Run!

2017/6/20 柳瀬公識

　
You only live once, so it’s a waste to take it easy.
I want to keep running with all my might.
　
Well, this isn't exactly a philosophy on life, but of course, I do get out on my road and mountain bikes for rides, and for the last few years, I’ve been running as well.
　

If I had the time, I’d love to head into the mountains, run around in the green where a pleasant breeze blows, dappled sunlight spills through the trees, and you can overlook the blue sky—but the reality is that things don’t always go as planned. For me, running is what allows me to work up a sweat in a short amount of time, giving me a sense of satisfaction from exercising and the chance to enjoy a bit of nature close to home.
　

Maybe it's a bit of a luxury to enjoy nature close by while running, but thankfully, I live right along the levee of the Shonai River. If I run while looking at the flowing river and the Nagoya cityscape on the other side, I eventually reach the lush Shonai Ryokuchi Park.
　

By passing through a tunnel of greenery and running two to four laps of the roughly 2.3km cycling road—where you can sometimes catch a glimpse of the vast sky—and returning along the riverbank, I can get in a decent run of around 10km.
　

I don’t run with any particular goal in mind, so my pace is pretty average, but I find it incredibly fulfilling in my own way.
　
Of course, I do have a desire to build up some physical strength and want to have a sturdy body.
Yes, whether it's cycling or running, you need a body that can keep up if you want to fully enjoy and play hard.
　
That’s exactly why I wear Bedrock Sandals.

With almost no cushioning—just the sole, really—their minimal design for protecting your feet lacks any of the support for body movement found in most athletic shoes. So, what’s good about them? It’s that they help you obtain a body capable of planting your feet firmly on the ground and taking each step with your own strength, without relying on anything else. You’ll notice muscles you’ve never used before starting to activate, and you’ll build a body that’s less prone to injury.
　

I’ve been loving my Syncline 2.0 since the year before last, but I started wearing the new Cairn early this year. Combined with RAL Tabby socks, they’ve been my go-to for exercise since the colder months. Beyond the difference in the soles, the construction is quite distinct from the Syncline 2.0, and the strap stability is significantly improved. Thanks to this strap stability, they don't shift even when I run wearing the wool-based Tabby socks, and the grip and thickness of the sole mean I can comfortably navigate small rocky areas and gravel paths without pain.
　
By the way, in April, I finally went to the summit of Mt. Ryugadake, a trip I’d been wanting to take for a long time. I cycled up to the Ishigure Pass, changed into these sandals, and wore them for the climb.
　

With functionality that handles everything from regular running to trail running and hiking, and a look that pairs perfectly with casual wear, I even thought at one point that these were the only sandals I’d ever need.
　
　

However, after not wearing them for a few months, I put my Syncline 2.0 on at the store, and just recently, I used them for a run. The direct, barefoot-like feel was truly exhilarating—a reminder of how irreplaceable they are. They offer only the bare minimum of protection for the soles and a stable fit, but that’s exactly what allows your body’s own senses to fully engage.
　
Both pairs are truly indispensable items for me now.
　
By the way, here is my style for running lately.

Even though the Patagonia Nine Trails Shirt is 100% polyester, it feels incredibly soft on the skin. Naturally, it also offers excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties.
　

The shorts I’m wearing are the FAST PASS Active Short by RAL by Deeper’s Wear. You can feel how light they are the moment you pick them up, and their breathability and elasticity are clear once you put them on. They have a madras check pattern, so they don’t have a strictly "sporty" look, but if you coordinate the colors and pair them with solid-colored items, the vibe is excellent.
　

Of course, they also balance well with casual wear. Pairing them with a chambray shirt and a white T-shirt is my preference. It’s not just limited to checks, but this time of year, from spring to summer, is exactly when you want to be wearing patterned shorts like these.
　　
　
This blog ended up being a bit packed with recent events, but I’ve still got plenty more to talk about. If you keep running, you’ll naturally run into all sorts of fun experiences.
　
Look forward to my next post.