In the morning, the rain was 

lighter than expected. 

With significant changes to the course,

it became apparent that there would be 

no strong headwinds from 

the middle of the course to the finish. 

When I awkwardly conveyed to

Suzu-chan in my clumsy tentacle speech,

"I think there won't be strong winds today," 

her response, 

"That's a shame, I liked strong winds!"

confirmed her usual quirky nature (LoL).

When running with my blind friends, 

not just Suzu-chan, my rule is 

to run barefoot if it seems their pace 

will take longer than 4 hours for 42 kilometers. 

This is because it's about companionship 

- running together. 

I don't want to create a situation 

where I'm breezing through while helping 

someone who can neither see nor hear. 

The moment our relationship turns into that, 

even if the tether connecting us is loose,

I feel we can't synchronize. 

That's why it's my rule. 

Of course, I often regret this rule 

on rough asphalt and 

endless country roads strewn with 

pebbles like caltrops, 

as was the case in this 

Nishio marathon (LoL),

but it's precisely why I can become 

one with Suzu-chan.

The constant cheers of "Keep going!" 

from the spectators and 

fellow runners transform in my mind to 

"Brighten up!" and I can smile.

Thinking that I am carrying

Suzu-chan's vision and hearing,

my gratitude towards her and

everyone around us grows. 

That's why, after running 

just 42 kilometers (LoL), 

when the rain stops, 

the blue sky expands, 

and the temperature rises,

I can't stop the "tears" from flowing (LoL). 

The emotion and sense of achievement 

are indeed more addictive than anything.

To avoid becoming addicted,

I'll be mindful to continue balancing 

my roles as a business person and a runner (LoL). 

Thank you, Suzu-chan, 

and thank you, people of Nishio.