Michal Činčiala: Running under Japanese volcanos
10. 07. 2018
A story of Michal Činčiala, the extreme ultramarathon racer and member of the Kilpi Racing Team, and his training stay in Japan.
As it has become my tradition in recent years, I moved with my family to Japan, where we spend the summer until the end of August. The rainy season had begun, so this means heavy rain every day. It could last for about a month which is annoying, but I unconsciously count on the fact I will train mostly in the rain in June.
Training camp in the land of the rising sun
What is my plan for this year's working and training camp? Besides the work, that is an integral part of my stay, I plan on taking part in the Kirishima Ebino Kougen Extreme Trail race. In March, after the volcano eruption and subsequent increased volcanic activity, it seemed that the race will be cancelled, but the number of volcanic gases decreased in the past few weeks and it has reduced the level of risk, so the race is likely to be held. My goal is to win, but given that the main race for me this year is the Ultra Gobi, it is even more important for me not to get hurt, and therefore the above-mentioned race will be rather a preparation.
The switching from the straight terrain to more mountainous terrain in my training was very demanding after arriving in Japan. After some hard training, however, my legs do not ache, so it's time to shoot a video from the places where I'm running.
June marked by the hills
My final running account for June is 821 km. The main change is in the nature of the training when I moved from running on straight terrain to the mountainous terrain here. The elevation in my training was from 600 to1000 meters, which differs greatly from the city of Olomouc. It hurt a lot at first, both mentally and physically, but with time I have felt a positive effect. Due to the rainy season and the coming typhoon, the longest training is about 50 km long. This Saturday, I am going to the mountains for my first climb to the peak of Mt. Shiraga, including a visit to the Kuruson Shrine.
In twenty days the second racing highlight of the season, Kirishima Ebino Kougen Extreme Trail, will take place. Ten days ago, the Sminmoedake volcano exploded again, but it has calmed down now and the race seems to be going ahead.
I produced many audiovisual materials during my stay. You can watch my videos on my YouTube channel.
All up-to-date information can be found on my blog http://www.norseman.cz/
Here is my last short video of the run to Lake Miike and the Kirishima Higashi Shrine.
From Japan's Kobayashi, Michal Činčiala's health.
Michal Činčiala
Michal Činčiala