Magdalena “Maggie” Jackowska moved to Fukuoka ten years ago and, after working for Bridgestone Tires, and in publishing, has found her niche as a research assistant and international promoter of slow jogging, working hand-in-hand with the movement’s founder and pioneer, Professor Hiroaki Tanaka. In May 2016, the pair released ‘Slow Jogging’, the first English-language book to fully explain the concept. Eight months on we catch up with Maggie to learn a bit more about slow jogging, the book, and its spread across the world.
In Japan: 10 years
Nationality: Polish
Identity: Fukuoka University Institute for Physical Activity Research Assistant
So, tell us what you do?
My day to day is focused around slow jogging! I don’t know if you’ve heard of the concept but it’s become very popular in Fukuoka. The founder of the idea, Professor Hiroaki Tanaka, is based at Fukuoka University, and the city has become the hub of slow jogging in Japan. Slow jogging has also become increasingly popular abroad and I joined Professor Tanaka’s team to help him with the international promotion of the slow jogging movement, his books and himself. I assist in his research, help out at and organize slow jogging events in Japan and abroad and have started to teach people to become slow jogging instructors in Poland. I also co-authored the first English book on slow jogging with Professor Tanaka.
What is slow jogging, and why is it good for you?
For English speakers the term is fairly self explanatory but, put simply, it’s a different approach to jogging and exercise, both mental and technical. The typical approach to sport is one of sweat and tears, and this is promoted through the media with slogans like, ‘no pain, no gain’. We’ve been told that to have the benefits of exercise, it has to be painful. But slow jogging is saying, ‘no, it’s not normal for exercise to be painful, it should be any everyday activity’. For example, until the late 70s, it would be common for children in Japan to walk to school, with some covering several miles every day through a combination of walking and jogging. Physical exercise was part of the daily routine.
Now, the human population is at its least fit in history, and the combination of lack of fitness and a ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality creates the potential for injury and burnout. Our method gives the same benefits of high-intensity exercise but reduces the potential for injury and makes jogging and running more pleasant. In terms of technique, slow jogging uses the ball of the foot, not the heel. Using the ball of your foot is more natural and less damaging.
Who is slow jogging for?
The short answer is everyone. The first population in Fukuoka was a group of elderly people who Professor Tanaka taught slow jogging to. After training together, he suggested that they run the Honolulu marathon: and some of them did! Slow jogging is great for people who are just starting running or are worried about their fitness levels or picking up injuries. Recently we’ve seen more people who are currently runners but have lost the fun of it, who are burnt out from competition and want to rediscover running for what it should be. While they are fit, many people don’t focus on technique, slow jogging can help teach experienced runners better technique. Before they can run fast, they should be able to run slowly, but properly.
How often do you slow jog?
I normally do three to five sessions a week, between eight and ten kilometres each. Because I’ve been doing it for such a long time, I basically slow jog at a normal running pace.
Maggie slow jogging with Professor Hiroaki Tanaka
How did you come to work with Professor Hiroaki Tanaka?
I was living near Ohori Park where there are always people running. I became involved with a group called Ohori Runners, and at one of their events became acquainted with Professor Tanaka. He was looking for someone who could translate his book into English and I was working at a publishing group at the time. He wanted the translator of the book to be a runner, to really understand the concept. After several months of working on the book at weekends, I quit my job, went travelling for three months and then came back to Fukuoka to work full time with Professor Tanaka.
We have two signed, hardback copies of Slow Jogging to giveaway to lucky readers. Simply fill out this form, and tell us in the forms comments section your favourite place to go running in Fukuoka (not Ohori Park)
Tell us about the process of writing the book?
There were various issues with copyright surrounding the books on slow jogging that he had already published so, rather than translate an old book, we decided to sit down to write a completely new one together. With all the sources at my disposal, I sat down to write the book myself, and then would consult with Professor Tanaka to make sure I had portrayed his ideas correctly. We then had an editor in the US advising us and turning my English into proper English.
…and when was it published?
In May 2016, the first English book on slow jogging! It’s available on US and Japan Amazon store.
What brought you to Fukuoka?
I came here after university to work for the tire company Bridgestone and was based in Asakura City in Fukuoka Prefecture. I only stayed with them for a few months and actually left when they suggested I move back to Europe.
Where’re the best places in Fukuoka to slow jog?
The best place is Ohori Park, where you can meet other slow joggers any time, any day. I also like routes by the sea, in the foothills of Aburayama and over in Itoshima. Plenty of people just do it in their living room though, slow jogging several steps, turning and then continuing, doing sets of two to three minutes at a time!
Do you do other exercise besides slow jogging?
Yes, not really team sports but all kinds of solo exercise. I really like hiking in the mountains!
…and does slow jogging complement other exercises?
Slow jogging is one of the easiest ways to improve your general fitness, so it’s great no matter what sport you’re training for!
What do you say to people who think slow jogging might look a bit silly?
It actually does look silly, especially when you begin and are doing the very, very slow version. In the beginning, it’s so slow that people walking will be going faster than you! After a while you just start having fun with it, we made t-shirts that said ‘osaki ni dozo’ (after you). In Fukuoka though, the slow jogging population is so large that people know what it is and don’t find it silly at all.
What do you see in store for the future of slow jogging?
Hopefully it spreads across the world. We now have slow jogging associations in Korea, Poland and soon Germany. Ireland and the US are next, so we’re very happy with its progress!
Where’s the craziest place you’ve slow jogged?
Probably Cambodia.. in Angkor Wat. It was the first marathon held there and in many places there were signs missing. I ended up running through the middle of markets with people selling live animals, it was great fun! When it comes to slow jogging, it’s important to have goals. I love travelling and I love slow jogging, so doing marathons in other countries is a great experience for me. I also ran from Kobe to Shikoku over three days to visit a slow jogging student of mine!
How should people in Fukuoka get involved with slow jogging?
The best place to start is our Facebook page which has upcoming events, including beginners workshops and classes for people who want to become slow jogging instructors. Or you can contact me directly via email!
Quick Questions:
A good diet is as much a part of your health, as exercise, where’s your favourite place to eat in Fukuoka?
I like all kinds of izakaya, but there’s this great okonomiyaki place near Fukuoka University. It’s called Fukiya. I’m not sure it counts as a “good diet” though.
Where’s your favorite place in Fukuoka?
The coastline, especially Itoshima and Nokonoshima.
and in Kyushu?
Iriomote Island which is down in the Okinawan Island Chain!
What’s your favorite Japanese word or expression?
Niko niko! It means smile in Japanese and is the slow jogging slogan.
Do you have any advice to newly arrived foreigners in Fukuoka?
If you want to stay, do everything you can to, you’ll have no idea where it takes you. After I left Bridgestone I worked some very unexciting jobs, and never imagined I would end working with a inspiring Japanese professor introducing slow jogging to the world. Go places and meet people!
When’s your favorite time of the year in Fukuoka?
Anything that’s not summer or winter.
Magda can be contacted via email here, or you can follow the slow jogging movement and get involved on the Slow Jogging International Facebook Page
It’s our pleasure to introduce the many interesting non-Japanese living in and around Fukuoka. If you know of someone whose activities might be of interest to other readers, please let us know.
We have two signed, hardback copies of Slow Jogging to giveaway to lucky readers. Simply fill out this form, and tell us in the forms comments section your favourite place to go running in Fukuoka (not Ohori Park)
Interview by Oscar Boyd. Interviewed on Jan. 11, 2017.
