WASEDA WEEKLY

"The 100km hike"


Again this year, Yamamoto, who graduated some years ago,won the grand prix for disguise for the ninth connective year.  He dressed as Ninomiya Kinjiro.
Again this year, Yamamoto, who graduated some years ago,won the grand prix for disguise for the ninth connective year. He dressed as Ninomiya Kinjiro.
The picture was taken at the 13km point.  At this time, everyone was still smiling.
The picture was taken at the 13km point. At this time, everyone was still smiling.

Tajima Yumi (School of Literature, Freshman, member of Toginkai Club)

The 100km hike is an event in which Waseda students walk from Honjo in Saitama to Okuma Auditorium at Waseda over two days. This event is organised by the Waseda Seishin Kouyoukai (a club for promoting the “Waseda Spirit”). I had heard of this event before entering Waseda University. At that time, I thought that the participants in this event were very curious.

But this year, invited by the club I belong to, I participated in this event as a walking leader and became one of the “curious” persons. Due to my flippant character, my friends and I had our hair cut like in the shape of a “W” (The W stands for Waseda).

To tell the truth, I regretted it at first but now I think that it was good for me, because on that day many people talked to me and some people told me that my hair style had encouraged them. It was okay to have my hair cut, since hair grows out soon, and I felt comfortable. Moreover, I rarely have a chance to shave my hair. I hope that many people will do so next year.

Of curse, the 100km hike was severe and we were very tired, but we gained many things by walking 100km. One of my friends finished the hike in spite of having felt bad before the start. He finally reached Okuma Auditorium at seven on Monday morning. I was really impressed with his spirit and respected him for his determination.

I am very grateful the upperclassmen. Although they were very tired and did not sleep well, at break points they cheered me up on with their fabulous smiles. On the 100km hike, we not only train ourselves to face our physical and mental limits but also to make good friends with other people. Taking part in this event, I could discover the importance of friends and the kindness of upperclassmen. It is certain that the relationship between my friends and me became much closer than before, because we shared pleasures and hardships during the 100 km walk. Unless you participate in it, you probably cannot understand this feeling. Do not hesitate! I hope that more people will participate in the 100km hike. If you take part in the 100km hike, you will suffer from severe muscle cramps, but you will never forget the experience.