Day: July 31, 2006

Serge threaded his way along the sidewalks, adapting his stride and watching his footing, his eyes glued to the pavement.  At the 25th kilometer, we crossed the small city of Tsuyama, known for its picturesque streets, which are often used by Japanese film makers.  We had to wait for the 40th kilometer to get back to the countryside and its hilly and sometimes winding roads.  At the end of the morning, the heat became overwhelming and Serge put on his hat and gloves.  He continues to apply ice to his Achilles tendon and it soothes the pain for a couple of feedings.  The tendon continues to be swollen but it is not as red and hot as is used to be.  Serge isn’t taking any anti-inflammatory drugs because they would be completely incompatible with the bad condition of his stomach.
We have seen rice paddies everywhere since we reached Japan.  Vast fields or small ones squeezed between two roads, it’s a tender green that accompanies each stride, day after day.

Mr. Asaï and his wife have gone on toward Nagano, where they live, and tonight two runners from the Japan 100 Mile Club, Mrs. Mariko Sakamoto and Mr. Koji Sekine, have come from Osaka to spend two days with us. Mr. Kosita will be part of our team for 4 weeks.  These comings and goings are a lot of fun and in this country where ultra-endurance is a recognized sport practiced by many people, there are numerous races.