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

...So in summation, Pre could have run a 2:08 marathon?

That was an incredible run and it took incredible determination to do that. He's got more of my respect than any American runner does for holding a job and being a world class runner.

I'm definitely not taking anything away from him but I am shocked that nobody as brought up the possibility that doping was involved. Again, definitely not accusing him of anything but his sudden drops in times could possibly point that way.

Doping? Are you serious? His PR was 2:12 and while he PRed bigtime this is what we call a breakthrough.

If he had run a 2:05 that would be suspect, but really - doping? You are dumb.

i bet ritz feels like a pussy..he has prs in the 10 and 5k over a minute faster..but yet some jap can bust a nut for 26.2 and spank him...what heart

hahaha love this comment

Hank moody wrote:

That was an incredible run and it took incredible determination to do that. He's got more of my respect than any American runner does for holding a job and being a world class runner.

I'm definitely not taking anything away from him but I am shocked that nobody as brought up the possibility that doping was involved. Again, definitely not accusing him of anything but his sudden drops in times could possibly point that way.

i doubt he was doping as he had a full time job, when he could have been a full time runner, if he was that obsessed with running, wouldnt he have just run full time so he could have more time to train and more time to recover?

Brett in Tokyo wrote:I forgot to mention, he also had to be back at work at 8:15 yesterday morning for a once-a-year day of paperwork.

You're funny.

What's so funny about what Brett wrote?

I heard a similar story about Brian Sell making up missed shifts at Home Depot the Monday after the Trials.

Many runners work for a living. Many years ago, a woman I worked with qualified for the U.S. Oly trials in the marathon. The management let her work a semi-split shift with a long lunch break of 2 hours.

Believe it or not, letsrunners, there are some people who actually like to work, and don't see running as their entire future life.

When I went to nationals I had to take vacation, and pay my way.

And the medals weren't pawnable.

If you want to run fast, you can't be lobbying for your next hand-out.

This is why I am not a fan of the Meb / Boston thing.

If he really needs a marathon at this time of the year, then pay the $25 entry fee and win the big prize. If he's good enough to win it, he'll get his money back.

The US has entitled athletes from little league to Pro.

There is so much potential here, they should medal in every event in every sport.

This is what happens when you have big balls and train alot of miles. I'm sure this Jap, keeps it simple: simple training (alot of miles), no gadgets or gimmicks (anti- gravity machine, altitude tent, cryogenic bath etc. like Ritz the pussy boy), simple foods and contributes to his nation by working a real job.

Actually he runs far less mileage than most Japanese marathoners.

honorable discharge wrote:

This is what happens when you have big balls and train alot of miles. I'm sure this Jap, keeps it simple: simple training (alot of miles), no gadgets or gimmicks (anti- gravity machine, altitude tent, cryogenic bath etc. like Ritz the pussy boy), simple foods and contributes to his nation by working a real job.

We wouldn't be saying all this if this Japanese runner were as fragile as Ritz. Some people have all the determination to endure hardships if it meant attaining their dreams, but some people are just made of glass...

Hats off to this man though. Courage, guts, ability, and triumph in the face of adversity.

that's grit

maybe it's all that fish oil to keep the joints well lubricated?

TLW wrote:

Absolutely amazing. Any videos available yet?

Last 6k or so:

Enjoy it before the station finds it.

Dang, the guy didn't even run some of the tangents. Even more impressive.

Chin down, chin up, tight facial grimace, hands high, hands low (downhill)...

Now if only AlSal can tweak his form... NOT!

Awesome "old school" performance.

Belgian Waffle wrote:

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

First JAPANESE runner wins a car. Had to put tapes out until he crossed. After that...