Ohme Marathon Race Report

Hello Running Shogun Tribe,?

Tokyo Marathon this weekend...Eliud Kipchoge is in town for the race and is looking to be in Paris!

As we are in race season, I'll be doing a couple of race reports: This month, Ohme, next month, chatting about how the Barcelona Marathon goes.

Ohme Marathon: The Race

This was the 56th running of the Ohme 30K that was held on February 18. The race hosts 12,500 racers for the unusual distance of 30 kilometers and 3,500 10K runners.?

Ohme is a favorite course in Kanto because it’s a great distance on a challenging, hilly course to help prepare runners for full marathons, such as the Tokyo Marathon, that is run in March. The 30 kilometer distance is an interesting distance because it’s longer? and more challenging than a half-marathon, but ends before the miserable portions of the full-marathon. Personally, I love the race because of the pickled plum (ume) onigri at the end of the race.?

The winners for both the men and women categories were Paris Olympic hopefuls. Akira Akasai (1:29:46) and Mao Ichiyama (1:45:21). It was amazing to be on the course with both of them and watch as they quickly flew past.?

Another Olympian, gold medal winner, former marathon runner, Naoko Takahashi, was out cheering the runners giving us high-fives.? I’m pretty sure my pace picks up every time I meet her at a race.?

Racing Against the Hills: A Test of Endurance

The Ohme 30K course proved to be a formidable challenge, with its undulating terrain presenting a series of demanding hills. As runners, we found ourselves navigating steep ascents and descents that pushed our physical limits. Each climb was met with determination, and every descent required strategic control. It was a race against the hills, a test of endurance that brought out the best in all participants. The taiko drumming helps to muscle up the hills, but it’s actually the downhills that will crunch you. You can float down the hill, get into a false sense of security, and you start to run over your pace. By the end of the race, you can find yourself out of fuel.?

Embracing the Warmth: A Different Kind of Challenge

Unlike typical winter races, the warm temperature added a unique element to the Ohme 30K. The day started off with clouds, but soon unseasonably warm. When the sun came out, it got hot. The first half of the race didn’t have many water stops as well, so it added a bit of extra challenge. It intensified the physical exertion. Runners had to adapt, staying well-hydrated and mindful of the potential impact of the heat on their performance. It was a reminder that adaptability is key in any endeavor, teaching us to thrive in unexpected conditions.

Life Lessons from the Race: Persistence, Adaptability, and Community

1. Persistence in the Face of Challenges: The relentless hills mirrored life's obstacles. Just as we conquered each incline, facing challenges with persistence and resilience in our daily lives enables us to reach new heights.
2. Adaptability as a Strength: The warm temperature reminded us that life is unpredictable. Being adaptable allows us to navigate unexpected twists and turns, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
3. The Power of Community: The camaraderie among fellow runners, as well as sharing the field with Olympians, created a sense of unity. There was a great turnout from the Namban Rengo running club. If you don't know the club, a good group to be with fellow runners who are supportive and run at all levels. In life, building a supportive community fosters shared success, making challenges more manageable and victories more rewarding.

Closing Thoughts: A Race Well Run

As we reflect on the Ohme 30K, it serves as a powerful metaphor for life's journey. Uphill battles and warm stretches are inevitable, but by persisting, adapting, and leaning on our communities, we can overcome any obstacle.? For my own race, I was planning for a 2:15 finish, running at a 4:30 pace. I was very pleased with the outcome of the race, finishing in 2:11:39, which was 575th overall and 128th in my age bracket.?

Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey. May your own paths be filled with triumphs, lessons, and the unwavering support of those around you.

Happy running,

David

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David Sweet is the founder and CEO of FocusCore Japan K.K.（フォーカスコア） FocusCore Japan, a leading executive search firm. He is the author of six books and holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Development. For more information, follow his running on Strava or contact him at [email protected]

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