I've been running regularly since August, gradually upping the distance, getting faster, and learning how not to obliterate my hips, knees, legs and feet. Although it took longer than I had hoped I finally managed to run a half marathon yesterday in the town of Aomori, Japan. It just so happened that the start line for their half marathon course was outside my hotel so I thought why not just go for it.
I set out with 2 running gel sachets and a bottle of water and started pounding down the coast road. 8.5km to the outside of the city, turn around back to the start, then over a road bridge for a few more Kms before returning home. I managed to PR my 10km, 15km, and 10miles and got a 1:51:03 for the half marathon.
I'm super stoked. Insanely pleased I got sub 2 hours on my first attempt, and I can't believe I finally did it.
My legs feel fine today, a little sore but nothing terrible.
Next milestone is the 30k. Let's fucking go!
Great work. I bet that was a great place to run!
I started running this year too. I had a couple big setbacks (the biting flies were nuts mid august and shin splints which took 2 months to fully heal, make sure your shoes aren't laced too tight!) but I have so much more energy day to day I know I can't ever stop now.
What app are you using there btw?
This is Strava. I record on a Garmin watch and the activity syncs to the strava app from the Garmin connect app.
As for location, Japan has been pretty shit for running. China is ten times more accommodating to runners, with every major town having at least a small park, to full on multi-kilometer running paths.
This run was along roadsides and involved a lot of crossings which was less than ideal.