[39] Japan Run for Hope

Race: NYRR's Japan Run for Hope [ Gallery]

Distance: 04.0 Miles, 06.4 Kilometers

Date/Time: May 8, 2011, 8:30 AM
Location: Central Park, NYC [Course]
Weather: 53 Degrees, 72% Humidity, Wind 3 MPH, Fair.

Bib#: 8526

Corral: Silver (8000-8999)

[Times]
Clock Time: 50:23
Chip Time: 43:08 (Pace: 10'47”)
Nike+ Time/Splits: 44;20” (Pace: 10'58”; 425.49 Cal)

• Mile 1: 10:56 (10'56”)
• Mile 2: 20:57 (10'01”) *Fastest
• Mile 3: 32:59 (12'01”) *Slowest
• Mile 4: 43:53 (10'55”)

[Places]

Overall: 4,258/5,079
Gender: 1805/2,385
Age: 436/1,074
AG (Age Graded) Stats

• Time: 43:05
• Place: 1978
• Percentage: 44.66%

[Race Packet Pick-up]

This was my first time to go to NYRR HQ and check out their facilties. The process they have in place is quiet efficient and quick (plus, going mid-day on a Thursday helps, too). Within five minutes, I had my bib, tag, pins, and free t-shirt, and I was on my way out the door. I wanted to drop by the shop and finally pick up that blasted Sponge Bob Square Pants Bikini Bottom Track Club T-shirt, but they were closed. :( This will be one of my homework assignments for National Running Day on June 1st (also coordinated by NYRR).

[Race]

May was a lazy month for me. Minimal training, but lots of walking. I should have known better. Turns out, working a job and a half greatly minimizes my training time, especially with a busted treadmill and May showers all over the place. On top of that, a serious work related matter kept me up half the night before, so I was far from well rested, but I dragged myself out of bed and showed up anyway. 

Like many races, this one was a wave start, but before I even crossed the State gates, I knew I was no where I needed to be. The first mile was my warm up, mile two made my feel good, but when I hit mile three, I felt like an albatross was thrown around my neck. I pushed through and finished, but I was disappointed with my time. I stopped for a photograph at the "Finishers' Circle" before stocking up on free goodies, watching the raffle, and meeting the two guest Japanese Olympic Marathoners! Best quote from the finish refeuling station: "Sexy Green Tea for the Sexy People!" Yes, ma'am, I'll take a six pack, please!

Looking at the photos, I learned two things: 1) I must run outside more often and develop some sort of tan base before the Queens & Bronx halves this summer or I will die, 2) I should not wear white t-shirts with my severe lack of tan.


With Reiko Tosa (left) and Yoko Shibui (right)

[Meeting Japanese Olympic Marathoners!]

Due to the Tohoku Earthquake in March, Japanese marathoners, Reiko Tosa & Yoko Shibui, were unable to compete in upcoming races in Japan. They were invited to compete as ambassadors of Japan, and both finished in the top four (Shibui 1st; Tosa 4th). After the awards ceremony, many Japanese participants and supports went over to take a photo with Toda & Shibui. I screwed up my courage, ran into one of my students (and her parents), and managed to get my picture taken with them! Both women were surprised when I asked in Japanese. I suspect they were bracing themselves to speak in English!

During the awards ceremony, they were also holding a raffle. The grand prize being a trip for two to Japan! I nearly died when they called out "Silver... Eighty-five... twe----lve." So close and yet, so darned far! Thankfully, the prize when to a young twenty-something who had never been to Japan, so bittersweet as it may be, I am happy the prize will go to someone who may fall in love with Japan like myself!

[Second Verse, Same as the First]
My second attempt at this route will be the Celebrate Israel Run by NYRR & the JCRCNY on Sunday, June 5th. They are using the exact same route, counterclockwise from the band shell, up the east drive, across at the 102nd Street transverse, down the west drive and finishing on the 72nd Street transverse near the band shell. I need to amp up the training, especially outside on changing elevations.

[2012 NYC Marathon 9+1 Progress]

One down. Eight to go. Next up? Volunteering at the American Heart Association's Start! Wall Street Run on Tuesday, May 17th.

[22.5] Before the Earthquake

How fast things can change in an instant. Friday morning, as I prepared to walk to the office, I received a text from my high school friend sending her condolences and concern about the massive earthquake in Japan. Working nights and having to usher the kids out in the morning, I hadn't had the chance to flick on the TV let alone yank up the internet to see what she was talking about.

Then I opened Google News.

I paled.

I was speechless.

I felt nauseated.

I work in a private Japanese boarding school in New York. I lived in western Japan for five years, and the Tokyo for six months. My number of Japanese friends and colleagues matches that of my American and Western colleagues around the world. Since I was 14, Japan has been some part of my life personally, academically, socially, and professionally. Thankfully, all the people I know and love in Japan are safe and accounted for, as well as the friends and families of my students and colleagues.

On Sunday, April 8, I will participate in the Japan Run @ Central Park. I was excited about dressing up and running with those who support the Japanese community in New York, but now it has a completely new meaning. I will wear my DC Cherry Blossom shirt, and I will wear my Japanese Earthquake Relief Band by Lady Gaga, but I feel like I need to do something more. Our school is planning to coordinate fund raising for the Japan relief effort, hopefully through our local Red Cross. Still, I feel it isn't enough. My years in Japan are some of the best in my life, and though I am removed from the siuation by distance, I feel compelled to do something more. What can I do though? For now, if you have the money available, please make a donation to the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund through the American Red Cross. (At this time, the Japan Red Cross website is overloaded, and I cannot access it!)

