Back in September 2014, I'd planned my winter training around the goal of running a half-marathon PB in Osaka on Sunday 25th January. I'd read that it was a flat course with a strong field. As there is no cross-country season here, I was struggling to find something to work towards over the winter so this seemed to fit the bill. However, I've had reason to reconsider this plan.
Firstly, though communication with my UK based coach is sporadic, it's clear he doesn't want me to run a half-marathon yet. I've struggled to make any progress as I've been beset with repeated injuries. Best get that dealt with first, build a solid base of consistent training and get my times down for shorter distances before I have a crack at a half-marathon. This is currently the longest injury free spell that I've had for a very long time, so I haven't even began to fully benefit from this yet. If I can keep this up, the speed and PBs should follow.
Also, I've had two offers come along. On February 8th I've been invited to run in the Kyoto Ekiden. An Ekiden is a relay race, though with a unique Japanese twist. I'll be representing Kyotamba, a rural town that I teach in twice a week, in this intra-Kyoto Prefectural competition. I'd read about Ekiden relay races before I came out to Japan and hoped to get the chance to run in one. So getting an invite to this is great. I'll be running a 7K leg.
This week I also received an invite to run in another relay event. This is the Kinki Masters Relay Road Race Competition, to be held in Wakayama Prefecture on February 22nd. The distance is 3K for each leg. I'll be representing Kyoto Prefecture in this inter-Kansai region (Kinki) prefectural event. I've never been to Wakayama-ken before, so this will be a great way to get my first visit in. The invite comes after I came to the attention of the Kyoto Masters Athletic authorities by winning the Kyoto Masters 10K just a few days before Christmas last year. It will be a great honour to represent Kyoto-fu.
So, from having an empty period with little to aim for, my schedule has got some quality racing action in it, with both relays being held over short distances, which my coach would favour. In that light I think that it's best that I change the plan. Focus on these relay races instead. After the relays, look for some fast 5K and 10K races in the spring and ideally some track races.
2015 is off to a promising start.
