I left the house at 7:30 in the morning. The first weekend after Golden Week. The streets had returned to their usual quiet rhythm.

The dry wind scratched at my throat

The weather couldn’t have been better. Clear blue skies, a gentle breeze. Perfect conditions for a run.

But within minutes, my throat felt completely parched. The wind was dry. The humidity must have been low.

I regretted not bringing water with me. Still, my body felt light and strong.

Distance: 12.98km, Time: 1 hour, 8 minutes, 48 seconds. Average pace: 11.32km/h, Calories burned: 930kcal. Not bad numbers at all.

The fresh green is already fading

As I entered Mizumoto Park, I noticed the change. The color of the leaves had shifted. They were no longer that soft, tender lime-green of new growth.

They were beginning to turn a deeper, richer green.

“Ah, so the season of fresh new growth is already ending.”

When that thought hit me, I felt a little melancholy. Once we get past mid-May, the rainy season arrives. When the rains come, my motivation for morning runs always dips.

I wanted to savor this crisp, clean air a little longer. Almost without thinking, I picked up my pace a bit.

Even the fragrance of the fresh greenery seemed more subdued than it had been back during Golden Week. The seasons always move forward without us really noticing.

A close call at the crosswalk

As I was leaving the park and heading home, I approached a crosswalk. The signal was green. I ran through without hesitation.

That’s when a car suddenly cut in front of me.

The driver must have been trying to force their way through on a yellow light. They slammed on the brakes and laid on the horn.

But the light was green for me. I stopped in my tracks and glared at the driver. Then I raised my left arm and pointed straight at the green signal.

My gesture meant: “You’re the one who’s wrong.”

Looking into the driver’s seat, I saw a young man. After a moment, he bowed deeply. The expression on his face said “I’m sorry.”

Seeing that, I turned and started running again.

It was a close call, but I wasn’t hurt. Still, my heart was pounding for quite a while afterward.

Everyone, even when you have the green light, don’t let your guard down. Cars don’t always stop.

But I still love to run

Despite that close call, the run itself was wonderful. The riverside promenade, like a tunnel of greenery. The quiet stillness beneath the towering metasequoia trees.

Mizumoto Park never gets old, no matter how many times I visit.

I wonder how many more times I can run here before the rainy season arrives. Lost in these thoughts, I made my way home.

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I love to run. But coming home safe and sound—that’s what matters most.

※ This article is based on personal experience and publicly available information. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. If you have health concerns, please consult a doctor or registered dietitian. See our Disclaimer.