So I married a long distance runner

This past Sunday, Nathan participated in the Lake Toya Marathon.  We made a weekend of it - camping with our friends Kazunari and Wataru in a cozy bungalow near the lake.  We stopped at Costco on the way to stock up on meat and drinks for a cookout on Saturday evening.  On Sunday, we were all up at 6 am (!) to eat breakfast and get to the starting line.  It couldn't have been a more perfect day for a marathon, and Lake Toya couldn't be a more perfect place for one.  Lake Toya is the caldera of an old volcano that filled up with water and has an island right in the middle.  I believe the marathon route was all the way around the lake, and Nathan said some of the views were amazing.  Some 4,000 runners participate in the 5K, 10K, and full marathon (maybe there was more, but I've forgotten).  Nathan finished just under 4 hours, which was his goal.

Our sweet ride

On our way, we stopped at the site of where a volcano erupted in 2000.  There were still places where you could see steam rising!

Nathan and the guys picking up their numbers

Our bungalow.  Cozy, and it had new tatami (better than in my apartment!)

Ethan helping cook the multitude of meats we brought for our bbq.

Yes, we grilled some doritos.  And it was the best idea ever!

Filled with meat, we went out to the lake to try and catch some shrimp.  We were unsuccessful.

Getting ready to run

While the guys were running, Ethan and I took this boat out to Ojima Island, in the middle of Lake Toya

A shrine on Ojima Island

Ethan and I chilling out, wondering how Nate was doing

There he is, finished!  But Ethan didn't get to see it because he got sick after our boat ride :(

After some onsen, this was our view from lunch

To say I'm proud of Nathan would be an understatement.  Just 7 months ago, Nathan quit smoking and decided to start running.  And now, he's finished his first marathon with a great time!  His drive has inspired me and now, I've even started running (yelp)!  I'm only doing about 30 minutes three times a week, but it's a start.  And who knows, maybe I'll join Nathan next year - but running the 10K!!!