David Churchill It is pleasant! London, UK START LINE 1st time 24 February 2013, early morning: we asked the runners rapidly assembling in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Won at a contest and flew to get here. The RUNNING atmosphere ahead of the start is great! Yoshiaki Ogata 3rd time Looking forward to that How do you feel right now? beer after I finish.

Akio Kamosawa Ryuji Sekiya Satoko Fukamachi Tokyo Toyama 2nd time 2nd time 1st time Yasumitsu Ogihara This is my first Tokyo The aim today is to Feeling nervous, plus it's Kanagawa Marathon for a while, so Koji Morishige beat my personal cold, so planning to run fast. 1st time I'll be looking to really Hiroshima best! In a panda mood, so came enjoy it. 1st time dressed as one. We'll be running I'm worried about whether for world peace. I can actually run it without walking at all.

Kazuo Kyoya Michiko Osato Hokkaido Tokyo 1st time 2nd time This year the race has Running with so many been promoted to others is a great buzz. world major status, so I'd like to run a good time.

Atsushi Kaneda Saitama Phiroon Phihakendr Thomas Parsha Samarth Suvajarachai 2nd time Bangkok, Thailand Philadelphia, USA Manabu Ishito Bangkok, Thailand Miki Itabashi Very pleased with the 1st time 1st time Shunsuke Kashiwabara Saitama 2nd time Ibaragi support from those Like being on holiday! Tense, this being my Tokyo 1st time after applying for Loving it, just on top of the world. 3rd time people lining the course. first time. 3rd time 5 years Delighted to have There's a stiff cold breeze Keen to taste the encouragement from my today. excitement of achieving Yosakoi team. Not starting yet, are we? my goal, so hoping to struggle through somehow.

Masayo Kubo Okayama 1st time It's huge isn't it? Stoked to be able to be part of it! Neil Cooper UK 1st time Let's just get on with it then!

Christoper Bullock Michigan, USA 1st time This is my 94th full Yuki Okamoto marathon. The Tokyo Yokohama, Kanagawa Marathon must be the 2nd time Tomohiro Kawasaki Yasuo Hayashi ultimate way to see I've dreamt of running the Hideto Ueki Akita Tokyo. ever since I Shinsuke Kinoshita Yakumi Hongo Kunihiro Shimada 2nd time Tokyo was little. It's wonderful taking Gifu Fukushima Saitama Full are great fun. in the scenery as you run. 2nd time 1st time 3rd time MK I take part in running meets every Running's my thing. Our teacher chose us. We'll be Excited to be running between Corporation 2013 Apr month. 2013 Apr 12 Cute outfit, don't you think? doing our best! 2.3 million spectators along 13 the route. 9:10AM. 2.24.2013 Start of the Tokyo Marathon!

Ⓒ TOKYO MARATHON FOUNDATION

2013 Apr 2013 Apr 14 15 JQR SPECIAL

It is pleasant! RUNNING Let’s go running ! Running for Pleasure Many people seem to have realized recently that running is a really enjoyable sport. In fact there were 303,450 applications for the 2013 Tokyo Marathon! The chances of winning a place in the event were 1 in 10.3, the lowest ever. Running appears to be an easy sport, because all you have to do is run. But there is a lot to learn, and it’s harder than you might think. You need knowledge and gear that suits you in order to run comfortably and enjoyably. We’ve put together some basic information to help you get to that point. For anyone who wants to try for the first time, or give their running a boost: Now is the time to get out in the warm spring weather and have a go!

Photography/Tomoya Takai Text/JQR Editorial Staff

2013 Apr 2013 Apr 16 17 It is pleasant!

RUNNING Why Running is Years of research reveal the connection between Good for the Body running and health Good aerobic exercise 1 improves cardiopulmonary Is it Really True that functions

Running is Good for Health？ 2 Probable weight loss Running looks healthy, but is it really good for the body? If it is, what is so good about it? To answer this basic question we talked to sports medicine specialist Hiroyuki Ishida, an Prevention and Associate Professor at the Keio University Institute for Integrated Sports Medicine. amelioration of obesity Photos: Satoru Naito Text: JQR Editorial Staff 3 and lifestyle diseases

