Now that I am 81 days away from the Kumano Kodo, I am also 20 days away from my next marathon.
I have been training with four or five smaller runs and one long and slow run on the weekends for the past ten or so weeks. With three weeks left until the race, I have run hundreds of miles and spent hours preparing. Like preparing for the trip, every minute counts, even though sometimes it may not seem like it.
In distance running, most of your time is spent preparing. The race will only be about three hours, but I will have trained for about six hours a week for twelve weeks. Like traveling, sometimes the preparation is the most fun part.
If you are planning on starting a new habit or training for something beginning January 1, don’t wait. Start your habit right now.
Here are a few Japanese phrases that may be useful for training:
- “Ganbarimasu” (頑張ります) – This means “I will do my best” or “I will try my hardest.” It’s a common phrase used to show determination and a willingness to work hard.
- “Shugyo suru” (修業する) – This means “to train” or “to practice.” It can be used to refer to training in any context, whether it be physical training, mental training, or training in a particular skill or discipline.
- “Keiko suru” (稽古する) – This means “to train” or “to practice,” but it is often used specifically in the context of martial arts or other physical activities.
- “Renshuu suru” (練習する) – This means “to practice” or “to train.” It can be used in a variety of contexts, including practicing a sport or musical instrument, or rehearsing for a performance.
- “Mudashugyo suru” (無駄修業する) – This means “to train unnecessarily” or “to train in vain.” It can be used to refer to training that is not necessary or that is unlikely to be effective.