Running in Japan

Imperial Palace (Tokyo, Japan)

I headed to Japan with few expectations, simply hoping for another adventure with Christina and to discover a country and culture I wasn't very familiar with. A week of traveling between Osaka, Kyoto, Minakami, and Tokyo, included visits to shrines, temples, an amazing Onsen in the snowy mountains, and great food thanks to the Lonely Planet book!

Of course, the week also included some running. In Kyoto, the Kamo River, with its paths on both sides, was ideal for a short run on the first day followed by 13 miles the next day. In Tokyo, the Imperial Palace was close to our hotel and is a popular running spot for both locals and tourists. We were able to run there twice.

Along the river in Kyoto, on a Sunday, we ran by an artist who was doing a painting of the river, kids at soccer practice, and even kids doing running drills. In downtown Tokyo, on a weekday morning, we were dodging cars, bikes, and pedestrians like a real-life game of Frogger, as they headed to work. In both cities, we ran along with many local runners, most dressed in very nice running gear from Japanese brands like Asics and Mizuno. These are the types of sights you will not find in the Lonely Planet book.

I have found that running in foreign cities, or countries, allows me to witness the culture and the daily life of locals, in a way that is different than regular sightseeing. Along the river, we were among locals, not tourists. In the city, we were part of the morning rush. Running offers a small window into the lives of those living in the neighborhoods where we run. As we passed other runners while running around the Imperial Palace, I wondered if, at least from behind, we looked like local Japanese runners. With my shaved head under that running hat and Christina's hair...I don't think so!

This is why I run.

Kamo River (Kyoto, Japan)

Comfort Zone

Let's face it, running is not always pleasant! My run last Sunday along the Potomac River, which is one of the nicest places to run in the DC area, had all the makings of a great run but tired legs and a slightly longer distance than previous weeks made it more difficult than anticipated. That run earned the only sad face of the week in my training log (the faces provide a quick way to assess the week overall)! Yesterday, my legs felt great during a speed workout at the local track (earning a happy face!) but I would not characterize this type of training as fun, at least not during the workout.

Christina's shoe after her run
this morning. That's not Kool-Aid on there!
I thought it was appropriate for this post.

I could've run only 8 miles instead of 11 last Sunday and it would've been more enjoyable. On Wednesday, I could've slowed down at the track or just go for an easy run around a neighborhood, which would've been a lot more fun. Yet, even when my legs felt like Jell-O with several miles left to go, or my lungs were screaming at me to stop running around the track at that speed, I pushed through it. And guess what? Harder training awaits in the next several weeks. But that's the point, isn't it? At least for me it is.

Some of my favorite inspirational quotes revolve around the concepts of comfort, discomfort, and growth, like this quote from Neale Donald Walsch: 

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone". 

I chose to become a paramedic because it was outside of my comfort zone. I started teaching because public speaking was one of the things I was the most uncomfortable with. But it wasn't until recently that I started stepping outside of my running comfort zone. Since then, I have become a much better runner and have learned to enjoy it more, as evidenced by my blog!

This is why I run.

A Long-Term Project

We visited our friends in Guelph, Ontario a few weeks ago, whose parents were visiting from India. I always enjoy seeing their parents as they tell captivating stories of where they live and the amazing farm they have built over the years. During our conversation, the father told me that after 20 years of work, he finally considers the farm self-sustainable, which I believe has been his goal since the beginning. During a run, I commented to Christina on how amazing I thought this accomplishment was and how we seldom see such examples of patience and perseverance nowadays, especially within our generation.

Over the years, Christina and I have kept the bibs from the various races we have participated in. Last year, Christina ordered BibFolios from Gone For A Run so that we could file them away and document our finishing times and any other details about the events. After gathering as many of the bibs as we could find from our parents' houses during the holidays, I spent some time this week putting the BibFolios together. As I went through the bibs and looked up old finishing times, I realized that my first race (the Bob Hartwell Half Marathon, in Aurora, Ontario) was in 2005 and that over the years, my times have improved significantly. I was reminded of my comment to Christina and thought that maybe this is an example, or perhaps early signs, of perseverance and patience that leads to something great.

Running is one of the few sports where one can continue to improve despite growing older. Some critics will say that years of pounding the pavement will take a toll on the body. Instead, I see it as a long term project, worth dedicating time and effort, because in the end the benefits will far outweigh the drawbacks.

This is why I run.

Snotcicles

Christmas 2013 (Bolton, ON Canada)

On December 21st, one of the worst ice storms in recent years hit the Greater Toronto Area, where Christina and I spent our holidays visiting family and friends. Adverse weather conditions continued for many days. Of course, the snow/ice and low temperatures didn't keep us from getting a few runs in.

Ice Storm 2013: The Aftermath

The night before flying out to Toronto, I ran in shorts. In London (Ontario), I carefully ran on icy sidewalks which had yet to be sanded or salted. Newmarket was much colder and sidewalks were covered in frozen slush from the plows. The icy-but-smooth ditch often provided much relief to my calves from the hard-and-uneven sidewalks until the ditch had too much of a slope and I found myself stuck at the bottom, looking up at Christina bent over laughing. It warmed up slightly while in Bolton. This meant rolling hills covered in slushy snow where I felt like for every step forward, I was taking half a step back. Roads were in similar conditions in Newmarket during a hilly 12 mile run on Sunday, December 29th. Yesterday, back in Rockville, I happily ran on a clean and dry surface wearing SHORTS!

Without running, I likely would have spent most of the holidays inside, eating, drinking, and visiting with family and friends. Instead, I was able to do all that AND enjoy the cold winter air, the sound of snow crunching with each footstep, the neighbourhoods Christina and I grew up in, and yes, there was even the sight of a few snotcicles!

This is why I run.

December 24, 2013 (Newmarket, ON Canada)