Day 60 - Toba, Japan

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July 30       Photos by Chris Emerick

Monday marked the third day of the Japan leg and the most scenic route in the country thus far.

The route weaved through Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino) in Yoshino Town, Nara Prefecture, which is famously known as the cherry blossom spot. Yoshinoyama is laced with rolling hills and scenic temples: Throughout the day, Lansing commented on how this scenery alone would dictate a return to Japan, and soon. Team Yellow even found a “mom-and-pop” convenience store nestled in between some rice paddy fields — it was the only store around for miles. The team spread the word about the Run to the locals hanging out at the shop, who seemed very intrigued by our cause.

With great beauty also came challenge: a 10-mile incline. The staff and teams were concerned about Paul, who had to step up to the challenge. No need for such concern, though. Paul tackled the run triumphantly, remarking, “That was the best run of my life!”

But a hard day’s work (or run) did not equate to an easy meal for Team Yellow. Arriving in Ise, Japan, at 9 p.m., food was scarce. The team walked around the town at least 20 minutes, only to find all restaurants closed except for one, an Italian restaurant. While it was a relief to find an open restaurant, it was, unfortunately, a restaurant without much food — it had only enough ingredients for two pizzas and couldn’t accommodate the eight hungry runners and their support team. After a bit more walking (and a lot more finger-crossing!), the next day’s breakfast came from a convenient store.