Running Feature | The Number of Beautiful Runners is Soaring! What's Got Everyone Hooked?

The Rise of the "Bijo-Runner"! What's Got Everyone Hooked?

For beauty, health, stress relief, mental fortitude... "capable women" who have poured passion into their work and play are now captivated by running. What is it that drives these busy women to carve out time from their personal lives to run? To explore their allure, we snapped photos of nine "Bijo-Runners" and had them answer a questionnaire.

Photo: Junji Shimokawa

What was your motivation for starting to run?
To maintain my health and improve my physique.

Do you have any specific criteria when choosing your running wear?
Comfort and functionality are, of course, important (e.g., good sweat absorption, a snug fit around the arms, breathability in the underarms). But lately, I've been focusing on wear that has an essence of everyday fashion. Rather than overtly sporty gear, I find that adding details like ribbons or zebra patterns to hoodies and shorts, reminiscent of real clothing, allows for a more stylish look.

What do you find rewarding about running?
I recover more quickly from fatigue. It's also effective mentally. When I'm feeling down, a run clears my head and helps me feel positive again. I also become more attuned to the changes in nature.

In a nutshell, what is "running" to you?
It's like "tuning" myself. It helps me adjust my physical and mental imbalances to achieve an optimal state. My motto is "Yuru-run" (relaxed running), where I don't get too strict and run at my own pace.

What was your motivation for starting to run?
To build stamina. I wanted a moment of mindfulness during the day.

Do you have any specific criteria when choosing your running wear?
Fashionable and functional items. Good sweat absorption, etc.

What do you find rewarding about running?
I've become mentally stronger. My stamina has improved.

In a nutshell, what is "running" to you?
While building stamina is important, I see running as a way to train my mind. It's a "time to face myself."

Occupation | Freelance Editor
Years Running | 3.5 years
Favorite Running Course | Komazawa Park, Imperial Palace
Goal | I've never run a full marathon before, so I'd like to debut at the Honolulu or Tokyo Marathon.
Outfit | Jacket, Inner: adidas; Pants: adidas by Stella McCartney; Tights: CW-X; Shoes: New Balance

What was your motivation for starting to run?
When Nike+ was released, I received shoes and a Nike+ kit at a press event. My home is right next to Komazawa Park, and since I got the shoes, I thought, "Why not try running once?" That's how I started. I was hooked immediately.

Do you have any specific criteria when choosing your running wear?
I choose based on design, just like with my everyday fashion. However, details that hinder running are strictly forbidden. Lately, there are so many stylish options available, it's fun to choose! I have enough running wear to open a rental shop.

What do you find rewarding about running?
When I run in the early morning, I feel motivated to make and eat a proper breakfast. All the unwanted fat on my body—my arms, stomach, back—which I had given up on, has disappeared. I'm part of an ekiden (long-distance relay race) club, and since running is simple, anyone can join. When we run together, we become running buddies. Since starting running, I've made many people I can call "friends." Running makes me positive and helps me regain my center. My stiff shoulders are gone, and my stamina has improved.

In a nutshell, what is "running" to you?
It's like a magic key that changed my life. By obtaining that key, new doors keep opening one after another.

Not content with just entering races themselves, the members featured in the top image of this article have become the organizing committee for "Run Girl★Night," a running festival for women, by women, to be held on Saturday, September 4th, in Odaiba. For details, visit www.rungirl.jp. Also, check out our official Twitter account: rungirlnight.

Occupation | PR
Years Running | 4.5 years
Favorite Running Course | Imperial Palace, Gaien
Goal | I want to challenge a full marathon again in the Honolulu Marathon this December or the Shonan Marathon in January next year.
Outfit | T-shirt, Cap: Nike; Running Pants: adidas by Stella McCartney; Bra Top, Tights, Shoes: Puma

What was your motivation for starting to run?
A friend told me, "Marathon races are like festivals!" and invited me to enter an 11km race happening a month later. That's how I started running around the Imperial Palace.