Looking at the Japan Day event page, there has not been any update with regard to the earthquake and tsunami. The event itself is relies on donations to help support it, so I hope that they will provide the event to the public. In this time of great need, I feel the public needs these sort of events to help raise awareness not only about the devastation in Japan, but to share something special with the local Japanese population. Ideas can be exchanged, conversations can be had, and maybe-- just maybe-- some people's day could be made a little brighter by the support of the local community. Being this far away from home is never easy, moreso when an event like this occurs.

I want to make something for the back of my shirt. The "Pray for Japan" motif is becoming very popular, but I would prefer to be different. Run for Japan? Run for Sendai? Run for Relief? I don't feel the need to personally fund raise, as I would prefer anyone interested in giving their money to do so directly through the Red Cross. The Japan Run is supposed to be a fun and light affair, but I can't help but feel the aftermath will weigh heavily upon it even in the beautiful New York springtime. I may not be the fastest runner on the four mile course that day, but I want to make a statement without looking ridiculous.

UPDATE: Yesterday, I had the opportunity to help my school's student government coordinate their statement of student initiatives and volunteer action plan, as well as assist in contacting the American Red Cross Westchester. Our school has set up a disaster relief fund. Please pass it on! <3

[20] Destination Running - Japan Edition

After Summer Program finishes, I'll be throwing myself onto a 12 hour flight to Japan as soon as possible, and looking forward to roughly two weeks worth of relaxation... and running?! Unfortunately, August is as beastly in Japan as it is here in the US, especially where stifling humidity is concerned. Naturally, searching for races to participate in this time are impossible with the exception of the Hokkaido Half-Marathon at the end of the month (when I need to be back in the US).

Being a Nike Geek, I checked out the Nike Running Club Japan site, as well as the Nike Running Japan Facebook page. Thankfully, there are several Nike Stores, including Harajuku (Tokyo), Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Osaka. Nike Harajuku has a girls' night run which looks really cool, as does Nike Fukuoka. From what I gather from their homepages (as I am being lazy about translating at the moment), like the US clubs, the Nike+ Run Clubs in Japan are also free. Looks like I have yet another reason to kick up my training and language learning up a notch! Of course while I am in Tottori, I will make a loop of the city, and try my best not to stop at Mos Burger or Mr. Donut while I am out!

When I lived in Japan, I loved watching the Nippon TV 24 Hour Charity Telethon. In previous years, a famous comedian would run 100+KM over the course of 26 hours!! That can't be right... can it?! That's the equivalent of two ultra-marathons in just over 24 hours! Most recently, Ayako Imoto (from Tottori!) and Harumi Edo are two women who took the challenge on and completed it! I remember watching them and being completely floored. Simply watching them triumph over their pain, and pushing themselves in the name of charity was inspiring. At the time, running wasn't even a thought in my head, but I told myself if I ever became famous, I would willingly subject myself to such torture in the name of charity-- provided I could have all my friends flown to Japan and have Arashi (or better yet, Masaharu Fukuyama) waiting for me at the finish line. Thank goodness, I live in obscurity or I might have to put my money where my foot is!

Once summer gets closer, I'll need to start planning where I intend on visiting and running. Summer in Japan is hot and humid, but my running clothes will dry out quickly in the heat. I'll just make sure I pack items I am not too fussed about leaving behind, just in case. I have some old t-shirts that are on their last threads, but that's about it. I doubt I will buy any gear while I am in Japan unless they have the Nike+ GPS watch available by then, but most likely, I'll just use my SportBand+ & HRM+ and tag the runs later. I have an inkling that the Nike+GPS may not work on runs outside of the US, but I could be mistaken. I will need to research that a bit further. It would be awesome to be able to map my runs while I am abroad. It might encourage me to lace up while on vacation!! As much as it would pain me to buy gear while in Japan, I may have to buy one shirt from Nike if I participate in the run clubs, and have it personalized while I am there.

So much to think about! I better get planning... and running!!

[17] Spring Race Schedule

Race: Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K
Date: Sunday, April 3, 2011 @8:40AM
Location: Washington, DC

Distance: 5K [ Map ]
Gear: iPhone/ Nike+GPS (No Headphones)
Fashion: Disney Princess 1/2 Tech Shirt

Notes: Currently searching for a hotel along one of the subway lines, so I don't have to pay an arm & leg for something in the downtown area. Mom is coming to hang out with me and see the cherry blossoms, so I have to find something for Friday afternoon until Monday morning. The Health and Fitness Expo is only on Saturday, so if I can manage to get into town on Friday by lunch time, then we'll have time to explore and rest up before and after pick up on Saturday. Currently, trying to see what events will be held that weekend, so we can maximize the time together.

Initially, I intended on running the 10 Mile, but I was unsure of meeting the pacing requirement. My 15K split from the Disney Princess 1/2 was 2:05:00, but I would need to fit in another kilometer and hope I can finish it in under two hours twenty minutes. If I can improve my pacing over the next year, perhaps I will try it next year.

Race: Japan Run @Central Park [ Details ]
Date: Sunday, May 8, 2011 @8:00AM

Location: Central Park, NYC

Distance: 4Mi
Gear: Nike+ SportBand & Polar WearLink+
Fashion: Cherry Blossom 5K Tech Shirt

Notes: Last year, this event was scheduled on the same day as the Japan Day Festival in Central Park, this year, both events are pushed up to May, but are held on separate days. I'll finally be able to put my NYRR membership to use and start working toward getting into the NYC Marathon for 2012. I may need to run more short races between now and then, so I can meet their requirement. I will need to either sort out accommodation for the night before or brace myself for a very early start on Sunday morning. If I can stay over the night before, I can pick up my race packet without making a second trip to the city.

Either way, I will need to sort out public transport and parking, so I don't have to stress out at the last minute. Hopefully, the weather will be gorgeous by then!