Running while thinking
I realized how fun it was

College of Health and Welfare 4th Grade
Ekiden Club
Graduate of Shimane Prefectural Izumo Technical High School

Tomoki Tabe

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What is the meaning of this practice?

Influenced by my parents and older brother, I participated in track and field Events from a young age. I only started track and field seriously after I became a junior high school student. However, while I could improve my running time in junior high, in high school due to injuries, I struggled to achieve results. Furthermore, in my third year of high school, I couldn't focus on practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic and felt somewhat unsatisfied.

Because my older brother was a member of the J. F. Oberlin University ekiden club, I was invited to J. F. Oberlin University 's summer training camp in my first year of high school. What impressed me was seeing the seniors actively practicing on their own. Instead of being forced to do it, I run while thinking about "what meaning this practice holds." It was the moment my awareness of track and field changed. I was inspired by fellow athletes my age gathered from all over the country, and eventually I wanted to run in J. F. Oberlin University.

To create a team where everyone can head to Hakone together

Unfortunately, we were eliminated in the Hakone Ekiden qualifying round last year. On the other hand, our team, especially the younger students, has steadily improved, and we felt confident that we could become even stronger next year.

Since the new team started, we've been focusing on core training. Running is a repetitive motion. Even so, in the later stages when fatigue sets in, everyone tends to lose their form. Running with consistent form leads to better times, so with the help of staff and coaches, we're doing the necessary training and raising awareness every day.

The current track and field team has few fourth-year students and is composed mainly of younger players. Rather than relying on a few strong runners, the team is working to raise the overall level so that everyone can compete in the Hakone Ekiden together.

I want to show the results of my efforts.

I love running. Through my activities in the track and field club, I discovered the joy of running while thinking, and it helped me grow as a person. I will never forget my gratitude and will live my student life without regrets. I also hope to continue competing after graduation and one day participate in a major competition such as the New Year Ekiden.

In our track and field club, where independence is highly valued, the athletes train every day. The only way to demonstrate the results of their efforts is to achieve them. From spring to summer, they've been focusing on speed training and increasing their mileage, gradually building their strength. Please pay attention to the running of this young generation. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Interview date:
This was done in June 2024 for the "Obirin Sports" website.

Running while thinkingI realized how fun it was

Main content

What is the meaning of this practice?

To create a team where everyone can head to Hakone together

I want to show the results of my efforts.

Related content

Running while thinking
I realized how fun it was