“Researchers around the world started stairs or making short sprints to get to long-distance runners are more prone Words of advice from looking into the connection between the train on time. to damage, with many hurting their Assistant Professor Ishida health and exercise in the 1960s, and knees and ligaments. Leg shape can Keep up a steady effort, but Long Distance also make a difference, and people eventually agreed that generally tailor your exercise to your speaking, the habit of exercise Runners are Generally who are bow-legged or knock-kneed fitness condition and don’t strain contributes to a longer life.” says Slim are more prone to injury if they run too yourself. It’ll seem like too much Professor Ishida. There are many “The long-distance runners you see much because the direction of bother at first, you might think it benefits to be gained from increasing competing in the Hakone , gravitational force concentrates weight too hard or unpleasant, but if you the amount of energy expended marathons and so on are all thin. They placement on one section of the keep going your efforts will start through exercise. maintain the minimum amount of joints.” “Weight loss is a typical example. muscle needed to carry the body, but If you’re running and it starts to hurt to be rewarded with good things. Weight depends on the balance any unnecessary weight is lost,” says somewhere, it’s essential to stop and For example, you’ll find it easier between energy input and output, so Assistant Professor Ishida. not force yourself to keep going. Ice to run, or your weight will start obviously if energy output increases Certainly if you look at the line-up of packs and stretching after running are dropping, or the figures on your because of exercise the balance will competitors for the 100m sprint finals also important. medical check-up will improve. be in the negative and weight loss can in the Olympics, you might mistake it “If you have pain somewhere, make When that starts happening it be expected. Furthermore, people who for a muscle building competition. Top sure to apply an ice pack. Anyone motivates you to keep going. exercise regularly have a lower marathon runners, on the other hand, whose knees hurt after running should When you’re starting out, though, probability of getting diabetes, high have slim, graceful figures. treat the affected area properly with an you just have to keep at it. Try to blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and “If you set your mind to it you can do it ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes. If the enjoy running. Setting yourself a metabolic syndrome, and even if they anywhere or anytime. I believe that pain is a recurring one then it’s goal like entering a competition this is the great merit of running. necessary to investigate the cause do get these illnesses, the symptoms can also be a good thing. will progress more slowly.” However, people who are not used to thoroughly. Seeing a specialist trainer What are the effects of running as regular exercise can’t just suddenly to get an assessment of leg muscle exercise? start running. They might be able to do balance, flexibility and running form “Almost all exercise verified by medical 100 or 200 meters, but not be able to might be one step towards finding a research as being good for the body, go any further. In this case you’re solution.” which I mentioned earlier, is in fact better off starting out with fast walking aerobic exercise. Running is a typical —walk for three minutes and then run example. Because it’s an aerobic for one. Repeat this over and over and exercise that uses the whole body, the gradually you’ll become able to run load is spread throughout the body and longer.” can improve cardiopulmonary Running is not entirely good though, functions.” with one disadvantage being potential If you strengthen your cardiopulmonary injury. functions by applying a greater load “The price of running for exercise is than you normally would, daily life will the great load that it puts on the Hiroyuki Ishida naturally get easier. It stands to reason musculoskeletal system. Since load Assistant Professor at Keio University’s Institute that with better bodily fitness you won’ depends on the distance covered and for Integrated Sports Medicine. Sports medicine t get out of breath from running up the the length of time taken to run, veteran specialist. Japan Ice Hockey Federation, Medical Committee Chair, International Ice Hockey Federation Chief Medical Officer, Japan Olympic Committee Medical Support Sub- Committee Member. 2013 Apr 2013 Apr 18 19 It is pleasant! Takeshi Soga Trainer for the Japanese Athletics RUNNING Team since the 1998 Asian Games. Went freelance in 2007 Caring for your body is the path to enjoyable running and became personal trainer to Dai Tamesue. JOC Staff Trainer, Japan Association of Athletics Federations, Medical Committee Running Troubles Trainer Sub-Committee. Runs the TKC acupuncture and massage clinic to treat non-professional Causes and Solutions and professional athletes. More and more runners are complaining of pain and injury. How to run safely is something that everyone needs to learn before they find themselves willing but unable to run. Takeshi Soga, trainer for the Japanese track and field team, and personal trainer for athlete Dai Tamesue, gives us some pointers. Photos/ Satoru Naito Text/ JQR Editorial Staff How to enjoy running without injury

Running may be a simple sport, all posture. On a long run tiredness this case I prioritize recovery from Ascertain you do is run, but over time injuries accumulates, and the lower back fatigue first and give a massage. But 1 the cause of any pains can escalate and it gets hard on the slumps and drops – every runner is massages are only be a stopgap body.” Takeshi Soga, who has bound to have had this experience. measure for people who have no trained top track and field athletes muscle and strength to support their Build up muscles for many years, sounds the alarm. Build up running body. It’s necessary to build up 2 for running Soga turned freelance six years ago muscles muscle.” to help ordinary non-professional To create a body that Soga points out that building up Go at your own pace, runners with their running, and was doesn’t get hurt muscles to keep the pelvis stable 3 surprised at how many runners have while running—with the pelvis and don’t push it aches and pains. The casual ease of What is the best way to deal with lumbar spine in the correct position running is its appeal, but the stress these kinds of pains? —is more important than anything it puts on the body is actually much “People usually see a doctor when else. In other words, you need to greater than you might think. they injure themselves. The doctor strengthen and tone the whole trunk. Words of Advice from Takeshi Soga What kind of pains do runners gets rid of the pain and helps you Of course you can do this by complain about? get better, but that alone is not running, but that will necessarily Do three to five minutes of “Pain in the knees, ankles, lower enough to be able to keep running. have to be a very gradual process. If stretching first in order to relax back, spine and shoulders. More fundamental treatment is you run more than your muscle the body. Stretch the lower Sometimes it’s simply a case of stiff needed. If you never run again it strength can support and put too back thoroughly, as well as the muscles. For example, if the knees won’t matter, but if you continue to much stress on the body, it will lead front and back of the thighs, hurt, it doesn’t necessarily mean that run the pain will come back without to injury, so it is important to know the Achilles tendons, shoulder the problem lies only with the knees. fail.” how much is too much. blades and sides, and twist the If the front thigh muscles are terribly Soga recommends first finding the “I believe that to free yourself from whole body. After that don’t start stiff, it puts a strain on the knees. root cause of the pain, and if it’s a pain requires actively getting treated running immediately, instead The back of the knees hurts because muscle problem aggressively treating and getting the muscles to work. begin with walking and gradually the hip joint is not being used and the affected area. If the problem is Some people talk about ‘form’, but increase your speed over five shock is absorbed by the knees and movement related, he recommends you can’t be in form if you don’t ankles as you run. Stiffness and pain methods that will correct movement have the muscles.” minutes. Cool-down is vital. You in the calves has its roots in a lack or build up muscle. Once you are able to run well, it’s often see people stop completely of flexibility in the ankles and soles “It’s very important to know why the not the thigh muscles that tire, but once they reach the goal, but that of the feet, which makes stress more pain occurred. Does it hurt because the muscles surrounding the hip puts a strain on cardiopulmonary likely to occur. Many runners also muscle tension is too strong? Will it joints – the iliopsoas and pelvic area functions, so you should slow jog run with a kick step starting on the get better from rest? Muscles get muscles. Once you’ve got the knack or walk for five minutes while front of the foot.” tight and lose flexibility as tiredness of a smooth forward motion rather breathing returns to normal. Bring Lower back pain, a common accumulates. When that happens, than a bouncing one, you should be the body back from being fired-up complaint, is due to the muscles you soon get tired from the smallest able to keep extending yourself. TKC BODY DESIGN（TKC Acupuncture and Massage into a relaxed state. If you have around the lower back not being able thing. There’s no muscle strength Court Gardenia 201, Yutenji 1-27-2, Meguro-ku, Tokyo time then it’s good to do some to maintain support for the running and stamina. That leads to pain. In TEL. 03-6659-6167 stretching here as well.

