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10 Books Every Passionate Runner Should Read (and Remember)

Team JustRunLah!
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10 Books Every Passionate Runner Should Read (and Remember)

Running is one of the most popular sports all around the globe, with more than 60 million joggers in the US alone. Motivation is extremely important in this type of physical activity because you get to compete only against yourself, so you are the only one who sets goals or limits.

You can find inspiration for running in a lot of places but books dedicated to this sport can really boost your motivation in that regard. At the same time, novels can teach you many things to improve your results and stamina. In this article, we will show you 10 books every passionate runner should read and remember.

  • The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner (Alan Sillitoe)

Alan Sillitoe published this story collection in 1959 to describe an emotional condition of a Nottingham-born teenager. The boy named Smith is a member of a working class family in a neighborhood filled with low lives and petty criminals. A title story shows how Smith turned to long-distance running to run away from everyday misery. The story was so well-accepted that it deserved a movie adaptation in 1962.

  • Footnotes: How Running Makes Us Human (Vybarr Cregan-Reid)

We all know that running drastically reduces the risk of health issues but Vybarr Cregan-Reid wanted to show us that it also improves the mental well-being. His intention in this book was to describe how people use jogging time to contemplate about life. Adding literature and philosophical references to support his ideas, the author made a genuine masterpiece.

  • Born To Run (Christopher McDougall)

Christopher McDougall believes that running is a constitutive element of an entire human civilization. According to him, we were not only born to run but we were also born because we run. McDougall develops this conclusion extensively to make a groundbreaking sports novel.

  • What I Talk About When I Talk About Running (Haruki Murakami)

People go running run for different reasons but one goal remains universal – passionate runners test their own limits with each race or training they take. Literature experts at aussiewritings.com told us that Haruki Murakami should have won the Nobel Prize already, especially having in mind his marvelous book ‘What I Talk About When I Talk About Running’. Give this masterpiece a try and you’ll see what makes it so special.

  • The Cool Impossible (Eric Orton)

We don’t only love fiction novels about running. On the contrary, we believe every marathoner should read a few professional works to improve their capabilities and endurance. Eric Orton wrote one of the best books in that regard, offering you all sorts of valuable jogging tips.

  • Marathon (Brian Freeman)

You’ve probably noticed already that our list is not a one-way street. Including Brian Freeman’s ‘Marathon’, we made another turn. It’s a mind-boggling detective story built around the local marathon and the implications of a bomb attack. ‘Marathon’ is a fast-reading literature that can help you to get the mind off everyday problems.

  • Perfect Strangers (Roseann Sdoia & Jennifer Jordan)

If you are more into true stories, here’s an extraordinary book that talks about events surrounding the 2013 Boston marathon attack. Roseann Sdoia was present at the finish line right at the time when the terrorist’s bomb exploded. It’s a story of running but also about fear, tears, and unselfish help from three noble strangers.

  • Once a Runner (John L. Parker, Jr.)

It is time to go back to some ‘running only’ literature. Parker’s novel explains how it feels to be a real competitor in long-distance races. ‘Once a Runner’ reveals emotions felt by professionals who run not only for pleasure but more importantly for success and glory. It’s a great inspiration for all athletes who struggle to find motivation and personal fulfillment.

  • Running Like a Girl: notes on learning to run (Alexandra Heminsley)

Here’s the one from the ladies’ perspective. ‘Running Like a Girl’ tells the world how most women feel like when they first faced sports and the long-distance running. The style is direct and perhaps even harsh in some parts but that is the whole point – the novel will really teach you how to run.

  • Browning Ross: Father of American Distance Running (Jack Heath)

Jack Heath wrote a book about one of the most important long-distance runners in the US history. As the matter of fact, Browning Ross is the founder of this discipline in America. He was a remarkable figure both on and off the track, so you might want to read when you need some extra encouragement.

CONCLUSION

Reading and running are some of the most beautiful activities a man can perform. And if you read about running, it makes books even more interesting and helps you advance as a jogger. In this article, we showed you 10 books every passionate runner should read and remember. We hope you’ll take some time to read these novels – you won’t regret it!

Guest post / About the author: Olivia is an incurable optimist who always sees the glass as half-full. She likes nature, knows how to enjoy silence and is keen on writing for different websites. Meet her on Facebook and Twitter.

