PROFILE
［ from left to right ］ Penn-chan (food importer), Mahina (illustrator), HDK (Broccoli playhair store owner / Chicken Heart Running Team representative), Shin (Mi Choripan store owner), tetsu (architect)
The team was formed in 2019. Mi Choripan, a restaurant in Yoyogi Uehara specializing in choripan, Argentine soul food, and Broccoli, a hair salon in Ebisu
playhair, a hair salon in Ebisu, and other locations in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. Every year, he organizes "H3," a 100-mile self-challenge event in which participants make three laps around the outer rim of Hakone and piston up Mount Asama.
Instagram:@chickenheartrt
Be open, be strong, and be cool.
-First of all, tell us about Chicken Heart.
HDK: Our team concept is to be "strong and cool. Of course, speed is important, but it is not everything. For example, when I run 100 miles in a trek, I am more pleased when someone says, "You are strong. I value physical and mental strength, such as running through a race without giving up, or reviving oneself with energy even after being crushed to the point of not being able to run.
Shin: Being "cool" also includes how I dress for running. I try to be conscious of the fact that my running clothes are not just for running, but also that I can go out for a drink while dressed for running. Running is not the only thing we take seriously. That is one of the characteristics of chicken.
-What are the requirements to join the team?
HDK: We call it "Uetore (Uehara Trail)" and have the participants run through the hilly Yoyogi-Uehara area. Mi The participants start from "Mi Choripan" and run 6 laps around a course of about 2 km per lap, returning within 1 hour. Some of the participants are not able to complete the course, but it is almost as if they have passed the test to join the group. It would be rude to say that it is just a formality, but it is important to give it your all.
- "Mi Choripan" and "Broccoli playhair" hold guru runs that anyone can participate in, so the activity is open.
HDK: We have a lot of people who come to Gururan who are meeting us for the first time. We try to talk to them so that they don't feel away from home, and make them fall in love with the team.
Mahina: Basically, everyone is welcome. I like the welcoming chicken atmosphere when people from outside the team come to Gulang.
TETSU: I enjoy the ever-expanding circle of friendships. If I had not joined Chicken, I would never have attempted the 100-mile (about 168.6 km) challenge.
-Do you have many members in Chicken Heart who are good at long distance?
HDK: Yes, we do. We are not aiming to complete 100 miles as a team, but we would like to challenge 100 miles if we are going to do trail running. We have many people who want to run 100 miles someday.
