14 Consecutive Years of Sub-3: 'Kasario Shop' 🛒
Hello, this is Kasario.
In this article, I will only introduce items that I have actually used and
thought, 'This was great.'
These are the favorite items I arrived at
while dealing with injuries and poor physical condition
during my 14 consecutive years of running sub-3 marathons.
There is nothing flashy here.
They are all modest, but they are things that
quietly support
my runner's life.
I will share my honest impressions, so
please take a look if anything catches your interest.
*This article contains Amazon Associate links.
If a purchase is made through a link, I may receive a referral fee.
However, I only list items that I truly think are good. I promise you that.
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■ Hydration Goods
【Barley Tea】
My partner for hydration.
Having experienced kidney damage,
I have come to value
hydration during the summer very highly.
Barley tea is rich in minerals,
and there is no worry about
excessive sugar or salt intake.
It is also caffeine-free.
It is the wisdom of our ancestors who did a lot of physical labor.
Plus, it is easy on the wallet.
Since I drink plenty of it every day,
this is a big deal.
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■ Things to Carry
【YURENIKUI SETARO Trail Running Backpack】
My partner for
commuter runs and long marathons.
What is good about this backpack is,
above all, that it is hard to shake.
If your luggage bounces around while you are running,
it drains your energy and disrupts your form.
In that regard, this fits snugly and stably against my back, so
I almost forget I'm wearing it.
Whether it's carrying a change of clothes for my commute run or
carrying water and nutrition for an all-day long run.
It has plenty of capacity and is essential for my daily use.
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■ Injury Care Goods
[Vantelin Supporter]
I was recommended this by my chiropractor when I developed Achilles tendonitis.
For recovery from Achilles tendonitis,
it seems important to limit the contraction of the Achilles tendon.
Wearing it while sleeping protects the Achilles tendon throughout the night.
It's also appreciated that it's affordable at around 1,000 yen.
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[Aotake-fumi (Bamboo Foot Massager)]
I keep it in the kitchen.
I just step on it while cooking or doing the dishes.
Flexibility in the soles of the feet is directly linked to running.
It's a simple, traditional tool,
but I feel it's effective for runners as well.
I don't have a specific recommendation, but I use a real, natural bamboo one.
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[ALINCO Cushion Massager Meguri MCR8116N]
It's originally a massage cushion for the lower back and shoulders.
But I use it a little differently.
First, I place it under my soles to loosen them while I eat.
I can massage the soles of my feet while sitting and doing other things.
That's not all.
I also use it to maintain my calves, soleus muscles, and hamstrings.
For runners concerned about shin splints, Achilles tendons,
or tight hamstrings,
it's quite useful for lower body care.
My motto is to condition my body while doing other things.
This is exactly the device that makes that possible.
It is also nice that it is affordable for a massage appliance.
For a massage appliance,
it is also nice that it is affordable.
*Since this is a use different from its intended purpose,
please try it within reasonable limits if you decide to copy it.
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[Coix Seed (Yokuinin)]
I have suffered from corns for many years.
When I used to run in thin-soled shoes, I would get large corns on the landing areas of my feet, and I would feel like I was dying in the second half of races.
Since I learned about Coix Seed, this problem was solved all at once.
I recommend it to runners who suffer from corns.
I am not a spokesperson for Coix Seed, by the way 🤪
I am not a spokesperson for Coix Seed, by the way 🤪
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■ Measures against cold and cramping
[Leg Warmers]
They are useful in both summer and winter.
On sweltering tropical nights,
when I sleep with the air conditioning on,
I sometimes wake up because my legs feel like they are about to cramp.
At times like that, leg warmers protect my legs.
Coldness is a remote cause of not only leg cramps but also injuries.
They are my staple items that I can use all year round.
Especially once you start using silk ones, you can't stop (lol)
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■ Nutritional supplements
[Honey Action]
It is the star of my race nutrition.
It is honey-based and contains a good balance of fast-acting glucose and fructose, as well as dextrin that works slowly.
I support my energy during races with a
self-proclaimed 'Honey-Aku Special' made by dissolving energy powder in water.
Caffeinated Ageteko serves as a pick-me-up for those crucial moments.
It really helps me stay alert.
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■ Carbohydrate Loading
【MAURTEN DRINK MIX 320】
This is my partner for carb-loading on the day before and the day of the race.
It is a drink based on maltodextrin and fructose,
and its main feature is that it allows you to take in carbohydrates effectively while being gentle on the stomach.
Before a race, I use this to store up carbohydrates in addition to eating white rice.
Trying to load up on carbs using only solid food
tends to make my stomach feel heavy.
In that regard, since this is just dissolved in water and
drank, even someone with a weak stomach like me can take in carbohydrates without any trouble.
It is a bit pricey, but I rely on it as the finishing touch for my race preparation.
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■ Running Watch
A running watch with excellent visibility that is friendly to my aging eyes.
Honestly, I would prefer one with GPS and a heart rate monitor, but my presbyopia... (laughs)
■ Conclusion
How was it?
Everything here is something I have actually used and been helped by.
I believe that tools only truly
come to life when they are used with the user's own philosophy in mind.
Why use it? How do you use it?
I talk about the reasons for that in detail in each respective article.
If anything caught your interest, please take a look at the related articles as well.
May your runner's life
become even a little more comfortable👣
Kasario