Fantastic Day

Unfortunately, that sub-four marathon run still eludes me. I was really feeling good about today, too, because I was running really well, right up to thirty-eight kilometers when I got cramp. Still, I kept on running, though at a much slower pace, right up to the end save for a couple of 100-200 meters walks. Final time, four hours eighteen minutes, which is twelve minutes slower than last year. 

I had a lovely surprise when I collected my medal. One of my ex-pupils was handing them out. It was great to see him again.

Enjoyed a post-race feast with some friends. They really wanted to go to an all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue restaurant and they negotiated a special price for me since as a vegetarian I would be unlikely to eat Y3,000 worth of salad. Half-price, and I did get my money's worth.

After the meal we enjoyed a wonderful, refreshing sento (a public bath.) The perfect end to a perfect day, marathon time notwithstanding.