Nestled in Morinomiya, right by Osaka Castle Park, RUN-WALK Style (RWS) is led by Sachiko Miura. Through thoughtfully selected gear and regular community events, she helps people discover the joy of running. One item she swears by is the Elemental Layer. We sat down with her to learn why this next-to-skin layer is a must—whether she’s running through the city or over mountain trails.
As a runner herself, and as the owner of a shop dedicated to helping people discover the joy of running
Sachiko Miura, who now runs full marathons and takes on trail races, actually started running to combat a lack of exercise. But with her all-in personality, it wasn’t long before short jogs around the neighborhood turned into half marathons, then full marathons, and eventually trail running. Both the distance and the terrain just kept expanding.
She took over as the head of RUN-WALK Style in 2020, continuing the legacy of the shop her husband Seiji originally started. Today, she continues to honor its mission by helping people discover the joy of running. With a wide range of thoughtfully chosen gear and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place that gets any runner’s heart racing with excitement.
From Couch to Full Marathon: How It All Started with a Lack of Exercise
Q: What first inspired you to start running, Sachiko?
Miura: Around 2010, I realized I was out of shape from spending too much time at work, and I started looking for something I could really commit to. Around that time, one of my colleagues was training seriously to become a professional wheelchair marathoner. Watching that level of dedication inspired me to get moving too. I started by walking around my neighborhood, and before long, I was running.
Q: A lot of people start running but find it hard to keep going. What do you think helped you stay consistent?
Miura: I’ve always been someone who throws myself completely into whatever I do, so I loved watching my running distance grow from five kilometers to ten and beyond. It felt thrilling to realize I could actually run to places I once drove to.
Setting a clear goal also helped a lot. About six months after I started running, I signed up for a half marathon. Once I committed, I knew I needed to prepare properly, so I trained with purpose and consistency.
Q: Did you run your first full marathon soon after that?
Miura: My first full marathon was the Osaka Marathon in 2011. As the inaugural event, it drew significant attention, and I was fortunate to secure a spot in the lottery. Once I had that entry, however, I realized I had almost no idea how to prepare...
Q: What specific information did you feel you were missing?
Miura: I realized that finishing a marathon requires more than just running ability. You also need knowledge about training methods, clothing choices, and what to bring on race day. I felt I was lacking that kind of information. While researching, I discovered that RUN-WALK Style was hosting training sessions, so I decided to join them.
Since her first marathon in 2011, Miura has navigated plenty of twists and turns and remains an active runner today. In addition to full marathons, she has also taken on 100-mile races.
Q: After all that training and running your first marathon, what were your honest impressions?
Miura: Above all, I was overwhelmed by the sense of achievement in finishing. I was also struck by how loud the cheers were along the course. In everyday life, you rarely hear people shouting “Go, go!” at you, so it felt like a genuinely special experience.
Q: In 2013, you married Seiji, the owner of RWS and a well-known trail runner. Did you begin working at the store around that time?
Miura: At the time, I was still working another job, so I wasn’t involved in the day-to-day operations of the store. I would occasionally help out with events or join the group runs, but that was about it. It wasn’t until around 2015, after I left my previous job, that I started helping at the shop in a more hands-on way.
Carrying the Spirit Forward, Even Through Loss
Q: This may be a difficult topic, but in 2020, Seiji sadly passed away in an accident. It must have been incredibly sudden and unexpected...
Miura: Yes, it was incredibly sudden, and everything became overwhelming. One of the hardest parts was figuring out how to manage the store as a business owner. I had no experience in that role, and it felt daunting. Thankfully, our longtime accountant and many people around me stepped in with kindness and support. I truly believe I only made it through thanks to them.
The accident happened right in the middle of preparations to relocate our Nagoya store. It felt like everything was falling apart We were not in any condition to handle a move. But then, our wholesaler helped us move our inventory from Nagoya to Osaka, and some of our partner brands even helped set up the interior. I was incredibly moved by everyone’s generosity, and I’ll never forget the kindness they showed me during that time."
Q: You've carried the store forward through all of that. Looking back, can you tell us what kind of values or spirit are at the heart of RWS today?
We carry items designed to help runners find more joy in the experience. Running, as many know, can be physically demanding. That’s exactly why we aim to provide gear that makes each run a little easier and more comfortable. In addition to selling products, we also share helpful knowledge and techniques through events and social media, supporting runners in a well-rounded way.
RWS’s original backpacks and pouches are also popular among customers
Q: What kind of gear or running tips are you focusing on sharing with your customers during the summer season?
Miura: In summer, our main focus is on staying safe in the heat, especially when it comes to hydration and sweat management. I’ve noticed that many runners overlook the importance of properly replenishing fluids and minerals.
Sweat is another key concern. When you sweat a lot, your body is at risk of cooling down too quickly, which can drain your energy. Trail runners, who often head deep into the mountains, usually have a solid understanding of this. But runners who stick to flat urban courses sometimes don’t realize how much that post-sweat chill can affect their stamina and overall performance.
RWS carries a wide selection of energy and nutrition products for runners
The comfort of Elemental Layer: A next-to-skin essential for both city streets and mountain trails
Q: We’ve heard that RWS carries several types of Elemental Layer, and that you personally use them as well. What first got you interested in trying them out?
Miura: Back in 2011, when I got into the Osaka Marathon, I read a blog post by Seiji. He wrote something like, “This is essential if you want to finish the race!” That got my attention. When I visited the store to learn more, he immediately grabbed an Elemental Layer and started spraying it with water to demonstrate. “See? Even when it gets wet like this, it repels moisture from the outside and lets sweat escape from the inside,” he explained passionately. That hands-on demo really left a strong impression.