2013 AprJan 20132013 AprJan 20 21 It is pleasant! A Visit to the between left and right: a 16.4 kg and faster you can run before fatigue RUNNING Running Lab difference for knee extension builds up. Below the AT threshold (absolute muscle value) and a 31.1 lactic acid does not build up as a To achieve your ideal performance kg difference for bending the knee. by-product of fatigue in excessive This result indicated that Yulia amounts, and as long as your energy Self Awareness would need to build up the muscles is replenished, you can keep on in her left leg. exercising indefinitely.

Improves Running ！ Revealing subtle According to these results Yulia’s You are the person who knows the least about your running style. Simply imbalances hidden by a AT base is 9.5 km/h, and if she being aware of this fact can let you achieve your ideal performance. were to run a full marathon at this At Running Lab you can get an objective analysis of your running comfortable style rate it would take her four hours and performance through scientific analysis. For anyone serious about wanting to enhance their running capability, a visit to Running Lab is a must. At last it was time for Julia to Cameras positioned in front and behind, twenty-six minutes to reach the finish above and to the sides take pictures to line. Photography/Tomoya Takai Model/Julia Planning & Text/JQR Editorial Staff actually get on the treadmill to record your running style. assess her running style. At the Four Areas of Training At the end of February, with the same time she wore a mask to excitement of the Tokyo Marathon measure her total stamina and record per minute, and she has a tendency ① Running training still fresh in people’s minds, Julia data on her respiratory metabolism to stride. While her body axis is ② Muscle training paid a visit to the Asics Running Lab during running. stable with no instability at the ③ Enhanced flexibility in , Tokyo. Julia runs regularly moment of ground impact, and to maintain her modeling figure, but First Julia ran for 2 minutes at 7.0 forward propulsion of her body and ④ Style improvement it’s not something she’s good at. She km/h, then upped the pace to 7.5 her legs is smooth, it was noted that Finally, Ms. Kubo handed Julia her wanted an objective assessment of km/h. After that she stepped up the she has a tendency to run with bent report, a booklet entitled The her running style and form, plus hints pace by 0.5 km/h every minute. knees and a marked up-and-down Science of Running, and a DVD with on how she could run further and motion. with greater enjoyment. At first she appeared to be running images of her running style. Also included was a recommended Taking detailed measurements of the legs and quite easily, but the mask looked The print-outs of images provided checking flexibility. training schedule based on Julia’s rather uncomfortable and sweat was alongside the numerical results made Objective analysis of data, broken into four categories. For it easy to see what they meant. For running performance of feet and thigh joints, softness of The test for muscle strength the runner looking to better their example, in the photograph taken muscles and heel and lower leg consisted of measuring the ability to performance and style, this is the At Running Lab they evaluate a from directly above it was clear that angles. bend and extend the knee. Julia was perfect manual. When Julia received runner’s characteristics and Julia’s head was moving from side to encouraged by Ms. Kubo to use all this she was all smiles and started performance scientifically in order to Measurement Checklist side. The kick up for both feet was her strength, and her face went red talking about trying for the Tokyo provide an objective analysis that also unbalanced, with the right foot as she gritted her teeth with exertion. Marathon. We look forward to seeing will help a runner to improve. In Foot shape lifting higher than the left. The results showed her right leg is other words, it’s a runner’s her form in one year’s time. Lower leg alignment above average while her left leg is laboratory. Total body stamina is Body composition below. That means a big difference important for running Muscle strength I can’t wait until To start, Asics staff member Reiko soon running down her brow. She capability next year’s Tokyo Kubo asked some simple questions Running style ran like this for ten minutes before Marathon. about how far and how often Julia Total stamina giving up. It seemed as though Ms. At Running Lab the stamina used for ran every month. Kubo would have liked Yulia to run respiratory metabolism is measured longer, but there was still a with an index called the Anaerobic respectable amount of data. Threshold (the threshold at which We all have differences between our transition to anaerobic activity right and left sides. Julia’s left foot After Julia went to the locker room occurs). This indicates the point at turned out to have a smaller to change, Ms. Kubo explained the which the body shifts from aerobic circumference than her right. It was Detailed data report of all checklist items. results of the tests. to anaerobic metabolic activity. The also discovered that her heel angle higher the anaerobic threshold, that was turned out considerably, The analysis of her running style is the level at which aerobic exercise indicating that she could easily put a indicated that Julia’s gait is wide for intensity can continue before tipping Ms. Kubo hands over the measurement results, destabilizing force on her feet. booklet and DVD. Has Julia perhaps made a new her height with a low ratio of steps into anaerobic activity, the longer resolution? The next step was to measure Julia’ After this it was time to check Julia’ s foot shape. This involved taking s body composition. It was found measurements of different parts of that for every kilogram of body Asics Running Lab the feet, just like in a shoe fitting; weight her body burns 23.1 calories. Asics Store Tokyo, NTT Ginza Building 1F, the length, circumference, heel That result put a smile on Julia’s Ginza 8-chome 2-7, Chuo-ku, Tokyo width, instep height, arch height, of face, as you can’t ask for anything Open everyday heel and angle of big toe bend. Then better than a metabolism that burns ☎ 03-3572-8303 it was time to measure the flexibility fat extremely easily. ￥21,000 (running performance evaluation) ※ Limited to customers aged over twenty ※ Reservations accepted from one month in advance up Muscle power is important for a graceful to 6:00 pm two days before. 2013 Jan running style, but the balance of both legs 22 is also important. It is pleasant! Try the much discussed fitting service! RUNNING Interview with Jean-François Follum, Designer in Chief for Innovation at New Balance. How to Choose Advanced Shoes Running shoe design: Shoe fitting specialists offer advice on selecting the right shoes with the help of footprint analysis systems. Visit a specialist when you want to buy new running shoes; you will be sure to find ones A revolution! that better fit your feet. Photography/Tomoya Takai Text/JQR Editorial Staff The design for a new running shoe is finalized between three and five years before Get an assessment! it’s released on the market. For New Balance running shoes account for 80 percent of MIZUNO Precision Fit What are the most important turnover. JQR asked the chief designer of New Balance to tell us about the latest trends. things to consider when Photography/Tomoya Takai Text/JQR Editorial Staff 1 2 3 choosing shoes? Of course you answered size and comfort. However, when

