it became hotter and hotter.
• Finally I came home around 9:00 AM. Running distance was 41.5 km. It took 4 hours 11 minutes. I sweated so much this time and thus I felt more exhausted than the time when I made two-round running of Tamako-Lake.
• By the way, Mr. F, who are now working at Wakayama Pref. separated with his family, suddenly called me this morning and asked to meet at the Higashi-kurume station this evening. He happened to come back to Tokyo at weekend. We met at Japanese pub in front of the station and chatted/drank. Mr. F will also join the Saroma Lake ultra marathon race. I believe he will complete the race without problem since he runs more than 400 km every month which I cannot do it.
• He gave me a famous Wakayama's Japanese sake named "Kuroushi: Black Cow" as souvenior. I have to taste it unhurriedly and may introduce it on the Japanese Sake page of my website shortly.
  
  
  Hydrangeas(blue) (White) (Red)
  
  

5)Saturday June 1, 2002 60-km Run (Nogawa River - Futagotamagawa Bridge - Tamagawa Cycling Road - Koremasa Bridge - Shin-Koganei Roadway) Cloudy occasionally fine

• In May, the total running distance was 363 km, which is the longest distance for me.
• I ran twice every weekday and that is the reason why I could run 363 km.
• However, I could only run one time in this weekday.
• Last weekend, I had a plan to run more than 60 km, however, I couldn't since I drank too much on last Friday.
• Thus I decided not to drink this Fraidy and came home without drinking.
• I left home at 4:50 AM. It was cloudy. The expected maximum temperture was 28 dgrees Centigrade! It was still cool in the early morning.
• On the way, I ran the same course as I did on May 5 (See below). This time I ran to the terminal of Nogawa River Cycling Road. The water of Nogawa River was getting worse as I ran down the river. The cycling road disappeared at the end! I was at a loss for a while.
• Anyway, finally I arrived in the Futagotamagawa Station of Tokyu Line. The distance was 27.5 km. It took 2 hours 45 minutes. I though the distance would be 30 km. Shorter than I expected.
• I acrossed the Futagotamagawa Bridge and entered into Kawasaki City of Kanagawa Pref. Then I started to run the Tamagawa Cycling road to the north.
• I used to run this road when I lived in Kawasaki City more than 10 years ago. The scenery was almost the same as that of 10 years ago.
• I ran to Koremasa Bridge via Noborito. In some parts, the cycling road was not properly arranged and even disappeared. The distance to Koremasa Bridge was approx. 45 km. It was getting hotter and I was getting tired.
• I acrossed the bridge and ran alongside the Tokyo Horse Race Track. A lot of race funs were walking to the entrance of race track. Then I ran into Shin-koganei Roadway.
• After passing the 50 km point, my running pace was slowing down. At the same time, I started to feel pain on my foot.
• I prepared air-sprayed anodyne for muscular pain. I applied to my foot a few times. It seemed to be effective.
• Finally I came home. The total distance was 62 km. Totally it took 6 hours 42 minutes. At the planning stage, I thought the total distance would be almost 70 km. A little bit shorter than I planned.)
• I think I ran very well this time. However, in case of ultra marathon race, I have to run 40 km more! I can't believe it at this moment!
• As soon as I came home, I drank a beer! Very delicious after 60-km running!
  
  
  Odakyu Line at Noborito Brige on Tamagawa River
  
  

4)Sunday May 5, 2002 Nogawa River - Jindaiji Temple - Tama River - Shin-Koganei Roadway (Sunny)

• I felt muscular pains on May 4, the day after I jogged more than 50 km. I tried to run 10 km, but gave up at 7 km point.
• This day, I decided to run the Nogawa Cycling Road.
• I left home at 6:00 AM. The maximum temperature would be around 26 degrees Centigrade. It was getting hotter and hotter.
• I ran to JR Musashi Koganei Station alongside Koganei Roadway, then I entered the Cycling road.
• Some part of Nogawa River dried up owing to lack of rain.
• First, I had a plan to run to Futago-tamagawa where Nogawa River joins Tama River. However, it might be impossible for me to run back. Then, I changed the course. I ran to Tama River from Jindaiji Temple.
• I arrived in the bank of Tama River via Tsurukawa Roadway. I could see snow-covered Mt. Fuji far away.
• It was nice to run seeing the flow of Tama River at the lefthand.
• I ran to Koremasa Bridge on the bank (approx. 25 km), then I left for home.
• I finally got to Shin-Koganei Roadway after I lost my way.
• Luckily, on the way, I could see the flowers of "Kisuge", a kind of lily, at the Sengenzan Park.
• At last, I reached Koganei Park and had a chance to drink a canned beer! I rested there for 30 minutes.
• I came home around 11:00 AM. The total running distance was approx. 41 km.
  
