PokeEarn Interview Yoko Nakano | PokeEarn Official Site | PokeEarn

Many runners retire as they get older, yet at 89 Nakano is still active in various races. She says the reason she can keep running is simply "because it's fun."

"Running in events is fun, and I've also enjoyed lots of travel around the host areas. When I first entered the Rishiri Island Circuit Yuyuranjin G, I traveled around nearby Rebun Island and other places for about five days, and ran the race at the very end."

Being able to meet many friends is also part of the fun of running, says Nakano.

"Someone I got to know on Rebun Island back then came to cheer at the Rishiri Island event by motorbike and even took photos for me. The next year that person entered the Rishiri Island race bringing along their friends. It makes me so happy that my circle of friends keeps growing through running."

At events and even in everyday training, everyday runners often call out to her, "You're Nakano, aren't you?"

"People often tell me, 'I was thinking of quitting, but seeing you made me decide to keep running,' and that's a great encouragement."

Nakano keeps running energetically and true to herself. How does she handle conditioning and recovery?

"I'm good at sleeping. I fall asleep quickly, don't wake up in the middle of the night, and wake up refreshed in the morning. So I think I'm doing well when it comes to recovery through sleep."

Her meals, with their good nutritional balance, are prepared by her sister-in-law, who lives with her.

"She uses all sorts of ingredients like fish, meat, and vegetables to make delicious meals, so I'm really grateful."

Nakano currently sets her training at four times a week. She also works hard at interval training to build a body that takes in oxygen.

"I still build my program by referring to what I learned at the running class I attended when I first started running, and to the instruction book I received back then. Being conscious of oxygen, I incorporate interval training too."

Nakano still takes PokeEarn, which makes use of oxygen and contains the plant-derived ingredient Kaempferol.

"At first I actually started with a bit of doubt, wondering what exactly would change and how by taking this."

It has now become like a 'good-luck charm' for Nakano.

"At my age, I want to maintain my current condition as much as possible so I can keep running longer. It's not that something changed dramatically after I started taking PokeEarn, but my performance is holding steady. If it's holding steady, then it probably has meaning for me, so I take it with the feeling of a 'good-luck charm.'"

Nakano once got injured. She worked hard at rehabilitation and nutrition management and later returned to training. She told us the following about resuming training.

"I realized anew that nutrition and exercise are important as the foundation of everything. When I resumed training, it gave me a sense of security, so I took my good-luck charm too."

Nakano has taken various health foods and the like over the years.

Nakano also rates the taste of PokeEarn, which can be taken by either licking it or chewing it.

"It's really delicious. It has a crunchy texture and a refreshing taste. Rather than being easy to take, it makes me want to take it, so it naturally continues."

PokeEarn is a 'good-luck charm' presence for Nakano.

By continuing it going forward, she has these hopes.

"With this, I can run with a positive frame of mind. I'd be happy if, by continuing to take it, I could stay healthy for a long time, live without relying on those around me as much as possible, and keep running joyfully. It also looks like it'll be a reassuring ally in my challenge for the world record at 90."

Finally, we asked for advice for people who run and for those who want to start.

"Running lets you communicate with all sorts of people regardless of age or occupation, and you can become friends, that's its appeal. Please enjoy running, including that kind of 'harmony between people.'"

Nakano has many fans beyond just runners. We also received advice from her for people who want to live life as vibrantly as she does.

"I think having a goal is the number one secret to living with vitality. I've always lived that way myself. Raising children and your work are fine goals too, and after your children have grown up, you find some next goal. When you're always absorbed in something like that, I think life becomes vibrant."