DEC 4, 2011...11th Annual SATAMISAKI 10 MILE(16K) MARATHON

Ran the 11th Satamisaki 10 mile(16K)Marathon which took place at the southernmost point of mainland Japan in Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu. It is a tropical area with plenty of volcano created mountains, palm trees and beautiful coastline. Very similar to some areas in Hawaii.

I ran it during a business trip(tour)and also my relatives happen to be from there and so I had plenty of support from friends and family. Some friends actually got in a van and loudly cheered me on at various locations as they drove around! A little embarrassing but reassuring since it was a tough course.

It was by far the hilliest course I have ever run...There were very steep hills that climbed almost 150m altitude in 4 spots as well as many other smaller hills. Almost an asphalt "trail" race! Trotted slowly up the hills and tried to make up on the downhills....Overall a very slow pace.

None the less it was a beautiful course that ran through tropical forests and pristine coastline with beautiful views of Mt Kaimon and Yakushima Island! The weather was absolutely perfect. Not a cloud in the sky and about 17 degrees. Oh yeah, my time was 1:19 and placed 20th in my age group!

After run meal.....The race oragnizers prepared Ise-ebi (Japanese lobster) stew!