  
  Nogawa River Tama River
  
  "Kisuge" flower
  
  

3) Friday May 3, 2002 50-km Run (Sunny)

• I had a plan to run 50 km at the initial stage for the preparation of 100-km ultra marathon race. However, I was wondering which course I should have taken.
• The priority is that the starting and ending point is my home. Finally, I decided to run to Tamako Lake and run around the lake twice, then I come back to home. Then the total running distance should be more than 50 km.
• I do not want to go around the same course, but I have no choice.
• I left home at 6:00 AM. It was fine and cool.
• I ran to Tamako Lake via Tamako Lake Cycling Road. I could enjoy seeing fresh green.
• Through Sayama Park, I entered into the cycling road around Tamako Lake. I ran there after a long interval.
• It was so early in the morning, but I met several walkers and joggers. Fresh green could also be seen.
• The distance was approx. 28 km when I finshed first round. I continued to run around the lake.
• During the second round, I met several families who were enjoying cycling since it was holiday.
• Just before finshing second round, a lady suddenly passed me saying "Good Morning!" I could not catch up with her, but felt refreshed.
• When I finshed second round, the distance was approx. 42 km. Then I left for my home. The remaining distance was approx. 13 km.
• The cycling road was crowded with middle-aged ladies and gentlemen who participated walking race.
• I arrived in home at 11:45 AM. The total running distance was approx. 56 km, which was the longest distance I had ever run. The time required was 5 hours 44 minuters.
• I did not sweat so much since the humid was low and the course was in the shade of trees . Thus I was not so tired as I expected and could run in good condition.
• For your information, there are lots of hotels in the back of Tamako Lake.
  
  
  Fresh Green Tamako Lake
  
  

2)April 30 - May 1, 2002 Jogging in Okayama

April 30
• I went back to Okayama during "Golden Week" after a long interval. This time, I used a night high-way bus for the first time.
• The bus leaves Shinagawa, Tokyo at 21:15 and arrives in JR Okayama Station at 7:35. It takes almost 10 hours. My bus was almost occupied.
• I would say that the seat of bus is a little bit better than that of economy class seat of airplane. However, I could not sleep well although I drank two cup of Japanese sakes immediately after I rode on the bus.
• Anyway, I had a plan to run after I arrived in Okayama.
• I decided to run to JR Souja Station via State-established Bicchu Temple in order to extend the distance.
• I left home at 8:15 AM. It was cloudy, but warm. I could hear lurks singing everywhere.
• It took 1 hour to the State-established Bicchu Temple in Kibi District for the distance of 10 km. I did't meet anyone since it was not holiday.
• There were "Renge" flowers in the field around the temple. But the flower season was almost over!
• Finally I arrived in Souja Sports Center, which is the main site of Kibi-District Marathon Races held in late February every year.
• I lost the way, but managed to reach JR Souja Station. The one-way distance was approx. 16.5 km.
• I ran back the same course and thus the total running distance was 33 km.
  
  
  Five-stored Pagota & "Renge" flowers
  
  JR Souja Station
  
  May 1
• It rained in torrents in the morning. I almost gave up to run in the morning. However, luckily the rain stopped before 9:00 AM, earlier than forecast.
• This day, the final destination was Okayama Athletic Field, which is located opposite side of JR Souja Station on the Kibi Cycling Road.
• I ran via Kibitsu Shrine and Kibitsuhiko Shrine. It was cool. It occasionally drizzled.
• Kibi Cycling Road starts from Okayama Athletic Field and ends at JR Souja Station. The total distance is 25 km.
• The today's one-way distance was 13.5 km. The total running distance was 27 km.
• The grand total distance during two days was 60 km. I was satisfied with the result.
• By the way, I could reserve the night highway bus on May 1. I was surprised to learn that a lot of young ladies were on the bus. However, to my regret, I could not sleep in the bus since one middle-aged guy had been snoring all night! It was really terrible!
  
  
  Kibi Cycling Road
  
  Okayama Athletic Field
  
  

1)Sunday April 21, 2002 Jogging in the rain (Rainy)

• I had been in Kaohsiung, Taiwan last week owing to business trip. Thus I had no time to run during the weekday.
• Yesterday, I ran 27 km to the Tamako Lake. It was a little bit hard for me to complete.
• I had a plan to run at least 20 km on Sunday. However, the weather forecaster said it would be rainy in the afternoon.
• I was going to run before the rain. However, it already started to rain around 8:00 AM.
• I went out in a hurry and started to run in the rain toward Heirinji Temple alongside Ochiai River. The rain seemed not to stop.
• I was wet to the skin when I arrived in Heirinji Temple, but I did not feel cold.
• I could enjoy fresh green around Heirinji Temple.
• I went back to my home via Nobidome Irrigation. The running distance was exactly 20 km.
• I always claim to be a "Man who invites sunny weather!" But I was forced to be running in the rain today. By the way, I ran in the rain since I joined Tateyama Marathon Race in January 2002.
• Anyway, I ran for 2 hours in the rain after a long interval. I did not meet any runners.