Fukaya 10K

As you know, I've been running most of my life. My brother and I would ride our bikes while my parents ran when we were younger, I ran my first 5K when I was 8 years old and then competed in track and cross country in high school. I tried cross country in college, but got burnt out. I filled the void that running left with teaching cycling classes and personal training in college but didn't really start running again until I was told that I was teaching a marathon training class my last semester of college so I figured I would train for a half marathon along with some of the people who were taking the class. I loved the half marathon but still didn't stick with running on a regular basis after that. I've learned that I need a partner, and a little structure to stick with running and after nearly 9 years together I think the running bug has bit Brad--and I have a running partner!

Some teachers from Brad's elementary school like to run and asked if he would like to run a relay race in January and a 10K in February with them. He said yes and I asked if I could join and so we started training last November.

On a side note: it's hard not to be somewhat healthy in Japan. You're forced to walk a lot and the food, while not quite as good, is probably a little healthier than the US. (Except I'm writing this after Brad and I ate McDonalds for dinner... ) I don't believe I have lost or gained weight this year, except that I do not have access to a gym here so I'm sure I've probably lost a little bit of muscle. Brad on the other hand has lost some weight. So much so that he can't even wear his wedding ring anymore because if he makes a big gesture with his hands it will fly off and might hit someone on the face. It also almost got lost on the soccer field during a pick up game one time.

Anyway, despite the fact that I thought I was in decent shape from all the walking that we do here and the 20 minute bike ride to and from school everyday, I was surprised how difficult it was to get back into running. It was hard! But we made it! The 10K was 2 weekends ago and it was so much fun! We did pretty well and are already looking forward to our next race.

This was the first time the line for the bathroom was longer for men than for women. F

This guy ran the 10k with barefeet and in a bath towel. 

Happy to be finished!

Brad beat me and finished in 50:22 and I finished in 50:43. I came in 15th out of 103 women though! We're already planning on running the Cherry Creek Sneak on May 1st and the Boulder Bolder on our anniversary (May 30th). Let us know if you want to run any of them with us!