Newly challenging trail running.
-You have been competing in trail running races recently, how did that come about?
Kamiyama: I started out running on the road. In 2020, when the Corona disaster happened, I was walking to buy breakfast with my kids when the school was closed. After about 6 months, I suggested that since we were continuing, we should try a light run. But the kids said, "I don't want to run. ( lol ) So I decided to run alone.
-Then why did you take up trail running?
Kamiyama: Originally, I had collaborated many times with trail running brands, so I had a relationship with ), the person who completed the 100 miler (160km. Then last year, in my third year of running, I met someone from the brand at an event. When I met someone from that brand at an event, he invited me to join trail running.
-That's why you entered the race last year.
Kamiyama: Last June, I entered a race for the first time. I entered the race in March. I had never run in the mountains before, so I went to Takao every week to practice. At least twice a week. I had no idea that running in the mountains that often would become a habit. And when I entered a race, I was impressed by how many people were running wearing my drawings. That first race was more of a thrill than a sense of accomplishment.
-Last year you competed in June and November, and this year in June and September. 110km course in September for the Shinetsu Gogaku Trail Running Race, which I thought was amazing.
Kamiyama: I think it's not a race you enter after 2 years of trail running( lol). I just wanted to run it, and since the runners in the 100 mile and 110k run the same course from the halfway point, I was really curious to see how the 100 mile guys were doing. I wanted to see that as soon as possible, so I entered the race. I wanted to see that as soon as possible, so I entered the race.
-How were the results?
Kamiyama: We had to ascend and descend five mountains, but with about 15 km to go, the finish line was shortened due to heavy rain. But because I got there in time, they certified me as a special finisher. Of course I wanted to cut the finish tape, but I think the management made the right decision. Anyway, I was happy because I got to see the view I wanted to see.
-I imagine it must have been difficult to train for a race that is more than twice the distance of a full marathon and in the mountains.
Kamiyama: The most I ran in practice was about 43 km. I had no experience running at night, so I ran from midnight to 6 am in Takao. I wasn't sure what would happen, but I was determined to finish the race, and my friends were determined to make me finish, which was very reassuring. If it weren't for my friends, I might have broken down at some point and not been able to run.
-Which moment made you realize the joy of trail running?
Kamiyama: I guess it has become a habit for me to go to Takao every week to practice. I meet up with friends, chat a bit, and then go into the mountains to experience the changing scenery and the four seasons. I have been playing in nature for a long time, but I never went every week, so it is refreshing. I feel that life is full of unexpected things. I felt that I still have many more experiences to come.
-No matter how old you are, it is always exciting to experience something for the first time.
Kamiyama: I have more friends now, and I really enjoy it. We get together twice a week and run. When I am allowed to participate in team practice, I push myself so hard that I have never pushed myself this hard before, so it's pretty tough. At my age, I don't push myself to my limits, so it's a good experience for me.
-Have you ever had a hobby that became a daily routine?
Kamiyama: Not recently; I was into skateboarding when I was a teenager and skated every day or so. But in the end, maybe that's what treerunning feels like. I am glad to have found something that I feel I can do again.
