I was so amazed by the incredible size of this city. The signboards on the road kept indicating "You are in Iwaki" for more than 10 hours.

　When you walk long distance like this, you must be very careful about cramp on your legs. Because I know my legs easily get cramps when I walk over 20 kilometres, I made thorough preparation in the day before the challenge, such as bathing in a spa, massaging legs and sticking dozens of salonpas (a stick type medicine for mascular pains) on both legs. When it comes to the day of challenge, I also massaged and streched my legs on and on in each checkpoints. But when I arrived at Iwaki Station (31 km from the start), I almost get cramps on thighs and calfs of both legs. So I entered a nearest noodle shop, rushed into the toilet to change all the salonpas. Thanks to these efforts, I did not get cramps all the way to the goal. When I passed through Kusano station (38 km from the start), I felt very comfortable as if I was doped Marijuanas or Cocaines. They say it is a kind of "runners high".

　This challenge was not very safe especially when I walk through tunnels. Because most of the tunnels in Iwaki did not install walkways, in most cases I had to walk on very narrow (about 50 centimeters) path between driveway and wall. It was so scarly to be inside the pitch-black tunnels, hearing the roaring sounds of cars and trucks amplified by the reflection of closed tunnels. In long, long tunnels, I had to walk by the oncoming car line, use a torch so that the drivers can notice me. I think road designer should think more about the safety of pedestrians.

　Iwaki is a beautiful place with plenty of beaches, mountains, gorges and hot springs. Especially, the picturesque coastline between Yotsukura and Hisanohama is very impressive with both rugged reefs and sandy beaches. I think it will attract many tourists from Tokyo, given the promotion is very successful.