Last weekend, I went to the "TAMBA100 Adventure Trail" held in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture. This time, I wasn't setting up a booth, but just like at the "LAKE BIWA 100," I was selected for the second time to be Doi's supporter and photographer.

There was a little story that happened before this photo was taken.

As soon as we arrived at the venue, we were photographed by the NHK BS Great Race crew (40 minutes before the start).

When I supported at LAKE BIWA 100, they divided the food into small ziplock bags at each aid station, but this time they were cutting corners and handing out the food all at once, with the message "Please count the calories!" I can't help but feel like I'm being tested as a supporter, but I tried to get my head in order so I could live up to their expectations (30 minutes before the start).

The itinerary, which is usually given in advance, was given just before the start (25 minutes before the start).

Then, I carefully applied the NewHale tape (20 minutes before the start).

Then, he is approached by a person dressed in a unique Super Saiyan outfit.

"Here, eat some Senzu beans!" Doi is handed a "Kaki no Tane" (persimmon seed) and told. This Super Saiyan... is actually the man who gave Doi a ride to Osaka when this year's TJAR was cancelled due to bad weather, so Doi was a bit embarrassed to see him again after such a long time. (15 minutes before the start)

While looking at the schedule, copy it onto your bib number (10 minutes before the start).

When I arrived at the venue, Ryota Nakatani, a research runner, handed me the microphone and spoke about his enthusiasm. (5 minutes before the start)

To avoid the three Cs, we stretched a little apart and then finally started.

This race involves not only trails but also unpaved roads. To prevent getting lost, participants are required to carry a GPS (IBUKI) to let others know their location. However, Doi's GPS was left in my car as a supporter. It was a huge blunder right from the start. If he had been a little more relaxed before the start, perhaps this wouldn't have happened.

Doi then showed up at the first aid station. When I checked the GPS, I found out that the organizers had given it to him at the water aid station, but that he had been given a 30-minute penalty.

How would the race proceed from here? I was a little worried, but we were still at the 44km mark. It had just begun. I sent off Doi immediately and stayed a little longer, wondering which runners would come up in what order. Then I noticed that a lot of the runners were wearing Trail Masters.

I'm really happy. I can't help but (as always) ask Trail Master users how their headlamps are going, if they're having any problems, etc.

Although the order changed along the way, Doi arrived at the next aid station first. Perhaps because of the rain and snow, he stuffed his face with warm "nyumen" noodles. He quickly drank two bowls.

Iino, in second place, follows closely behind.

In third place was Fukui from Gifu, who steadily and diligently followed the two leaders.

It's been a long journey, full of many things, until we reach the final aid station, Gorinkan, but now it's time for the final sprint to the finish line.

Just before reaching the final aid station, he fell so hard that his clothing was torn apart. Although he was tired, his appetite was strong.

In fact, there were some accidents along the way, such as my watch running out of battery and getting a nosebleed. The battery ran out, which meant I was unable to use the navigation system and ended up getting lost.


It's 11pm and the cold is getting severe. The temperature feels like 0 degrees. Even my breath is white.


Itagaki chases after him, but something seems strange about his leg.

Not only am I covered in scratches, but my fingers (nails) are in a terrible state.

Bora, the cameraman, and coffee master Deco-san check in on Iino, who is overcome by sleepiness. Like Itagaki, he is on the verge of collapse.

Doi leaves the final aid station. We exchange words: "Next is the finish line!" And so my mission (support) ends here!? I was tired and sleepy, but I bought dinner at a convenience store and ate fried noodles with green peppers and pork in the car, and fried rice with roast pork. I felt bad for Doi, who was running so hard, but I ate a lot. Looking at the GPS and the itinerary, I figured it would take three hours, so I parked the car next to the finish line and took a nap. Then Deco opened the car and said, "What are you doing? Doi has reached the finish line!" I was sweating profusely. Even though I had been supporting and filming up to this point, I missed the most moving scene of the finish line. Oh no, I did it again.

I cautiously approached the finish line, and everyone was congratulating me. It was difficult to get close, so I took a photo from a distance.

However, he accepted my final blunder and we took a commemorative photo in front of the finish line. It all started with Doi forgetting his GPS at the start, and ended with me, a supporter, oversleeping at the finish line. It was a 37-hour race with a lot going on. Doi was 1 hour and 15 minutes ahead of second place and even cleared the 30-minute penalty, which really brought home to me what an incredible athlete he really is.

As soon as he got in the car, Doi felt exhausted and fell asleep instantly. That's what happens after running 37 hours, 170km, and climbing 16,000m.

I want to hone my skills so that I can be asked to help again next time. Also, don't forget to bring a larger alarm clock.

Now that I've received some good inspiration, I'm going to try my hand at my first ever 100-mile race. The TDT100 is being held this weekend. I have no choice but to do it!

#TAMBA100

#Ryo Doi

#support

#milestone81

#TDT100