Triathlon, Niijima Island, Japan, May 26, 2007

Narrated coverage of my first Triathlon and having some fun along the way.

2010 Ishigaki ITU Triathlon World Cup Women

2010 Ishigaki ITU Triathlon World Cup Men

2008 Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup – Elite Women

Australian superstar Emma Snowsill added to her extensive medal count today with a win at the Ishigaki BG Triathlon World Cup. Snowsill led from start to finish claiming her eighth world cup title in a time of 2 hours 3 minutes and 11 seconds.

Running in Japan: My first marathon in Japan

I trained for months and ran my first full marathon in Osaka, Japan. The Osaka Yodogawa Citizens Marathon started in Hirakata City and went all the way down the Yodo River to Umeda and back again. I ran it in 4 hours 44 mins. It was an awesome experience. I’m doing a few 10k’s in between and next Spring another full marathon. My goal will be 4 hours-4 hours 10 minutes. In other words….I have a lot of training to do! Luckily, Kobe, Japan….where I live….is a sweet place to run. Special thanks to kansaipj for coming out and filming my run. Check him out here: www.youtube.com Creative Commons Music: “No Objection” by Shapeshifter “Effortless” by Josh Woodward check out my response channel: www.youtube.com

Offroad Triathlon in Nisseko, Japan トライアスロン

2nd Annual NAC Offroad Triathlon in Nisseko, Japan. Thanks to: JB for the camera work and savesaturday for the music: www.youtube.com

Women’s Running Tips: Top 40 tips for women over 40 runners

Being a runner over 40 has presented new areas of interest (and concern) for me on the road and more importantly in my training and recovery off the road.  I love to run and it's great to see research being done on older runners…the Yale study that shows that older marathon runners (women in particular) are improving their running times more than younger runners.

I would like to share some insights and tips that I have learned along the way.  Many of these women's running tips can apply to all runners, but they definitely take on a new perspective as the years go on and we get older, wiser, and perhaps, faster…  (due to format restrictions, many links have been removed, to see full text with links, go to aboldpace.com)

Training Tips:

1. Adding Miles: SLOWLY! Use the 10% rule.   Add no more than 10% increase of the mileage each week. Here's more detailed explanation and chart from FitSugar.

2. Warmup: As we get older, the body needs time to get going and giving it that time will help avoid injuries.  See "The Perfect Warmup" from Runner's World.

3.Cross-Training:  Is a must for any runner, but as you age the relationship between cross-training and running becomes even more important.  For a different, low impact, cross-training option, see our recent post on Aqua Running (or Pool Running).  Core exercises have become another essential, here's some good ones from Runners World.  Running Planet has done a nice job w/ laying out “The 8 rules of Strength Training".   We have some good videos on our Resources page.

5.Stretching/Yoga: Another must for the aging runner (and this has certainly been debated by many).  Dara Torres proved this in her Olympic effort that stunned us all.  She adhered to a strict resistance stretching regime (see previous post – “Doing the Home Stretch with Dara Torres”).  I am not a huge fan of yoga, but here's a good article by Runners World about a runner w/ a ITB injury who didn't like yoga at the beginning, then became a convert.  My always injury free LDF ("Long Distance Friend") swears by power yoga!

6.Rest: This has become one of the most important parts of my training. If I don't get enough rest, my body begins to break down.  Listen (very closely) to your body.

7.Massage: Another Dara Torres staple and one of my personal favorites.  It does not matter if you have a fabulous husband like I do or get from a pro, it works to relieve the stress of training and tired muscles.  You can even do it yourself w/ some videos by Rich Poley who wrote "Self Massage for Athletes".

8.Set a Goal: Having a goal or a race to strive for makes the training have a purpose and keep me focused.

9.Training Programs: A little planning goes a long way.  If possible, try to plan your training to run more often on softer surfaces like trails, dirt roads, grassy parks, or even the track.  A few good programs are on our resource page.  There are many good ones out there–find one that suits you.

10.The Track:  Most marathon training programs will include track work as it helps develop the fast twitch muscles to build speed and lung power during a race…getting older does not mean getting less competitive:) If I am training for a marathon, it really makes a difference for me especially in the later miles of the race.  Good article from Runner's World called "Running in Circles".

