Training Abroad: Facing the Heat and Humidity of Tokyo

After completing my first half marathon in June, I was determined to tackle another one in September. The aftermath of the first race was tough—I could hardly walk up and down the stairs the next day. My friend, who had joined me, was in even worse shape, struggling with the stairs for about half a week. This was especially challenging for him because he had attempted to do a full marathon on that same trail route while I did the half marathon.

We had a three-week holiday abroad in Japan planned, and it included some challenging training sessions. We did shorter 15K runs in the baking morning heat of Southeast Asia. Running in Tokyo was particularly difficult due to the intense humidity; it felt almost impossible to breathe as the runs progressed. I couldn’t imagine running a full marathon in those conditions, but I guess they avoid marathons during those times of the year.

Despite the challenging weather, these training runs were excellent conditioning for the upcoming September marathon. The experience taught me the importance of adapting to different environments and conditions.

One thing that stood out during these training runs was the mental fortitude required. Have you ever faced conditions so tough that every step feels like a battle? Running in the intense heat and humidity of Tokyo was a test of both physical endurance and mental strength. There were moments when I wanted to stop, but pushing through those tough conditions gave me a sense of resilience that extended beyond running.

During these runs, I also practiced intermittent running with my experienced friend. It was a new concept for me, and I struggled with the faster segments. However, it was a valuable learning experience that helped improve my endurance and speed. Each faster segment felt like a mental hurdle, but overcoming them gave me a profound sense of achievement.

This preparation period abroad was grueling but rewarding, setting the stage for what was to come in my next half marathon. Every step, no matter how difficult, brought me closer to my goal. It’s in these tough moments that we often find our greatest strengths. How have you found strength in the face of adversity?

Let’s share our stories and inspire each other to push through challenges and reach new heights. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress. Here’s to resilience, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of our goals.