Dokkodo: Lonesome Road of Running

Here's another YouTube movie!

Spending 6 days in Benalla, the time has come when I have to say goodbye to Kyohei. Last night we talked drinking wine for hours.  He had a hard time in his life and taught me some lessons through his philosophy. We drove back to Flemington. And I re-start my run to Preston, where I stay until 31. On the 1st of January 2014, I will leave Melbourne for Canberra.  One more month, just 1000km to go.  Looking forward to seeing Opera House. I'll never give up, will keep holding on and do my best!  Just 12km today, but it was hard to follow the route which Google map showed to me.  I am a member of JACC or Japan Adventure Cyclist Club. As soon as I arrived at hotel, another member of JACC was waiting for me.  Mr.Debori is cycling around the world.  He left Alaska 4 years ago, cycling across North and South America. On his way he was robbed of his belonging including his bicycle in Costalica.  But he was strong enough to get back...

On 23, Kyohei my friend picked me up at Flemington. Arrived at his place in Benalla after driving about 3 hours. I was invited to a Christmas party and had a really good time on 25. On 26, Kyohei showed me around Benalla.  Benalla is a wonderful city. The size is not so big but I feel like living here. On 27, I attended the meeting of Benalla Pistol Club. I was just watching the members shooting. After that we had a BBQ at the park. On 28,  we watched Benalla Triathlon held in Lake Benalla. It's a small local race but very exciting!  I used to be a triathlete. I remembered attending some races held in Japan long time ago. Tomorrow I'll be back in Melbourne in Kyohei's car. And will stay in the city until December 31. Then I restart my run on the 1st of January, 2014!

The day before Christmas Eve. Left Bacchus Marsh at 6am. The sky was dark. I wore rain suits just in case. There are some orchards and winery in this area. It also means there are hills here and there. I followed Melton Highway, the local route to avoid freeway. But as I got close to the city of Melbourne, the traffic became busier. Also, I often had to check my googlemap not to get lost. It's much easier to run in the outback. Because there were no alternative route. Only one highway I have to take. 20km to Melbourne, I ran on the sidewalk, which was safer. All I had to to do is watch for cars turning at the intersection. Sometimes some drivers were rude and careless. Enjoyed running on the quiet and comfortable bike path in some part. Had a hard time climbing hills even in the residential area. 12-13 percent grade slopes are the limit where I can push and climb. Saw some beautiful parks on the way. Of course many cyclists and runners were see. ...

The day before Christmas Eve. Left Bacchus Marsh at 6am. The sky was dark. I wore rain suits just in case. There are some orchards and winery in this area. It also means there are hills here and there. I followed Melton Highway, the local route to avoid freeway. But as I got close to the city of Melbourne, the traffic became busier. Also, I often had to check my googlemap not to get lost. It's much easier to run in the outback. Because there were no alternative route. Only one highway I have to take. 20km to Melbourne, I ran on the sidewalk, which was safer. All I had to to do is watch for cars turning at the intersection. Sometimes some drivers were rude and careless. Enjoyed running on the quiet and comfortable bike path in some part. Had a hard time climbing hills even in the residential area. 12-13 percent grade slopes are the limit where I can push and climb. Saw some beautiful parks on the way. Of course many cyclists and runners were see. ...

Today is a long day 60km run, some hills and 60 percent chance of rainfall. About 100km to Melbourne. Started at 5:45 before dawn. I cannot run on the freeway, so I follow backroads or side roads. Some scattered shower in the morning. It became humid in the afternoon. Had to take rough roads, gravel roads too. Flies were so busy, about 100 were flying around here and there. Even it rained, they were active. Climbed up to 600m but the latter half was mostly downhill. Just before 5pm, I checked in at a motel in Bacchus Marsh. Today, total distance from Perth is over 4000km. And tomorrow is the day I reach Melbourne. Enjoyed shopping at Coles. *Today's Distance: 60.7km *Total Distance from Perth: 4048.2km * See More Photos 　　

After the hot day, chilly morning again. 12 degrees when I left Beaufort. Just cloudy but I have to get ready for the rain. Following Highway A8, where there are construction spots here and there. Seems like they want to widen the highway. Shoulders are closed in some parts. To avoid heavy traffic I entered C805, Old Western Highway. It's a quiet route to Ballarat. Both sides are cherry trees over 3,000, each one was planted by someone, whose name was shown on the copper boards beside the tree. Ballarat is a big city, 100km to Melbourne. Tomorrow total distance from Perth will be over 4,000km. Looking forward to finish in Sydney in about one month. *Today's Distance: 50.7km *Total Distance from Perth: 3987.5km * See More Photos 　　

