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Okubo Smashes PB at Berlin Marathon (updated)

Eri Okubo (Second Wind AC) on her way to her first sub-2:30 at the Berlin Marathon. Photo (c) 2011 Dr. Helmut Winter, all rights reserved.

http://www.jiji.com/jc/c?g=spo_30&k=2011092500284

translated and edited by Brett Larner

Okubo in Berlin. Photo by Manabu Kawagoe. Click to enlarge.

Eri Okubo (Second Wind AC) finished 9th at the Sept. 25 Berlin Marathon, running 2:28:49.  Her time broke her PB by 6 1/2 minutes and marked her first time under the 2:30 barrier.  "I went on a two-month training camp specifically to target the 2:20's," she said after the race.  "It's what I was hoping for so I'm very happy to have made it happen."  Nevertheless, she remained modest and realistic about her mark's larger significance.  "I'm still not in range of the best in Japan, but I can feel that I'm working my way up the staircase."  Looking toward next year's London Olympics she says, "With each marathon I run, if it comes closer into sight then it's something I'll shoot for."
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