I'm a new marathon runner here in Japan. More concerned with the self-discovery and distance than with times, really. Just started running last year and participated in my first marathon. What a fucking intense and wonderful experience! 

A still from a video taken after a run through the rice fields of Northwest Japan.

I started running last year on what most would call a "whim." I was heading to the bar where I was working at the time, looked up and saw a banner hanging over the sidewalk, and liked the colors. It advertised the upcoming 2017 Niigata City Marathon. Immediately something inside me said, with almost 100% certainty: I'm going to do that. And I did.


I'm not a "runner" as much as a dude that likes to run.

And for me, that's a big difference, really. I got into running for a "spiritual" reason, if that makes sense to anyone here. I wanted a challenge. I wanted to see how far I could go, and to make that personal journey. Integral to my training for last year's marathon was reading from Haruki Murakami's: WHAT I TALK ABOUT WHEN I TALK ABOUT RUNNING. He's one of my favorite authors, and his approach to running is basically the same as mine. It's a fucking beautiful, intense, weird, rewarding, painful, reflective, and exhilarating...personal, individual journey.

A peaceful spot along the Sea of Japan.


So what's next?

Well, I am pumped to be here on a new platform (I was tipped off to this cool new platform/concept by a friend, @schattenjaeger) and to have a place to do focused blogging about running. Steemit.com is where I do most of my stuff, but as the platform over there has its limitations, I am looking for promising new options. And. Here I am. 

If all goes according to plan, and my name is selected, I will be running the 2018 Tokyo Marathon in March! As such, I am thinking this will be a great new home for my training blog, which I keep regularly when preparing for a race. In these blogs I talk philosophy, technique, music and books--all related to running. 

I'm looking forward to networking here and peeping the scene. よろしく!!:)