Five Bad Habits to Break to Ensure Long-Term Running Nirvana

Team JustRunLah!
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Five Bad Habits to Break to Ensure Long-Term Running Nirvana

Running is one of the most rewarding sports that can improve personal performance through self-discipline and gives you the option to have an intimate relationship with a specific terrain.

It’s hardly surprising that theindependent.co.uk reports that two million people in the UK and 10 million in the US have actively taken up running and that it is fast becoming the most popular form of exercise worldwide.

While this trend may be on an agreeable rise, there are, however, a few bad omissions, actions and routines most runners are culpable of, at some point or another. Make sure you don’t follow veer off course by taking heed of the bad examples and staying in the straight narrow.

Wearing the wrong shoes

You don’t have to invest in much when you take up running, except for a good pair of running shoes. Your feet need your shoes to act as shock absorbers so the full impact of every step isn’t felt in your joints and ligaments.

It is worth consulting a podiatrist, physiotherapist, trainer or another expert if you can, to map the specifics of your feet and advise on the best shoe technically fit for your feet.

Wearing your normal walking-the-dog trainers could lead to discomfort, pain, injury or a permanent change in gait. Also invest in quality, moisture-absorbing shoes.

Not eating and hydrating correctly

Nutrition may not be the very first thing you think of seriously as you may be just fine with your food and eating routine, especially, if you naturally feel sated. If you’re on a low-carb eating plan though, you’ll need to adjust as ideally, your runner’s plate should consist of 60% fiber-rich carbs and 40% lean protein.

Devising nutrient-high breakfasts that are both tasty and convenient to grab or prepare are vital, as you need these to kick-start your day and as snacks throughout the day. It’s equally as important to take water or have ready access to it when you run so you don’t dehydrate.

Refusing to rest

Your body needs to recover and this means not only taking off a full day but slotting in two or three easy routine runs in your week. Your muscles need to rebuild. Not factoring this in can lead to injury, slower times, the dreaded never-ending plateau and loss of motivation as a result.

Lack of commitment once started

Consistency is key. Whether it’s working out how to adequately nourish your body, settling on a good warm-up and cool-down stretching routine or tackling too-difficult runs too soon, stay with the changes you’ve made. The brain needs repetitive actions and signals before it rewires neural pathways so new habits become instinctive.

Ignoring discomfort or pain

Worse than ignoring discomfort or pain, is self-diagnosing and being your own doctor. Don’t push through the pain – your body has sent you a distress call, and you need to respond with help, not more trauma. If resting up for two or three days does not lead to significant improvement, consult your medical practitioner. It could be a stress fracture or full-blown ligament damage and failing to treat it will lead to stress factors of a mental kind, too.

In the end, it all boils down to applying sensibility, body intuition and a burning desire to indulge the urge to challenge the open road.

Cold Weather = Personal Best? True Or False?

Mel
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Cold Weather = Personal Best? True Or False?

Weather certainly makes a difference when it comes to running. Take a look at the breaking 2 project – where conditions were carefully selected in order to produce the best possible results. There is a reason why they chose to run it in Monza, Italy, where conditions are much cooler and not Sepang Track, Malaysia or F1 Track in Singapore. This is also why you don’t see World Records being run in sunny Malaysia or blistering hot Hawaii. They are usually run in cooler conditions such as Berlin and London.

Running In Cold Weather Improves Performance

Running in the cold can be difficult – with the strong icy winds. It’s much easier to stay in under a warm blanket and hibernate. However, the cold weather actually is much more conducive training weather. This is because – in cold conditions, your body is put under less stress. Running at a 5-minute pace in cold weather puts less stress on your body as compared to running the same pace in hot weather.

Why?

This is because the running motion produces heat as a byproduct when producing energy. Our body needs to lose this heat to avoid a build-up of heat which can be damaging to our body. Think – heat stroke! One mechanism to lose heat is sweating. However, when we sweat, our body also becomes dehydrated. Another mechanism is by transporting this heat to the surface of our skin. This makes your heart work harder. So, the dehydration and the additional work your heart has to do puts your body under more stress.

Photo Credits: Gear Patrol

This means that running the exact same pace in colder weather takes less effort and less energy. Your body is also put under less stress and less pressure.

Potential Problems

One of the leading myths is that in colder weather, your body has to burn more calories in order to keep your body warm. However, it is important to note that this amount of additional calories is a negligible amount. You can mitigate this risk by wearing suitable clothing to keep your core temperature warm. Pro tip: Use rechargeable hand warmers to keep your hands warms during your run.

