The running scene is now in a state of great cultural purity.
AQZAWA: I know there are people who run for weight loss or health reasons, and I think that's great, but that's not the case with you, is it? I think that the main motivation is that running is fun, but what else attracts you to running?
AQZAWA:To have friends and companions. . And the age range is wide, from 20 years older than me to 20 years younger than me. Everyone's occupation is different, and it is interesting to be able to have fun with so many different people.
Do you get to know each other through competitions and group runs?
AQZAWA:The competitions stop there, but it's the training sessions and group runs. People I wouldn't know in my daily life participate in these events, so I can easily make friends with them.
AQZAWA-san, you also organize your own training sessions, right?
AQZAWA:Basically, I run alone, but I started this because I wanted to run with someone once in a while. Drinking alone is fine, but sometimes I just want to drink with someone (laughs). So many people get together, and it's kind of nice to see people who don't know each other getting to know each other.
What is the difference between a group run and a training session?
AQZAWA:Group runs are like running together for fun. A practice group is more stoic, with a coach and a practice menu, like a club to run faster. There is a sense of tension and everyone pushes hard. Then, strangers are huffing and puffing and working hard and encouraging each other, and that kind of adolescent-like atmosphere is kind of nice (laughs). That's why we get to know each other even more.
You also participated in a group run in Hong Kong, didn't you?
AQZAWA:There is a team called SD Runners , and I participated in their group run. I have a company in Hong Kong, and before Corona, I used to go there about once every two months. I asked the local staff to look into the local running community, and they introduced me to SD Runners, and I decided to join.
The team was quite stoic in their running, and they cheered for me in Cantonese when I was running hard. I couldn't understand what they were saying at all, but somehow it cheered me up. The drinks afterwards were just like that, and I have been doing that for about two years now. I want to go to Hong Kong as soon as possible.
. It's interesting to see how running can make global connections.
AQZAWA:We don't speak the same language, but we get along well. about 2 years ago, about 40 of us participated in the Okayama Marathon, and we had a great time at that time. . Another time, I happened to meet them at a marathon on the Gold Coast of Australia. I think the reason we can meet in a third country like that is because we share a common interest in running. . We don't speak each other's language, but our feelings are mutual.
I feel that running as a culture is becoming one big thing.
AQZAWA:I think so. . they are all very serious. It's a pain in the ass, it's tough, and some of them even go to the mountains and run for dozens of kilometers. You have to be serious to do that. I am amazed at how they do it. But I get inspired when I see that. That is why social networking is so important. I can tell that someone is practicing. Without that, I might not have made it this far.
Do you feel there are any disadvantages to running?
AQZAWA:No, I don't. . I think I'm getting healthier by running, I make friends and colleagues, and I somehow get more work done. Because I want to finish work early and run, I subconsciously move my head and hands, even though the amount of work doesn't change. So it's only a benefit. If I had to say something, I go for a massage about three times a month to maintain my body, and that costs money (laughs).
AQZAWA: What are your goals for the future?
AQZAWA:. I am currently trying to go sub-3 in a full marathon. My personal record is 3 hours and 11 minutes, and I would like to shorten it by 11 minutes. I would also like to organize a record-setting event or competition.
What do you think will happen to running culture in the future?
AQZAWA:I don't know, I haven't really thought about it. I think the reason why things are so exciting right now is because people are running on their own. People get to know each other on their own, and then they start practice sessions and group runs on their own. That is a very pure culture. So, I think it is a good idea for everyone to continue to do things on their own.
