No way, lost the course, then!
We found a good location a short distance past the alpine aid station. The dramatic setting sun was illuminating the profiles of the riders as they made their way through the tree line.
From there, it was stoned and nighttime all at once. The headlamps were turned on, but Yasuda did not appear.
Is it some kind of trouble? Maybe they have already passed through unexpectedly quickly. Believing in the better imagination, we decided to wait at the next aid station.
While waiting at the final aid station, the Kenmin-no Mori, I received a line from Yasuda.
I'm Lost!"
He said he had gone the wrong way for about 4 km and was now returning to the course. The time is 18:00, and the last gate is at 19:00, so it is getting to be a very tough race.
18:37. Yasuda returned to the final aid.
I thought this would be painful, since everything had been going so well up to this point, but the patient did not seem bothered at all, and did not make a single weak complaint.
If I had been alone, I would have been completely lost!" He smiled. Despite the concerns of the interview team, he showed a strong mentality toward the end of the race, enjoying even the unexpected troubles.
Since the temperature has dropped considerably, they have decided to wear arm sleeves here.
The slit allows me to use the watch while it's on."
Yes, the sleeve can measure heart rate, etc., and is highly visible and easy to operate. But we need to get going, don't we?
You have 12 kilometers to go. I will definitely make it to the finish line, so please wait for me! He said reassuringly, "I'll definitely make it to the finish line.
Nevertheless, 12km in 2 hours from here will be a very tough fight. Moreover, if we include the lost time, we have already run nearly 50 km. Although he was aloof, it must have been very hard on him mentally.
The time is 19:40. the finish gate. Athletes who were in the vicinity of Yasuda's before Lost are returning one after another. Looking at the data, it seems that most of them took about 2.5 hours from the last aid station. No matter how many times I calculate it, it is just barely enough.
There are 30 minutes left until the time limit. The time limit is approaching as competitors return one after another. Come on, come on!
Finally, with 20 minutes to go before the time limit, Yasuda was at the finish gate!
The time was 11 hours, 45 minutes and 40 seconds. From the last aid, it was calculated to have run through in less than 2 hours.
I went out with a bang," he said! But I had a lot of help from many people in this race. When I was lost, I worked with people who were nearby to find a way around. I realized that we are not competitors, but friends running together.
And after rehydrating, she immediately refilled her beer. It must have been a special drink for her.
The next day, at 4:30 a.m., according to a website called "Trail Search," which tells you when trail runners have entered the aid station, Yamamoto had entered the last aid station. He was about 4 hours faster than last year. This was unexpected, and the staff hurriedly made preparations and headed for the goal at "Hitsujiyama Park.
Around 24 hours after the start, Yamamoto was seen at "Hitsujiyama Park" where the finish line tape was located. The time was 25 hours, 1 minute, and 12 seconds. He came back almost 5 hours earlier than last year.
Yamamoto laughs a little shyly, "It wasn't supposed to be like this, but I'm doing really well.
I'd like to warm myself up in the bath for now, but first I think I'll have a smoke." He then quietly disappeared behind the grass in the park.
Three and a half hours after Yamamoto crossed the finish line, Oda of "Toto-Ken" also returned. With a look of utter exhaustion on his face, he said a few words.
It'll never end.
Oda's mentality, Yasuda's competitive spirit, and Yamamoto's experience, each of which was a positive result of their respective strengths. Although the three ran the same race, each must have had a completely different experience. What they all have in common is a sense of accomplishment and a good expression after the race.
Yasuda looks back with a smile and says.
By the way, I hear there will be a party when I get back to Tokyo!
It may seem a bit extreme to greet those who have completed the 100 km run, but that is the style of the ♡Huinamu Running Club, I guess. Everyone has his or her own way to enjoy running. Running is a free activity.
