WORKOUT 01. Running . my 40-something self could beat my 30-something self.
PROFILE
A member of the running community "ikism" , she joined an advertising production company as a new graduate and left in 2016. . He visited 88 countries, including Kenya, where he joined an agricultural startup as COO. After joining an agricultural startup in Kenya as COO, he returned to Japan in 2007, joined a creative studio "&SUPPLY", and runs 3 restaurants.
Instagram: @ayumu_kurashima
Why did you start running?
It was when I met the running crew "ikism" that I am now a member of. That was four and a half years ago. I had always played soccer, so although I ran as part of my training, I had never run for the purpose of running. From there, I got more and more into it.
What kind of activities does the team usually do?
While running is a part of our lifestyle, our members are involved in creative activities that they are good at, such as taking photos and videos, compiling them into books, and making goods. The concept is a creative running crew.
You have also published a zine called "ikism book," which is a collection of scenes from overseas marathons. Do you often participate in races?
I ran three full marathons last year: the London Marathon in April was my first full marathon, which I ran in 3 hours and 28 minutes, and in November I ran the New York Marathon and the Tsukuba Marathon, but I was too tired to run them (laughs). I think the appeal of a race is not only the clear goal of setting a time, but also the chance to run in a foreign country and to be cheered on by the cheering crowds along the roadside.
Two full marathons in one month! How long do you usually run?
My goal is to run 100 km every month, and I started in January 2021, so I have been able to continue for 3 years. My usual course is along the Meguro River , Yoyogi Park, and Komazawa Park. I also take my running shoes with me when I go on business trips or on vacation, and explore the area while running. I enjoy discovering stores in the back alleys that I would never find by car.
What benefits do you see in continuing to run?
I have been feeling fresh in my body for the past few years. I always run in the morning before work, and it clears my mind as well as my body. I run while remembering my tasks for the day or thinking about a project, and by the time I get out of the shower, I have all my ideas together. It has become a routine for me to go for a nice run first thing in the morning and head to work each morning in a refreshed state.
. It's the best morning routine I've ever had. . I feel like the key to balancing work and exercise is in the morning.
At night, your work schedule may change, but in the morning, all you have to do is get up early. In short, it is up to you.
Do you have any goals you would like to achieve through running in the future?
. I want to keep going for a long time. Running is an essential part of my lifestyle, and I want to continue it without overdoing it. . In addition to running, I have recently been practicing jiu-jitsu.
Martial arts?
Yes . The reason I chose these two is because you can compete even as you age. Jiu-jitsu is a sport of experience, so even people in their 60s can overpower people in their 20s. In terms of running, I sometimes get passed by older runners when I run in Komazawa Park.
I see. Both of these sports require a lot of daily effort.
I am now 34 years old, but I want to continue to do this even when I am in my 40s and 50s, and I believe that with hard work, I can become faster and better than I was in my 30s. . That is my goal and motivation for the future. . I want to grow old in a cool way while continuing to play sports.