had to redesign all our products for both edition.” So much so that they are in running long distances, it is elite and non-elite runners, and we’ve demand in the U.S. where they’re popular essential to understand how produced an entirely new range of shoes with collectors. There are also running well your shoes fit your feet. from extreme minimalist to about half the styles that have been developed in Japan You may think a pair fits well size of a conventional shoe. and have then been exported to the States. when you try them on at the The footwear adviser visually checks your foot Simply step up on the platform. The adviser The measurements appear on the monitor. The store, but five or 10 kilometers shape and joint flexibility. measures the length and width of your feet using adviser explains the specific characteristics of of running may change your : Who is spearheading this new : What are your greatest challenges? Precision Fit. your feet using the screen. movement? :The most difficult thing in my job is mind. Slightly mis-fitting shoes can lead to serious foot :Mainly runners who are not too to keep on top of the trends in every 4 5 6 worried about speed but are more country. problems. concerned about health, technique, and Running-shoe stores have avoiding injuries. Elite runners are more : It seems that models change all special machines that analyze conservative in their choice of footwear, the time. the size and shape of your for the simple reason that they’ve always : We remodel our product line twice a feet so they can recommend trained with conventional shoes, and such year. Just for running we can produce 30 the optimal shoe for your feet. drastic changes in both footwear and or 40 different models every year. The fitting staff first check your technique could lead to serious injuries. Materials are constantly changing. actual gait and direction, then The adviser selects a few pairs of shoes that Try them on for comfort. Simply tying your shoes If you have high arches, try the shoes on again ask how often you train and They might switch to the new shoes on Sometimes a change between models can would suit your feet based on the measurement differently can relieve the stress your feet feel. with insoles. Now you should have a perfectly Born in Val d’Or, Quebec, Canada, Jean-François data and explains each pair’s distinct features. fitting pair of running shoes. your orientation as a runner. Follum started his career designing hockey skates training days when they aren’t so focused seem very minor, but it might lead to major and equipment for Bauer. He then went on to design on speed. changes in comfort and technique. We Enquiries: S’port Mizuno, 3-1 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3233-7000 Next, they use the machine to sports shoes for Nike in Oregon, before joining New learn a great deal as we work. For other analyze the shape of your feet. Balance in Boston, where he was appointed Designer Finally, they combine all this in Chief of the Running Shoe Innovations Division. : Are the new designs the same the models, we do a full redesign because He leads a team of five designers who collaborate world over? many consumers want something Get an information to select the best with engineers and biomechanics specialists. :The greatest challenge for my team completely new. ASICS FOOT ID assessment! shoes for you. is also what makes the job the most The footprint analyzer’s specifications will vary interesting: We have to design for the : And when can we expect to see a 1 2 3 global market, but each country has it machine that molds the shoe to our foot? according to the manufacturer, : Can we say goodbye to the particular aesthetic and functional : It’s coming! We’re already at an but measurement takes only traditional running shoes that we’ve been requirements. That’s why we have a advanced stage of development! That’s the minutes. You will be used to these past 30 years? dedicated team for Japan. The Japanese Holy Grail of shoe design. And very soon, fascinated to learn so much Jean-François Follum ：For the past three have relatively broad feet. And here we you can expect another revolution! new information about your years, running-shoe design has undergone make products with shapes that are totally feet, such as their length, a complete transformation. In the wake of different from what you’ll find in the U.S. girth, height, heel width, the minimalist running movement, runners and Europe. The technology is different, inclination, and arch height The store clerk attaches spots to your bare foot. The machine takes seven measurements, A 3-D reproduction of your foot appears on the – even the angle your big toes want much lighter, more flexible materials because Japanese athletes have very Place your foot on the 3rd-generation Footprint including length, girth and heel width. Scanning monitor. The display also shows the weight Measuring Machine to have it scanned. takes two to three minutes. distribution on your soles. that can closely mimic barefoot running. specific requirements, such as more rigid curve. Rather than running heel to toe, the runner support. What we sell to top competitors in Shoes that match your lands on the middle part of the foot, so the the U.S., for example, we’ll market to 4 5 6 potential are tools that help shoes have to be adapted to this new slower runners in Japan. And there’s also bring out your best running style. the issue of colors: In Japan we use much performance. If you feel stress brighter color schemes. when you run, visit a specialist : What impact has this had on and reevaluate your shoes. design? : Do Japanese models sometimes go :We’ve had to re-think and re-invent global? the whole shoe. It’s easy to cut down on :We’ve done several “tie-dye” models the weight and increase flexibility, but you here with really great, unique colors that The clerk selects shoes based on your balance, Try on both shoes of each recommended pair to The clerk emphasizes that selecting shoes is heel direction and gait. see how they fit. not just about length; it is important to know the still have to think about cushioning. We have given them the appeal of a “limited width of your feet and shape of your toes.