What you should be taking note of is that in cold weather, your body relies more heavily on glycogen rather than fat as an energy source. So, in order to prevent yourself from hitting the wall, you should take an extra packet of gel as compared to racing in warmer conditions.

Also, it is easy to forget to hydrate yourself. You may not exactly feel thirsty as the lower temperatures prevent you from getting the thirst sensation. However, the possibility of dehydration is very real. Have a hydration strategy and stick to it regardless of whether or not you feel thirsty.

Keeping to this – pick a race in ideal cooler conditions and you are on your way to hitting a personal best!

Looking for an Overseas race to run a PB?

Check out JustRunLah!‘s interactive bucket-list.

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Aussies are now slower than ever, study finds

Andreas
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Aussies are now slower than ever, study finds

In a recent study, researchers from RunRepeat.com analyzed marathon timings in Australia from 2000 to 2016 and concluded that Aussies have never been slower. Their database includes 183,061 results from 154 different races.

When they plotted the mean finishing times year after year (figure shown above), they observed a trend that indicates that Australian marathon participants have been getting progressively slower for the last 17 years. It is important to note that there is an average increase of about 20 mins in the average finishing time of a marathon in 2017, compared to 1999.

A number of different reasons could be responsible for this trend. Some of them are:

  • The overall increased participation;
  • The increased numbers of female participants;
  • The increase of the average age of the participants.

However, what they have found is that these reasons can not explain the trend entirely.

Increased Participation

It is true that the numbers of marathoners have increased in the last 17 years. This might mean that the more popular marathon running becomes, more and more unprepared participants join and they drag the average down. However, when the finisher times are segmented by speed, slowing down across all groups was observed. Additionally, the percentage of people, who just walk the race has been and still is minuscule and cannot be responsible for the overall increase in finishing times.

Increased Female Participants

As we know women are on average slower than men and with more women, the average time goes down. However, when data were segmented by gender, it was found that men and women are slowing down at equal rates, as shown in the plot below:

Aging Population

Interestingly, contrary to the global trend, the average age of marathoners in Australia has been slightly declining. Such an argument, therefore cannot be valid.

What about health?

Obesity in Australia, as in most developed countries, is on the rise. Researchers Andersen and Nikolova used the data on obesity from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and what they found is that both obesity and hypertension trends correlate strongly with the slow-down trend, both when studied in short- and long-term.

It is important to note that correlation is not causation and we can’t be sure that these results are the complete and only explanation for the slowdown of Australian marathoners, but it is worth noting that the deteriorating health seems to have an impact even on the more active and health-conscious marathon runners.

Looking for marathons and races in Australia? Use our free mobile app to discover and keep track of your next running events. Available for iOS / Android.

Awareness For Wellness This March 25

Servinio
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Awareness For Wellness This March 25

A VERY different type of fun obstacle course will happen this coming March 25 at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City entitled “Awareness for Wellness: Speed Bump Obstacle Course”.  The said event is staged by the husband wife team of Dr. Rob Walcher and actress Patricia Javier.

Over 10 various kinds of obstacles will spread all over the venue and participants may choose between running four or two kilometers.  Part of the proceeds will go to the Hope For Lupus Foundation.

For sure everyone’s strength, agility, speed and sill will be put to the test but they can be assured that the obstacles will be just right that even kids could do them.  Aside for the race itself, other activities have been prepared to complete the Sunday morning family day experience.

Registration is now ongoing at Garmin branches located at Glorietta 5, Uptown Mall BGC, Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall and SM City North EDSA.  The race kit includes a sublimated print t-shirt and a race belt to hold one’s number.

Both the four and two-kilometer categories carry the same registration fee of only PHP 700.00.  Participants will also get the chance to race with surprise guest celebrities.

The event is made possible with the assistance of the Pinoy Aspiring Runners (PAR) and also marks the birthday of Dr. Walcher, a chiropractor.  “My business is to make people feel good by aligning their spine and that will benefit all especially runners and athletes,” he said.

Formerly based in California and with two growing sons, the family made the decision to relocate to the Philippines in 2015 and since then, Dr. Walcher has established two clinics in Quezon City and Makati City.  For more information, please visit www.DocRobChiro.com.