12 to 32 degrees…Got to run 46km till Beaufort today. I'll be in Melbourne on 23. All the stores are closed on Christmas. Had a hard time climbing two hills. Not so steep but hill climb lasted for a while. About 3pm, I arrived at town center. Enjoyed shopping at IGA and headed to caravan park 1km away. But when I arrived at caravan park, all the cabin was booked. So I went back to downtown again. Finally I checked in at Beaufort Motel. Tomorrow will be cool because of the rain. *Today's Distance: 50.0km *Total Distance from Perth: 3936.8km * See More Photos 　

According to the weather news, it's going to be 39 degrees today. 19 degrees in the morning. All I got to do is start early and finish early. The temperature will be highest in the late afternoon. Today, I run 30km to Ararat. Probably I'll finish by noon. Left Stawell at 6am. But after 9am, the heat was coming around. I don't run so fast but my heart rate rises so fast. Drink water to cool myself down. At 11am, I finished at Ararat Colonial Lodge. The owner was so kind as to receive 50 dollars per night usually costing 115 dollars. The room was large, gorgeous and clean with free Wi-Fi and breakfast. What is better, SAFEWAY the super market is just in front of the motel!! I don't have to walk too far to do shopping. 200km to Melbourne. I must run even in the middle of heated summer in order to arrive at the next town. People often ask me why I dare do such a tough and hard thing. I cannot answer the question. I guess it's okay ...

It's getting hotter here. Tomorrow will be 39 degrees. Soon total distance will be 4000km. Here's a track of my journey.

It's been a long day. Chilly morning 15 degrees but 33 degrees afternoon. Heat always slows me down. In addition I had a hill climb, not so steep but the elevation went up to 100m approximately. Highway A8 was so busy that I was sick of the noise and the smell. Road trains come and go driving faster than 100km/hour. Headwinds also annoyed me. I was drowsy afternoon because of fatigue. After all I arrived at caravan park in Stawell at 6pm. I was glad there was a supermarket open until 10pm but…it's 2km from the caravan park. I had to walk 4km both ways again… Take a day off tomorrow. It's been a tough week. *Today's Distance: 63.8km *Total Distance from Perth: 3856.7km * See More Photos 　

Last night I was so tired that I fell asleep all of sudden. Woke up twice in the middle of night. The bar was open till late at night. People's laughter and music were heard. My headphone stereo got out of order yesterday. No response if I turn on the power button. Very sad...No music for a long while. Before I start early in the morning, I had a hard time to carry all the stuff from upstairs to downstairs. 6 times in total. I left Dimboola about 6am. Today too I followed the backroads of Highway A8. It's nice to run all by myself, feeling as if I had been a ruler of the world. Very calm and quiet with very few cars coming and going. I arrived at caravan park of Horsham. But I had forgotten to do some shopping at Coles before I came here. So I walked to Coles at city center walking 8.1km under the heat of 34 degrees. Tomorrow will be the long day, I have to run 60km. Temperature will be high this week around 40 degrees! *Today's...

A herd of galah kept twittering until 9pm last night, so noisy! This morning they started gathering and singing at 5am. I pitched my tent under their trees. Seems like there were more than hundreds… This might be their territory. I must have invaded here without permission. OMG! When I got out of my tent, I saw their drops on its flysheet! Sunny. 9 degrees in the morning but 27 afternoon. Today I met several people and they gave me donation. 66.60 today! 1004.65 in total!! I'm raising money for 2011 Tohoku Tsunami and Earthquake relief. Runners have to do something good through running, that's my policy. I keep on running to help kids in Fukushima and to make my dreams come true. This is the way I can make my dreams come true! *Today's Distance: 40.4km *Total Distance from Perth: 3750.3km * See More Photos 　

Today I tried to follow the backroad of A8 to avoid heavy traffic. Seems like a quiet, peaceful route. 9 degrees in the morning but 26 degrees in daytime. Got to be flexible both in mental and physical. Just after I left Kaniva, I took Broughton Road. Paved but partly unpaved. Unpaved road was rough, sometimes sandy gravel…it was the hardest part as I had to keep pushing. My buggy VIENTO got out of control. Felt as if I had been running on the beach. Gravel road ended later. After that I enjoyed a calm country road. Some hills and some road was surrounded by eucalyps wood. Finished today's run at caravan park in Nhill. They say there was no cabin available, all of which were booked. The owner said that it's free on tent site. So I pitched my tent for the first time in a while. I have to camp out so that I can remember the hard days in the Nullarbor Plain. Sometimes I have to eat only canned sardines, crackers and water for dinner. ...