Enquiries: ASICS Store Tokyo, 8-2-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3572-8301 2013 Apr 2013 Apr 24 25 It is pleasant! For your running pleasure RUNNING Selecting a pair of running shoes that suit your running ability is essential. We introduce New Running Shoe Catalogue 2013 the latest shoes from four leading brands. Photography / Satoru Naito; Text/JQR Editorial Staff

MIZUNO For beginner runners NIKE For beginner and intermediate runners

Prima Cantabile NIKE FREE 5.0+ ¥7,980- ¥11,550-

Stable and cushioned entry shoes. Shoes with very flexible midsoles for everyone. These entry-model running shoes are ideal for people who are about to Grooves cut lengthwise and crosswise along the entire midsole make it take up running or want to leisurely enjoy the sport. A seamless design that possible to experience even more natural foot movement. Aimed at all wraps the feet and stable, cushioned soles give your feet the support they runners, the shoes have a “Nike Free barefoot level” positioned between need for comfortable and enjoyable running. standard running shoes and actual bare feet.

For advanced runners Wave Rider 16 For intermediate and advanced runners NIKE FREE 3.0 V5 ¥12,600- ¥11,550-

Aiming for a record and minimizing damage when Your feet and shoes are one, the closest you can get landing. to feeling barefoot. The AP+ mid-soles, which improve wearability and resilience, absorb the The stylish look of the latest model in the NIKE FREE series helps you impact of landing and promise a smooth run with a spring in each step. imagine you are running lightly. The sensation that your shoes and feet They only weigh 350 grams (weight of one 27-cm men’s shoe) and are have merged together makes you feel like you are barefoot. This is a model designed to fit well. for elite runners, bringing out their latent human running instincts. 26 27 Enquiries: Mizuno Customer Service Center 0120-320-799 Enquiries: NIKE Customer Service Center 0120-500-719 2013 Apr 2013 Apr 26 27 It is pleasant! RUNNING

ASICS For beginner runners adidas For beginner and intermediate runners

GT-2000 NEW YORK energy boost ¥12,390- ¥14,700

Lightens the burden on your feet and lower back and uses impacts to propel you. Shoes that smooth your step and provide higher The newly developed BOOSTTM foam in the midsoles combines contradictory Thestability. latest model in the highly stable GT series is very popular with functions: bounce performance and high cushioning. The shoes transform the beginners. The “Guidance Trusstic” design leads the foot when it steps, impact of the foot on the ground into a propelling force, while relieving the and the Dynamic DuoMax system in the midsole lightens the burden on burden on your feet and lower back. These shoes, which move the feet the feet. forward naturally, are a delight for both beginner and intermediate runners.

TARTHERZEAL For advanced runners adizero Takumi Sen For advanced runners ¥13,650- ¥15,750

A racing model for those who want thorough fast- A shift in the center of gravity, fit for a comfortable running functionality. run. This running model is for serious runners wanting to beat their previous best. With a fit and a lightness made for running fast, the sole is designed to Adidas partnered with master craftsman Hitoshi Mimura, who has designed properly grip the ground. For running efficiency, the inside and the outside of shoes for many top athletes, to develop running shoes based on the concept the shoes have distinct differences in hardness and smoothly control the shift of making Japanese runners faster. This supreme pair of shoes is purely in the center of gravity of the outside with the resilience of the inside. functional.

