Folks
Here is a session I observed in Ohori Park, Fukuoka on Monday December 10, 2007
Group Shihetsu club team, Fukuoka
Place: Ohori Park, Fukuoka
Surface: 2km loop around the Lake on a rubber/tartan surface - in effect this is a 2km loop tartan track!!
The athletes warmed up (slow) for 6km
Then - 20km run in 1:10.09 (3.30km pace). This was a progressive run, with the following splits (no rest)
7:14, 7:23, 7:19, 7:07, 7:03, 6:53, 6:50, 6:48, 6:45,
6:45
There were 4 athletes in the group, with best 10,000 times ranging from 28:58-30:30
All the athletes ran together with blank expressions the whole time. I followed on a bike a few meters behind. They all ran with shortish strides and economical form, with low knee lift.
The coach Mr Yanagibasi (2:14 marathon best), stayed at the same place calling out each 2km split.
The runners all ran in together. This was a controlled workout.
Then: 3 minute rest after the 20km run.
Then: One loop - full speed
Result: The top runner ran 5:32, with the three others following in 5:34, 5:35, and 5:52.
Top runner times: 5000/14:04/10,000/28:58
This is just an average team in Fukuoka - there are dozens of guys with similar times. This is the B League (jayvee league) in Fukuoka. Impressive depth.@
Then: 6km very slow cool down.
Total km for the day 32km
The athletes in question belong to just an ordinary team in Fukuoka, and are sponsored by the bus company.
There are dozens of other teams like this in Fukuoka alone.
On Sunday there was a fun run at Ohori Park, and I observed a 12 year old Japanese boy win the 2km loop in 6:40 - very impressive.
More news soon.
Ghost in Fukuoka (www.genkijacs.com)
Ghost in Fukuoka