Umeboshi (11/7/2010)
　I stopped to drink water at an aid station set at every 5km along the ultra marathon course. Each time I stopped, I stretched my aching legs. I felt stiffness in my legs and they were just like dried-out bread left for a week served at school lunch: my legs were not mine. I felt almost unmotivated.
　Then came something small to galvanize me. It is un umeboshi (sour pickled plum) , salty and sour taste of which spread out in my mouth.

Running smart - 1 (10/28/2010)
　I received a mail from one of my running mates. To my great pleasure, he has been inspired by my essays on the site and has made up his mind to start running again after recuperation from inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
　He wants me to check his running form; however, I don't think there is much to advise on his form. If any, I could say something about the swing of arms, which I believe is more important than the movement of legs to drive runners forward. There is a tip for improving the swing of arms; pick up two stones the size of golf ball, hold them in each hand and you will find yourself more conscious of the movement of your arms than before. Believe or not, jut try it!

Seventy-year-old runner(5/21/2010)　
　　When I was running on the bank along the river, I happened to meet an old friend of mine, who used to run together. He is one of the best runners in Matsuyama city. He taught me how to and where to run for effective training. When we became acquainted about fifteen years ago, I thought he is a little older than I and he was a good rival. After a long interval, I met him and asked how old he was in a casual way. I was quite appalled to see he is seventy years old. He could run 5km in 20 min now and asked me to run two 500-meter dashes and barely could I follow him.
　After the training I was panting.