Moreover, the members of the « Drinking Section » even planned something like this for us. (Rumor has it that the organizer slept until about 2pm…)
I was very, very happy. To be honest, I was exhausted and my legs were sore, but I pushed myself a little to participate after the race. I’m so happy that they did this for me.
Once again, I would like to thank you all. Thank you very much.
Now, I’d like to write about what cheering is really like for runners who are actually running.
I’d like to say in advance that I think today’s entry will be a bit, well, a lot « selfish » and « uncomfortable ». Depending on how you look at it, it might be inappropriate.
So, in order to reduce misunderstandings as much as possible, I’d like to make some « excuses » in advance.
あくまでも下位レベルのランナー（所要時間6時間以上）の視点であること
ランナーは思った以上にナーバスな状態であること
After all, it goes without saying that running 42km is not an act for ordinary people. In addition, the people who have passed through the multiplier of about 10 times are very excited on the day of the race, but at the same time, they are worried about whether they can finish the race, and I think they are mentally nervous.
It may sound like I’m putting a damper on your support, but I’d like to write about the true feelings of a runner, so I hope you understand.
Reassuring words for lower runners, not tension builders.
I think it’s best to cheer for the basic runners as if they are in a constant state of nervousness throughout the race. There is a word « runner’s high », and it is true that the tension is high. It is true that they are very excited, but at the same time, I am sure they are more nervous.
To each his own, but it is best to avoid cheering that is associated with negative words. It can be quite taxing on the runner’s side. The slightest thing can make them feel tired all over again.
自分が言われて嬉しかった声援の例：
「大丈夫、時間は十分ある」
「いいペースだよ」
「無理しないで、この調子」
It’s just my personal feeling, but I’m still nervous, so I thought it would be comforting and empowering to give support that is more comforting and reassuring than encouragement.
On the contrary.
自分が言われてどちらかというと嫌だった声援の例：
「先頭はもうゴールした」
「もっと走れるぞ」
「まだ●kmだ」
「走れて羨ましい」
「出場できたんだから完走しろ」
The last two are nothing to cheer about, right? But there are actually people like that.
This kind of encouragement, « you can do better, » is not likely to reach the lowest level runners. Runners at this level are basically people who enjoy running, who go slowly, and who don’t care if they make it in time, so they don’t really know what to do if they are encouraged to finish too early or to improve their time.
So I thought it would be a good idea to soothe and encourage them not only with « Hang in there » but also with a gentle « It’s going to be okay » kind of support. I’m sorry for being selfish and naive…
Supporting people you know (twitter version)
Cheering is not only limited to cheering from the roadside. Even if you can’t hear or see them directly when you’re running, the support and expectations of your family and friends already reach the runner’s heart before the race.
There are various forms of support, but the most heartfelt and encouraging form of « backing » support is through twitter.
To be honest, it’s hard to see the replies to you on your twitter client while you’re running, even if you’re walking for a break. But I guess it’s just a personal preference, but even when I’m having a hard time, just imagining the storm of replies I’ll get when I reach the finish line, or the number of replies and RTs I’ve received so far, is very encouraging and gives me strength. I think it’s the same for all of us.
By the way, it’s easy to check the replies to the live broadcast on Twicas or UST, except for the automatic delivery. So, when I get a reply during the live broadcast, I can check it immediately, which makes me very happy and gives me strength.
Cheering for someone you know (along the way)
The weather was good this time, and there were many people along the roadside cheering the runners on.
In such a situation, it is very difficult to meet someone you know in person, but I am very happy when I meet someone in person and hear their voice.
I was fortunate enough to meet a friend of mine from the grain orchestra before 34km. The following video is a recording of that time. (*Video by tweaker)
But in reality, it’s very difficult to find people you know among the 30,000 people running around. I happened to start a tweakathon in Ginza, and there happened to be a very conspicuous person in front of me (Christ!).
However, another acquaintance of mine was supporting me in Asakusabashi, but I couldn’t meet him this time. Even though he was cheering me on, I felt very bad and I was very disappointed. This was the hardest part of the race.
I had given notice of my pacing and tweaking time at the end of the project, but I found that this was not enough.
Again, I think it is the most exciting and encouraging thing to meet and support people you know in person. That’s why I’d like to make the most of this experience for the next time. Specifically, I would like to
次回に向けた「応援者」対応について
自分が真剣に走る区間、休む区間などを具体的に明示
自分が合いやすいポイントを予め予告
相手にも「今ココなう！」など位置情報がわかるツイートをしてもらうよう促す
応援してくださる方と事前に打ち合わせておく（まあこれがベスト）
In my case, I specify the water supply point just after the measurement point every 5km after 20km, or in Ginza where I have announced that I will definitely walk, I specify a specific store such as in front of Matsuya or Apple Store.
I also thought it was very important to clarify the serious running section.
It’s because if you’re not aware of the gates, you’ll end up retiring. Of course, just meeting and talking with people you know is a considerable time loss, so I think you have to plan your actions accordingly, if not strictly.
If you just want to run, you don’t need to do this, but considering the opportunity, it’s better for both the runners and the supporters to enjoy the event as one.
Bottom line: you still can’t finish a race without warm support!
The above is a long and selfish opinion from a runner’s point of view.
It’s true that even though I had trained hard and built up my legs to finish the 42.195km race, there was still a limit to how much mental strength I could muster on my own, and that’s why I couldn’t have done it without the encouragement of warm supporters.
I would like to thank all the people who have supported me once again. Thank you very much.
And finally.
I’m not going to reveal my name or ID, but I’d like to quote this reply that made me think again that it was really good and happy to broadcast live on « twitter » even though it was a lot of hard work.
To be honest, there were times when my feet hurt so much I wanted to give up. There were many times when I wanted to run away. But there were people behind me who were cheering me on, and there were people who gave me such touching replies after the race, and I felt really happy that I was able to finish the race with the support of such people.
This is a style of cheering and communication that is only possible through social media, which is extremely real-time. Even if I can’t participate in the race, I strongly hope that runners can experience this as a cheering person.