It’s About How Badly You Want It

Mel
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It’s About How Badly You Want It

We all know dreams require sacrifice, so, what are you willing to give up to get to your dreams? It’s really about how bad you want it! Do you want it bad enough to put in the sweat blood and tears? It is the mental fortitude that makes the difference between a good athlete and a great athlete. It’s this mental toughness that can push you through your physical limits. This is also the reason why the fastest race course is a course with the loudest spectators. Because they give you this mental boost.

Check out these inspiring moments that show us how badly these athletes want it!

#1 Devon Bailing

Just shy of the finishing line, Devon Bailing collapsed due to exhaustion. But, she wanted to finish the race so badly. She could not get up, so, she rolled. She completed her race in 3 hours 34 minutes, an impressive time with a unique finish!

#2 Paula Radcliffe

Back in 2005 during the London Marathon, Paula Radcliffe wanted to go for the World Record. She wanted it bad. She was having stomach cramps mid-race and really needed to go. She relieved herself in front of the hundreds and thousands of people watching her attempt at the World Record. But it was all worth it, because she ran a 2:17:42 marathon.

#3 No Legs, No Problem!

This dude is one of the most inspirational people. Despite his disability, he displayed true strength and grit. He shows is that truly nothing is impossible if put our mind to it! His never give up attitude inspires admiration and respect. This is one of the most amazing things I’ve seen.

Remember, everything is achievable if we set our mind to it! There is nothing that is impossible. Our mind is stronger than we think it is. It’s about how badly you want it! So, how bad do you want it?

Read More:

  1. Thai Rock Star Becomes A National Hero After 2 Months Run 
  2. 10 STUNNING Running Moments From 2017

Singapore Running Series 2018: 5 Things That Runners Should Note

Yvonne Siew
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Singapore Running Series 2018: 5 Things That Runners Should Note
The Performance Series (TPS) is coming back this year in its 3rd edition and it will bring runners to FOUR different locations:
  • 22 April – Punggol Waterway
  • 24 June – Pasir Ris
  • 5 August – Bedok Reservoir
  • 14 October – East Coast

Before we go into any further, there’s a VERY IMPORTANT info for you: In order to maximise every participant’s race-day experience, each TPS 2018 race will be capped at 3,500 registered participants. So before you missed out this, check out the 5 things that you should know about TPS 2018.

#Back to Basic: 5km or 10km, across Singapore

“Simplicity. Identify the essential. Eliminate the rest.” This year, TPS is going back to basic by bringing participants to run 5km or 10km at four interesting venues across Singapore. You can challenge yourself to achieve a new Personal Best in 5km or 10km, or you can invite your friends and family to run with you in this more manageable distance.

Series Finisher Medals

First ever in Singapore, The Performance Series 2018 is introducing a Finisher Medals Collection that featuring Singapore Nature & Wildlife, Singapore Heritage and Uniquely Singapore. Does each of them look familiar to you?

Series Finisher Tees

Do you get bored of the usual Finisher Tees design? TPS has something fresh and cool for you! Classic, yet extraordinary. You will definitely want to put these on you every day.

Series Event Tees

Stay with TPS throughout the #TranscendYourself journey: RUN, AIM, TRAIN and REACH. Check out the bright colours TPS 2018 Series Event Tees:

Get on board and become one of The Performance Series Athlete.

“We run together, we explore together and we transcend together! Together we do great things.”

2018 TPS Ambassadors

If you are a competitive runner, there’s a chance for you to win the prizes; if you have a great transcend story to share, you can be one of the 2018 TPS Ambassadors! TPS will be rewarding 4 transformations with S$1,000 cash each. More information about this – a first for Singapore – will be announced soon!

So if you have not signed up TPS 2018, hurry up and get your slot at a discounted bundle price!

Marathon Runner Prevented From Running His Boston Dream Due To Trump Ban

Mel
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Marathon Runner Prevented From Running His Boston Dream Due To Trump Ban

Many runners have the Boston dream. They put in the time, effort and dedication in hopes of running a Boston Qualifying time. It is a privilege and an honour to run the Boston Marathon – not everyone can run the Boston Marathon. First, you must run a Boston Qualifying time. But, you must be among the fastest applicants to be accepted to run the race. This year, qualifiers who were 3 minutes 23 seconds or faster than the qualifying time for their age group and gender were accepted into the 2018 Boston Marathon. So, if you are accepted to run the Boston Marathon, you are surely within the top 10 – 15 percent of your age group.

