Last May, Akemi, Yuriko, Carsten and I joined our first Trailwalker. I had recruited them as I knew them to be fairly good athletes, weekend warriors like myself, and because they were people I could get along with. This last point perhaps proved to be more important, as in the end, when we crossed the finish line running, we were all smiling, satisfied of our performance.

At that moment, the pride I felt was certainly focused on our ability to finish and our time. But in hindsight, the pride shifted to the fact that we had fun together, and in doing so, we were able to help people in need.

My best memories of the inaugural Oxfam Trailwalker Japan are not just those of the event, but also of the preparations: the party we organized in a bar to raise money (although the magician’s delayed arrival caused me some stress at the time!); the snow that fell during a training session; all the running jokes we developed over time (who is the rain person?); the face of the locals at 5:30 A.M. when we were walking down the mountain in Kobe after our overnight training.

The trail itself may be hard, but it is also beautiful. It will provide you with beautiful views of lake Ashinoko, the stars at night, with lake Yamanaka and Mt. Fuji at the finish amongst others.

Whether you are aiming at finishing first or just finishing the tough 100km trail, remember why you are doing this. If your time is what is most important, maybe this is not the best event for you. The Trailwalker is a team event and cooperation is most important, both on and off trail. At the macro level, you are raising money for people around the world who truly need the funds you will raise. At the micro level, your teammates may need your food, drinks, clothes or shoulder to keep on going, and vice versa.

Training before the event, especially as a team, is essential to feel comfortable with your equipment, to build up stamina, to establish a team pace, and to foster team spirit. This will prove quite important later in the event. Doing the Trailwalker with your team is a little bit like moving in with your spouse: you will discover some things about your teammates that you could never learn by working or drinking with them alone. Team training will help you avoid bad surprises.

Well, I really hope you will join the event. Personally speaking, it has been one of the most satisfying endeavor in my life; not only did I finish a 100km mountain trail in a decent time, but I also deepened friendships and helped people in developing countries who do not have the luxury to take on such an adventure. See you on trail next May.