If there’s one race where discipline meets spirit, it’s Tokyo. And as a coach, Tokyo’s the perfect place to talk about how different cultures approach marathon training.
Japanese Grit Meets Global Strategy
There’s a well-known saying in Japan: “Marathon is 30% training, 70% guts.” And honestly? I’ve seen that mindset in full force at Tokyo. Even recreational runners push hard. You rarely see folks walking early on. They just dig in and keep going—with that quiet, determined fire.
And while I respect the hell out of that toughness, let’s keep it real: you need more than guts to make it through 26.2 in one piece. Some of the traditional Japanese training methods go extreme—like 20 miles a day. Not kidding. That kind of volume works for some, but for most of us, it’s a fast track to burnout.
My coaching philosophy? Take that grit, but balance it with smart pacing, recovery, and knowing when to back off. If you’re training for Tokyo, don’t get pulled into the hype and go full gas from the gun. That race day adrenaline? It’s a trap. Stick to your plan, especially early on.
→ Quick gut check: Have you ever gone out too hard in a race just because the crowd fired you up? What happened?
Fueling the Right Way – Especially Abroad
Let’s talk food. Because your stomach doesn’t care if you’re in Japan or Jersey—if it’s not used to the fuel, it might fight back.
Tokyo’s aid stations? They’re not your average banana-and-Gatorade pit stops. You might run into sweet azuki bean soup, hard candies, or even little rice balls. In some ultras, they serve miso soup mid-run. Cool in theory… brutal if your gut isn’t prepared.
My advice? Test everything in training. Bring your own fuel if needed. The last thing you want at mile 18 is a stomach revolt because you grabbed something unfamiliar out of desperation.
I always tell my runners: “Nothing new on race day—including that tempting mystery snack at the aid table.”
→ Question for you: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten during a long run?
Story That Hit Me in the Feels
Back in 2018, something happened at Tokyo that still gives me chills.
Masazumi Soejima, a decorated Japanese wheelchair racer, had the lead—but he slowed down at the finish line. Why? To let fellow racer Hiroyuki Yamamoto, who’d never won Tokyo before, take the victory.
Let that sink in.
He’d won before. Yamamoto hadn’t. So he passed the torch.
Moments like that? They’re why I love this sport. It’s not always about beating others—it’s about lifting each other up. That story says more about the spirit of running than any finisher’s medal.
The Fun Side of Tokyo: Costumes & Culture
Even with all its precision and tradition, Tokyo knows how to have fun. Every year, runners show up in costume—Pikachu, Mario, sushi rolls—you name it. I once saw a guy run the race in a full business suit with a briefcase… and he was flying.
That’s the thing about Tokyo: it’s strict, yet playful. Reserved, but full of character. You’ll run past volunteers bowing as they hand you water, then sprint through the neon buzz of Ginza under skyscrapers straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The Six-Star Quest: Chasing the Grand Slam
If you’re chasing the Abbott Six Star Finisher medal, Tokyo is often the last piece of the puzzle. Boston, New York, Chicago, London, Berlin—and finally, Tokyo. It’s tough to get into, and even tougher to plan for. But that sixth star? It’s a whole different level of satisfaction.
I’ve stood at the Tokyo finish and heard them announce six-star runners as they crossed: “John Smith from Australia – SIX STAR FINISHER!”
Goosebumps.
Some of these runners spend a decade chasing that dream. They don’t just finish with a medal—they leave with stories, new friendships, and a sense of global runnerhood that’s hard to explain unless you’ve felt it.
Final Coaching Take
Tokyo isn’t just another race on the calendar. It’s a blend of old-school discipline and modern flair. It’s quiet nods of respect at water stations and costumed chaos in the streets. It’s where “guts” and “planning” meet on the course.
So if you ever get the chance to run Tokyo:
- Respect the culture.
- Stick to your game plan.
- Pack your own fuel.
- And soak it all in—every “Arigato,” every neon light, every step.
Oh, and one last thing: at some aid stations, they offer small tomatoes to runners. Yep. Actual tomatoes. I’m more of a banana guy at mile 20, but hey—when in Tokyo, maybe give it a shot.
→ Your turn: If you had to run Tokyo next year, what would you be most excited—or nervous—about?