The event is about to begin. Instead of "working hard," we are going to "have fun.
At 5:00 the next morning, Yamamoto and Oda, who will compete in the 100km race, arrive at the race site. They look a little sleepy, but they seem to have recovered from last night's alcohol consumption, and are well prepared for the epic distance of 100 km.
It was still dark at 6:00 a.m., and the fierce competitors for the 100K started off one after another to the sound of drums. Yamamoto and Oda were in the middle of the more than 600 participants. The time limit was 14:00 on the following day, a long race.
Yasuda has three hours to go before the start of the 50 km race he is competing in. He seems to have become much less talkative around the time he saw Yamamoto and Oda off to the start. Is it possible that he is nervous?
But then he said, "I'm hungry. I found a nice coffee shop, let's go for morning breakfast! She said, "I found a nice coffee shop, let's go for morning! It seems that she intends to enjoy this trip to the fullest.
Yasuda has little experience in trail run races. His racing experience includes "KOBE TRAIL 2025 (21km)" and "The 4100D Mountain Trail in Nozawa Onsen (37km)" in April this year. In other words, I am still a chick.
He usually goes to the mountains once or twice a month and runs about 20 km. Will Yasuda be able to complete the FTR, which is famous for being tough? In terms of experience and running ability, it is probably a 50-50 chance.
The 50K in which Yasuda will be participating has four aid stations, but the cumulative elevation is 2,985 meters, making it a very tough race. There are also three gates, and the time limit is a relatively tight 12 hours, making this a course that will test both your physical and mental stamina.
One hour to go until the start of the race. Normally, Yasuda would have been nervous, but to conserve his energy, he fell asleep in the backseat of the car. Will this big-heartedness prove to be a good thing or a bad thing? First, let's take a peek at the early stages of the race.
Finally, just before the start of the race. Yasuda is extremely quiet. His expression is a good mix of anticipation and nervousness.
I've come this far, I'm going to enjoy myself to the fullest!" and started off in high spirits. One after another, the riders ran past the foot of Mount Mukou shining in the morning sun. Yasuda's challenge has finally begun.
Yasuda arrived at the first aid station, the International Fishing Ground, 12 km away, at 10:45. One of the characteristics of "FTR" is that the aids have an at-home atmosphere. There was a long line in front of the restrooms, and I asked the runners, "Why don't you eat some bread while you wait for the restrooms? They went out of their way to offer them bread on a tray.
Yasuda was not particularly hungry, so he ate a banana and Daifuku (rice cake with sweet bean paste). He said he had hardly consumed any water.
It's still warming up."
He looks cool, not like he has run 12km so far. Indeed, his clothes are still dry and he still seems to have a lot of energy left over from Yasuda. In any case, he is off to a good start, keeping his own pace without getting carried away by the race atmosphere.
This 50K has two mountainous sections. The first is the steep climb from the Ashigakubo trailhead to the Ono Pass, which begins just past the first aid station. In a distance of just under 3 km, the runners must gain nearly 500 m in elevation.
After crossing the Ono Pass, Yasuda was waiting for us near the Shomaru Pass, which is located on the downhill side of the pass, and he was nimbly running down the mountain. It is about 2 km from here to the second aid station, Shomaru Station.
At the Shomaru Station aid station, we recharged our energy with onigiri (rice balls).
I think rice is more powerful than bread. If I had to say so, I would be happy if there were fruits.
It is 30 minutes before the barrier gate. Yasuda is in no hurry to leave. He even has enough time to apply lip balm to his dry lips, which he carries in his backpack.
I heard that you should lift the corners of your mouth when you get tired. When the going gets tough, I'll remember the drunken Yamamoto-san and do my best! I'm going to the next aid station in two and a half hours!
He seemed to be thinking about his race plan while keeping track of his current pace on the COROS running watch strapped to his wrist.
