My Experience Running the Tokyo Marathon
Victoria poses with her mother after finishing the Tokyo Marathon.
NYRR Contributors Circle member Victoria Fortune ran the Tokyo Marathon on March 2 and shares her experience.
When I think about how far running has taken me, I can’t help but to be in awe. I really just ran a marathon in Tokyo, Japan!
I had so many emotions out there. Mostly excitement and gratitude but also grief, anxiety, and a little bit of fear.
I was over the moon about being able to run in the city I’ve admired all my life. Beyond grateful that a friend of a friend saw it was so fitting to secure me a bib. But there was a moment during the race I thought about my dad and felt sadness. He would’ve loved to be here supporting. He would’ve been so proud of me. I kept hearing him say “you got this champ.” I thought back to my first marathon in 2019 that I ran with Nike Project Moonshot and how though I’ve evolved so much since then, my "why" has remained the same.
Victoria celebrating her finish.
I got a little anxious while running because I had a goal I wanted to achieve, but wasn’t sure I would, due to the hot weather conditions. I was all over the place, but there was a moment, out of nowhere, that really humbled me. I’d forgotten I had my name written in Japanese on my singlet. I kept hearing people cheer “Bikutoria no tatakai” which means “Victoria, fight!” I said to myself, “OMG, that’s my dad. He’s talking to me. I got this.” And lo and behold, I did.
This entire marathon experience reminded me of a few things:
- No matter what you do or where you go, your loved ones who pass on are always with you
- Never limit yourself, opportunities are limitless
- The world is your oyster
- Stay present and don’t miss out on your blessings because you’re so focused on a desired outcome
- People are planted in your life for a reason
- Your journey is your journey. Embrace it and own it
- Be grateful for the opportunities that come your way. Don’t take them for granted
I’m now a Tokyo marathon finisher (injury free). I wouldn’t change a single thing about this experience for the world. So many signs that I was right where I needed to be. Immense gratitude to the Ronald McDonald House Charities for inviting me to run on their behalf. This is a cause near and dear to my heart.
I’m looking forward to continuing my chase for completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors and am hopeful to run the Berlin Marathon this fall.
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Victoria with fellow DeFine New York Run Club members in Tokyo.