Toronto’s Soroush Hatami, ran a 3:05:42 at the 2016 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, running well under the 3:10:00 mark required for his age group. He was ecstatic. It’s not easy to be able to run the Boston Marathon but for Hatami, it was even harder.

Read More: Boston Marathon 2017 Moments

Born In Iran

For Hatami, it wasn’t running a qualifying time that was the challenge, it was because of his passport. Hatami has lived in Toronto since 2013 and is a permanent resident of Canada. He is currently in the process of applying for his Canadian Citizenship. He however still holds an Iran passport.

When Trump was elected President, Trump imposed a ban blocking citizens of several Muslim countries from entering the United States. Iran was one of the countries on the ban list. He has accepted that it is unlikely he would be able to run his Boston dream.

Read More: 40-Year-Old Mother Of 2 Runs a 3:24:57 To Qualify For Boston

Raising Funds

In light of his current situation, Hatami realizes how this ban adversely affects so many people. This ban doesn’t just affect runners, but students, families and medical patients from entering the country. Together with Marathon Dynamics runner Daniel Sellers, they have come up with a project aimed at raising funds for the Muslim Advocates legal organization and the International Refugee Assistance Program. These 2 groups working to oppose the travel ban and support people affected by it.

They are hoping to raise a total amount of $26,000, $1,000 for every mile of the marathon. Their cause is a worthy and interesting one – check them out!

Source: Running magazine.ca, Banned on the run 2018

Read More: Abbott World Marathon Majors – 6 Races Every Runner Ought To Check Out 

Busting The Running Myths

Mel
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Busting The Running Myths

Running has been given a bad name by some. Didn’t you know it strains your heart and it’ll hurt your knees, so don’t do too much running! Haven’t you heard about the guy who died of a heart attack running the marathon last weekend? We’ve heard it all before! But, running isn’t bad. You’ve been misled and misinformed.

#1 Running Is Not Bad For The Knees

You know who you hear this from? You guessed it right – non-runners. In fact, running helps strengthen your knees and joints according to research. On the other hand, lazing around sitting in front of the tv with your favorite crisps? Now that is bad for your health, and your joints, and your arteries, and your lungs, and your heart, and your mental health.

#2 1 Hour Of Running Adds To 7 Hours Of Your Life

According to an article written by Alex Hutchinson, an hour of running adds an additional 7 hours to your life. He points out that this is calculated based on relatively minimal amounts of running. The more you run, the more you gain out of it. Assuming you run for 3 hours a week, that would be 156 hours of running a year. That would add 1092 hours to your life which is roughly 1.5 months of additional life. If u were running for 10 years, that would be 15 years of additional life. Interesting isn’t it? Imagine the things you could do with an extra 15 years!

Read More: 8 Running Tips For Beginners

#3 Running Is Not Bad For Your Heart

We know that there are a couple of cases here and there about runners dying from a heart attack mid-marathon. However, we must stress that it is not running that causes the heart attack. It is paramount to always go for a body check up to know how much stress you can put on your heart. If you have a blocked artery or two, you shouldn’t be stressing yourself out too much. You can still benefit from running, however, perhaps use a heart rate monitor to keep yourself in check and avoid pushing yourself too hard.

Read More: How Many Calories Does Running Burn? 

Running brings immense benefits – from physical to mental!

PAR Launches New Four-Part Series

Servinio
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PAR Launches New Four-Part Series

A NEW race series is sure to attract the attention of many starting this April 15 – “Takbo PARa Sa Kalikasan” consists of four separate fun runs this year staged by the Pinoy Aspiring Runners (PAR) and MnK Concept and Events with the advocacy of protecting the environment.  The first race, Fire Run, will be at the Liwasang Ulalim inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex with Haribon Foundation as the event’s main beneficiary.

     Runners may join either 16, 10, five or three kilometers with the corresponding registration fees of PHP 850.00, PHP 750.00, PHP 650.00 and PHP 550.00 respectively.  All race kits are inclusive of a singlet and race bib number plus all finishers will be awarded a medal upon crossing the finish line with 16-kilometer participants getting an additional t-shirt as well.

Onsite registration is now being conducted at Garmin branches located at SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North EDSA, Alabang Town Center, Glorietta 5 and Uptown Mall BGC.  Promos and discounts await those who will register for the entire series or sign up in bulk as a group or team.

