Tsuru City Gantan Marathon

What could possibly be a better way to bring in the New Year than by running a New Year’s Day race? Over the holidays I traveled to Yamanashi, Japan to spend time with Koko and her family. During my stay I took part in the Tsuru City Gantan Marathon. I didn’t run the race alone as Koko’s cousin Go entered along side me. Even though I wasn’t able to coax Koko or either one of her sisters into running with us this year I’m sure that by next year they will be good and ready to run. I placed 7th in the 4K race and besides the fact that I placed 5th last year I still feel good about the results.

After the run I joined Koko’s family for a traditional New Years breakfast. In Japan, families come together for the New Year’s holiday and beginning with the morning of January 1st they spend several consecutive days eating, drinking and sleeping around the kotatsu, a Japanese style table that utilizes a blanket and a heater to keep in warmth. Because the kotatsu is notorious for lulling people to sleep, it can be a dangerous place for anyone that isn’t looking for a nap.