Hard-working Adults are Cool. A Story of Connections with Myself

Interview Relay 2nd Run: Stories of “Connections Between People” Born Through the Tokyo Marathon

This time, we introduce a story of Kana’s connections with herself, who learned “It’s never too late to change” after trying for the Tokyo Marathon for the first time.

Every Time I Ran, Something Inside Me Changed.

“I’d like to finish a full marathon at least once before I turn 40.”

I applied for the Tokyo Marathon 2025 on a whim, and I actually got in. That was what changed my life. Until then, I had zero running habit. My target time in my first full marathon was 7 hours.

About half a year after the lottery results were announced, every time I ran, something inside me changed. Back then, I was single, had no particular habits and couldn’t find any hope for the future. Struggling with binge eating and emotional instability, there were days when I felt that “life just wasn’t enjoyable.” But things were different only when I ran. It was not about time, physical appearance or title. Just taking a step forward on my own.

At first, even 1km was a struggle. But before I knew it, I could run 10km, then 20km, and my negative mindset gradually shifted to a positive one. I’ve also made friends through running. Both my time alone to reflect and the time we spend encouraging each other toward the same goal have become precious to me. And above all, I was starting to like myself a little more when I was running. I used to hate having my photo taken, but I don’t mind it when I’m running. My heart was deeply moved when my family told me, “You look so happy and radiant.

Hard-working adults are cool.

The Tokyo Marathon is what made me realize that.

I didn’t get selected in the lottery for the Tokyo Marathon 2026. Even so, the runners I saw from the sidelines were strong, beautiful, and shining radiantly.

Taking on a challenge.

Enjoying the moment.

Never giving up.

The Tokyo Marathon is not just about running 42.195km. It has the source of strength to get someone’s life running again. For me, the Tokyo Marathon is more than just the joy of crossing the finish line: it is the place that taught me it’s okay to move forward with my life. I will keep running until the day I can stand at the starting line again.

Accumulation of Small Steps Leads to a Great Confidence.

Through the Tokyo Marathon, I realized “I can change.” Before that, I didn’t have the courage to take on challenges, nor did I have any sense of pride. Since I started running, I’ve found joy in going 1km farther and 1 minute faster than I did yesterday. I’ve experienced firsthand how the accumulation of small steps leads to great confidence.

Also, encouraging each other with the friends I met through running made me realize that I don’t have to deal with everything on my own. I’ve learned that sharing joy with someone makes life so much more colorful.

Now, I can truly say that I think hard-working adults are cool. I don’t need to be afraid to take on challenges and can walk my own path. The biggest change in me is that I’ve developed that mindset.

Life Begins to Move Once I Find a Reason to Take the First Step

Through my story, I’d like to convey that it is never too late to change. Life can change with just a single step, even without special talents or a brilliant career. The Tokyo Marathon is what changed me.

If you are currently lacking confidence or feeling as though your days are simply passing you by,  I　encourage you to take on a small challenge. It can be running or something else.  The time we spend giving our all builds the strength to believe in ourselves. I believe the Tokyo Marathon can be an event that gives someone the opportunity to move their life forward.