Getting outside on a recent Japan business trip.
When not busy online I try to get out as much as I can, but getting into any sport can be a daunting task, much less something as intense of triathlons or marathons, which I have recently become interested in. Recently I had the opportunity to interview the great Greg David in hopes that he could provide some real insight into training out here. My goal? cutting the pounds and getting stronger, leaner, and overall healthier.
Subtropical weather, super scenery, and a culture known for its health and longevity create an optimum atmosphere for the endurance athlete. “Okinawa is a great place to train,” says Greg David, Supervisory Sports Specialist for Aquatics. “You can run, swim, and ride all year round.” Greg is also coach of the local Swim Team and an active amateur triathlete. “The racing community is friendly and open,” Greg says.
Okinawa supports a very extensive running and cycling menu. Many small communities and Okinawa’s outer islands use races as an economic boon, bringing in visitors for a day or even a weekend. Plus, it’s a good excuse to host a party. “The races are kind of like festivals. Okinawa itself has that feel too,” says Shizuoka, an active runner and university English teacher. Many people run on Okinawa just for the fun of it. Shizuoka warns that very serious, competitive runners could be annoyed by the laid back atmosphere on Okinawa. Very often, people line up for a race with their friends instead of based on their ability. Shizuoka has set a goal of running all 29 of Okinawa’s open races and provides details of each completed event on his blog.
“Running is a very prominent part of the Okinawan culture,” says Greg. “Of the tens of thousands who run annually in the Naha Marathon, 90 percent are Okinawan. That’s a very large percentage of the island’s population.” There is also a wide variety of ages in local races. “Lots of 40 and older Japanese people race, and they’re very good.”
Some words of wisdom from some of Japan’s top athletes, the only left to do is apply this knowledge.