Full Marathon: Challenges, Support, and Gratitude

I wanted to start writing this beautifully, but I just can't. 😢
I mean, the word 'moved' isn't even close to enough...

Saying you 'did your best' feels too cheap.
I respect the heart you had to take on that terrible weather, and to finish it on top of that...

I don't have the words to express how moved I am.
You were just magnificent, and I love you so much.

Congratulations, truly!
And thank you for all your hard work!

I went to cheer at the Itabashi City Marathon.
This was my second time cheering for a full marathon.

Last time, you had the stamina but were brought to tears by the time limit.
My heart still aches when I look back at how frustrated you were.

Even though you must have been so disappointed, you signed up for the next (this) race shortly after.
Seeing you make time to run consistently is truly admirable, and your serious dedication always inspires me.

That said, the forecast for the day was unfortunately rain.
I wanted to support your challenge, but I didn't want you to push yourself too hard, so I tried to offer words of encouragement that would keep you looking forward even if you had to drop out or retire.

But with the strong winds and the cold, the harsh conditions had me so worried.
I couldn't stop you once you had made up your mind, but I almost wished you would skip it; I just wanted you to be safe, body and soul, no matter the result.

I used to think a full marathon was something 'only runners can do, not regular people.'
Suddenly, I was watching you declare a challenge like that, and I saw you pushing yourself to the limit from the closest possible distance.

I also saw you struggling with foot pain many times during your training.
I know you had a strong desire for revenge, but for me, I was just praying for your safety. I was told that just standing at the starting line makes you a winner, and I truly felt that was the case.

Of course, I wanted to see your happy face and share in that joy.
Since you were so frustrated last time, it would be amazing to be able to hug you and say congratulations.

But, and maybe this sounds soft, I also thought there was already meaning in how hard you had worked up to this point.
I couldn't control the outcome, so all I could do was watch over you as you gave it your all.

The Itabashi City Marathon isn't a loop course; it's an out-and-back course along the river, so if I waited at the start, the next time I'd see you would be at the finish.
The idea of not being able to cheer you on along the way was unthinkable, so I stared at maps and train routes, rushing around to get ahead and cheer for you.

Maybe it was more because I wanted to reassure myself.
Seeing you keep running with a smile, not showing your pain even though your feet were hurting, really touched my heart.

Despite everything, you really did your best in the cold until the very end.
I hope my cheering gave you even a little bit of strength.

Completing your first 42.195km in freezing rain is no small feat.
You are simply magnificent, and I want to spoil you with praise.

Congratulations again!
And thank you to everyone who cheered as well 🙇‍♀️

Lastly, it makes me happy to see that you are blessed with such wonderful friends.
I don't think you could have even reached the starting line alone, and I am endlessly grateful for how they always encouraged and supported you.

I'm grateful for the repeated, precise advice, but your personality—always positive and incredibly kind—is also the best.
I think the support on the day was also a huge source of strength.

You really have met some wonderful friends.
To all the Imperial Palace run members, thank you so much!