11.Injury/Recovery: This one is hard for me as I have had many… at 46, I still like to run fast.   There are several common injuries to running and I think I have had them all.  See “Coming back from an injury" posts.  I have learned to recognize my body's warning signs and back off.  Many of these tips (see Rest, Diet, Stretching/Yoga, Massage, Weight/BMI, Orthotics, and more) are meant to help avoid injuries or help w/ recovery.

12.Running with Music: Running with music can help motivation and provide a needed distraction.  I have also learned about the importance of  BPM (beats per minute) and ensuring that if you are listening to a song, be sure it is not too slow and unconsciously slowing your pace.  Find 70's, 80's, and 90's music along w/ best bands of today and learn more about BPMs in this post:  “Best Running Music Ever”

13.Weight/BMI: It seems that fast marathoners have a low Body Mass Index (BMI). Marathon Guide has a quick tool to calculate your BMI.  Knowing yours can help to find the "right" BMI for your best running performance.  See also post: “What's the 'right' BMI for a woman marathoner?"

14.Running in Different types of Weather: I am not a treadmill runner, so I will run in anything short of a blizzard.  With the right layers of clothing this is possible.  However, if you are training in summer for a fall race, beware of weather differences.  The weather during your race may be very different then when you are training. Don't be discouraged if you are not able to run 17 miles the way you think you should when you are in 80-90 degree heat and high humidity.

15.Travel Running: Always bring the running shoes along!  Some of my best runs have been among the monuments of parks, cityscapes and beaches of sand.  Hotels (see this post that mentions WestinRun) now will provide maps (and sometimes runners) to guide you.  With the help of MapMyRun you can find a route from anywhere.  Take a look at some of our Travel running posts.

16.Running and Sex: Here's an interesting article by Running Times that quotes an Israeli scientist who declared "Women compete better after orgasm, especially high-jumpers and runners"…who am I to argue w/ Israeli scientists?

17. Fartlek Training: Sports Fitness Advisor has some good tips on how to incorporate fartlek into your training  (psst…if you don't know what fartlek is, check out 10Ktruth.com's "Runnerspeak – Dictionary of Running Jargon and Other Sport Terms" ).

Nutrition and Hydration Tips:

18. Type of Diet: Adhering to a well-balanced, low-fat, wholegrain diet that is higher in carbs has always been the best route for me.  I love a good smoothie (see post “Smoothie Operator –quick nutritional training meal") while training.  Here's an interesting article w/ good tips on eating from Cool Running called “The Runner's Diet".

19.Hydration: It used to be all water and Gatorade for me, but now as I get older I don't want the same amount of calories.  I opt for the lower calorie alternatives like electrolyte powder mixes (see post: “Water log: Hydration and road recovery options for runners").

20. Eating after Running: The window for eating after running is small, but important.  See post “Refuel 'Right' after a Run"

Gear Tips:

21. Running Clothes/Bra: I like my running clothes sporty–not funky, but this is obviously personal preference.  A good running bra will go a long way…avoid cotton at all cost.  I have learned that running skirts are the most polarizing of all apparel items.  However, if you love wearing a skirt, check out the Skirtchaser Race Series…looks like fun!

22. Running Shoes/Socks: Running shoes are so personal the only way to really find a pair is to go to a running store and keep trying them on until you find one that feels comfortable.  There are tons of shoe guides for different types of feet that are helpful in narrowing it all down.  Learning about pronation and choosing a shoe that fits whether you have normal pronation, underpronation (or supination), or overpronation (or hyper-pronation) is key.  Runner's World has a good article along with videos on pronation. I have changed my shoe once.  I alternate pairs of three for marathon training (it used to be two but with my foot issues, it's now three).   Here's Runner's World's "Spring 2009 Running Shoe Guide".  The Asics Gel Kayano 15's are the "Editor's Choice" winners and also the shoes I use. A few other quick tips:

               Measure your feet: As you age, your foot size may gradually change.  Make sure salesperson measures your foot while you are standing up

              Shop later in day: As the day goes on, you feet get slightly larger.

              Orthotics and socks: Wear socks you use and bring orthotics to store when trying out shoes.  Find "dry-wick" type of socks instead of cotton.

              Check wear: Most shoes give you between 300 – 500 miles of running.  Keep track of the miles (see #24- Running Log).  Replacing shoes can avoid unnecessary injuries.  Check for wear on soles and inside the shoe as well.  Once you've found the shoes that work for you, you may be able to find the shoes again on-line at places like Runners Warehouse (a bold pace readers get 15% off), Overstock, or Holabird Sports.

