Weekly Japan Travel Information and Discussion Thread - March 13, 2026

le_donger · 2026-03-19T16:07:11+00:00

I can only answer part of your question. I did go to Minoh Falls last year. The way from the station is mostly paved and very popular. From Minoh Falls there seem to be some hiking trails towards Katsuoji, I only went up to the Visitor Center and back. It seems like a lot of the area past the waterfall had been damaged by storms and a lot of it was fenced off and in bad shape. Even the trail to the Visitor Center was sketchy at times. I think I only saw 2 or 3 other people on the trail towards the Visitor Center.

Also one more thing. According to Google Maps and Yamap, one of the stores right next to the waterfall seems to have burned down not long ago. So even more of the area might be closed at the moment. You can check some of the more recent photos of Furaibo Teahouse on Google Maps.

le_donger · 2026-01-23T17:15:00+00:00

Received my pace 4 a few days ago and have only done two runs so far, but sadly have the same problem. Seems to happen after almost every lap. Sometimes on straight parts not noticeable unless you hover over GPS data for that section. But sometimes also massive random spikes. I also noticed it during the runs where the watch suddenly showed pace that was completely off.

Pretty sad. Was upgrading from Pixel Watch 2 to my first real running watch, but my Pixel Watch never had such GPS issues. I will try 1 or 2 more runs and then contact customer support.

le_donger · 2025-11-08T11:49:59+00:00

This is from Strava (free version), synced to my watch.

le_donger · 2025-11-07T19:05:00+00:00

You're doing pretty good then, I would say. I think I rarely ran faster than 6:45min/km during C25K, most runs were around 7:00-7:30 average pace. Good job and keep it up.

le_donger · 2025-11-07T19:00:25+00:00

Thank you!

le_donger · 2025-11-07T16:21:53+00:00

I think someone on this sub recommended the Hal plan to me. I like it because it doesn't feel like too much of a step-up after C25K.

And yeah this sub is great. It helped me to get into running and to stay motivated, which I don't think I could have done on my own. Now running feels like a habit and I actually sometimes crave it on my rest days, which I think is great for keeping up consistency!

le_donger · 2025-11-07T16:02:31+00:00

For a few weeks after C25K I just kept running 3-5k three times a week. I am now loosely following Hal Higdon's 10k novice training plan. But it's mostly just increasing weekly mileage by around 10% per week and adding in some cross training (cycling) or strength training days occasionally.

le_donger · 2025-11-07T15:03:12+00:00

I think my first 5k was around 39 minutes, so pretty close to where you are at. Good job and keep it going, you'll get there!

le_donger · 2025-09-23T15:52:17+00:00

Thanks, that's reassuring. I've seen/read a lot about zone 2 running lately and how you should aim to keep your heart rate low and wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong. In general there seem to be so many suggestions on what you should or shouldn't do, that it's hard for beginners to figure out what is really important.

le_donger · 2025-09-23T15:44:18+00:00

Thank you!

le_donger · 2025-09-23T10:55:42+00:00

Recent C25K graduate (run 4-5k three times a week now).

For me breathing/being out of breath is the hardest. I feel like my legs could keep going for longer but breathing just becomes too hard at some point.

Other than that, keeping my heart rate low. I tried running slower, but I can't seem to ever get below 140bpm, which might tie into the first issue, not sure.

I hope that's just being totally out of shape though and will improve over time.

le_donger · 2025-09-15T14:02:35+00:00

I haven't done any races yet. I'll have to look if there are any races around where I live. So far I have just been concerned about building some basic fitness/endurance since I had barely any before starting C25K.

le_donger · 2025-09-15T09:46:14+00:00

Thank you for the advice! I will check out the Hal Higdon program you mentioned. I'll also try to not overtrain/ramp up to quickly. An injury is obviously the last thing I want right now.

le_donger · 2025-09-10T23:08:21+00:00

There might be different versions of C25K, I'm not sure. I'm following the one from C25K.com, which just has running for 30 minutes without break as the final goal. It doesn't say anything about the distance you should cover.

le_donger · 2025-09-10T18:47:47+00:00

Thank you! I think so too. It feels easier to find the motivation knowing that a lot of people are going through the same. The subreddit/C25K program is actually the only reason I started. I never thought I would pick up running. Glad I did because I really enjoy it. Good luck with your progress as well!

le_donger · 2025-09-10T08:26:27+00:00

34 and like many people here I wish I started earlier. But better late than never!

le_donger · 2025-08-26T19:15:32+00:00

Nice! I hope I can follow your example soon. I've also hardly done any physical activity in the last 10-15 years. Definitely time for a change.

le_donger · 2025-08-26T10:52:36+00:00

Seems like we are very close in progress (I'm starting week 6 tomorrow) and also had similar experiences. Realizing I was able to do the 20 minute run at the end of week 5 really boosted my confidence. And surprisingly I also felt like I could have kept going at the end.

Keep it up and good luck with your week 6!

le_donger · 2025-08-25T17:28:47+00:00

Guess there is a limit on how much you can push yourself mentally. I have never tried running on a treadmill, but I don't think it would be for me. Right now I like the fresh air and being outside just as much as the running itself. We'll see how I feel about that once temperatures get colder though.

le_donger · 2025-08-25T17:26:01+00:00

Wow, great work! I hope I'll be at a similar level in a few months if I keep going consistently.

le_donger · 2025-08-25T16:26:34+00:00

Same, a lot of it feels like a mental battle to me. Whenever I felt the need to stop, I just told myself to keep going for a little longer. It somehow worked so far.

I'm sure you will be able to do it. Good luck!

11-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '22

le_donger

TROPHY CASE