The first Elemental Layer Miura tried was the regular version. For runners who sweat heavily, Elemental Layer COOL has become a popular choice among both men and women.
Q: What was your experience like when you first started wearing it?
Miura: I realized right away that it’s something you absolutely need for a full marathon. Here’s why: a lot of runners slow down in the second half of a race, and that’s when the body starts to cool down. When your sweat-soaked shirt sticks to your skin and you’re exposed to wind, your body, which had been working hard, suddenly gets chilled. In a city marathon, where wind often funnels through the gaps between buildings, this happens quite a bit.
When that chill sets in, your body starts burning precious energy just to stay warm instead of using it to keep running. That ends up being a real waste.
Wearing the Elemental Layer helps prevent that post-sweat chill and makes it easier to focus on running. Unless I’m racing in the peak of summer, I honestly prefer to have it on every time I run.
Q: You also participate in trail running races, not just full marathons. How has the Elemental Layer worked for you in mountain environments?
Miura: In the mountains, where weather and conditions can change quickly, I think the Elemental Layer is absolutely essential. For example, in the women’s trail running group I’ve been active in over the past two years, everyone ends up drenched in sweat during our runs. But when wearing the Elemental Layer, you really notice how efficiently it wicks moisture and dries, keeping that dry, comfortable feel.
Many trail runners try to carry as little as possible to stay light on their feet. Of course, everyone has their own approach, but I think it’s important to strike the right balance based on the weather in the mountains, the distance you’re running, and how your body is feeling that day. In that sense, the Elemental Layer is a key piece of gear for both flat ground and mountain trails.
Q: How do you usually recommend the Elemental Layer to customers who visit RWS?
Miura: I often share my personal experience when talking to customers about the difference between wearing the Elemental Layer and not wearing it, especially when it comes to the sweat-chill issue. But I also try to tailor my recommendations depending on the person.
For example, if someone tends to overheat, I’ll suggest the Elemental Layer Cool. That said, even the Elemental Layer Warm doesn’t feel overly warm outside of winter. It still helps maintain a dry, comfortable feel. So I always take into account a customer’s preferences, body type, and the season they’ll be running in to suggest the most suitable option.
Actually, before this year’s Osaka Marathon, the weather forecast was calling for rain. I emphasized the importance of the Elemental Layer over and over on our store’s social media. As a result, our stock quickly sold out.
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Scenes from the women’s trail running group. RWS has hosted many training sessions specifically for female runners over the years.
With Gratitude at Heart, Enriching the Lives of Runners
Q: Are there any new challenges or goals you’d like to take on through the store or future events?Miura: The store’s concept has stayed the same since Seiji was running it. I want to keep offering gear that helps people find joy in running, and I hope the store itself can be a place where that joy is shared and felt.
Lately, I’ve been thinking it would be nice to create a space where runners can gather and unwind, maybe even enjoy a drink together after a run. One day, I’d love to install a small bar counter in the store to make that possible.
Q: I was wondering why you were selling beer at the store, now it makes sense. Do you personally enjoy beer and other drinks as well?
Miura: I enjoy a little drink after a good run. There's nothing quite like the refreshing feeling of a cold beer after working up a sweat. Of course, I always make sure to hydrate with water first, and I often remind others to do the same.
Q: So it sounds like part of your vision is to let your customers experience that same refreshing feeling after a run.
That’s right. I think a lifestyle where you can enjoy a good run and treat yourself to a little drink afterward is a healthy and fulfilling one. I hope the store can play a part in enriching people’s lives in that kind of meaningful and balanced way.
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Miura is still active as a runner today, though she’s currently considering wrapping up her participation in competitive races where she chases personal records. Once that chapter comes to a close, she plans to focus even more on running the store and organizing events.
Q: "Enriching people’s lives", that’s a beautiful way to put it.
Miura: I believe that having something you can fully engage in outside of work, whether it's a casual jog or aiming for a personal best in a race, adds real richness to life. When customers come into the store or join an event and later say, "Running has become fun for me," I feel like maybe I’m making a small but meaningful difference.
I’ve been able to keep the store going because of the incredible support from everyone around me, and I’m filled with gratitude.
SACHIKO MIURA
Sachiko Miura first began attending training sessions hosted by RUN-WALK Style in preparation for her full marathon debut. Today, she leads the store while continuing her involvement as “Staff Sachiko,” actively organizing training sessions and sharing updates on social media. She has completed numerous races, including 100-mile ultramarathons. Born and raised in Hashimoto City, Wakayama, she admits she actually feels more at home surrounded by mountains than in the city.
RUN-WALK Style
With locations in both Osaka and Nagoya, RUN-WALK Style is a specialty shop offering a wide range of running gear. From shoes and apparel to accessories and supplements, the store caters to road and trail runners alike. The Osaka store also features locker facilities and is known for its popular runner-focused events.
Key Features of the Elemental Layer®
The Elemental Layer® is worn directly against the skin and topped with a moisture-wicking layer to help keep your skin dry. It reduces the risk of chill caused by sweat or moisture buildup, enhancing comfort and safety during hiking and other outdoor activities.
Water-Repellent Performance That Keeps Your Skin Dry
With its excellent water-repellent properties, the Elemental Layer® acts as a barrier between your skin and moisture, helping keep you dry. This reduces the risk of post-sweat chill and helps maintain your core temperature.
Here are the most popular Elemental Layer® picks among runners!
The thinnest and smoothest in the Elemental Layer® series, this version offers a cool, refreshing feel against the skin. Ideal for high-output activities like summer hiking and trail running.