There are many events that combine play and training, so it's really fun.

RRC member interview

Text: Shun Sato

Kazuma Koreeda was selected as the MVP of the 5th season for Team A (goal: sub 3 hours 00 minutes full marathon).

Previously, Kazuma Koreeda was cautious about taking a step forward. Now, he's getting A and A+ grades, and while everyone else struggles, he calmly completes the training menu and is praised for being "strong!" He has begun to actively participate in various training sessions. He has broadened his horizons and is enjoying life, including running.

How to approach running

I don't know what it was that was appreciated in the absence of a race, but I think it was because I started practicing in the morning and was able to continue, and I seemed to have survived when everyone else was in a tough spot during practice sessions, so I think those were the things that happened to stand out and made me look like I was working hard (laughs).

I switched to practicing in the mornings because if I practice at night, I can't see the end of it because of work, and I get stressed if I can't run. In the mornings, as long as I get up early, I can make time to practice. Now I wake up at 4:30am to go running, come back before 6am, take a bath, have breakfast, and head to work by 7am.

Also participated in the Sendai International Half Marathon in June

Before joining RETO, I used to practice alone, but since joining the team, I've been trying to attend various practice sessions. I've always been very curious, but I tend to worry a little when the time comes. At first, I didn't have any friends and wondered if I absolutely had to participate. It would cost money, but I wondered if I'd get something worth it. I thought about it a lot, but I figured I wouldn't get anywhere unless I went, so I decided to give it a try. It was the Fujimi training camp that made me more positive. Everyone got to know me, and I was able to talk to people from various teams, not just the A team, which was a really big thing.

The Fujimi training camp that was the catalyst

Everyone at RETO is really nice, and there are many events that combine fun and training, so it's really fun. The Odakama 40km was a new experience for me, as I'd never done anything like running hard together with breaks in between. I bought a backpack for this purpose, and thanks to it, I was able to participate in the Tamken training trail. I've never surfed before, but I love the ocean and I'd always wanted to try it, so I was invited. I don't know if I'll get hooked after just one try, but I'm really grateful for these opportunities. The twice-monthly practice sessions and individual training sessions have opened up new experiences for me, and I feel like my life is being enriched.

He also actively participates in events other than official training sessions (photo: Odakama)

For the fifth course, I only did speed training at RETO training sessions, and I basically focused on distance running. My monthly running distance is about 280km, and I'm aiming to achieve a sub-3 time in the fall and winter, so I'm training my legs for that. My current personal best time (3 hours 23 minutes) was the time I set at the Osaka Marathon 2023 in February, but I've gained a lot of confidence over the past six months, and I feel like I've already shaved off more than 10 minutes.

My goal this season is to run sub-3

Within my team, I'm aiming to be like Tsuchimoto (Yusaku) and Machida (Yuma). I had hoped to keep up with them in the Hokkaido Marathon, but unfortunately I won't be able to because I'm in a different starting block. I'm not chasing time in the race, but rather aiming to maintain a sub-3 pace up to 30 kilometers. Next up is Tsukuba. In November I ran in the Kobe Marathon in my hometown of Kansai, but everyone told me that this was the race to aim for if I wanted a good time, so I decided to go to Tsukuba. I'm hoping to aim for a sub-3 there, so I'm really looking forward to the race.