Every time I run, I gain a deeper understanding of my own body.
After eating, the three of them changed clothes and slipped on their running shoes. When three runners get together, they simply can’t help but go for a run. Of course, their shoes were . They ran about 5 kilometers from “Country Log” to the shores of Lake Yamanaka.
Each of the three people took a different path to running. What they have in common, however, is the experience of coming to reflect on their own bodies and minds through running and walking.
As Mr. Masuda and Mr. Tsuchida were becoming more and more passionate about running, they both experienced foot injuries. That’s when they discovered the “Vivo Barefoot” shoes, which are marketed as helping people “learn to use their feet in a way that’s natural to the human body.” This led them to become re-engaged with running and, furthermore, to reevaluate how they use their own bodies.
“With ‘Bibobea Foot,’ you can rediscover the natural sensations and muscle patterns that the human body is meant to have. As I kept wearing them, I began to notice those sensations, and that’s when the pain in my feet gradually went away. That’s when I realized just how much shoes can affect the body, and I was truly amazed by how incredible the human body is,” (Masuda)
Mr. Nagashima quit his job two years ago and headed to Te Araroa in New Zealand to fully immerse himself in hiking, a hobby he’d always enjoyed. From the fall of 2024 through mid-March of the following year, he walked the entire 3,000-kilometer trail.
“Hiking long trails is such a primal form of recreation. You just walk, eat when you get tired, pitch your tent, and sleep. You repeat that over and over. Through that experience, I realized just how much running and walking in nature helps me find inner peace,” (Nagashima)
Walking and running are everyday activities for humans. That’s precisely why we don’t give them a second thought. However, all three of them say that they’ve now come to pay attention to these everyday activities.
Watching the three runners on the shores of Lake Yamanaka, it becomes clear that running is more than just a means of transportation or exercise. The way they move their feet, their body’s center of gravity, their breathing, and the feel of the road beneath them—there are countless subtle changes that one notices only while running, and you can see how they’re planting each foot firmly, one step at a time.
If you change your shoes, your gait changes. If your gait changes, the way you feel about your body changes. From there, your mindset begins to shift as well. As you focus on these small changes, the simple act of taking a step forward becomes more and more enjoyable.
As for the gear these three use, they all wear shoes. They also wear other items that reflect their personal preferences.
Mr. Masuda’s running gear. Starting from the top left and moving clockwise: shoes by *Vivo Barefoot*, a watch by *Karos*, and a hip bag by *Portal*.
Mr. Masuda, who used to browse the internet and order gear that caught his eye from overseas, went through a phase of trying out various items only to part with them. Recently, however, his desire for new things has settled down, and he’s come to rely on a few trusted items. He keeps energy bars and water tucked away in a hip bag from the London-based brand *Portal*, and he’s currently wearing a watch from *Karos*, a brand that has surged in popularity in recent years.
Mr. Tsuchida's running gear. Starting from the top right: shoes by , rainwear by , and sunglasses by .
Whenever he heads out into the great outdoors, Mr. Tsuchida never fails to wear an ultra-lightweight rain shell from *Moonlight Gear Equipment*. He says this garment—which combines lightness and waterproofing—is indispensable in the mountains, where the weather can change quickly. For sunglasses, he wears *Ombras*, which feature a cord in place of the temples. They’re easy to take off even while running, and he can keep them around his neck while on the move without worrying about losing them.
Mr. Nagashima's running gear. From top to bottom: a cap, a watch, and shoes.
Mr. Nagashima’s passion for gear knows no bounds, and he’s said to be constantly on the hunt for gear from lesser-known brands. Among them, his current favorite is a cap from the California-based headwear brand *Parapack*. As the brand name suggests, its packable yet ultra-lightweight design was the deciding factor in his purchase. A Suunto GPS watch is a must-have when hiking in the mountains or on trails.