              Break in the shoe: Don't wear a new shoe to a marathon, be sure you have had time to break it in.  However, when buying a new shoe, it should feel good when you are trying it on.

              Thumb-width: Have a thumb width between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.  I wear a 1/2 size bigger to make sure I have room in the toe box.

              Get medical advice: If you have a persistent problem with your feet, get the advice of a medical professional.   Believe me, waiting for a foot to heal can be agonizing.  Don't make it take any longer by waiting to get help.

Here's a great video from Howcast that covers many of these tips: “How to Choose a Running Shoe"

23. Orthotics: I overpronate and could not live without these.  If you have foot issues (plantar fasciitis, heal spurs, significant overpronation or underpronation, etc.), I'd recommend seeing a sports doc to consider orthotics as your new sole-mates:)

24.Running Log: Memory is not one of my strongest assets, so having a log to record my training keeps track of: weekly mileage, meals, shoe purchases (so I know when to retire shoes), favorite routes/runs, etc.

25. Running Watch/GPS: At heart, I am more of a zen runner (would rather not wear a watch or calculate each mile's pace…just run), but the NYC marathon last year changed that for me.  I went out too fast and had a hard time at the end.  I now wear one again.  There are great watches and GPS devices (see article from NY Times) that make it easy to calculate pace/time/distance.   Another option in a marathon is to make use of "pacers" at a race…here's Clif Bar's Marathon Pace Team info.

26. Running Bag: See “What's in your Running Bag?  10 Essential Items for Taking your Run on the Road"

27. Chaffing: Avoid blisters, use BodyGlide, Vaseline or new Asics Chafe Free.  Apply anywhere that rubs…feet, nipples, etc.  For more on Asics, see “The End of Run Chaffing?"

28. ipods: The must have for runners (even if you need to borrow from your child).  I understand why a lot of runners do not like to use during races , but if you love music, this can be a great way to relax and keep going (ipods are now allowed at some races, see post “Music to my ears").  Be sure to choose songs that work w/ your pace/BPM.

29. Reading about Running: There are so many fabulous books out there on running that are fun to read.  They can motivate and excite  you.  We have a few posted on our Amazon Store.

Racing Tips:

 30.Finding a Race: Marathon guide or Racevine can help you find a marathons and other shorter races.  These sites not only list races, they rate them.

31. Racing for a Charity: Millions of dollars a year are raised by runners for charity.  It can make the race more meaningful if you have someone in mind as you run the miles.  Supporting a good cause can also be a way into a sold-out race.

32. Women only Races: More magazine's Marathon/Half-Marathon (they have the best expo), Zooma Women's Race Series, Nike Women's Marathon and See Jane Run are just a few of the women only races out there.  They are fun, lively and a bit more polite then the co-ed races:)

33. Pace your Race: It is helpful to know your race goal and have the mile split times easily accessible.  PaceTat is a durable, lightweight (actually weightless), and unobtrusive way to keep track of your pace while racing.  These are simple transfers that you apply before you race and shows your mile split goals in clear large font.  Brilliant idea, and only $2.00 – $2.99 per transfer.  Or go the simple and FREE route w/ this tool from Clif Bar.

34.Speed at 40/Beating your PR:There have been numerous articles about how women are older women are getting faster and staying there (see ABC News article on Yale University Study).  As we gain experience, we become more efficient runners.  We know to run the tangents, prepare properly, and read tips like many we have listed here.  We also have more time to train as our children get older.

35.Qualifying for Boston/The Boston Times: Boston is a great, tough race.  It is an honor to run it.  This is not one to be missed if you qualify.   See some of our posts about the Boston Marathon.  Check out the Boston Marathon Qualifying Times.

