Kurohime to Sasaga Mine
There were a lot of people at the aid station because it was the 100-mile pacer meeting point. It's difficult to make up time by running, so I suppressed the urge to sit down and relax, got my work done efficiently, and ate a lot of rice balls (lol). Of course, I didn't forget the bananas!
Before leaving, I had a friend talk to me and tell me that I'm not the only one who's having a hard time. I have to do my best! I set off with a strong resolve.
Even during the shoot, I was holding a banana in one hand (lol)
Sasaga Mine to Ohashi Forest Road
When I arrived, they called my name and bib number, but no one answered...
As I was looking around the crowded aid station after receiving my depot bag, I spotted a pacer! Apparently the rain was so loud he couldn't hear the announcements...
A friend of mine came to support us at short notice, and although we were meant to be given the best possible support, it was my first time and I panicked because I didn't know what to ask for... I was so busy swapping our luggage, explaining the situation, changing clothes, and eating curry... But thanks to everyone, we were able to leave earlier than planned.
The pacer joins up and the second half begins!
I had told the pacer in advance that I wanted him to lead the race from the front, so I thought that he would just take a look at the current pace and lead the race at the beginning.
"I'll run as many sections as I can!"
And then I started pulling like crazy...and I was able to keep up just in time.
An acquaintance of mine who completed the mile race with me this time said that he thought he was at his limit and slowed down his pace, but in fact he was being too easy on himself, and when a pacer pulled him ahead, he was able to run faster than he thought he could and got more motivated. This was a real learning experience for me!
With such an exquisite pace, the surrounding players were involved and a pack of about 10 people moved forward at a rapid pace.
Just before the West Trail, my friend also got on the train (lol)
When I arrived at WaterAid I heard a familiar voice.
I encountered Team Milestone, consisting of Nishioka and Yoshida. Yoshida was also a great pacer, and it was cool to see him encouraging and pulling Nishioka, who was close to his limit! (It was dark and I couldn't see very well, so I just imagined it in my mind's eye lol)
The section from here is better than last year, but there is nowhere to run because of the mud festival, so I continue while dipping into my savings and arrive at Ohashi Forest Road (15 minutes earlier than planned).
Ohashi Forest Road to Togakushi
Last year, I decided to DNF at Ohashi Forest Road. I took a drink and washed down the rice balls with soup. My stomach and intestines were in top condition, which was my only salvation.
I thought to myself, "From here on, my personal longest distance will increase with each step" (lol), but I couldn't run because of the mud festival...
If you try to run downhill too hard, you won't be able to run to the end if you fall, so here too, you have nice pacing!
After passing Togakushi Shrine, I suddenly felt sleepy and slowed down my pace... The pacer couldn't stand to see me, so he called out to me, but I gave him a cold response... I'm really sorry at that time (lol)
I felt like I was running out of energy in this section because I could barely run, so I was thinking about what to do when I got to the aid station, but I don't have any energy! Are you okay? I was thinking about what to do when I got to the aid station! Then, the pain in both my legs started to get worse, so I'm going to take some painkillers... As I was talking like this, I saw the light!
Hoping to get things done smoothly, have some soba noodles, and leave early, I arrived at Togakushi (3 minutes earlier than planned).
Togakushi 90km point
As we went up the hill, we heard a strange commotion that wasn't cheering from the crowd...
An acquaintance who was waiting for me at the aid station entrance told me the situation.
"The race is now cancelled as we are unable to ensure the safety of the athletes and staff."
I thought, "What are you talking about?" but when I saw Ishikawa explaining it to the players every time they arrived, I told myself, "That's what it means..."
If they had continued on, there would have been a good chance they would have been able to pass through the finish line, but this is a race with many runners, and if something had happened, there is a possibility that the race would not be able to be held in the future. As someone who also organizes events, albeit on a smaller scale, I believe that this decision was not wrong.
But I wanted to get through the finish line.
My light grey shoes are now black… you can imagine how muddy the trail is (lol)
The award ceremony was held the next day on a pleasant autumn day.
My Shinetsu Gogaku Trail Running 2024 ended with a special completion
P.S.: Special finishers were given priority entry for next year, so I'll practice hard to make it through the finish line, third time lucky.
