Mara Yamauchi Official Blog/english

Mara retires from elite competition

ニックネーム — 2013-01-22T19:24:09+09:00

Release from UK Athletics media:

http://www.uka.org.uk/media/news/january-2013/22-01-13-mara-yamauchi/

Mara's comment on her blog:

http://marayamauchi.blogzine.jp/english/3_blog/#entry-41860683

Mara retires from elite competition

ニックネーム — 2013-01-22T19:05:47+09:00

“All good things must come to an end…”, and so it is for my career as an elite athlete and marathon runner. After careful thought, I’ve decided to retire from elite competition, and finally hang up my racing shoes. I’ve been very fortunate to have enjoyed several years as an athlete at the sharp end of world marathon running, which I would not have missed for anything. But I feel now is the right time to move on to new challenges, and the next chapter in my life. I will continue running as a recreational runner, and am looking forward to training and participating in running events at a manageable, and enjoyable level. I will soon return to working at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office – and continuing to represent the UK as “the running diplomat”!

The life of an elite athlete is full of excitement, adrenaline, surprises, dreams, and enjoyment. As a marathon runner I have fulfilled my childhood dream of becoming an Olympian; experienced the thrill of winning an international marathon (Osaka, 2008); represented Great Britain with pride; won a Commonwealth Games bronze medal (Melbourne 2006); and become the second fastest UK marathon runner ever (London, 2009 – 2:23:12). I feel like the luckiest person alive to have experienced these wonderful things. But I was only one small part of a long-standing team effort. I thank sincerely, and am extremely grateful to, all the people and organisations who have helped me along the way, especially my husband, Shige, and my sponsors. Without their patience, encouragement, insights, expertise, and support, there’s no doubt I would not have become an elite athlete. Thank you very, very much!

During my marathon career, I have learned many things not just about running, but about life and how to get the best out of yourself – for example creating & maintaining motivation; how to set goals and reach them; always doing your best no matter what; and how to overcome setbacks. Running is an enormous toolbox for life if we can figure out how to tap into it. Looking ahead, I hope I can help other people to get the best out of themselves, and enjoy doing it, through running.

Resting up

ニックネーム — 2012-08-27T21:50:43+09:00

With the Olympics behind us now, I’ve been catching up on some much-needed rest. Getting my injured foot better has been the top priority but I’ve also been trying to recover from the 18 months of mental and physical exertion which got me to the Olympics. While still on a long journey of any kind, the adrenaline keeps you going but once it’s over and you can relax, fatigue really sets in! Fortunately we’re in August, when everyone seems to be relaxing and enjoying themselves, so I’ve been making the most of the summer holiday mood.

We have just spent 10 days in Yorkshire soaking up the beautiful scenery and incredible food scene there. Yorkshire is chock-a-block full of fresh, local food producers, and delicious cafes and restaurants. They are rightly proud of this culinary paradise they have created, and I would recommend it to anyone. Top of my list was Betty’s – the café and tea rooms I remember going to from when I used to visit my Granny in Harrogate many years ago. This time I had a “Yorkshire fat rascal” – a fruity scone served warm with a cheery face made up of cherries and almonds on top. Just the job for a post-marathon holiday!

Now I am looking forward to watching the Paralympics which promises to be another spectacular festival of sport in London.

Thank you!!

ニックネーム — 2012-08-06T06:57:00+09:00

Wow, yesterday’s marathon was a tough day at the office. The Olympic marathon, a home Games, my second Olympics…it was all shaping up to be the race of my life but sadly my right foot didn’t want to do its bit, and injury forced me to end my Olympic journey before it really got going. I had been nursing a heel bruise before the race but it was at a level which was manageable, and I was confident that I could produce a good performance. Unfortunately as the race got underway my heel started hurting and got unbearable by the time I dropped out at 10km. It’s frustrating when all your hard work doesn’t pay off but life goes on and I have to focus now on getting my foot better.

Thank you, thank you, thank you – to everyone who braved the pouring rain to come out and support me on the day. And a huge thank you to everyone who has helped, encouraged and supported me along the way. I wasn’t able this time to deliver a performance that reflected all the fabulous support you’ve given me, but I am still so grateful for your help.

Elderflower cordial

ニックネーム — 2012-06-04T00:44:58+09:00

I love cooking and baking when I’m not training. I find it’s very therapeutic and takes my mind off running for a while which is always refreshing. This year I’ve made it one of my resolutions to try some recipes using wild ingredients. We’re surrounded by edible plants but sadly I don’t know how to use them so I decided this is the year I’m going to learn.

I’ve got off to a very modest start - my one and only success so far has been elderflower cordial! The elderflowers are all in full bloom right now and their lovely scent fills the air. The cordial was very easy to make so total novices like me can hardly mess it up. We’ve only drunk the cordial so far but I’m told elderflower cordial drizzle cake and cordial sorbet are very tasty so I’m going to give them a try soon.

I’ve made one more “wild” recipe this year – wild garlic soup. But it tasted like grass clippings so I won’t go into detail on that one! Hopefully more success next time….