36. The Race Day Survival Kit: You don't want any last minute surprises on race day.  Having a race day kit can help you to know you are prepared and keep you focused on the race.  Assuming you already are wearing your clothes, shoes, have your watch, etc…there are still some items you need.   There are two options… you can use a "check-in bag" where you have to wait in-line to get a claim ticket or use a "disposable bag" that has just the essentials and can be tossed.  Here are checklists for both:

   Check-in Bag:

 ____Extra Clothes: Nice to have a spare top, shorts, and socks to change into after the race.

____Sunglasses and sunscreen: If it's a hot and sunny day, you'll be glad you have these.

____Towel: There may be a shower at the end of the race, but even if not, nice to have to towel off.

____Phone: To contact friends after race

____Money: For any emergency needs

____Pre-race food and fluids

____Post-race food and fluids

____Race Number (if already have) and safety pins: Bring a few extra and you'll make lots of friends:)

____Race Chip (if already have)

____Course map/Race instructions

____Band-aids/Athletic Tape/First aid

____BodyGlide/Vaseline/Chafe Free

____Deodorant

____Large garbage bag: Helpful if windy or raining before the race or just to sit on.

____Wipes: Useful for nasty porta-potty

____Magazine: Nice to catch up on Vanity Fair while waiting in line for race to start:)

____Extra Goo packets: Use safety pin to keep a couple with you for during the race.

      Disposable Bag:

 ____Pre-race food and fluids

____Wipes: Useful for nasty porta-potty

____Throwaway old clothes: Sweatshirt or long-sleeve shirt.  Most races donate discarded clothes to charity.

____Race Number (if already have) and safety pins: Bring a few extra and you'll make lots of friends:)

____Race Chip (if already have)

____Magazine: Nice to catch up on Vanity Fair while waiting in line for start:)   Put in garbage before start.

____Large garbage bag: Helpful if windy or raining before the race or just to sit on.

____Extra Goo packets: Use safety pin to keep a couple with you for during the race.

The Running Psyche Tips:

 37. Making time for yourself: Running =  sanity.  Alone or with friends it has fantastic therapeutic results that last all day.  I find doing it early in the morning is best as I know I'll get my run in and "life stuff" during the day will not get in the way.

38.The Running Group: One of my LDFs and I always joke how we are going to write a book about the nuances of our running group.  Finding friends to share running with is a wonderful thing and helps you to stay motivated and enjoy the company along with the run.

39. Running Websites/Blogs: There is so much on the web now that you can tap into for running advice, training, support…see our blogroll.  It's a great time to be a runner.  If you're not getting automatic e-mail updates from <b>a bold pace</b>, don't miss out!  Or if you prefer, get our RSS feed.

40. Going beyond your limits: I have to add this because it is the reason I give my son every time he asks why I run…"running for me is about going beyond the limits I have of myself in my mind".  He's very logical and always answers…"limits are definitive–you can't go beyond them"…I keep trying to prove him wrong.

Perhaps it is the fresh air or the hours of laboring over one subject with LDFs but from running has come some profound realizations.  My LDF Heidi and I have decided that everything our children need to know about life we can relate to running.  A life manual in the making perhaps?  There is always "One for the THE Book…" decided on a run.

 

 

Monica Anderson is the founder, owner and creator of Remanents. She is a mother of three and avid marathon runner. She launched a new line of running themed tees and notecards along with a new running blog for women called: a bold pace-running for our lives. The high-quality papers, witty wordplay, clean design, and innovative packaging have made Remanents a favorite of discerning customers. Remanents has been sold in many exclusive stores including, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel, Nordstrom and Anthropologie-and in hundreds of paper and lifestyle stores across the US. Also sold internationally in Japan, Australia, U.K. and directly at www.remanents.com.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/track-and-field-articles/womens-running-tips-top-40-tips-for-women-over-40-runners-1149401.html

Ironman Triathlon Tests Limits of Human 2.0

Few competitions compare to the grueling gauntlet of endurance that is Ironman. The yearly triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, includes 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking and a full 26.2 mile running marathon. Even second-place finishers have been known to cross the finish line on their hands and knees.

Now in its 30th year, the competition began as an effort to test the boundaries of human potential, and in 1997, those limits expanded even further with the addition of the physically challenged division. Today, as prosthetics and technology advance, what were thought to be prohibitive disabilities are simply minor obstacles due to the truly iron will of the competitors.

Click through the gallery to read two such competitors' stories and see the gear that helps level the Ironman playing field.

Top picture: Marc Aten, 34, assembles his handcycle the day before running his third Ironman. His bike-leg goal for this year was 7:30:00, and he finished in 8:10:09.

"The bike, well it was disappointing," Aten said after the race. "I just thought I would be a lot faster. Of course, my camel pack for my nutrition was clogged up somehow, so I had to take the gels out on the course, which my stomach just can’t handle. But I knew I didn’t have a choice. Talk about getting sick … good times."

