A Refreshing Run Up Mt. Tenbobomine
My Monday started with a change of plans. Initially, I aimed for a run up Zemanjosaka Hill, a popular spot for cyclists known for its challenging incline.Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas, unleashing a mix of rain and snow as soon as I arrived. not ideal running conditions!
With the possibility of icy roads the next day, I opted for a familiar route: Mt. Tenbobomine in southern Okazaki. This mountain is a regular on my running circuit, offering a rewarding climb and stunning views.
My journey began at Kireigu Shrine Park, where I parked and started up the forest road. I noticed a significant increase in boar warning signs compared to my previous visits. It truly seems the boar population is booming, likely due to a combination of factors like reduced hunting and climate change.
Encountering a wild boar on the trail would be a nerve-wracking experience.While I’d like to think I could outrun one, their speed and agility are formidable.Maybe carrying a machete wouldn’t be a bad idea, although its effectiveness against a determined boar is debatable.
After passing several fellow hikers, I veered onto a trail beside a hotel and continued my ascent for about 40 minutes. The summit offered a breathtaking panorama, with an observation deck nearby where families were enjoying picnics.
These days, I’ve scaled back my running mileage, keeping it under 10km for most runs, except for occasional longer outings along the Iida Line. My morning runs are typically 4-5km, a far cry from the 10-15km daily runs or full marathons of my past. My monthly mileage hovers around 100km.
This shift is partly due to a nagging left knee injury, but I also want to maintain the muscle mass I’ve built over the years. More importantly, running beyond 25km has lost its appeal.
While I enjoy combining travel and running, sightseeing often limits my running distance to around 25km within a 5-hour timeframe. Anything longer becomes taxing on my knees and diminishes the enjoyment.
Running through pain is never a pleasant experience.
Thus,my morning 30-minute runs primarily consist of hill climbs in the nearby mountains. While sprinting is off-limits due to my knee, uphill running provides an excellent alternative for high-intensity training.
It’s a fantastic way to elevate my heart rate and challenge myself (and it’s fun!). Today’s run was a 4.5km one-way trek, totaling 9km round trip.A truly invigorating experience!