11 degrees in the morning. Cloudy...Still cool. Wind blows from West-southwest, mostly tailwind. 19km from Bordertown I entered Victoria. I lost 30 minutes as I entered Eastern Time Zone. 2 hours ahead of Japan Standard Time. Dukes Highway changed its name into Western Highway at the state border. The scenery looks like desert again. The first town in Victoria was Kaniva. I checked in at a motel after running 44.4km. The owner was kind enough to give me a discount. Usually double room costs 85 dollars but I paid 20 dollars. And he added continental breakfast 7.50 for free. Also he allowed me to use free Wi-Fi. He said he had seen me running in Adelaide. *Today's Distance: 44.4km *Total Distance from Perth: 3669.2km * See More Photos 　　

2 weeks till Christmas…it doesn't really matter to me though… Had scattered showers several times. 10 minutes shower and soon the sun came back but windy day. Mostly west wind, partly tail wind blew. There was nothing but rest areas along the way. About 2pm, I arrived at caravan park in Bordertown. VIctorian border is about 20km east from here. The owner of the caravan park was kind enough to me. He gave me 15 dollars discount as I said I was running across Australia. Clean and beautiful cabin. This town is also kind of neat. Everywhere I go in town, it's a walk distance. Going to take a day off tomorrow! *Today's Distance: 45.6km *Total Distance from Perth: 3624.8km * See More Photos 　　

Chilly days…12 degrees this morning. Is it really summer now? Today's my father's 82nd birthday. Both my parents are fine in Osaka. They have nothing to do with the word digital. All I can do for them is write a letter or talk on the phone. Three weeks left by the time the year 2014 starts. There are some small towns along the highway A8. I visit those pretty towns every day. Today I'm in Keith, population about 1000 but very quiet in downtown. Tomorrow I'll be in Border Town, getting closer to the Victorian Border. And Melbourne is within 500km zone. At earliest 10 days to get there. I'll be able to get there before Christmas. *Today's Distance: 39.2km *Total Distance from Perth: 3579.2km * See More Photos 　　

Finally Day100 today!! Funny how time flies… Looking back these 100 days, I really feel how fast I have run the stream of time. But there are still a long way to go. I have to run across New Zealand too. Day by day I enjoy each and every day just like going far step by step. I was going to Keith, 66km from Coonalpyn but it was too far and I had no reason to hurry. This is not a competition, just a running journey. Slow and mellow just like a snail…but got to hold on, never give up. So I finished after running 27.4km in the town of Tintinara. About 500km to go to get to Melbourne. Wondering if I'll be there by Christmas. *Today's Distance: 27.8km *Total Distance from Perth: 3540.0km * See More Photos 　　

It was a bit warm and humid because there was a river running in the town. Tomorrow will be Day100 but the journey never ends still continues. National Highway A1 changes into A8 in Tailem Bend. Shoulders are wide enough for me to run. Traffic is a bit heavy but I don't mind. About 200km to the Victorian State border. The scenery looks like the plain again. Before noon I ran 34km but I had some power left. I made up my mind to run 63km to Coonalpyn. Tail wind was blowing and the road is almost flat. Just kept going on and on. No time for talk, no time for checking a smart phone. Finally about 5pm I finished today's run at the Coonalpyn Hotel. 60km is too long…that's what I've already known. Tomorrow too 66km to Keith. *Today's Distance: 64.5km *Total Distance from Perth: 3512.2km * See More Photos 　　

An accident happened last night…when I was sleeping in my tent. The owner of the bar keeps a shepherd. He's as big as one meter. Usually he was out of the back yard beyond the gate, but he came around my tent and when I turned on the headlight he jumped onto my tent! As soon as I opened the fastener of the inner tent, he tried to rush into my tent!! I tried hard to stop him holding his body. He must have been happy to play with hime. How strong his power was! I rushed out of the tent with him with barefoot. I unlocked the gate and opened it showing him the way out. Luckily I made it! But the next problem was… One of my shoes was missing. I couldn't find anywhere. Looking around in the dark, I ran around with my headlight on. For about 30 minutes, I finally found it beside the door of the backdoor of the bar. The bar was still open and I told the owner about it. He said, "Oh, I'm sorry. I will move him to the kennel so that he cannot go beyo...

