If you're going to do it, do it seriously

RRC member interview

Text: Shun Sato

12th A+ Team (Goal: Full marathon under 2 hours 50 minutes) MVP: Shota Hanaki

Become a sub-Ega in one year

At the start of the 2024 season, my personal best was 3 hours 18 minutes 04 seconds (Tokyo Marathon). One year later, I achieved a sub-3 time in Tsukuba (2 hours 53 minutes 05 seconds), improved my personal best (2 hours 53 minutes 01 seconds) in Katsuta, and achieved a sub-EGA time (2 hours 47 minutes 38 seconds) in Shizuoka. I was surprised and really happy because I never thought I would be able to reach EGA.

A fateful encounter

Actually, before last summer, I injured my iliotibial band, and I was unable to run long distances during the Sugadaira training camp. I went to an orthopedic surgeon, an acupuncturist, and had my insoles replaced, but it just didn't get any better. Then, by chance, I met someone at a trail race I'd entered, and that weekend I went to a local public bath. It felt like fate, and we chatted. They introduced me to a personal trainer, who taught me how to use my adductor muscles, hamstrings, and glutes. Once I was able to use my hamstrings and glutes properly, the pain miraculously disappeared, so the following week I hit the trails in Nozawa. Seiya and Tamken were impressed by how quickly I returned, and I was amazed that the pain had disappeared, and that I was able to run so well, just by changing the way I used my body and stimulated it.

Get rid of your playful personality

When I joined in the 8th term, Kei (Niinuma) told me, "A scary guy has joined who is likely to change the atmosphere of RETO." I like drinking parties, but I didn't want to be seen as a playful character who likes drinking parties, so I wanted to show that I had the ability to run.

Awakening of self as a runner

What drove me to the sub-3 mark was this feeling, and the fact that if I was going to run, I wanted to be serious about it and become a runner who could definitely break the sub-3 mark. The excitement of being recognized on the trail, improving my ranking, and the fun of aiming for a better time, all of these little by little, motivated me to aim higher.

Friends and rebellious spirit

Running on trails during practice helped me get rid of my fear of distance, and E (Katayama) and the others helped me with speed training outside of the official RETO practice. I received advice from the A+ team, which I accepted honestly, and it was also great to have friends who were willing to work with me. Also, Kamino-san told me, "Hana-chan, you can't do sub-3," so I wanted to prove him wrong. I think all of these things came together nicely and led to Ega.

The importance of facing yourself

When I was little, I hated hard work and was the type to slack off easily. But now that I'm an adult, even though it's tough, if I work hard at this one thing, I can become stronger. I think one of the reasons I was able to make it to Ega is that I've learned to face myself without running away. Plus, everyone is always cheering me on, and they praise me when I set a good time. I work hard without lying to myself, get results, and it makes me really happy when they praise me for it, and I can honestly say thank you. Everyone around me is highly motivated, and running together is fun, like being in a club activity. That kind of environment is very important to me now.

-Why do you run?

Running is a communication tool and a way to enjoy life. I've met people I would never have met if I hadn't joined RETO, and they're all working hard at both their jobs and running. Seeing them like that motivates me. I'm really grateful to everyone around me. I hope that one day I too can become someone who can inspire others.