London Escorts sunderland escorts
    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
    • Winter
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
      • Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Protecting the Sacred Trees of Koya-san

        Within the misty mountains of Japan's Kii Peninsula, Koya-san (Mt. Koya), stands as a sacred realm of tranquility, history, and spiritual significance. This awe-inspiring mountain has been revered for centuries and is home to a unique collection of trees known as the rokuboku, or The Six Trees of Koya-san.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • ainu tour daniel moore outdoor japan hokkaido

        Heritage Hunting in Hokka...

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
        sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
        togari onsen outdoor japan

        Northern Shinshu’s Secret Stash

        A weak yen, revenge travel, and excellent ski conditions have led to high demand, booking out popular resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen this year. Fortunately, lesser-known gems like Togari Onsen, near Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, offer charming alternatives for powder seekers.
    • Travel
      • Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...

        Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

        Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...

        Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
    • Food and Drinks
      • Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Lifestyle for Longevity...

        Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

        Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...

        Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
    • Races and Events
      • sayuri matsuhashi double role curling athlete japan outdoor

        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

        Winter News and Notes

        Check out the latest news and winter events held at ski resorts all over Japan in 2024!
        dd4d brewing

        DD4D Brewing

        In nearly e...

Ultra Nippon – A Week in Japan With The Ultramarathon Man

He has an inhuman ability to conquer the extreme. He can run for days without stopping or sleep. Is it Superman? Perhaps Ultraman? No, it’s Ultramarathon Man—also known as Dean Karnazes. Yet beneath his rugged persona is an ordinary guy who happens to be doing extraordinary things.

Ultramarathon: An ultramarathon is any running event longer than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometers (26.21875 miles). The most common distances run are 50 and 100 miles (or kilometers). Other distances include double marathons, 24-hour runs, or multi-day races of 1,000 miles or more. (From Wikipedia, July 2007)

Dean Karnazes has inspired people in America and abroad with his amazing athletic achievements and has helped put the word “ultramarathon” into the public lexicon. As a The North Face-sponsored athlete, Dean was recently invited to Japan to participate in the inaugural The North Face 50K Endurance Race in Hakone, and I had the opportunity to spend a week with him.

Before his arrival, I read his best-selling book, surfed his Website and flipped through various articles about him. He had completed many prestigious 100-mile races and recently ran 50 marathons in 50 states over 50 consecutive days! Amazing.

He ran 135 miles across Death Valley in California while temperatures soared above 50˚C (120˚F) then merely completed a marathon—in the South Pole! – where temperatures dropped below 40˚C.

While personal challenge is a great motivator, helping others while running is something Dean has deeply embraced. He is a motivational speaker and has completed many runs for charity, such as the event where he ran 200 miles non-stop to raise money for a liver transplant operation needed by a little girl with cancer. The little girl’s photo he carried with him during the run kept him going.

Newsweek, GQ, Men’s Journal and People are just a few of the major magazines in which he has recently been featured. TIME even ranked him as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People” in 2007 and he recently graced the cover of Outside Magazine. Not to mention some entertaining interviews on The Late Show with David Letterman, Jay Leno’s The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O’Brian.

It is not every day you get to hang out with “The Ultramarathon Man,” but I was more curious than awed. What was Dean really like?

Fueling up in Tokyo
In his book “Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner,” one of the most infamous scenes takes place during a 199-mile non-stop relay race (Dean ran the entire race by himself while other teams changed runners every five miles) when, running along the dark highway in the middle of the night, he pulled out his cell phone and put in an order for a large pizza (plus cheesecake and coffee) and convinced the manager to have it delivered to an intersection along the way where he promptly wolfed it all down while running.

When Dean runs, he allows himself to eat junk food, and plenty of it, in order to get the calories he needs to continue running long distances. However, in his daily life, he is an extremely healthy eater. His diet mainly consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish.

He avoids meat and dairy products and doesn’t eat white sugar or any processed foods such as rice, bread or pasta. No sandwiches, no sushi (just sashimi), salad but no dressing, and curry, but without rice. This, we quickly found, was a bit tricky when ordering a meal in Japan and, if not outright refused, it often entailed a lot of explaining and many conversations such as this…

“I’d like to order just the curry—without rice please.”
“Without rice?!?” (Waiter looks horrified.)
“Without rice.”
“Are you sure…?”
“Yes, I’m sure – curry without rice. Just a bowl of curry, please.”
[Long pause.]
“Okay.” [Longer pause.] “Is there anything else I can bring you?”

