Kojurin Marathon

Gordon and I ran the Kojurin marathon today. Marathon being a deceptive word since, technically, Gordon ran a 5k (3.1 miles) and I ran a 3k (1.8 miles). Kojurin is the mascot of Tonosho. He's a bird, with a red cap and running sneakers.

Isn't he cute?! (his name is pronounced Ko-jur-een)

This is the actual bird, a kojurin, that you can see all over Tonosho.

We arrived at the site of the race around 8:20 am and checked-in. Several of Gordon's students were there along with their families. Basically, most of Tonosho showed up at the race. There were a couple different races. A 1k for small children, a 2k for the older kids, a 3k for women, 2k for families and a 5k for men. My race didn't start until 10:05 and Gordon didn't have to run until 10:40, so we got to observe all the race day activities.

Kojurin being mobbed by overeager kids.

Gordon sporting number 54 and representing UT. Hook'em!

First wave of runners. Those kids were fast! Notice that the race course was next to rice paddies...gotta love Tonosho!

Gordon and I watched as the kids ran their races and I started to get nervous as the time for my race approached. I don't like running short distances because I don't like running fast. I get tired. I'd rather keep a slow and steady pace and run 200 miles than run 1 or 2 miles very fast. O.k., I'm exaggerating, but I was not looking forward to running. Finally, 10:00 rolled around and I got into starting position.

Stretching.

Nervous adjusting of running shirt. See my competition? Junior high school runners!?

And we're off!

1.8 miles later...

And we're back!

Long story short, several girls finished ahead of me, but it turns out they weren't in my age group. Little did I know, I wasn't competing against the junior high schoolers...AND...I got first place in my age group! 

How many people were in my age group you ask? 

Is that really important? 

Does that REALLY matter? 

Alright, there were only four other women in my age group and I was the youngest.  

Anyway, Gordon's race was coming up so I took up my position as photographer and his personal cheer section.

Gordon talking up the competition. Being charismatic as usual.

I imagine he's probably deflecting a compliment given by one of his students. He's so modest.

There they go!

Gordon approaching the finish line. Everyone was shouting "Ganbare!" (Hang in there!).

After the race, Gordon was approached by several of his admirers.

Cutest. Picture. Ever.

Gordon and I joked that we should make this the Christmas card photo of "our family". The young boy is Kei, a student at Tachibana Elementary. Gordon's holding his time sheet, 26 minutes and 38 seconds! Awesome!

 Gordon and I had an amazing time at the race. My favorite part was seeing everyone from around Tonosho and getting to see Gordon interact with his students outside of school. I was reminded of how truly blessed we are to be surrounded by such wonderful people and to enjoy each others company in the spirit of competition.

On a side note, Gordon and I had a lot of time to kill before we had to run, so I sneaked this video of Gordon being his goofy self. Please don't be mad, Gordon :)