When is the first time I've updated my blog?
I'm Nomaru, the developer.
Last year, I was unable to complete the Shinetsu Gogake 110K due to bad weather. Thanks to the kind arrangement of Hiroki Ishikawa, I was able to stand at the starting line again this year.
Last year's article can be found here
Shinetsu Gogaku Trail Running Race 2024 110K (Part 1)
Shinetsu Gogaku Trail Running Race 2024 110K (Part 2)
"This year, I'm going to get through the finish line no matter what!"
This time, it will be the third time lucky, and in addition to the pacers who helped us out last year, we will also ask for their support and take on the challenge with our backs against the wall!
The strongest pacer and the best supporters
The set plan is as follows:
・Plan A: 20 hours 
・Plan B: 21-hour pace 
・Plan C: Complete within the time limit
So, will I be able to complete the course?! With a mixture of anxiety and anticipation, the Shinetsu Gogake 110K began.
Start to Banff: An unexpectedly slippery and difficult course
Five minutes before the start. The rain is getting stronger...
This year, we were able to line up at the starting gate without any rushing due to toilet congestion, but perhaps due to the strength of the rain, the race started in a quiet atmosphere with people wondering, ``Huh? Has it started yet?''
Immediately after the start, it was raining and the temperature was not rising, and as someone who does not like the heat, I thought for a moment, "These might be good conditions!" But the trail was quite slippery, and even on the downhill trail that should have been runnable, I had to proceed carefully.
The course change made the climb up Mt. Madarao even more difficult as it became a steeper climb.
"Try walking in the area where the water is flowing! The mud on the surface will wash away and it will be less slippery."
I thought it was a staff member, but it was none other than Hiroki Ishikawa himself!
Seeing him take to the course himself and make sure the athletes could concentrate on the race with peace of mind, I was reminded of one of the reasons why this race is known as a ``popular race.''
I followed the advice and headed to the summit. The steep slopes leading down to Banff were a slide due to the rain... No matter how careful you are, some things are slippery! I decided to take a route that would minimize damage to my feet, and arrived in Banff without a major fall.
Suddenly, Plan A disappeared... Plan B arrived in Banff 4 minutes late...
Banff to Kumasaka: A strong start, followed by a sprint on a dangerous forest road
In Banff, I was energized by the faces of my fellow FUJI100 volunteers and quickly refueled.
At the aid station exit, New-HALE gave me some humorous encouragement, saying "This will be good practice!" (wry smile), and I left the aid station feeling full of energy.
From here onwards is my personal favourite part. Thanks to the cool weather, I was able to complete the usually difficult climb up to Mt. Hakama and continued on at a good pace. However, the road conditions became extremely bad as I started to descend from Mt. Hakama. While some runners fell or went off course, I spotted an acquaintance of mine who was working as a course guide! Encouraged by this familiar face, I continued on.
Then, I headed to the forest road. Because it was cool and the distance I had come up to was short, I felt like I was sprinting through this section at a comfortable pace of around 5 minutes. At this pace, I was passing more people than being passed, and I arrived at Kumasaka in high spirits.
Even so, Plan B arrived five minutes late...
Kumasaka to Kurohime: Sudden slowdown... Mental health plummets due to dehydration
After resupplying at Kumasaka and heading towards Sekigawa, we were surprised by supporters cheering us on!
We parted with the words, "I'm doing fine! This is Kurohime!", but this is where hell began...
I had intended to proceed slowly along a route with a gentle climb, but my output just wouldn't increase! I felt extremely tired, and could barely walk. I thought it was the result of going too fast on the forest road just before, but it turns out I was dehydrated because I had been so focused on the cool weather that I neglected to drink water (thinking back, when I went to the toilet at the aid station in Kumasaka, my urine was so thick I thought it was blood...lol).
In addition to the dilemma of not being able to move, the riders I had passed on the downhill were overtaking me one after another... My mental state was at a low ebb, but I managed to complete the Sekigawa section.
We had some shiso juice at the Banquet Team aid station and then headed up the climb to Kurohime.
Although I couldn't run on the flat ground, my body was still able to move up the trail, so I took a lighter step towards Kurohime, where support was waiting for me.
Miraculously, we arrived at Kurohime three minutes ahead of schedule as per plan B.
Kurohime to Sasaga Mine: A double whammy and a reunion with the pacer
Before heading to the support area, I went to the toilet (the strength of my urine reminded me of how dehydrated I was), and while I was looking around the aid station without looking back, I unexpectedly bumped into someone I knew! This unexpected encounter gave me energy.
Here, he refueled with red rice and tomato juice for lunch. He explained his situation to his supporters, "Maybe it's because of the forest road downhill, but I can't run on the flat ground at all. What's more, my knees are starting to hurt. But I've refueled, so I'm fine."
Even though it's so muddy, the soles of my feet are still fine, I keep repeating that lol
I received a stamp of approval from many acquaintances who said, "If you're in good spirits, you'll be fine! You can do it!" and was encouraged by them as I left the aid station.
From here to Sasaga Mine, I was hoping to recover as I was trying to make up time, but my legs just wouldn't recover, and the pain in my knees added to the vicious cycle, creating a double whammy... I couldn't run, so I was overtaken by runners in the same category, which left me feeling disheartened.
I continued on in silence and when I arrived at the entrance to the west trail, I bumped into a medical staff member I knew! He encouraged me at the toughest part, but I couldn't finish the downhill section and felt ashamed of myself for even pushing myself to the limit with plan B. On the verge of a mental breakdown, I headed to Sasaga Mine where my pacers and supporters were waiting for me.
This section, which I should have been able to run, was the hardest.
Plan B arrived at Sasaga Mine 15 minutes late.
Continued in the second half
