Status Updates From 强风吹拂

“For the first time in my life, I learned how valuable it is to trust in someone, and rely on people other than myself. Running is like that, too. No need for reason or motive. It’s as natural as breathing— it keeps me alive.” - Kakeru

“I’ve never been able to share something like this with anyone before, something so intense and intimate. I’d never laughed with anyone or gotten angry together. And I probably won’t have anything like this in the future, either. When I’m much older, I’ll look back on this year with you guys and feel nostalgic, wistful.” - King

“I’d forgotten about it all this time—or I’ve been pretending I forgot—the heartbreak and the thrill of running like this…I’ve been waiting. I was waiting for another chance, one more time. For someone to need me, to want my soul that loves running, even while knowing my body isn’t cut out for track. For a voice to tell me I’m allowed to run.” - Nico

“I have my own way of living. Instead of striving to experience a fleeting, sublime moment of beauty, and honing my mind and body for that single purpose, I have to live among other people— even if the world around me isn’t nearly as beautiful.” - Yuki

“I’ll keep running as long as my legs still move. No, even if I were to collapse, I’d still crawl my way forward till I reach Lake Ashi.” - Shinto

“Now’s the time to run— because I love it. I’ll run for the sake of this whole crazy roller-coaster year, for all the people we’ve met along the way. I’ll run so hard that I’ll soak up all the heartfelt support and repel all the heartless insults we’ve gotten. I’ll savor every moment of this run— the running we love so much.” - Joji

“No matter what happens, Joji will always be my little brother. I’ve got to embrace it. Let him leave the nest, become independent. All I can do is run the best I can right now— and give him a parting gift. He’s about to embark on a long journey to seek new heights.”

“But what a place I’m in right now, in this moment, where everyone’s free and equal. We’re all sharing the same time and space.” - Musa

“Why do you think I’ve followed along with everyone, even though I hate sports? Why do you think I’ve spent all this time on running practice like an idiot? …because I thought, for at least once in my life, I wouldn’t mind sharing a dream with you people who have muscles for brains…!”