28 29 Enquiries: ASICS Customer Service Center 0120-068-806 Enquiries: ADIDAS Group Customer Service Center 0120-810-654 2013 Apr 2013 Apr 28 29 It is pleasant! Mixing fun with running RUNNING Unique marathons across Japan in 2013 Run efficiently with the help We handpicked upcoming running events that come with an added twist. Put the progress made in your daily training to the test while enjoying memorable moments.

of a running watch Sea of Japan Melon Marathon (Akita)

A running watch can boost your training and motivation. A spectacular sunset over the Sea of Japan will ■ Venue: Tateyama Kinrin Koen (Oga-shi) ■ Date: Sunday, August 4 Running watches have come a long way in terms of functionality. They go far beyond be the highlight of the run. Each participant will ■ Distance: Half, 10-K, 5-K, 3.6-K ■ Max. Participants: N/A ■ Fee: the basic function of recording distance and time; they can even help you stay at your take home two juicy melons. You can also enjoy ¥2,000 for secondary school students, ¥3,000 for runners aged 18 to all-you-can-eat melon, a local specialty, to optimal speed (exercise intensity). 65; ¥4,000 per pair ■ Sign-up period: May 13 to June 20 (tentative) quench your thirst after your run! ■ Inquiries: Wakami Athletic Center 0185-46-3113 A must-have item for the serious runner. A drawing will be held for invitation to the Photography / Satoru Naito Text/JQR Editorial Staff Okinawa Marathon (Runners who completed the half marathon or the 10-K race are eligible).

Omron “GAMBARUZO!” Ski Slopes Reverse Run in Fukushima: Evolution 2013 Going uphill/If we run together/There’s nothing to fear. Wristable Continuous First All-Japan Ski Slopes Reverse Run Relay GPS This event was organized to support ski ■ Venue: Numajiri Ski Slopes (Inawashiro-machi, Fukushima Prefecture) EPSON Strapless Heart resorts in Fukushima which have lost many ■ Date: Saturday, August 3 ■ Distance: 10-K SS-300R Rate Monitor visitors since the nuclear disaster. This year ■ Max. Participants: 500 ■ Fee: ¥2,500/person, ¥3,000/2 persons, ¥ 24,800- HR-500U the event will be held at five ski resorts. ¥3,600/3 persons, ¥4,800/4 persons ■ Deadline: July 26 You can run all the races or just one of ■ Inquiries: http://www.gambaruzo.jp （retail） them. The routes are incredibly difficult, but ¥ 14,800- you’ll have fun in the company of like- This GPS running watch minded souls. Omron’s proprietary sensor accurately records running technology measures blood data for up to 14 hours. You flow through capillaries on can check distance and pace Tsumagoi Highland “Cabbage” Marathon (Gunma) the wrist to determine heart at a glance and the data it You will run through seemingly endless ■ Venue: Multipurpose Athletic Field, Tokai University Tsumagoi Kogen rate in real time. Based on collects can help you maintain cabbage fields with nothing to obstruct the Training Center, Baragi Highland, Azuma-Gun these readings, the watch your regular training program breathtaking views of majestic mountains ■ Date: Sunday, July 7 ■ Distance: Half Marathon/10-K/5-K/2-K monitors the exercise even in unfamiliar locations in the distance. Absolutely picture-perfect ■ Max. Participants: 3,500 ■ Fee: ¥3,000 for high school students and intensity of your run and with no distance indicators. panoramic views throughout. older, ¥1,500 for elementary/junior high students, ¥3,500 for child/ classifies it into one of the The thin, lightweight design is In addition to a souvenir tee-shirt, the parent pairs (child must be an elementary school student or younger ■ four training zones. A also perfect to wear to work participant will be given a cabbage, a Sign-up period: Late March to late May ■ Inquiries: http://www.vill. programmable optimal level every day. highly praised local specialty. tsumagoi.gunma.jp/ of exercise intensity allows you to boost training efficiency. RUNNET Friday Night Relay Marathon in National Stadium (Tokyo) Inquiry: Epson Information In this maranic (marathon + picnic) event held Center ☎ 050・3155・ Inquiry: Omron ■ Venue: Tsurumigawa Riverbed (Yokohama-shi) ■ Dates: Sunday, July 28, 8280 Healthcare Customer every month, participants run at their own Sunday, August 25; Sunday, September 22; Sunday October 13; Sunday, Service Center 0120・ pace while enjoying leisurely conversations November 24; and Sunday, December 22 30・6606 with other runners, rather than competing with ■ Distance: 20-K/30-K/40-K ■ Max. Participants: 50 for each distance OMRON each other. Rest spots abound, and it is a category ■ Fee: ¥2,000 for 20-K, ¥3,000 for 30-K , ¥4,000 for 40-K ■ great way to meet other like-minded souls. Deadline: Two weeks prior to each event NIKE+ ■ Inquiries: http://run.class14.com SPORTWATCH GPS Monthly Challenge Tsurumigawa (Kanagawa) ¥ 20,790- SOMA Their rule calls for husband-and-wife pairs to ■ Venue: Tsurumigawa Riverbed (Yokohama-shi) ■ Dates: Sunday, July 28, The watch will give you a little RunONE finish the race hand-in-hand after running Sunday, August 25; Sunday, September 22; Sunday October 13; Sunday, nudge by reminding you to run 300PACE the route together. If you and your wife or November 24; and Sunday, December 22 after five days have passed - husband love running, we highly recommend ■ Distance: 20-K/30-K/40-K ■ Max. Participants: 50 for each distance great for getting into the habit ¥ 13,650- this race. (There is a separate “Pre-Oshidori” category ■ Fee: ¥2,000 for 20-K, ¥3,000 for 30-K , ¥4,000 for 40-K ■ of regular workouts. division for couples who are about to get Deadline: Two weeks prior to each event GPS on the watch and the Nike SOMA is a brand married) ■ Inquiries: http://run.class14.com shoe sensor attachment dedicated to sports lovers. accurately tracks distance and The stylish display is tilted other statistics. Distance, pace 30 degrees from the Umaji Oshidori (Loving Couple) Marathon (Kochi) per kilo and calories burned are standard position for easy displayed on the screen. After reading. Their rule calls for husband-and-wife pairs to ■ Venue: Umaji Marathon Course (Aki-gun) your run, you can upload the It displays pace, pitch and finish the race hand-in-hand after running the ■ Date: Sunday, September 15 ■ Distance: data to your PC or Mac to even calories expended in route together. If you and your wife or husband 3-K or 5-K (Oshidori Division), 5-K (Pre-Oshidori Division) manage data on where you ran addition to distance. You love running, we highly recommend this race. ■ Max. Participants: N/A ■ Fee: and how many laps you will get an excellent (There is a separate “Pre-Oshidori” division for ¥5,000/couple ■ Sign-up period: Early July to Mid-August completed. The nikeplus.jp site workout by programming couples who are about to get married) ■ Inquiries: Board of Education of Umaji-mura [email protected] also offers a social component your ideal pace in that allows you to compare advance. records and compete with other NIKE Details: Customer runners. Service, Seiko Goto Islands Sunset Marathon (Nagasaki) Inquiry: Nike Customer Service Instruments, Inc. 0120・500・719 0120・181・671 The race starts at 5 p.m. to enable runners ■ Venue: Goto Minato Koen (Goto-shi) ■ Date: Saturday, August Seiko Instruments Inc. to experience the breathtaking views of a 24 ■ Max. Participants: N/A sunset along the shoreline. Watermelons will *Details will be available from mid-April on the website be distributed at rest spots throughout. At ■ Inquiries: http://www.gotokanko.jp the finish line, participants can sample Goto Beef and enjoy the post-run events, including a concert under the stars. This 2013 Apr 2013 Apr 30 romantic run is a great way to wrap up the 31 summer. Running in Japan

