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Fujiwara and Kawauchi Run 12 km Workout Together

http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/20120331/ath12033112370002-n1.html

translated by Brett Larner

Click here for a photo sequence of Fujiwara and Kawauchi working out together Mar. 31.

London Olympics marathon team member Arata Fujiwara (30, Tokyo T&F Assoc.) ran a workout Mar. 31 along the Arakawa River in Saitama Prefecture together with full-time working runner Yuki Kawauchi (25, Saitama Pref.), the pair pushing each other through a 12 km race-simulation workout in the midst of gale-force winds.  Kawauchi, who missed making the Olympic team, had wanted to run the workout, and the senior Fujiwara sent him an email saying that he could do it.

Neither athlete belonging to a corporate team, Fujiwara and Kawauchi each serve to stimulate and motivate the other.  Fujiwara commented, "It was really intimidating to run together.  He's very talented at making subtle pace changes.  I'm inspired by his aggressive running style."  Kawauchi smiled as he said, "It was hard, but I'm glad to get in a high-quality workout.  I hope I can do my part to help him get ready for the Olympics."

The pair hope to work together in the future when their schedules allow.  Asked for their impressions of each other, Fujiwara said, "He's an intense kid."  Kawauchi said, "He's an inspiring elder."

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