13:59 5k, 29:02 10k Japanese AMATEUR Runs 2:08:37 at Tokyo Marathon and Passes Out

That youtube video obviously has terrible quality, but still, a great watch. The look of pain on that guy's face was ridiculous. He definitely earned that new car.

The Japanese venerate painful sacrifice above all else, and the "agony face" is typical and part of the love of the marathon in particular.

Love the guy in 6th or 7th who dives for the tape, misses it and just lays on the mat.

Awesome!

But just imagine how fast he would have gone if Jesus was training him.

Junk Master wrote:

Awesome!

But just imagine how fast he would have gone if Jesus was training him.

Or Salazar/Schumacher. He really needs to come to Oregon to learn how to do this properly.

Seko should pick him up and teach him how to cook Kare Raisu.

How about former indoor two mile world record holder Hailu Mekonnen up front? Man, I thought that guy had disappeared for good until a year or so ago.

20 years old? ha!

All of us intelligent white Letsrunners know only US citizens have birth certificates.

dsrunner has the day off wrote:

The problem with your premise is that you don't know what sort of 10k shape Kauwachi had going into this race.

His 2:12 was in poor racing conditions; he was probably overtrained or still not quite recovered when he ran that 29 10k; and as you know, his half marathon best is 1:02:40 -- suggesting 2:10 shape at least. If he trained through for the half marathon best, a < 2:09 would not be too much of a surprise. Still, a good story.

A very good point. Coach Squires told me that he felt Rodgers could have run 27:30 had he concentrated on 10000 but he never did. So to translate his marathon performance from his actual PR of 28:05 is not valid.

As for Kawauchi, according to the interview, because he "lacked speed", he emphasized stamina. To prepare for Tokyo marathon, he did five 43km runs as well as a couple of 5~6 hours cross country runs.

Out-of-Wedlock-Danny wrote:

help me out wrote:

I PUT DA TEAM ON MY BACK

dar-REN, Shar-PAWH

One the most hardest hittin safeties in the league...BUT, I PUT DA TEAM ON MY BACK DO

Anyone know more about his training. I am SO inspired by this guy and his story.

Amateur , Pro , stupid classifications for runners.

It should be employed or un-employed. Getting out for two a days , getting in a few 43k runs this kid Kauwachi is focused and has the passion. He is very much a pro in his approach , refreshing to see in world of over paid un employed US "pro" runners.

Wow, where'd you read about the 5-6 hour cross country runs? That's some long stuff for marathon training.

If only he had done more squats, drills, pushups, sit-ups, and anything else non running related, maybe he would have ran faster than a sucky 2:08:37.

What he really needs to to are some plyos. Just an extra 2 sets a day, and an off day every other Sunday, and running 50 less miles a week (replace running time with weights, core work) and he should be running 2:03:58 in no time.

Alan

Anybody got any more training/lifestyle info on the guy??

Must admit this has shamed me...Im currently working full time, struggling to hit 50 miles and whining about how tough the balance is...this guy is a hero..absolute beast and a real inspiration.

Message is clear...shut the f*** up and run and stop being a pussy.

Just wow.

That just shows that it doesn't matter what resources sponsors or federations throw at athletes, it's what comes from inside the athlete that counts.

Why do the Japanese put out winner's tapes for the first couple finishers?

He has an interesting work schedule as the prefecture offices open at 1PM... so I am just guessing here that he either does one monster run (43km) in the morning before work and alternates that with doubling before work, 6AM and 10AM, Kenyan style.

Anybody got any more training/lifestyle info on the guy??

Must admit this has shamed me...Im currently working full time, struggling to hit 50 miles and whining about how tough the balance is...this guy is a hero..absolute beast and a real inspiration.

Message is clear...shut the f*** up and run and stop being a pussy.

Just wow.

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Dude, you are absolutely right fricking on! It is amazing how many guys who are near National or even a World Class Level in America, have a 1001 excuses as to why it just isn't happening for them. Boohooo, booohoo!! These guys need to hang their balls on the wire, grit their teeth a bit more and just do the damn business!

When people say things like; "My stomach hurt at mile five" or "I just wasn't feeling it today", make me sick!!!! No wonder we're laughed at abroad! Grow up and run until you drop!!!!!!

Yet a 12:56 5k/ 60 min flat 1/2 marathon runner from the US has repeatedly failed to break 2:10 for the marathon despite the huge Nike warchest pumped into him.

Perhaps it really boils down to pure guts?