This week with TTR: Beat the heat!

Hi friends,

As the temperatures go up and up, we tweak our routes to find shade, rivers and waterfalls to cool down. From Takao to Minano and all the way up to Mitake, there's still ways to enjoy running in this season. Hope you'll join us!

And of course, this week our hearts go to Yoshiko Jo, talented amateur runner, tenured professor, and beloved friend who left us this week after a battle with cancer.

With her infectious smile and dedication to running she was a pillar of the running community and will be sorely missed.

For the most fitting tribute, follow the advice of her amazing sister Hiroko: take good care of yourself and get a brain scan. Monitoring potential issues can make all the difference.

Keep following our newsletter and our Facebook page for more announcements and updates.

A fresh summer run to a cute little river gorge.

Distance: 10 km (~2.5h)
Climb: 200 m
Start: JR Takao Station North Exit at 9.30!
End: JR Takao Station around 11.30

The run is a flat, shaded 10 km with 200 meters of climbing and 80% paved, great for stretching your legs after a hard training or a long rest.

From Takao station (NOT Takaosanguchi) we'll take a flat, riverside trail before turning North and reaching a fresh torrent area.

We will take a long break there in order to enjoy the fresh water and savor some tasty snacks. Bring waterproof shoes/swimming suits/towels/beach balls for fun and comfort if you want.

After that, we will simply take our way back to the station.

(Optional onsen at Takaosanguchi https://www.takaosan-onsen.jp/ )

LEAD
Alain Dellepiane (https://www.facebook.com/aran4649)

LEVEL
All levels. There are no speed expectations beyond slow jogging on easy ground.

FAQ
-Feel free to bring kids. Three aged 12-14 will participate
-Bring your favorite snacks and drinks!
-Bring waterproof shoe/swimming suits/towels/beach balls for fun and comfort if you want.
-Bring a mask/buff
-Bring a 0.5L water bottle. There are vending machines and water fountains along the way
-Grippy running shoes are enough, since we will be on easy ground
-No technical skill required
-You can stop running at any time and continue alone with the map
-Lockers are available in Takao station and cost 400/500 JPY. You may share them with others.

Let's enjoy a fun, smooth run from Mitake, through its beautiful "rock garden" and down a wide, runnable ridge all the way down to Musashi Itsukaichi.

Starting from Mitake station, we will take a wide easy trail next to the cable car (which is also an option, for those who want!)
After reaching the top of Mitake, we will climb up the temple in order to loop around the "rock garden" area.

After which, we will take the long, smooth descent to Musashi Itsukaichi, where we can take a bus to Seotonoyu and/or enjoy pizza in a local restaurant

Start: Mitake station from 9:00
End: ~13:20
Lower intermediate run, long distance (22 km, +700 m)
Map: https://www.strava.com/activities/11717743809
Contact: fb.me/aran4649

FAQ:
-Bring a 1L water bottle or buy it from vending machines
-Trailrunning shoes are recommended for comfort and safety
-We will start and end in different stations, pack everything with you
-Remember that the Holiday Rapid train splits in Haijima station in order to reach both Musashi Itsukaichi and Okutama. You want to be in the OKUTAMA half for the start.

The 6th Minano Alps run! There is a lot to see on this course, and the highlights include 2 large waterfalls, some very narrow ridge trails, a temple, and a fantastic onsen finish (for those who choose)。Be aware that the weather could be extremely hot. Take care to avoid heat stroke!

Meet at Minano Station at 9:15. Those who prefer to travel by car can also meet us at Minano Station, where the run finishes and ends.

For distance you have two options: 14K with an onsen finish, or skip the onsen and run back Minano station on the road, which would make a total of about 18K. There is an ice cream shop on the course! While this run is OK if you are careful, it would be a rather unfortunate place for an accident. There are some chains, and a few HUGE drops from the ridge, so runners must take care.

There are two wonderful waterfalls, one which is a pool where you can enjoy a very cool bath! We will spend some time at both to cool down.

If you choose to go to the onsen at the end, it is rated by some as the best onsen in Saitama Prefecture, and it has a restaurant

http://www.chichibuonsen.co.jp/

*NOTE 1: There are no lockers at Minano Station. Carry everything or leave a bag at Seibu Chichibu

• NOTE 2: If it is raining in the morning, the course may be changed to Maruyama, which is nearby. Maruyama is still fun, but much safer in wet weather.
• NOTE 3: There are lots of places called "Alps" by local governments in Japan. This is NOT in the famed Japan Alps. Much smaller, but still pretty and fun!