Dean’s thinking is human beings aren’t made to digest processed foods and, while eating them may not necessarily be harmful, he believes there is little nutritional value gained from eating these types of foods. Since he doesn’t get his carbohydrates from the usual sources such as pasta and rice, he relies on a heavy intake of fruits to get the carbs he needs to stay active. He politely asks if we could stop by the nearby fruit market so he can stock up.

As we entered Tokyu’s basement food section in Shibuya, our senses were simultaneously bombarded by the high-pitched shouts from the food court staff, the smell of freshly grilled eel and chicken skewers, the beautiful displays of delicate desserts and colorful bento boxes and, of course, people everywhere.

When we finally located the fruit area, we were shocked at the ¥10,000 melons, ¥5,000 for a very small box of cherries and ¥40,000 for a bunch of grapes. These were the crème de la crème of gourmet fruits; however, lucky for us, there were some regular-priced fruits as well. “Look at the size of these apples! They’re huge!” exclaimed Dean. In Japan, the apples are indeed enormous.

I was reminded of when I first came to Japan from Canada and found Japanese apples were literally double the size of a typical North American Granny Smith’s apples.

“And these carrots!” Yes, the scrawny little North American carrots look like pencils compared to the Japanese sumo-sized carrots. Dean picked out a few items and went home carrying a small bag with more than ¥5,000 worth of food. Maybe Shibuya isn’t the best place to shop for fruit.

Endurance Training Tokyo-style
Along with a very healthy diet, Dean maintains his fitness and endurance by mountain biking, windsurfing, surfing, climbing and, of course, running. When he isn’t participating in a big race of some sort, Dean trains every weekend by running a marathon (42 km.) just for fun. The events he prefers are mind-blowingly long endurance races such as 100-mile ultramarathons as well as multi-day endurance runs.

In fact, the week prior to coming to Japan, he had just completed an endurance run in Australia where he ran 580 km. in six days. Although he hadn’t fully recovered yet, and apparently had a few sore muscles, Dean was looking forward to the “short” 50 km. Hakone trail race. Was there anything that could actually tire out this seemingly indefatigable human?

During his busy week in Japan, Dean wasn’t able to squeeze in any mid-week runs. He did however, have the chance to experience a different type of endurance training: life in Tokyo.

Like anyone coming to Japan for the first time, he was amazed at the sight of Hachiko crossing in Shibuya. The lights change, and hundreds of people walk in every direction. The lights change again and then it’s cars, taxis, buses and trucks whizzing by. It’s hectic, vibrant and actually kind of fun…especially from the peacefulness of inside your hotel.

However, Dean had to leave the sanctuary of the hotel and descend into the crowds below. Shibuya, Harajuku, Omotesando and then over to Ueno and Kamiyacho. Jam-packed trains, the complex labyrinth of train stations, multiple train transfers, crowded streets, music blaring from loudspeakers, the glaring neon signs and all the people. After about the third day, it finally did him in.

“I’m so tired. I’d like to go back to the hotel early to get some rest,” admitted the Ultramarathon Man.

The Great Communicator
Dean readily admits he is not necessarily the fastest runner. But he is one of the toughest. After spending the week with him however, it was easy to see he possesses other qualities contributing to his success. He is a great communicator, he is patient and possesses a good sense of humor.

Dean was able to communicate with the Japanese people he met, not necessarily through words, but through expressions; his smile, his friendliness and his down-to-earth demeanor. He showed respect and patience during all the receptions and store events and tried his best to listen and understand what was being said to him, even if it was all in Japanese.

He laughed and kindly obliged when curious girls (and sometimes guys) asked to touch his muscular calves. In Kamakura at Zeni Arai Ben Ten (銭洗弁天) he showed his hosts how to really make big bucks. Rather than the usual ¥100 coin, he whipped out a hundred dollar bill and washed it. (It’s said that your money will double if you wash it in the sacred waters at Ugafuku Shrine (宇賀福神社)). Later, he pulled out two one-hundred dollar bills and cheerfully exclaimed, ”Hey, look guys, it really worked!”

