I Survived Japan's Hardest Race | 1,100m Mountain Climb with 20 Obstacles

What a difference 3 months can make.

In July of this year I returned from the UK bloated, overweight, constantly out of breath and feeling lethargic, having received a health report that read like a horror show.

Now in September, I was somehow able to cycle 750km across Hokkaido and yesterday I successfully completed Japan’s hardest race - a Spartan race set across 6km, 20 obstacles and a horrific 1,100m ascent up a mountain in scorching temperatures.

I genuinely wasn’t sure I’d be able to finish it in the run up to the race, trying not to set my hopes too high in order to avoid disappointment in the face of failure. So to cross the finish line after jumping over a pit of fire (literally how the ridiculous race ends), felt both incredible and unbelievable.

And I did it all, while proudly wearing the Dr Jelly shorts. It was almost as if he was there in spirit. Maybe that's the secret to my success. (In fairness, they're rather comfortable).

Over the last 3 months, I’ve really tried to go all out on getting fit through running, cycling and weight training. I’ve also adopted little habits that have had a big impact as well, such as always choosing to take the stairs over elevators and escalators and avoiding the consumption of fried chicken on an almost daily basis. (I suspect that might have had a rather positive impact).

But earlier this year I set the target of becoming the fittest I’ve ever been by the end of 2022 and while I wouldn’t say I’m there yet - I was fitter during the original Journey Across Japan and in 2015 at the end of the weight loss series - I’d optimistically forecast hitting that target by the end of November if I keep things up.

Honestly though, the real benefit of undertaking this physical challenges and focussing on fitness, has been that I’ve been able to work better overall. Exercise is the ultimate cure for stress and anxiety, and the exercise has led to better qualities of sleep and a better state of mind throughout the day.

“LIES!” You might declare.
“If you're so motivated and magical now, where are the videos to show for it!”

Well the good news is, all of these projects will soon bear fruit as we filmed them all! The cycle will be coming out early October and the Spartan race mid October. And before that, later this weekend, the gigantic final episode of JAJ: Escape to Paradise.

You might be wondering, what other fitness challenges are coming up in the next few months though and while I want to keep a few of them under wraps, the ultimate challenge involves a boxing match in Los Angeles in early December - I’ve mentioned it a bit here and there, but I’ll be able to give more details next week when it’s formally announced.

IN short though, setting that goal of becoming the fittest I've ever been by the end of the year, really kicked things into high gear for me. Especially by committing to various challenges, races and events in the run up to it. I'm not sure what the target for 2023 is yet, but I know that I want to push myself both physically and creatively to another level.

Get ready for DAILY vlogs while I sprint across the Sahara desert for THREE MONTHS straight.

Well maybe not quite.

ALSO it seems the Japanese government is finally opening to tourists in October ONCE and for ALL. But I won’t be celebrating this incredible milestone until there’s a concrete date formally announced. Only then will I shout it from the rooftops. Only then, will I genuinely believe it’s happening, after almost a full year of constant false starts.

Until then guys, keep an eye out for the final episode of Journey Across Japan: Escape to Paradise this weekend, as Natsuki and Ryotaro battle it out and I ruin my hearing forever.

The Patreon Behind the Scenes episode will follow after its release!

And to those of you looking to get fit or challenge yourself physically or mentally, I highly recommend running a Spartan race - or ANY race for that matter. Once the date is in the calendar and you're committed to it, it really forces you to get fit.

Setting goals without time specific end dates often end up just becoming unrealised dreams.

Chris