Chapter One: The Nakasendo Way
Well…it’s HAPPENING. The first big adventure for Running With Reginald! I'm excited to announce that on November 16th, Reginald and I will be attempting a five day, self-supported run along Japan's historic Nakasendo Way (中仙道). Though its origins lie in the 7th century, this iconic mountain route stretches over 350 miles, and once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo) serving as a key road from 1603–1868 for travelers, samurai, and merchants. Today, much of the original route has evolved with the highway systems in Japan, but several sections have been preserved and look just as they did hundreds of years ago. While Reginald and I will be trying to set a record during this run, our main goal is to honor the trail’s cultural significance, document our journey, and give back to others along the way.
Over the next 10 weeks, Running With Reginald will be fundraising through its online platform in order to collect and donate stuffed animals to underprivileged children in Japan. With your help, toys will be purchased and dropped off at a Ronald McDonald House or Children’s Hospital at the start and end of the run. Our goal is 200-250 stuffed animals, split between Tokyo and Kyoto, or $3,000-$3,750 in total contributions. Whether it is $1 a month or a one time donation, anything helps and we can’t do this without you! To give back, you can head to the “Donate” tab at the top and bottom of the page, or click the brown “Donate “ button on Running With Reginald’s homepage. Any amount given can be classified as a 501(c)(3) charitable donation, and you can find the necessary tax information under the corresponding tab!
To bring everyone along on this adventure, I will be documenting the entire run through a combination of photos, videos, and written updates. Not only is the Nakasendo Way rich with history, but its beauty has been inspiring travelers for centuries. Mountain passes, ancient post towns, lush forests, and bustling cities. It will be a run of contrast, unlike anything I’ve ever done before. I will also be recording video content on the trail to highlight moments of beauty, struggle, and success while moving through Japan’s heartland. Finally, blogs and social media updates will be shared, reflecting on the experience as it unfolds. I will discuss not only the physical challenges of running 70 miles a day, but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of a journey like this, while immersing readers in local culture, like language, food, and tradition.
For me, running is a form of connection. To the earth, to myself, to others. Doing so in a place that is completely unfamiliar to me is equal parts intimidating and exciting. Whether it’s the slower speed, the need to problem solve, or the limitations of your body, I believe there is a certain perspective you gain on foot that is unlike anything else. Part of the reason why this run will be self-supported is to create a necessity for connection and communication. I will be able to buy food, refill water, or stay in hostels along the way, but help will only be possible by interacting with others. At the end of the day, it will just be me and my bear out there, but I want to finish the run knowing that it wouldn’t have been possible without the people I met along the way.
Unlike other routes from the Edo period, the Nakasendo Way was unique in that it avoided coastal areas and offered a safer route through the country that didn’t require a major water crossing. The trail passed through 69 post towns known as Shukuba, where travelers could rest and resupply. These towns played a vital role in maintaining the flow of people, goods, and official communications across Japan. Samurai, merchants, peasants, and even royalty used the Nakasendo for travel as it quickly became an essential part of the country’s infrastructure. Today, there are many people that still hike the original route to retrace the steps of those that came before them. Only one documented run has ever been recorded, a supported attempt by Léonie van dan Hack in 2018, totaling 5 days and 7 hours. Although I will be running in a different category (self-supported), I will still be using her time as a personal goal.
I first learned about the route in late 2019, when I was locked on my bike for a 6 hour indoor ride in the midst of an Iowa City winter. I had worked my way through most of the endurance documentaries on Youtube at that point. Triathlon, cycling, running, you name it. So I began looking up POV hiking videos, where the camera would be moving on a trail or through a city just to keep my brain occupied while riding. Japan was on the top of the list that day, and about three videos in, I was transported to an ancient town and spent 30 minutes moving with the camera through beautiful forest. All I knew at the end of the video is that I needed to know more about the route. Over the next 3 hours on the bike, and for the rest of the afternoon I studied the Nakasendo Way and made a promise to myself. One day I would go and do it, not only to see Japan, but to experience its history in a unique way. At that point I had only been running for a little over a year, I had never worn a pair of trail shoes, and it would be almost two years until my first ultra, so my first intention was to simply hike from point A to point B. Over time, the idea changed with my athletic interests, and after the official formation of Running With Reginald this year, it felt like a full circle moment. Pursuing a route that I had been thinking of and talking about for almost five years could work to serve a greater purpose.
So as I prepare for this challenge, I invite you to follow along, support the cause if you can, and help bring joy to those that need it. Your donations will go directly toward Running With Reginald’s goal of providing stuffed animals to underprivileged kids, helping them feel seen, supported, and loved. Please stay tuned for updates on the project and its fundraising goals, I will keep everyone posted on how training and preparation is going, and beginning November 14th, I will be in Japan getting ready. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, here is to the first major chapter of Running With Reginald!
Sincerely,
Chris and Reginald