Aten's wife, Tiffany Brenneman, helps him bring his racing wheelchair and handcycle to check in. The couple eloped in Hilo, Hawaii, two days after last year's Ironman triathlon.

Aten, who has no feeling in his right leg and had his left leg amputated a few years ago due to spina bifida, attributes getting up the nerve to ask his wife out on their first date to the confidence he gained racing his first Ironman in 2006.

"If you can do Ironman, you can do anything," Aten said, before the competition. He finished with a time of 12:10:13.

"I truly loved it," Aten commented after the race. "Not only did I have to make sacrifices every day, but so did Tiffany. Sometimes I think she sacrifices a lot more than me. We are a team, so I knew that it was for the both of us. I truly love the journeys."

The pack of more than 1,700 participants splash from the starting line of the grueling 2.4-mile Ironman swim.

Jeff Glasbrenner took third place in the physically challenged men's division, swimming the 2.4 miles in 1:14:39, biking 112 miles in 6:43:51 and finishing off with a 26.2 mile run in 6:13:40. All while breaking in a new leg that he matched with a new shoe "so the pain would be even."

In 1981, Glasbrenner was involved in a traumatic farming accident, leaving him a below-the-knee amputee. Far from a tragedy, Jeff says it was his greatest opportunity. Like any situation, he says, you can either embrace it and make the best of it, or you can regret it and fail. Glasbrenner finished the 30th Ironman competition with a time of 14:18:58.

Jeff Glasbrenner kicks off all of his technology to swim a 1:14:39 race, taking third place overall in the men's physically challenged division.

"The bike was a bit windy," Glasbrenner said after the race, "but I loved the added challenge. It wasn't the best day to break in my new running leg or shoe. It normally takes a few months to get adjusted, so it was a painful day with plenty of obstacles."

With a time spread from 8:17:45 to 16:56:27, the race is a monster for all competitors. At left, No. 1180, Isao Funaki, 37, from Japan plods through the running leg of the triathlon.

Brian Leske came in fourth in the biking portion, with a time of 7:55:52, behind Jeff Glasbrenner's 6:43:51. Leske uses a different style prosthetic than Glasbrenner, which raises the question of how much the various designs play a factor.

A hard and lonely road, Marc Aten's time of 8:10:09 "was disappointing."

"I just thought I would be a lot faster," Aten said after the race. "The new chair felt OK. I mean, it was fast, but I couldn’t use it to its full potential. It is too small, so I was just in so much pain. I have huge bruises on my ribs. Looks like I bled a bit also, but my time was still close to what I thought I would do."

Aten completed the final "run" portion of the race with a time of 2:36:42, pushing his way past fire dancer Sarah Davis, who helped light the way through the pitch black. Aten earned himself fourth place in the handcycle division.

"At some points I just wanted to call it a day," he said. "Even at the beginning of the swim. Fear just can overtake you. I know we all have our moments out on the course, but to me Ironman represents life. Just focus on that moment, and there isn't anything to fear. Things didn't go as I wanted, but that is just how it is. I wasn't going to let anything ruin my day. I had a great time."

 

6 Ways to Develop Fast Transitions

By Gale Bernhardt

International Triathlon Union elite racers–racing at the Olympic distance of a 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run–post some of the fastest transition times on the planet.

Besides trying to get into the first transition (T1) before the big pack, good swimmers in World Cup races also want to be first across a designated prime line, which pays out additional prize money as an added incentive to go fast.

Once in T1, World Cup racers need screaming fast transitions to get on the bike–preferably in a small group–so they can work together to put time between their breakaway and the main pack.

After a multiple lap bike course, a fast second transition (T2) is critical not only to the racers in any breakaway, but to the racers in the main group as well. Seconds count, as the 10k running leg at World Cup triathlons has begun to look like an open 10k road race. Once on the run, any alliances formed on the bicycle are typically set aside for individual success.

How fast are these elite athletes going? In 2006, the fastest overall Olympic distance results were produced in Hamburg, Germany, with the men's winner going just over 1:43 and the women's winner at 1:53. In this particular race, first and second place were separated by only 11 seconds for the women and 14 seconds for the men. At a race in Ishigaki, Japan, the second place male finished only a second behind the winner.

Fast transitions are critical in all World Cup triathlons. Just a few seconds lost in transition might cost an athlete a podium position.

