This little run is my way to say "farewell" and "thank you" to the beautiful leaves and fall season here in Akiha, and to get ready for the winter season!

Damn! That was not easy. I almost approached the “cry for your mommy point,” that happens on longer runs sometimes. Included waaaay more hills than I realized in the course, and then took a wrong turn for a mile’s worth of more of those hills. Turned back to correct my path. More climbing. All around Mt. Gomadoyama.

This run was only 12 miles but felt much longer.

That said, the first annual Akiha Mini Marathon was a success. I was the only runner! 1st place! 😜

The scenery and bright yellows, blood reds, and greens of the leaves and the mountains was something else.

I finished with a dip in the onsen and lemme tell ya, a hot soak in the hot springs never felt better.

Please enjoy the short video below to get an idea of the feel of this route. I really enjoyed it. And it was hard, too!

So.... If you're in Japan this time net year, give me a call and we can run this course together!

:)

- GS

Previous posts in this series:

Shizouka Marathon Blog, I - https://scorum.com/en-us/running/@running-japan-77/why-i-run-shizuoka-marathon-blog-i

Shizuoka Marathon Blog, II - https://scorum.com/en-us/running/@running-japan-77/shizuoka-marathon-blog-ii-training-in-the-hills-and-marathon-update-shoutout-to-vivaultra

Shizuoka Marathon Blog, III - https://scorum.com/en-us/running/@running-japan-77/shizuoka-marathon-blog-iii-awaiting-signup-day-plugging-scorum-on-twitter-youtube-and-facebook

Shizuoka Marathon Blog, IV - https://scorum.com/en-us/running/@running-japan-77/shizuoka-marathon-blog-iv-running-through-the-simulation-running-for-peace

Shizuoka Marathon Blog, V - https://scorum.com/en-us/running/@running-japan-77/shizuoka-marathon-blog-v-shizuoka-here-i-come-signed-up-and-ready-to-rock

Shizuoka Marathon Blog, VI - https://scorum.com/en-us/running/@running-japan-77/shizuoka-marathon-blog-vi-7-miles-under-the-stars-running-in-october-introducing-a-new-friend-on-scorum

Shizuoka Marathon Blog, VII - https://scorum.in/en-in/fitness/@running-japan-77/books-and-distance-runs-shizuoka-marathon-blog-vii

Shizuoka Marathon Blog, VIII - https://scorum.com/en-us/running/@running-japan-77/shizuoka-marathon-blog-viii-running-in-the-rain-running-in-the-cold

Shizuoka Marathon Blog, VIV - https://scorum.com/en-us/running/@running-japan-77/shizuoka-marathon-blog-viv-knocked-out-with-a-cold-but-back-on-track