2011.10.14
What is "beauty jogging?"
Let's take a look atthis novel running fad!
The hottest fitness trend right now in Japan is running. With frequent media coverage of “beauty jogging,” more and more women are giving it a look. We’ll be talking about this running fad and some running hot spots! (above photo: members of Run Girl)
Mari Sakamoto, Freelance Writer
As a member of Run Girl Association, which was founded by women in the beauty, fashion, and media industries, Sakamoto supports women runners and holds running events. Her specialty is writing about beauty and health matters, and has extensive experience in event and runner coverage.
http://www.rungirl.jp/
Interest in running among women is increasing! What's the secret?
Sakamoto, who has been running seriously for about three years. In addition to being able to eat what she likes and not gain weight, she says her state-of-mind has become simpler.
We asked Mariko Sakamoto, a member of the women's running association Run Girl, why running is such a hit with women nowadays.
"Running started becoming popular around 2004, but it wasn't until very recently that events were held for casual women runners. In September 2010 Run Girl Association held Run Girl Night as a running event for women, by women. We had so many runners show up! Most women runners are in their 30s. The secret to running's popularity is that it is easy to get into, even if work is busy or marriage and children have changed your lifestyle."
Sakamoto says that the appeal of running is that not only is it good for your beauty and health, but it also lets you try new things.
"When you run, it's just you. Win or lose, you're only battling yourself. It's this point that let's you enjoy it with friends. Through running I've made a lot of friends as well! It's been a great experience participating in events worldwide too. Running overseas lets you experience the atmosphere of a city first-hand. You get to see the beauty of a city as you never could from a car or a train."
On your next visit to Tokyo, how about becoming a "beauty jogger" for a day and running the city? You may see the city as you never could have before!
Another appeal is the cute apparel and goods
Sakamoto says, "Running apparel uses vivid colors and stands our from regular fashion. Here we see a combination of red inner, a leopard print tee, and low key purple leopard print shorts. It's a perfect running outfit.
Sakamoto's new-found favorite item is the wipe glove. It allows you to easily carry your cell phone without needing to carry your bag, and you can use it to wipe away sweat like a wrist band as well. Finding unique, convenient running goods is part of the fun!
Events for sophisticated women are all the rage!
Some 500 runners showed up for the 1st Run Girl Night in 2010! The "beauty joggers" made it a glamorous event.
The event featured 5K and 10K runs along the waterfront in Tokyo's Odaiba. The openness of the course looks inviting!
After the run was a festive after party! The running wear fashion show really got things going.
Look no further for the latest “beauty jogger” apparel!
Sakamoto has found the perfect shop for those wanting to know more and become a “beauty jogger!”
A five minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station and a three minute walk from Hibiya Station by subway makes it conveniently located. There’s also a rest area next to the shop.
The Imperial Palace in Chiyoda-ku is the city’s number one running spot, and the most popular store with the women who run there is the nearby Art Sports Hibiya. This two story shop is filled with women’s apparel and goods, and comes complete with Running Oasis HIBIYA, which offers lockers and shower rooms for Imperial Palace runners.
According to owner Yumiko Yano, "Most of the women are stylish, career-type women. I think they run to improve themselves. Many of them come together with their work friends."
Even though it was a weekday afternoon, we saw several groups of women runners between the shop and the palace. We also saw running couples having fun shopping. At Art Sports Hibiya, you can buy all the latest gear and see what the latest Tokyo "beauty jogger" fashions are. Be sure to stop by if you're looking to be part of this running fad!
You’ll find a full stock of women’s apparel and services here
On the 1st floor you’ll find apparel and goods, and downstairs you’ll find shoes. While the store is mainly for women, there is a men’s section as well. It’s popular with runners on their way home for its late hours and colorful décor.
There are four Running Oasis Hibiya locations throughout the city for Art Sports customers. Admission is JPY 500 with a member’s card. There is a separate annex for men as well.
The sports bra, a must for chest protection for women runners. Art Sports lets you try on sports bras and take a run on their running equipment to get a feel for it! The store features a wide selection of bras.
Art Sports features all the latest seasonal running fashions
Art Sports recommends showing off your legs with shorts and print tights. Perfect for making your butt look smaller and your legs longer! Shorts: JPY 4,515, Nike tights: JPY 7,245, Adidas tee; JPY 2,892, Nike shoes: JPY 11,550, Nike
Supporter tights are popular with beginner runners to support joint and muscle movement. Supporter tights (Stabylix model): JPY 16,800, Wacoal tee: JPY 4,515, Puma one piece: JPY 5,985, New Balance shoes: JPY 11,550, Nike
The staff stand out for their natural dress. Today, the owner Yano is talking with customers in a popular dot print tee with casual sleeves. “Dots are in in 2011! We have lots of cute apparel to choose from.”
Art Sports Hibiya / Running Oasis HIBIYA
Yurakucho 1-2-10, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-3506-8460 Hours: Art Sports Hibiya (shop) - Weekdays 11:30 - 21:00, Saturdays 10:30 - 20:00, Sundays/holidays 10:30 - 19:00
Running Oasis HIBIYA (lockers and shower rooms) - weekdays 11:30 - 22:00, Saturdays 7:00 - 20:00, Sundays/holidays: 7:00 - 19:00
http://runningoasis.art-sports.jp/
*Products, prices, services, and so on may change depending on the season.
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