Junko Kazukawa is widely known both for her ultrarunning athleticism and for encouraging others’ fitness goals. In 2016, I was new to trail running and really, running as a sport when we first crossed paths. I was eager to spend more time on trails in the mountains, so I signed up for a race that inspired me, the
Leadville Trail Marathon. An email from the race organizer included an announcement for Junko Mountain Training, a training plan and group provided by coach and personal trainer Kazukawa to help prepare for the event. I showed up to the first gathering, excited and nervous, outside of Denver, Colorado, where we both lived then. Without hesitation, Kazukawa invited me along to her other training days and community run meet-ups. She saw my curiosity and encouraged me, showing me that I was capable of running far by sharing tough miles together and laughing along the way.
Japan
Leadville
Colorado
United-states
Vermont
University-of-denver
Italy
Boston
Massachusetts
Sapporo
Hokkaido
Berkeley-park