I’m running the Sapporo Marathon today. That’s why I came to Hokkaido two days ago.
The morning was cold. Coming from Shikoku, I really felt the temperature difference.
On the way to Makomanai, the station name sounded like “neko mamire” (“covered in cats”) to me. Perhaps I’m tired already.
The weather was good and the leaves were changing color. It really is autumn.
At the venue in the morning
I made it to the venue without oversleeping. First hurdle cleared.
An older runner asked where I had come from while we were chatting.
“Ota—Kagawa Prefecture.”
I nearly said I was from Otaru.
It was cold in the morning, but hot as soon as the sun reached us.
At least I stayed under two hours
My net time for the half marathon was 1:55:38.
I hadn’t trained for long distances, so I tried to make up for it by pushing my heart rate. At 18 km I ran out of energy anyway.
The watch splits show my pace falling at 19 and 20 km. My heart rate went up, but my legs couldn’t keep up.
Now I know what to work on for next year, so I’ll have to enter again. I should train before the next Otaru Canal Road Race too.
After finishing, I sat down in an open part of the Makomanai stadium. I was much colder than expected, especially with sweat on me. I worried I might get hypothermia if I stayed there.
I quickly put on my Storm Cruiser. It had been hot while running, and so different the moment I stopped.
Off to Otaru
I collected my bags, put on a red jacket, shouldered my 80-liter backpack, and went to Otaru.
Respawned.
Lunch was conveyor-belt sushi and Otaru beer.
Some travelers from Taiwan next to me were deciding where to go. I suggested Mount Tengu if they had time before sunset.
After all that food, I went to Otaru University of Commerce for a little exercise.
So much for “a little” exercise
I climbed Jigokuzaka.
I had run a half marathon that morning, and I had no energy left to run up this slope. Even walking took quite a while.
Perhaps living in Otaru would strengthen my weak legs.
After the hill that has broken many fans’ spirits, I reached Otaru Shiokaze High School.
I decided to go to Mount Tengu as well. Was it always this far?
Karin greeted me when I arrived.
The people from Taiwan I’d spoken to at lunch were there too, so I helped take their photos.
After walking around with a roughly 15 kg pack following the marathon, my running shoes began to squeak. I might have broken them.
So much for light exercise.