Tokyo Kita Marathon Race (The 52nd )

Date: Sunday, June 2, 2013Weather: Cloudy, then sunny

Location: Kita-ku, Tokyo (20 minutes from Adachi-odai Station of Toneri Liner)


Details of RaceRefer to Tokyo Kita Marathon Race (The 46th)



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Back Pack


Impression

• I injured my right ankle when I ran Tama River 50 km Race in May. The pain had continued and I could not run just one day before Kita Marathon Race.
• I refrained from running almost 3 weeks and I finally got relief from pain. Thus I tried to walk for one and half hours on Friday.
• On Saturday, I tried to run slowly and could run 8 km. I didn't feel pain in my ankle. Therefore, I decided to run around 20 km on Sunday.
• According to weekly weather forecast, it would be rainy on Sunday. I was a little bit nervous. However, the forecast changed from rainy weather to cloudy one at Saturday night. I was relived.
• This time, I promised to run with Englishman, Mr. J and American, Mr. S. I got acquainted with them via Internet.
• I left home at 6:15 AM. I got on the train of Toneri Liner and arrived in Adachi-odai Station around 7:30 AM.
• I walked to the reception area. It was cloudy and cool.
• I happened to meet Mr. J just before reaching the reception area.
• The gift of this year was a running back pack. It seems to be useful. I was afraid that it was the same Toto bag as that of last year, because I have already three same ones.
• Soon I got a phone call from Mr. S and could meet him. He came to Japan from Minnesota for 3-week vacation. His wife was Japanese. She and her daughter (she was 2 years old and very adorable!) came to cheer him. We chatted for a while before the start.
• The course of this year was changed from that of last year owing to road constructions. Basic course was to run 5 km from the start point downstream and come back to the starting point. Then to run 2 km upstream and return to the starting point again. The total distance was 14 km. The full marathon runners had to run the basic course three times!
• As usual, before the start, radio gymnastics were performed. The full marathon race started at 9:30 AM.
• I started to run very slowly this time. I was passed by other runners one after another.
• Soon I was among the last group of full marathon runners. Then I was even passed by the top runners of half marathon race started 10 minutes later.
• When starting, it was still cloudy, but the sky was getting lighter. Cool wind was blowing and it was comfortable.
• I continued to run with my own running pace. I could find Mr. S and Mr. J in the group of runners who came back from the first turn-around point. I waved my hand to each of them.
• After passing the first turn-around point, the sun appeared. The temperature was a little bit rising. It took almost 1 hour and 20 minutes when I passed 10 km point since my running pace was slow.
• This time, only water and cut bananas were served at each water supply point.
• I could manage to pass 14 km point. I moved to the second stage. It was getting sunny, but the temperature was not so high and it was still cool owing to wind.
• I kept the same running pace and managed to reach 24 km point. I didn't feel pain in my ankle and thus I decided to run more.
• However, suddenly, I felt very hungry and couldn't run further. I took M & M chocolate from my waistbag and ate them.
• So I could refresh and started to run again. I finally reached the turn-around point of 26 km.
• Anyway, I decided to complete the race at 28 km point. Eventually, I walked last 2 km from 26 km point.
• I thought I might complete the race if I forced to continue to run. However, I was afraid that I would injure my ankle again. It took 3 hours 25 minutes to complete 28 km. It took more time since my running pace was slow and I walked last 2 km.
• The previous race I quitted running on the way was Ohtawara Marathon Race in November 2007. At that time, I could not pass the 35.4 km-barrier within the time limit.
• To my regret, I returned my time chip and waited Mr. S and Mr. J until they finished the race.
• At the initial stage, Mr. S was faster than Mr. J. However, Mr. J passed Mr. S on the way and finished at 4 hours and 01 minute. Mr. S also completed the race within 5 hours.
• After the race, we toasted with canned beer which I brought and chatted. It was so nice to drink beer under sunny and blue sky.
• Both I and Mr. J said good-bye to Mr. S's family and headed to Adachi-odai station.
• On the way to the station, we had the second drink party with white wine by riverside. It was delicious wine under blue sky.
• I got home around 5:00 PM. Beyond my expectation, it was getting very sunny and I sunburned very much!
• I was relieved that I did not injure my ankle again since I quitted to run at 28 km point.
  
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