I Could Only Run 15km in Japan; I Faced an Unknown 6km Challenge

Congratulations on completing the NYC Half Marathon! How was it?

Thank you. First, something surprised me before the race. The hotel I was staying at in New York was near Central Park, and one morning before the race, when I went out for a practice run, I noticed that both lanes of traffic were closed off.
We were all impressed, saying, "Wow, New York really does things differently." Volunteers and police officers were stationed at every traffic light, blocking cars properly, so there was no anxiety at all. It was a wonderful experience to run right through the heart of the city, even though it wasn't a race (laughs). Before we started, I could only run up to 15 kilometers in Japan, which was 6 kilometers short of a half marathon, but everyone told me, "You'll be able to run it on the day!" So, the excitement was greater, I think?

How was it on the day?

Since it was a summer marathon in August, the start was at 7 AM. I left at 5:30 AM, and as I saw more and more people gathering, my excitement and nervousness intensified. But even though it was a half marathon, no one was in costume; everyone was serious.

What about the course?

First, we ran 12 kilometers around Central Park. I had been told, "There are uphills and downhills," and I only ran 5 kilometers the day before, but that part was truly the most tiring. It was quite tough. After running those 12 kilometers and entering the city, I suddenly saw Times Square, and my pace quickened (laughs). The wave of runners ahead, the enthusiastic cheers from the spectators along the roadside, and the bands playing on the sidewalks all boosted my energy and increased my pace.
After that, it was a straight, monotonous course along the coast down to Ground Zero.

Was the unknown 6 kilometers manageable?

My calves started to hurt partway through, and I cooled them with water from a hydration station. Then, I developed blisters on my toes... The last 800 meters were a struggle against the pain. The final 200 meters were particularly difficult. Thoughts like, "Why am I running this?" crossed my mind. Come to think of it, I felt similarly when I sprinted the last 100 meters of the Sakura Cherry Blossom Marathon in June.

What was it like immediately after crossing the finish line?

More than emotion, I felt relieved. I had fulfilled my role for the "VOCE PLATINUM" feature. Of course, there was also a sense of accomplishment. I suspect that even if I run again, the last 800 meters, the last 200 meters, will always be tough (laughs).

Oh, so you'll run again!

Right after the finish, someone said, "Ms. Fujiwara, you looked comfortable from the start, your form didn't break down at all. Next, is it Honolulu or Tokyo?" But...

It's been a week since you returned from New York.

Yes. I've reached a point where I can wonder what it would feel like to run a full marathon.
...Actually, last night, I registered for the Tokyo Marathon lottery.

That's amazing!

Perhaps it's the encounter with the unknown that truly draws me in!

*The results of the Tokyo Marathon lottery have been announced, and unfortunately, I did not get in this time.
There's another chance for a supplementary draw in November, and I'm thinking I might try another full marathon if the opportunity arises. (Michiko Fujiwara)

VOCE PLATINUM
2009 AUTUMN ISSUE
Kodansha
On Sale: October 1, 2009
880 yen
Michiko Fujiwara's Skin and Eye Makeup Techniques (with DVD Bonus)

This issue is a comprehensive feature on Michiko Fujiwara, including her NYC Half Marathon challenge, a dialogue with Hiromi Go, and "The Fujiwara Theory" on makeup.