After the Fire Run, the series will continue with the Water Run on June 17 and the Air Run on September 30.  The series will culminate with the Earth Run on November 18 which is sure to be a hit not just with runners but also their families as several side activities are in the plans.

The four medals can be combined to form one big medal.  There will be increasing distance categories as the series progresses and everyone is sure to look forward to the four collectible singlets from each leg.

“We may not be aware or care about climate change these days because we are already used to it but that should not be the case as global warming is a very big problem,” said PAR President Joseph Balbino during the recent media launch.  “We decided to adopt an environmental advocacy this time after conducting many charity fun runs.”

Meanwhile, PAR also used the occasion to introduce their new website, www.par.com.ph and also their PAR Loyalty Card which may be used to avail of discounts or earn points when joining events or patronizing partner shops and restaurants.  PAR has also lined up several other events for the year so watch out for it very soon.

For the latest information and updates, please visit and like Fire Run on Facebook.

40 Year Old Mother Of 2 Runs a 3:24:57 To Qualify For Boston

Mel
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40 Year Old Mother Of 2 Runs a 3:24:57 To Qualify For Boston

From Taiwan, Tan (陳淑娟) 40 years old with 2 kids, but she had a dream. She had the Boston dream.

She is the epitome of it is never too late to start. She started running late, but that did not mean she could not hit her dream. She believed that although she started late, with determination and perseverance, she would be able to run a Boston Qualifying time. She said believing in yourself is more important than a hundred other people believing in you. She believes that you should never underestimate your ability – because if she can, everyone can too.

The Boston Dream

The Boston dream isn’t just about running the Boston Marathon. It’s a journey. It starts with a race, and can become many races (if you fail) – in hopes of running a Boston Qualifying time. Hitting the mark is not a guaranteed acceptance. Only the fastest applicants will be accepted to run the race. This year Qualifiers who were 3 minutes, 23 seconds (3:23) or faster than the Qualifying time for their age group and gender were accepted into the 2018 Boston Marathon. So, you can rest be assured that if you are running the Boston Marathon, you are running amongst the best.

She ran the beautiful Tarako Gorge Marathon and surprised herself with a personal best of 3 hours 38 minutes. She had hit her Boston Qualifying mark for her age group. However, given that only the fastest timings would be accepted, she was worried a 3 hours 38 minutes would not be good enough. She set her eyes on running a timing well under the BQ mark – a sub 3 hour 25 minutes marathon.

Read More: Abbott World Marathon Majors – 6 Races EVERY RUNNER OUGHT To Check Out!

The Training

As Usain Bolt would put it, the race part is the easy part, what you don’t see – the training, the tears, the sweat, the blood, that’s the hard part. So she knew she needed to buck up in training to hit a sub 3:25:00 marathon. She knew dreams require sacrifice – so how far are you willing to go to hit your dreams?

She had to strike a good balance between – work, family and training. She incorporated speed work into her training. She sacrificed sleep to do her long runs on the weekend. She was discipline with foam rollong and stretching to prevent her from incurring any possible injuries. Although it sounds exhausting, but she said she never once felt tired. Because she knew with every step she took, she was getting herself one step closer to her dream.

Read More: World Marathon Majors – Where, When, Why

Show Time

The weather was cooling on race day – Standard Chartered Taipei Marathon. She told herself to trust her training, trust the process, and results willl naturally speak for itself. The first 30 km went according to plan. But after the 30 km mark, fatigue started to settle in. Her pace dropped slighlty. However, a sub 3:25:00 was still possible if she could maintain her pace for the final 12 kilometers. She wasn’t ready to give up. Her boyfriend, knowing how important this run was to her decided to pace her. He encouraged her, reminded her to fuel and hydrate herself – and it was his act of putting aside his own goals that pushed her to not give up.

She ran the Standard Chartered Taipei Marathon in an impressive 3:24:57 (Gun time). What a stellar run with a brand new personal best.

And that’s her ticket to Boston!

So, remember, it’s never too late to start chasing your dreams. You just need to start!

Source & Photo Credits: Running Biji 陳淑娟

150 Women Come To Run – Dressed In Sarees

Mel
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150 Women Come To Run – Dressed In Sarees

Almost 150 women took to the streets of Bengaluru dressed in Sarees. Looking glamorous in the traditional Indian dress, you would think they were there for a wedding. You would never think that they were there to run. Some women even had babies strapped to their chest whilst they ran the 3-kilometer route along the 100-feet road.

