Athletic Reflections: Yuma Hattori recalls the aspects that allowed him ample space for mental and physical agility [Sports Chronicles]
Yuma Hattori: Overcoming Challenges in Long-Distance Running
Yuma Hattori, a long-distance runner from Tahara City, Aichi Prefecture, has been making waves in the running world. His dedication and perseverance have led him to numerous achievements, despite facing various obstacles along the way.
Hattori's journey began in his elementary school days as a soccer player. However, he decided to switch to long-distance running in junior high school, setting a goal to keep pace with the strongest team members. This ambition propelled him to work harder and improve his skills.
In his first year at university, Hattori found it challenging to adapt to the longer distances. But he didn't let this setback deter him. Instead, he continued to train, focusing on overcoming his weaknesses.
One of Hattori's greatest challenges came when he suffered a stress fracture in his right ankle, forcing him to take a five-month rest. Yet, he returned stronger than ever, determined to reach new heights.
Hattori's training regimen is unique, thanks to the guidance of his head coach, Sato. Sato suggested unconventional methods for preparing for the final stages of a marathon, such as pushing oneself extremely hard over two days, running for a distance longer than a marathon paced at a longer time, and running without rehydrating via sips of water.
The Shiroya Seaside Park in Tahara City is an ideal location for training for the New Year Ekiden, thanks to the strong salt air gusts. These conditions help Hattori prepare for the challenging races ahead.
Hattori's hard work and dedication have paid off. As a freshman, he finished sixth in the eighth leg of the All Nihon University Ekiden. In his third year of junior high school, he placed seventh nationwide in the 1,500 meter relay race.
Hattori's pace in the final stages of a marathon was once three and a half minutes for every kilometer. But after training and overcoming his weaknesses, he was able to run at a pace of 3 minutes and 10 to 15 seconds for every kilometer.
One of Hattori's most significant achievements came at the Fukuoka International Open Marathon Championship on December 12, 2018. He demolished his final-seven-kilometer barrier, earning the first win for a Japanese runner in the event in 14 years.
Hattori's younger brother, Hazuma, also practices long-distance running, following in his footsteps. Hattori currently works at Toyota Motor Corporation's Tahara Plant/Tahara Plant Administration Division, balancing his professional life with his passion for running.
Despite his success, Hattori continues to face challenges. For two races in a row, his body started to stall after running 35 kilometers, making the final seven kilometers a real struggle. But he remains undeterred, continuing to train and push himself to new limits.
Sato once said, "Training that smells like mud" (running for a long time without going fast) can be tough and sometimes leads runners to question whether they can make it through the competition. But for Hattori, these challenges only serve to fuel his determination to succeed.
Hattori's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication. Despite the obstacles he has faced, he has continued to push himself, setting new records and achieving greatness in the world of long-distance running.
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