Talking About Japan Long-distance running in Japan を Talking to foreign Simon Bray（イギリス） Andrew Flynn （アメリカ） residents in Meet our ● Ron Choi（韓国・アメリカ） three interviewees!!! 話 そ う Japan

A Conversation with Foreign Residents

Spring is the perfect season to step outside to stretch those rusty legs and get back in shape before summer. Whatever sport you do, you'll always need either specific gears, tools, a ground, a pool or a partner. However, running is the only sport that needs none of those. You just go out and you run. But running long distances in fast times takes some shape et mostly takes some guts! Japan has a particular love for running. Would it be for marathons or relays, people travel the country to go cheer runners. Schools have compulsory marathon days. TV channels have their 24h running challenges. But how is it for foreigners to run in this country? JQR has met with three hard-core adrenaline-addicted men...

JQR: How did you get into running? JQR: You guys are talking about “runner's : The first time was with an OXFAM high” right? : I was running when I was at high charity trail event. You have to walk-up school but stopped when I started working 100km from Odawara through Mt. Hakone to : Yes. and 25 years later, that would be 3 years Yamanakako at Mt. Fuji within 48hrs. I : There is a beat when your feet touch ago, a friend of mine invited me back to it. I started to get into that but then in the trails I the ground continuously for... we run long- turned up injured after 2km so I realized it saw trail-runners and found myself very distances. I run more than 30km every was time for me to take care of myself. So I attracted to that and tried it out. I can still saturday morning. That's about 2 or 3 hours have been running since and today I now remember my first time coming down a of that beat and adrenaline. weigh less than my high school days. mountain and being very scared and excited : I was playing soccer at high at the same time! And ever since then I've JQR: But you can get that when you do any school but me too, I didn't do anything for been addicted to the trails. kind of sport... 25 years and 4 years ago, I thought I should be as well taking care of myself and I asked JQR: But why running out of any other : You are more isolated when you my brother about it. I discovered then that he sport? run. was running a marathon a year for years! : There's something primitive about : Really ?!!! : It's the most natural thing that a running. But it is also a great way to cut out : Yep. Big family and we don't tell human can do! from your daily stress. Mentally it is helping each other everything! But he taught me the me. I have a very complicated job and three bare-foot running technique. JQR: Walking is! kids when I come home. So when I run, I just : I used to play soccer and tennis too focus on running and take a break from all when I was younger. I kept running for years :But it is not as exciting! those complicated factors of my life. but not seriously. Mostly at the weekend : You can't go as far! : Some people take that time to do around the park near the place I was living. : There is something about running some sort of meditation, others work out But it's about three years ago that I got more that you can't get when you walk. It's a problems while they run. No-one's going to into running in high mountains and it was trance. It's almost hypnotic for me. Your be bothering you. actually here in Japan. blood runs faster obviously so there must be : And it takes nothing to run. You just Simon Bray Andrew Flynn Ron Choi something caused by that. put on shoes and get out of the door. From London, UK, and living in Japan since 10 From NY, USA, he has lived 3 years in Tokyo 10 From Alabama, USA, Ron has lived in Japan for 8 JQR: Where? years ago, he has been running all his life but years ago and has been back here for 6 months. years. He started to run seriously 3 years ago. really got into trail-running in thanks to Japan. He started to run to get fit again 4 years ago.

