Coach Yuko Nakai, a former competitive ice skater and sailor, a mother of three teenagers, and a Japanese radio broadcaste personality, who started to run later in life and quickly fell in love with the running lifestyle & community. The simple plesure of running for “fun” turned Yuko into an accomplished athlete in Hawaii. She has now won numerous marathon events on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island! Her sweet and easy smile, brings a welcoming and postive light to our run club sessions. We love having her as part of our Ohana!
From
Japan
Sports played
I competed at the national level for sailing. Also, Figure Skating and Skiing.
Top 5 running (or any sports) accomplishments
1. Maui marathon third overall include three-time Female Champion
2. Kona three-time Female Champion
3. Kauai marathon Female Champion
4. Maui Oceanfront marathon Female Champion
5. North-shore marathon Female Champion
Coach Yuko has won many races here in Hawaii including the Kona Marathon, Kauai Marathon, Maui Marathon, Maui Oceanfront Marathon, North Shore Marathon and the Valley to the Sea Marathon.
Favorite place to run in Hawaii
I love running at the Fort DeRussy in the morning
Favorite pre-race snack
Honey Stinger waffle and Power Bar with Orange Juice
Favorite post-race snack
I do a lot of carb-loading leading up to the race, so I enjoy veggies and fruits afterwards!
Hobbies
Cooking in the most stress-free, efficient, and delicious way.
Tip to achieve goals
Human actions come from a combination of the head and the heart. When you run, follow your head more so than your feelings!
Fun fact about you
I have family tree that goes back over 1000 years. I’m proud of that!
Yuko Nakai INSTAGRAM
photo by Marissa Phillips
