Learn the basics and have fun running! Tetsuhiko Kin's Running Seminar

On December 16, 2023, two months before the performance of the Kochi Ryoma Marathon 2024, a running seminar was held by tournament advisor Tetsuhiko Kin in Kochi City.

First of all

Kochi Ryoma Marathon 2024, the memorable 10th tournament will be held in 2024. Tetsuhiko Kin, a professional running coach and an active commentator on marathons and Ekiden, is a tournament advisor for the Kochi Ryoma Marathon. And as a guest runner, I am excited about the tournament every year with the appearance of Sakamoto Ryoma.

A running seminar by Mr. Kim, who knew enough about such a marathon, was held two months before the Kochi Ryoma Marathon. The target is all runners who want to learn the basics from beginners. A free seminar was held before the last tournament, but it was very popular, and about 100 runners of a wide range of generations, from 100 to 70s, gathered at the multipurpose dome of Kochi City General Athletic Field. I gathered.

This time, with the cooperation of Dai-ichi Life Co., Ltd., Erika Sano, who was active in the Dai-ichi Life Group Women's track and field club, participated in the seminar as an assistant. The seminar began with a reliable voice saying, "I hope to help you update your records today!"

Professionals teach the basics of running

First, I will explain the course of the Kochi Ryoma Marathon by Kim.

"The first person heading from the prefectural office at the starting point to the airport is flat and slightly downtrend. After that, Urado-ohashi Bridge is waiting, but this is a great climb. The point may be how well you can run so as not to apply the brakes on the downhill in the first half. Then, run along the sea and turn back on the Niyodo River, aiming for the goal Haruno General Sports Park Athletics Stadium. The stadium is on a hill and must go up about 1 km. This is surprisingly long. It's a difficult place, so when the race approaches, you'd better run a slope uphill once."

Kim also said, “It’s important how many minutes to run a kilometer. You can finish it in about 7 minutes. The pace is important, so beginners should know how much you are usually jogging. And if you are going to practice in earnest in the future, please warm up and walk for 20 to 30 minutes and gradually add to your knees so that your knees do not hurt."

After the explanation, it is a basic stretch lecture that you want to do before running. Participants learned how to stretch the knees, hips, Achilles tendons, scapula around the scapula, and each joint.

Mr. Kim also taught me about the importance of posture. “Ladies and gentlemen, be aware of the right attitude. Running is a series of jumps. If you lose your posture, you will be burdened by the impact of landing on your knees and hips.”
In addition, practice stretching that opens the ribs, saying, "Let's use the upper body well." A participant who jogged with the tips said, "The body has become lighter. It feels like you can run easily!” and I felt the effect.

Participants also learned about the correct center of gravity, saying, "Let's run conscious of putting the center of gravity under the navel." It will naturally speed up, "he learned how to run in the correct front-tilt posture, and actually jogging and checking the form etc. The seminar for a total of about two hours ended quickly in a peaceful atmosphere due to Mr. Kim's light talk.

A word from Mr. Kim & Mr. Sano

Every year, Mr. Kim, who has been working for the Kochi Ryoma Marathon, gave me a word.

"This year, a new pair relay section has been set up. There were more than 10,000 entries, including full marathon, pair relay, and fan run. It was canceled once in 2021 due to COVID-19, but I am very excited to be able to hold 10 milestone times after that. Kochi people have good luck, and the Kochi Ryoma Marathon has the charm of Kochi, both aid and support, unique to Kochi. Both the runners and the audience should enjoy it.”

We also asked about the basics of walking, such as stretching joints and how to run efficiently, given at the seminar.

"When you get used to running, you tend to be distracted by time and distance, etc., and just keep the basics together. But the basics are really important. I want the runners to be aware of the right form.”

And finally, “Marathon enriches your life. When you run a marathon, it's not an exaggeration, but your life really changes. I want many people to experience life changing. Everyone, please try running,” said Kim's hot message.

Next is Mr. Sano who participated as an assistant.

"I usually hold a running class for preschoolers, and this time I participated for adults for the first time. What I felt was that everyone was living with a goal. When I was active, I was running thinking about time, and there were times when it was difficult, but you are running positively with health conscious mind. There was a lot to learn about it, and it was very exciting."

Mr. Sano was active as a medium-range runner during his active period. I would like you to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the Kochi Ryoma Marathon someday. I'm waiting for you!

Finally, we asked the participants for their impressions.

“Today I wanted to know the basics, so I participated. I asked about the basics of the basics, such as stretching and center of gravity, and when I actually ran, I was completely different and upset. I could run easily, and I felt like my lungs had spread out. I would like to run the production, conscious of putting the center of gravity forward. The goal is to finish. I hope you can finish a minute earlier than last time.”

We hope that this seminar will help participants achieve their goals in the future tournament and increase their interest in running.