It’s a humid end to the work week and I’m sat on my apartment floor, having just finished 3 hours of volleyball practice. Tired, sweaty and contemplating my decision, I text Alex:  “It’s Friday night, should I just do the run tomorrow?”

Alex: “Do it tonight. 4 hours, easy.” He was right on one of the things. Do it tonight. 

We were referring to my idea of running the Tokyo Yamanote Train line, 42km…at Midnight, all by myself. The idea had been ruminating in my mind for a few months and yet I’d left it till now to complete the challenge. Mid August, the height of Japanese summer, where the average temperature is over 30 degrees celcius with 80% humidity. The additional element of running the route at midnight would hopefully beat the temperature, and Tokyo crowds. 

I chowed down some microwaveable pasta, showered, dressed and headed out. 11:59, a drunk salary man lies unconscious outside Shibuya station. A common occurrence yet still drew a small crowd of people and it soon became clear. He had shit himself. 

A minute later and my legs are alive and kicking. The first hour or so felt great. I’m cruising through the streets of Tokyo with a bounce in my step and smile on my face. The sense of adventure was enticing. 25km into the run and my adrenaline started to wane. Energy levels are wanting to sleep and the realisation of how far 42km was starting to become apparent. Luckily, the convenient stores are open 24/7 and in abundance. I bought a packet of Haribo and a couple of energy drinks to perk myself up. 

The previous night, I had curated a marathon music playlist with my help of friends on Instagram. All suggestions were added to the mix and zero skips were allowed during the run. Pounding the pavement throughout the night took a big toll on my hips and knees so I put on the created playlist to aid the pain. Some were worthy running songs and helped pick up the pace. Other songs, were trash, absolute trash. Admittedly, the humour and curiosity got me through the playlist and I powered on through the night. 

The sun began to rise with around 3 or 4km to go. Drunks were stumbling out of nightclubs as I stumbled the final few km’s. I reached Shibuya station at 4:40 slightly delirious and very hungry. A quick pit stop at Mcdonalds for a morning chocolate milkshake and I went to catch my train home.

It’s Saturday morning as I slump onto the train. A mix of adrenaline, tiredness, pride and hunger was conjuring as I reflect on the run. I knew my body wasn’t in the best condition. I hadn’t nutritionally planned or mentally prepared well and would have much preferred a cosy night in bed. However, the hardship provided extra knowledge of what I was capable when I didn’t feel at my best. 

The run helped build a stronger mental fortress, and I also got to see the sights of Tokyo. The drunk salary men singing and snoozing, the parks and architecture of Tokyo, the character of different districts, and a quiet but radiant city sunrise. 

I text Alex: “Job done. 4 hour, 40. That was tough.”