2013 Apr 2013 Apr 32 33 Running in Japan

hour! And half an hour more, you can't hear always have a path on their can't go to sleep at night, I you need is your core strength. any signs of civilization! That would have side, so it's great. just run out the door in the been hard to do back in the flat London. : When you run in the middle of the night, alone, JQR: But to learn for example the bare-foot : In Japan the trails network is very mountains you can see more and come back all technique, did you need to do some specific well developed. You have km and km of scenery. On a road you do refreshed. practice? trails and they are all well mapped. around 20 km but with trail- : I've run home from running you can easily do about : No, you just start slowly and it is the office. It's only 10km so more than 30km. Hiking up and the most natural way of running. JQR: Do you also run in the city? it takes less than an hour running down surrounded by all but still it's such a great : I naturally discovered bare-foot : Yes. that beautiful scenery is stress relief. running. I run 120km or so a month so I sort : One thing is very different here: the fantastic. That's why it is a : And the type of of figured out very quickly how not to put traffic rule! great thing to do it in Japan. running that we do is not stress into my knees. the same as the people you JQR: How do you get into JQR: Is there a big difference compared to JQR: Why? see for example in parks Tokyo Marathon? running and chatting along. traditional running style? : I joined a running group recently and That is more “social : We don't! : It's the difference between straining everyone was stopping at every traffic light. running.” : LOL!! your joints or straining your muscles. I use And there are traffic lights here, at every : You have to be good, or lucky, or... : I've just signed up for a 160km run the 5-fingers 2mm thin shoes and with this corner... : For Simon you need a little more JQR: So to get to your level of running, do donate! We take part in a charity run, so we around Mt. Fuji! technique you use mainly your calves, which : LOL!! though! you need some specific training? donate a certain amount to get places. : Wow! the theory says where originally naturally : Even at small alleys where there's : Yes! When you run in the mountains nobody. People stop and idle. I would never : I was so busy I forgot to apply so I : But Tokyo Marathon is just great. : You build up slowly with a certain building up to running, before the invention you have to be self-sufficient, so you have to had to pitch in as well in the charity team! There are a lot people wearing costumes, it's of the Nike-cushion running shoe. do that in the States! But it's safer. So it carry a little more things. You can't stop at a amount of km you do within a certain amount took 6 and a half hour to finish around : They do give priority to foreign not taken too seriously, it's like a big festival. of time. You must you keep at it and each : Those cushions feel good convenience store or a vending machine! nationals who want to enter. But this time I've seen one runner dressed as a religious because you don't feel the ground, and the 20km... And it could rain, snow, you have to be week you add a little bit more. There is no : LOL ! unfortunately I did not get into this year's figure and running the entire marathon special magic stretch that will help you get pushing-back elasticity actually does more prepared! Tokyo Marathon, because I didn't apply in bare-feet! You can also see Tokyo Towers or damage to the knee without you realizing it. : But there are lots of clubs and it's a : Food as well... faster or better. great way to discover very nice courses, like time. But to compensate last week I did a Sky Trees... : The first time I went to the the seven Temples, the Yamanote, or the technically “Ultra-marathon.” In reality it is : But we both will have to wear the mountains I carried diet biscuits and after 4 JQR: So you don't need to build up your JQR: How is running in Japan any different Tokyo Marathon ones. longer than a marathon by... maybe 2km! But charity t-shirt... hours I realized that these were not going to body with other kinds of exercise? from other countries? : Tokyo has a lot of rivers and they it was kind of fun. : LOL! give me enough calories to run! So I learned : When I was in New York I used the hard way! : I do cycling. to run in the well-established running route : LOL ! of central park. As I came to Japan just a : Actually “Calory-mate” bars in JQR: To get better at running? few months ago I only did one race but I also Japan are really good for that. started trail-running which is fantastic. But runners stop That's why I run : With those, it's a good indicator to : No. To get from A to B. at traffic lights! in the great :Well for me that's the big thing see if you're dehydrated. When they start : LOL !! mountains! about Tokyo. You get trains that bring people There are so sticking in your mouth and get hard to : Elite professional runners many nice rivers from 200km away into the city each morning to run along in swallow, that's the sign that you've not taken certainly do special workouts and undergo Tokyo! and you can take that same train during the enough water. specific diets to achieve better performance weekend and be in the mountain within an : I don't think they were made for and reduce their times. But otherwise, all that purpose though! : LOL !

JQR: And you always run alone?

: Well in the mountains it's always best to have someone with you. : Ahah! But when I go with him, we talk on the train, but then he's so fast that we actually “are” together but don't “run” together! : LOL! : But generally I prefer to run alone. It is the only time I can be by myself. If I go with somebody I have to talk and entertain a conversation. So, especially when complicated issues at work come up and I

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