Sometimes the most effective form of communication is achieved not through words but attitude, and this is probably why so many people have been drawn to him. Dean’s accomplishments as an ultra-runner are impressive but after having met Dean in person and spending a week with him, I was most impressed not by the ultra endurance athlete who appears on covers of magazines all over the world, but Dean the person. I can honestly say I genuinely like the guy, as those who had the opportunity to meet him.

And, as he mentioned to me many times, what he enjoyed most about Japan was the people. With a title such as the Ultramarathon Man, you would expect him to be stoic, intense and serious, but Dean seems to get motivation from the people around him.

Perhaps it’s this “human-ness” that gives him the energy to push just a bit further than anybody else, accomplishing the inhuman feats of endurance that have inspired so many people and touched so many lives.

DEAN KARNAZES : AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Endurance Athlete, Author
Age: 45
Family: Wife (Julie) and two children (Nicholas, Alexandria)
Home: San Francisco, California
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 156 lbs.
Body Fat: 4%
Resting Heart Rate: 39 bpm *bpm = beats per minute
Running Heart Rate: 150 bpm
Favorite Food: Anything Greek
Favorite Book: “Endurance,” by Alfred Lausing
Favorite Music: Alternative rock, college music, reggae
Greatest Fear: Growing up
His Book: “Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner” is a national best-seller and has been translated into 12 languages, although it is not yet available in Japanese.
His Web site: www.ultramarathonman.com

Career Highlights

– Winner, Dead President’s Ultra, 2007
– Completed 50 marathons, 50 states, 50 days, then ran 1,300 miles from New York City to St. Louis as a cool down, 2006
– Winner, Vermont Trail 100, 2006
– Winner, Badwater Ultramarathon: The World’s Toughest Footrace, 2004
– Winner, Arabian Stallion Award, Angel’s Crest 100-Mile Endurance Run, 2003
– Winner, Outdoor World Championships, 2000
– Eleven-time Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run Silver Buckle holder
– Ran 350 continuous miles
– Six-time finisher of the Saturn Relay ultra division (199 miles non-stop solo)
– First and only person to run a marathon to the South Pole in running shoes.
– Competed in more than 100 extreme endurance events around the globe
– Member of the American Ultrarunning Team representing the USA at the 2005 World Championships

Ultrarunning in Japan

In Japan, running is extremely popular, and the number of people pounding the pavement (and trails) has grown exponentially in recent years. Although not as popular as your regular marathon, ultra running has picked up steam with the number of “ultras” (ultra running races) in Japan on the rise. Here are a few:

Road
2007 History Road Tango 100K Ultramarathon
2007歴史街道・丹後100kmウルトラマラソン
Next Race: Sept. 16
www.r-wellness.com/tango

Challenge Fuji Five Lakes 72K / 100K / 112K
チャレンジ富士五湖 72km/100km/112km
Next Race: April 2008
www.r-wellness.com/fuji5/index.html

Hoshi no Sato Yatsugatake Nobeyama Kogen 100K Ultramarathon
星の郷八ヶ岳野辺山高原100km ウルトラマラソン
Next Race: May 2008
www.r-wellness.com/nobeyama/index.html

Saroma Lake 100K Ultramarathon
サロマ湖100kmウルトラマラソン
Next Race: June 2008
www.runnet.co.jp/info/a/2007/saroma

Trail & Mountain
Japan Mountain Endurance Race (Hasegawa Tsuneo Cup) 72km
日本山岳耐久レース(長谷川恒夫カップ)72km
Next Race: Oct. 20 – 21
www.hasetsune.com

The North Face Endurance OSJ Hakone 50K
ザ・ノース・フェイス エンデュランスラン OSJハコネ50K
Next Race: May 2008
www.powersports.co.jp/osj/07_hakonetrail/index.htm
www.goldwin.co.jp/thenorthface (Hakone 50K Endurance Race)

Kita-Tanzawa 12-Hour Mountain Endurance Race 43.86 km.
北丹沢12時間山岳耐久レース 43.86km
Next Race: July 2008
www.tanzawa-green.co.jp/html/race/12h/index.html

[novo-map id=2 individual=”yes”]

Outdoor Japan logo tree

Related

Latest posts

Okinawa’s Blue Zone —A Li...

Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

Kumano’s Path Less ...

A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

Categories