Do you have any specific criteria when choosing your running wear?
I combine colors more boldly than I do with my everyday outfits.

What do you find rewarding about running?
Since I started running, I've become better at managing my time, waking up earlier to make time for runs and declining unnecessary after-work drinks to dedicate time to running. Of course, my body has become more toned, my skin looks better, and it's all positive.

In a nutshell, what is "running" to you?
Something irreplaceable that has brought so much color to my life.

Not content with just entering races themselves,
the members featured in the top image
of this article have become the organizing committee
, and on Saturday, September 4th, in Odaiba,
a running festival for women, by women
"Run Girl★Night"
will be held.
For details, visit www.rungirl.jp
Also, check our official Twitter account
rungirlnight.

What was your motivation for starting to run?
Participating in the Honolulu Marathon two years ago.

Do you have any specific criteria when choosing your running wear?
As simple and tight-fitting as possible. Eliminate anything unnecessary.

What do you find rewarding about running?
My lower back pain disappeared. When I skip running, my back immediately starts to hurt... I feel like I have to run lately.

In a nutshell, what is "running" to you?
Skill improvement through daily accumulation. While there are goals like endurance, achieving them feels similar to my own life. That's why I want to run!

Occupation | Photographer
Years Running | Approximately 2 years
Favorite Running Course | Around Jingu Gaien
Goal | I'm entered in the Para Cup in late April. I also want to try a half marathon this year.
Outfit | Dress, Tights: Reebok; Inner: Puma; Shoes: New Balance

What was your motivation for starting to run?
To relieve stress and build stamina.

Do you have any specific criteria when choosing your running wear?
I try to choose brightly colored items that lift my mood. While I used to stick to one pop of color, this year I'm also interested in coordinating multiple vibrant colors.

What do you find rewarding about running?
It has certainly helped relieve stress, and through running, I've had more opportunities to talk with people I wouldn't normally meet. I also feel like my stiff shoulders have improved.

In a nutshell, what is "running" to you?
It's something that makes me stronger, both physically and mentally, and it has introduced me to many friends.

What was your motivation for starting to run?
I used to run at a gym, but I thought, "If running is the main activity, it's more enjoyable to run outdoors!" That's how I started. As expected, Komazawa Park, in particular, allows me to feel the changing seasons and nature, which is so pleasant that I continue to run there.

Do you have any specific criteria when choosing your running wear?
Lightweight and stylish outfits that lift my spirits. Colors that also make me feel good.

What do you find rewarding about running?
My chronic stiff shoulders have significantly eased since I started running. I'm truly amazed by this!

In a nutshell, what is "running" to you?
Refreshment. A time to see myself from a distance, to have a dialogue with myself, a time unlike any other.

Occupation | Stylist
Years Running | 9 years
Favorite Running Course | Saitama Super Arena, Omiya Hikawa Shrine, Minumadaiyosui Running Course
Goal | Gold Coast Marathon, Maui Marathon
Outfit | Tank Top, Pants: adidas by Stella McCartney; Bra Top, Tights: Puma; Shoes: Nike Lunar Trainer; Watch: Nike

What was your motivation for starting to run?
I admired the physiques of models and wanted to live a healthy and beautiful life. I was drawn to the Honolulu Marathon and decided to try running, which I disliked the most.

Do you have any specific criteria when choosing your running wear?
Vivid colors and neon colors are my basics. Silhouettes that flatter the body line, ease of movement, and lightness.

What do you find rewarding about running?
I can eat without gaining weight, and my stamina has improved. Skin problems have decreased. It relieves stress. I've become more proactive than before. I've met running friends.

In a nutshell, what is "running" to you?
Something to keep my mind and body beautiful.

What was your motivation for starting to run?
A friend invited me.

Do you have any specific criteria when choosing your running wear?
Ease of movement. That the body line looks beautiful.

What do you find rewarding about running?
I've made more friends, I don't overthink things as much, and I think my skin has gotten clearer too.

In a nutshell, what is "running" to you?
Reset!