No matter how hard it is, it is important to keep running.
You mentioned earlier that you "enjoy running now." Did you gradually change your mindset to that?
Fujikawa:Yes, I do. When I run, I straighten my back very much. It also has a positive effect on my daily life, making me eat better and drink better beer (laughs).
Do you ever have a day when you don't want to run?
Fujikawa:There are days when I don't feel well, so I maintain my body by going to physical therapy or acupuncture, doing core training at home, and taking half-body baths. On days when I am not running, I decide to deal with my body.
But basically, I have a stronger desire to run. When I run, I have a positive mindset and don't think too negatively. Of course I become physically stronger, but the positive effect for me is that I can have that kind of feeling in my mind. People say that muscle training makes you more confident, and I think it is similar to that. On days when I have something important to do, I get up early in the morning and run before going to the office (laughs).
Do you have any physical sensations?
Fujikawa:It's definitely a plus. I am more careful about what I eat, and running has made me think that I should only drink a little beer (laughs). (Laughs.) If I drank a lot of beer after running and finished it off with ramen, it would be a negative experience. I used to be the same way. Also, the quality of my sleep improves, and I wake up feeling refreshed. After exercising and taking a bath to refresh yourself, it is very good to relax a bit before going to bed.
Fujikawa:Also, I've been having a lot of fun lately experimenting with different things. For example, what would happen if I ran without any sugar at all? I tried it and ran 10 km as usual. I ran 10 km as usual and found it hard on the hills. Since I always do the same thing without hesitation, it is easy to see such changes. Even a single beer can make a blatant difference.
Do you ever have trouble running?
Fujikawa:There are. There are many hard times on the trails. But I know the sense of accomplishment I get when I overcome them, so I run even though it is hard. Once, when I was running with a goal set for myself, I fell asleep halfway up a mountain. When I woke up, I was mentally broken and had nothing but regret afterwards. The regret was worse than the pain of running. So I think it is important to keep running, no matter how hard it is.
Lastly, what are your future goals as a runner?
Fujikawa:There is a 100-mile race that I would like to participate in, not only in Japan, but also in the U.S. and Europe. I am also a member of a running team called the "Chicken Heart Running Team," and I want to convey the appeal of running and treerunning to young people. The age range of treerunners is high. So I want to increase interaction with young people and revitalize the scene. Of course I want it to be fun, but I also want people to know the rules, manners, and that it is a more casual sport. Also, I don't have a child yet, but I would like to run with my own child someday. That is my goal.