Chilly morning. Some isolated showers…wind is also gusty. Just like a winter. After breakfast I said goodbye to Aenne and Michael and I drove to Stirling in his car. We arrived in Stirling in about 20 minutes. I had everything loaded and I said goodbye to Michael. He really tries to understand my project and was very cooperative. His wife Aenne also wishes WORLD PEACE. We talked about it last night. I first met them in caravan park in Salmon Gums, WA 2 months ago. Meeting is a treasure. Every meeting has a meaning. I left Stirling for Melbourne before 8am. When it was sunny, I felt better but some isolated shower made me feel cold. I stayed at bus stop or under the roof of some shops as a rain shelter. Handorf was a pretty town, which made me feel like I was in Germany. After that I followed Back Callington Road. Gravel road, so hilly with lots of 10 percent or more grade hills. This mountain route reminded me of Aparachian Mountains which I had ...

Just 20km but pretty tough and hard mountain route. As soon as I left Adelaide, hill climb started. Google map told me to get into mountain track. It was named Bullock Track. Gravel road, the grade must have been about 10 percent or more. It took me 10 minutes to go 100m. Gravel road was slippery so I had to be careful especially downhill. I had to take a deep breath many times, elevation rose up to 500m. About noon I finished my run in Stirling and Michael found me across the road. We drove to Woodside where his house is in his car. We had lunch at Mt.Lofty Summit. His house is so pretty that I really felt like living such a house someday. At the back was a vineyard. His house is surrounded by a big garden, not a yard. I received two packets from Japan. New wheels and tyres, gloves, shoes and suppliment. Michael had to go out for table tennis match at night. I enjoyed dinner with his wife Aenne. We talked about Australia, Germany their country and...

Here's a YouTube movie I made. PEACE RUN Running Across Australia...Ceduna to Adelaide Music by "SUMIRE ROAD" by Tenkyu PingPongs

Here I am in Adelaide, 93 days after I left Perth running 3340km. Still 1700km left to get to Sydney, my final goal. Probably I'll finish by the end of January. See the track I have taken so far.

It's 15 degrees in the morning but it will be warm in the afternoon. It's about 1700km from Adelaide to Sydney. 5000km is pretty long and takes time. Even if I run 50km each day, it takes 100 days. As it is too long, I have to enjoy myself. When I return a key at the office, David, the owner of the caravan park, asked me to come over to the office. Fortunately, he refunded 90 dollars that I had paid yesterday and he said, "Help kids in Fukushima." I was so happy to hear that. I took a picture of David and his wife Mary. From Gawler, I ran on the side road and back road and then got into A20. Quite heavy traffic. I felt headache and it smelled exhausted gas so bad! I found a bike path and enjoyed running on a quiet road. Main North Road had no side walk and no shoulder either. Three lanes decided highway, almost motor way. I found a back road at the outer edge of residential area. Bike route was available in some part. There was a bike ...

Here comes December! Day100 will soon come. I ran across Japan twice in 2010 & 2012 but both took about 100 days, covered about 3400km. While I was running I felt as if it would have lasted forever. This time I'm running across Australia. It'll take about 140 days covering as far as 5000km, almost the same as the distance between LA & NY. Today I left Riverton following Highway A32. Fortunately I had tail wind and enjoyed mostly downhills. Shoulder was wide enough for me to run comfortably. Rain started to fall about 10AM but it didn't rain much. About 3pm after running 52.2km I finished my run in Gawler. Checked in at caravan park. I talked to the owner about my journey and he gave me a discount. Cabin usually cost 115 dollars but I paid 90. Still expensive though. In town center are Woolworths and Coles. What a big town! Tomorrow I'll be in Adelaide just 40km south of here. Took a shower and had dinner watching TV. Have ...