Running in Japan

Running is something that has been part of my life in one way or another for about twenty years. Wow, that makes me feel old! Through running, I can explore new places, spend time outside, relieve stress, focus on my health, and just be. As someone who is not very competitive (at least with other people), I have always enjoyed the fact that running is an individual sport and yet it connects and brings so many people together. A smile, a nod, or a "hello" (konnichiwa, in Japan) says so much more...the presence of others running around you can keep you going...and hearing your friends/family members talk about their runs can motivate you to lace up your shoes as well. This last one has been especially true while in Japan. 

After just about 5 months of running in Japan (which includes 7 weeks off due to an ankle injury, a team road race, and a 1/2 marathon), I have realized that there are a few differences when it comes to running in Japan. I thought it would be fun to share a few of them with you. 

1. Runners wear A LOT of clothes (even when it's hot)

I didn't notice as much in the winter because it's rather typical to be bundled up; however, runners here wear a lot of clothes when they are running! Winter gear usually includes coordinated track suits with hats, gloves, scarves, and sometimes even face masks. And, summer gear often includes long tights, long-sleeve shirts, hats, and sometimes even gloves. Most of the clothes are dry fit material - and yet I am not sure how the runners don't pass out from overheating! At our race a few weeks back - it was sunny and about 80 degrees. I was probably one of maybe 50 people (out of about 10,000) who was wearing shorts. In Cincinnati - this is shirtless running weather! For the men anyway! 

When I asked my sensei her thoughts on this - she mentioned that it probably has more to do with people not wanting to get a suntan (pure white skin with no tan lines is desired here) than the actual heat. Runners know they are going to sweat anyway - so they might as well protect their skin too! I am sure they are also way more used to running in the heat and humidity here than I am! 

2. Tents and tarps at road races

If you ran track or cross country in school, you probably remember getting to the location of the race early - staking out your team's spot and setting up camp. The tents, blue tarps, coolers with snacks, etc. It's often an all-day activity! Races in Japan are like that as well...even marathons and half marathons! Usually there is some type of school, park, or the like near the starting line and people get to the races early to claim their spot. In addition to tarps, I saw tents and even portable changing rooms! And, because of how safe it is in Japan - people just leave their belongings on the tarps/in their tents while they run...not even thinking twice about whether their wallet or car keys will be there when they return. No need for bag check!

3. Communal stretching

Before we moved to Japan, Kaz had mentioned that each morning at Toyota a bell will ring, everyone will stand up, and then a voice over loudspeaker will lead the employees in a morning stretching exercise. I learned that this also happens at road races too! Sometimes a team will get together and one person will lead them through stretches...and other times...a  large group will form lines and someone will lead over loudspeaker. At our 1/2 marathon in May, I heard a lot of talking over loudspeaker before the race. By the time I was able to piece together what was happening...I had missed the stretching! Next time I'll know...and be able to participate too! :)

4. Port-O-Squatty-Potties?! 

In an earlier post, I mentioned that you often come across a "squatty potty" in Japan. Well, guess what - the port-o-potties at Japanese races are also squatty potties...I guess that makes them port-o-squatty-potties! I have to say - sore legs make squatting a tad more difficult...that's for sure! And, knowing that these are the only potties available also makes you not want to drink a lot of water before the race. Which is a problem when it's hot! 

Oh, and the potties were also "manned" by workers who would check each potty after it was used to make sure it was clean (at least, I think that's what they were doing). If it was not clean - they would spray it out with a hose before letting the next person use it. That was definitely an added bonus...and the potties flushed too!

5. Signing up/Registration

When we first arrived in Japan and began to look into signing up for a half marathon - we were surprised to see that most races were already "closed." Meaning that the registration date had passed...even though a race might not be for another 6-8 months. In January, the first race we could find that still had not "closed" was in November. 

After talking to Kaz's coworker, we realized that many races have a very short sign-up window. For example, registration opens on June 1st and closes on June 4th. So, people will plan to sign up first thing in the morning on the first day...almost like buying concert tickets. Other races won't post their signup dates until right before registration starts - so you may have to check the website often to figure it out. And, other races are becoming lotteries - so you sign up during a certain time and then they let you know several weeks later whether you have been accepted into the race. Obviously every race is different - and depends on the size and popularity...I think we're finally starting to get the process down...now if I could only read the websites a bit more (Google Translate helps...and also leaves a lot to problem solving and imagination). 

6. Later start times 

One of the norms for the races I've done is EARLY starts, which also mean that you are often done running and showered by 9am. Early start times often help to control the heat and I am sure make traffic easier to manage. I have realized that races in Japan tend to start much later - a 9am start time versus a 7am start time. Later start times in late fall/winter are wonderful as a few more degrees often helps; however, for late spring/summer races...they can be a bit more challenging! I definitely wasn't expecting the heat at our race in May...sunny skies and the sun at high-noon even though it was only 9:30am (the sun rises around 4:30am here - so it was already really high in the sky)...made it a bit toasty! I'll be even more hydrated...and perhaps wearing even less clothes next time! A tank top may open a whole new can of worms! 

7. Post-race snacks

Those who have run with me know that eating is the last thing I can even think about when I cross the finish line. Usually I am doing what I can to not throw up - which often involves attempting to disguise my gagging. It doesn't work quite as well anymore!  However, I usually fill my bag up with bananas, bagels, pretzels, and other snacks to enjoy about 2-3 hours later. As I finished the race in May, I was greeted by the strong smell of pork miso soup...and the sights of many runners slurping away at their soup. I have to say my stomach was churning more that normal given the smell! Luckily, they also had sports drinks too! 

Even though this post is about the differences I've noticed in the world of running in Japan...there are obviously way more similarities than differences. I am enjoying getting to see the ways that people do the things I love in other parts of the world. We have some more races on the horizon...so I am sure I will be able to compare and contrast even more.

For now...I am going to work on figuring out how to run in the heat and humidity...and try to decide whether to sign up for a full marathon while I'm here. I'll have to decide rather soon!

Sunny Moments: New running experiences!

Cloudy Moments: Sore legs, squatty potties, and smelly soup! ;)