東京マラソンを走らない、という選択。

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares a significant decision regarding the 2025 Tokyo Marathon—choosing not to participate. They reflect on the feeling of being driven by external expectations rather than personal passion, leading to a moment of self-discovery. After consulting with their coach, the speaker realizes the importance of following their own motivation and staying true to their values. The discussion touches on the complexities of balancing public expectations with personal goals, emphasizing the need to make decisions that align with their genuine passion and long-term vision.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker decided not to participate in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon due to a lack of personal motivation and alignment with his core values.
• 😀 Despite training hard and achieving good times, he felt a growing sense of discomfort and disconnection from the external pressures surrounding his running.
• 😀 After consulting with his coach, the speaker realized that he needed to refocus and approach his goals from his own perspective, not driven by others' expectations.
• 😀 The decision to withdraw was influenced by a deeper understanding of the importance of self-motivation and maintaining passion for the sport.
• 😀 Reflecting on his experiences with the Paris Olympics and other challenges, the speaker acknowledged the need to balance personal passion with external demands.
• 😀 The speaker emphasized the necessity of slowing down at times, comparing it to taking a pause at a service area on a highway for reflection and mental clarity.
• 😀 The concept of a 'self-axis' was central to the speaker's decision, where he decided to approach his goals without being influenced by others' desires or expectations.
• 😀 He expressed concern about losing himself in the race for external validation and wanted to return to a place where his motivation came from within.
• 😀 The speaker stressed the importance of not forcing progress or passion but rather letting it grow naturally, emphasizing the need to balance ambition with well-being.
• 😀 He shared his belief that true motivation and passion come from within, and that the key to success in sports is emotional alignment with one's goals.
• 😀 The speaker hopes to continue competing, but with a renewed focus on pursuing his passion in a way that aligns with his personal values and emotional connection to the sport.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide not to participate in the 2025 Tokyo Marathon?

The speaker decided not to participate because they felt disconnected from their passion and motivation. Despite being physically ready, they realized they were being driven by external expectations rather than their own inner drive and love for the sport.

How did the speaker describe their experience with training leading up to the marathon?

The speaker mentioned that they had been training well, achieving good times in half marathons, and felt physically prepared. However, they experienced a sense of emotional disconnect, as if they were being 'forced' to run without genuine enthusiasm.

What role did the speaker's coach play in their decision-making process?

The coach played a key role in helping the speaker reflect on their situation. They advised that continuing under these circumstances would contradict the speaker’s legacy and personal values, prompting the speaker to reassess their motivations.

What was the speaker’s main concern regarding their approach to running and their career?

The speaker was concerned about being driven by external pressures and expectations, rather than their own internal motivation. They emphasized the importance of reconnecting with their true passion for running and ensuring their actions align with their personal values.

How did external expectations affect the speaker’s mindset about their career?

The speaker expressed that the pressure from others and societal expectations led them to feel like they were not fully in control of their own choices. They mentioned the difficulty of reconciling these external demands with their own desires and needs.

What was the speaker’s reflection on their past performances and the future of their career?

The speaker acknowledged that they didn’t want to continue in the sport out of routine or obligation. They expressed a desire to ensure that the remainder of their career is driven by authentic passion, not by a sense of obligation or external influence.

How did the speaker compare their current mindset with past decisions?

The speaker recognized that their decision-making process had changed over time. While they had previously been motivated by external expectations, such as those related to the Olympics or marathons, they now sought to base their decisions on personal fulfillment and inner motivation.

What was the significance of the speaker’s analogy about the 'parking area' on the highway?

The analogy of a 'parking area' was used to explain the need for occasional breaks or reflection in one's journey. The speaker emphasized that it’s important to slow down, take time to reassess, and reset, rather than blindly pushing forward without considering personal needs.

What insights did the speaker gain from the recent advertisement they mentioned?

The speaker appreciated an advertisement that highlighted the importance of balance, suggesting that it's okay to take things slow at times. This message resonated with them, encouraging a more thoughtful and relaxed approach to their own journey.

How did the speaker plan to approach the remaining years of their career?

The speaker expressed the intention to focus on pursuing races and challenges that align with their passion and goals, rather than following external pressures. They planned to take time to reassess and ensure that their career continues in a way that feels authentic to themselves.