My Favorite Shonan Spots | Shohei Onishi (Dean, Graduate School of Health Management)

2008.09.25

On a personal note, I recently moved to the Shonan area. I'm in Chigasaki, on what is known as Yuzo-dori Street. My location is just a one-minute walk to the Shonan coast. What I'm most looking forward to is jogging by the sea. It's not that I'm expecting anything in particular, but it reminds me of a certain movie: *Message in a Bottle*, from 1999. It's a tragic love story that begins when a woman, jogging on the beach, finds a bottle washed ashore with a message inside. It stars Robin Wright and Kevin Costner.

I woke up at 5 a.m., got changed, attached the electrodes for my heart rate monitor to my chest, put on my Polar watch and iPod nano, and headed out to the coast. To my surprise, many people, including a good number of seniors, were already out walking and jogging. I wondered what time these people had started their exercise. And out on the sea, there were many "crows" on their boards (as surfers are called). Listening to music from Nike, I started jogging toward Enoshima. Gradually, the sky began to lighten, and the sun rose from the direction of Kamakura. I was moved by what a magnificent sight it was. Jogging on the coastal walking path, heading toward the morning sun. It's the perfect location, a prime Shonan spot. Here, I can exercise for my health, inspired by so many other people and by nature itself. Before I knew it, my heart rate was over 160. I must have been overcome by endorphins. I felt no pain at all. Although I understand from my medical check-up that my heart is fine even if my heart rate exceeds 180, a doctor's advice is a doctor's advice, so I know I shouldn't overdo it. After running for about an hour, I showered and headed to work. It's a bit tough for a daily routine, but I'm filled with the desire to relieve stress as much as possible in this precious Shonan spot.

(Date of publication: 2008/09/25)