Like a World Cup racer, age-group athletes need quick transitions to be competitive at sprint and Olympic distance racing. Here are some pro techniques you can use to make your transitions faster.

Begin practicing fast transitions now

Too often, athletes wait until the week before the race to practice transitions. That is too late. You need to practice now to execute the fastest transitions possible and have them be second nature.

One way to do this is to include transitions in your brick workouts. Also, set aside some practice time to work exclusively on faster transitions–don't worry about an aerobic workout that day.

Leave your shoes in the pedals and use rubber bands

Elite athletes leave their shoes in the pedals for the first transition (T1). After exiting the swim, they put on their helmets, grab the bike and run out of the transition area.

In order to keep the crank arms and shoes from rotating and jamming into the ground, they use thin rubber bands to hold the shoes and the crank arms parallel to the ground. They attach one end of the rubber band around the shoe or through the heel loop of the shoe, and the other end to a rear stay on the side of the bike.

Do the same with the other shoe. You will have to experiment to see which locations are best for your rubber bands depending on your shoe size and frame size.

The thin rubber bands easily break away when you mount the bike and begin pedaling with your feet on top of your shoes. Slide your feet in your shoes once you are rolling at a good pace.

Put your sunglasses on while pedaling

Instead of putting your sunglasses on in the transition area, put them on once you are rolling on the bike. If your helmet has front air vents, see if you can secure the sunglasses there.

From the front, it will look like your helmet is wearing sunglasses. If your sunglasses are not secure on your helmet, fasten them to the top of your frame with a small piece of tape.

Use a flying mount and dismount

World Cup racers are going as fast as possible at every moment during a race. They are running relatively hard when they exit T1. They mount their moving bicycle with a flying mount, which looks something like a cowboy jumping onto a galloping horse.

Before they approach the dismount line at T2, they remove both feet from their shoes and continue pedaling in a manner similar to when they began the bike leg. Near the dismount line, they swing one leg back and over the bicycle so it's behind the other leg on one side of the bicycle. At the dismount line they are off the bike and running to the transition area. This particular move is advanced and takes plenty of practice.

Use elastic laces and no socks

There are elastic laces available at most stores that stock triathlon supplies. Elastic laces allow you to easily slip your feet into your shoes, wasting no time to secure Velcro or old-style lace locks on regular laces.

Before you decide to race with no socks, do a few practice runs at home. Some athletes can run with no socks and not have a single blister. Other athletes will develop hot spots on their feet that eventually bloom into blisters.

On your test run, carry a lubricant such as Body Glide. When you feel a hot spot beginning to develop, stop and apply the lubricant to the shoe surface causing the hot spot. This is the same location you will apply the lubricant on race morning when you set up your transition area.

Use a movie camera

When you are trying to improve your transition speed, have someone record your T1 and T2 in a practice session or during a race. Use a watch and time both transitions. After reviewing for ways to improve, do the transitions repeatedly until you think you have the fastest transition time possible.

If you're a spectator at an event, tape some of the top age-group and elite racers to see how they're doing transitions. You may pick up some additional tips.

If you're looking to get the edge on your competition without additional training, take a look at your transitions. Strategizing where you can save time during transitions is fun and it may even put you on the podium.

 

Japan’s “iron man” quits – at 81

Sun Jul 19, 2009 2:39am EDT

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese marathon runner Keizo Yamada has hung up his sneakers at the grand old age of 81 — although he could be tempted back to run the odd half marathon.

Yamada, who represented Japan at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and won the Boston Marathon the following year, said the time was right for him to "scale back" on his running.

"I’m not getting any younger so I won’t run any more 42-kilometre races," he told Sunday’s Sports Hochi newspaper, adding that he still jogs 20km daily.

"I will carry on running for fun to stay in shape."

Dubbed "Iron Man," Yamada ran three marathons this year, including his 19th appearance in Boston, and completed the Tokyo Marathon in a time of five hours, 34 minutes and 50 seconds.

He was one of the pioneers of Japanese marathon running, along with Shigeki Tanaka and Hideo Hamamura, who also won in Boston in 1951 and 1955 respectively.

Kokichi Tsuburaya put the sport on map in the Japan by taking bronze in the men’s marathon at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Japan’s women have had more success than their male counterparts in recent years, Naoko Takahashi capturing gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and Mizuki Noguchi winning the 2004 title in Athens.

(Reporting by Alastair Himmer)

 

 

Next Page »