Odawara Houtoku 10K, Nov 2nd 2008

Sunday November 2nd, 2008. Sunny, no wind, great views of Fuji san.

Second race in Odawara and a great success. I had a PB at 10K, negative split and a PB for the 5K.

Five Namban runners (J., M., G., S. and Daniel S.) met at Odawara Houtoku 10k, a pleasant race with many views of Mt. Fuji, 90 minutes out of Shinjuku by Odakyu-Line train. We left in Shinjuku at 7:01 and arrived in Tomizu at 8:30. Reception was well organized and same day applications were gracefully accepted, even change of races (10K to 5K for example). Small light warm up that I cut short to find some bushes.

The race went OK, I crossed the line in only 10 seconds, as the field was limited. The race zigzaged in the rice paddies before going up on the river banks, then a flat road along the river. I followed an experienced runner with a Shonan 10K jersey, looking for a moderate first 5K. We cruised at 5'45". Then, at the turn, I changed gear and pushed harder my cancer survivor body, huffing and puffing along the down hill (very slightly) return 5K. I had the great support of team mates G. and J. for the last 500 meters and I smashed two PBs. 56'09" for 10K and a second half 5K in 27'10". PBs by 1'47" and 4" respectively.

We went on to the prize ceremony where 3 namban runners (J. , G., and M.) made it to the top 6 (large and friendly podiums). And S. had a PB by 20 secs. Top 6 or PBs for every one. I like this course.

See you there next year.