Races in January - comeback

I began running again on January 1st. Getting fit enough to do my regular jogs was actually pretty easy, but I am still not ready for hard workout sessions at the track.
This month I took part in 3 events, all as condition checks and not done at 100%.

Shibuya Ekiden
Last year I ran this road relay with Namban Rengo. We easily took the first place. This year however I decided to do it for fun and convinced my co-workers to run with me. Of the three, only one was a sports man, the other two were a smoker and your regular city man.
We managed to place 49th out of 90 teams, all running a lot faster than expected. I passed 34 runners on my leg which was pretty exciting and ended with the 2nd fastest time in the leg with a 9.29. Slow, but faster than I expected.

Shinjuku half marathon
I was looking for a half marathon last year to tune up for Tokyo (before I got sick and decided to make Tokyo a for fun / serious race). Shinjuku, my favorite half marathon course, was the perfect option.
I had already planned to run this race with a friend as he was going for a 1.20 ish (also using it as a tune up for Tokyo) which would be perfect considering I am not in PB shape and had the goal of running this as preparation for Tokyo / endurance check. We spent the entire first 10km talking about the course and pace, etc. (like I said we weren’t really running totally out). It went by really by and felt easy.
Ended up with a 1.17.46 (unofficial) 5km splits: 18.31 – 18.45 – 18.24 – 18.14 – 3.29 – 22. I guess that makes it negative splits. A lot faster than I expected, too bad I could not go for a PB due to injuries and diseases, but happy with the result.
This was for sure a successful race.

5 km time trial
The Wednesday after Shinjuku half I decided to make the monthly time trial organized by Namban Rengo.
Wednesdays are usually bad days to run fast as the track is packed and most of the run is made on the 2nd lane (bad specially if you spend the morning playing soccer). However this would be my last endurance check before my first marathon. The goal time: An easy 3.30 pace.
Ended up with a 17.04 with the following splits:
3.23.9 - 3.28.3 - 3.25.5 - 3.27.5 - 3.18.8
Once more negative splits.

All left is wait for the big one ... Tokyo Marathon