The run was organized with the aim of raising awareness about women’s health and breast cancer. Some women ran the 3 kilometers in an impressive 15 minutes but the average women took approximately 30 minutes to complete the distance.

Photo Credits: Decan Chronicle

Upon completion of the run, women shared inspiring stories. They shared personal stories about breast cancer – the battle and their journey. They talked about breast cancer – prevention and the significance of early detection. They shared the importance of health to them. Everyone had their own stories of strength, hope, determination, failure and sadness that could inspire anyone. The stories shared told one narrative – to believe in yourself and that you have the strength within yourself to resolve anything.

Photo Credits: The News Minute

It was a great run, with a great cause. Thank you, women!

Source: The News Minute 

Read More:

  1. 10 STUNNING Moments From Running In 2017
  2. I Can Do Whatever I Want – Mexico Marathon Chaos 
  3. Usain Bolt Does The Impossible Again – He Lost 

STAR WARS™ RUN Singapore 2018 – Early Bird Registration Officially Open

Mel
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STAR WARS™ RUN Singapore 2018 – Early Bird Registration Officially Open

Prepare yourself for an exciting galactic adventure when STAR WARS™ RUN returns this May. As part of the ‘May the 4th’ celebrations, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia and local organizer Esprimo once again brings us the STAR WARS RUN Singapore on the 5th May 2018.

STAR WARS fans can look forward to another great event after it’s inaugural edition last year. This year, the Marina Bay area and the F1 Pit Building will be transformed – bringing to all STAR WARS fans a unique event themed around the iconic storyline and characters from the franchise. Fun activities at the Race Village will include STAR WARS themed activities, interactions, food, and beverages as well as an outdoor movie screening of STAR WARS movies.It will be a great immersive experience – being transported to a galaxy far, far away.

Join The Rebellion, Or Come To The Dark Side

Will you walk in Darth Vader’s footsteps to uncover the great powers of the dark side, or join the Rebellion on their plight for justice on the light side? – two sides, one choice, but both routes will feature engagement zones that will bring the STAR WARS experience to life with music and light projections and fun photo opportunities.

New Flag-Off Format and Run Category for Kids

Increasing from two to three categories this year, STAR WARS RUN Singapore 2018 aims to cater to fans of all ages and fitness levels. On top of the competitive 10km and non-competitive 5.4km, the inaugural 540m Young Jedi Dash for younger children will be added to this second edition. Runners will also be part of a first-of-its-kind flag-off where the Light and Dark side participants for the non-competitive 5.4km will run in opposite directions.

Registration

Loyal Runners (those who registered for STAR WARS RUN Singapore 2017) and early sign-ups can enjoy a special registration price from now until 14 March 2018. Priority registration is also exclusively open to Loyal Runners for the first seven days, with limited slots available. Pledge your allegiance by 14th March at www.starwarsrun.sg to enjoy early bird rates! #StarWarsRunSG

All running enthusiasts who are brave enough to take on the challenge will receive exclusive STAR WARS RUN merchandise. Finishers of the 10km & 5.4km category will also receive a commemorative medal unique to their category and finisher t-shirt. Designs vary depending on the side you choose.

JustRunLah!  is proud to be the Official Running & Fitness Portal for the STAR WARS RUN 2018!

Chemutai Misses Out On World Half Marathon Record By 1 Second

Mel
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Chemutai Misses Out On World Half Marathon Record By 1 Second

The RAK Half marathon was a highly anticipated one – with big names to run the race. Everyone was looking forward to watching the battle between 2 elites in particular – World Marathon record holder, Mary Keitany and World Half Marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei. Everyone wanted to see who would come out on top. 2 World Record Holders, but only one can emerge champion.

However, the much-anticipated clash didn’t quite materialize. Joyciline Jepkosgei was not feeling her best having caught a flu bug 2 weeks ago. She dropped out of the leading back slightly after the halfway mark to come back 5th in a respected time of 1:06:46. However, that did not mean it was an easy win for Mary Keitany.

Read More: Joy For Joyciline Jepkosgei – Kentan smashes 4 World Records In One Race

It was 23-year-old Fancy Chemutai that stole the show. She demonstrated greater strength and speed than Mary Keitany over the final 100 meters of the race. She out-sprinted Mary Keitany to come home in a 1:04:52. She was only 1 second outside the World Half Marathon record set by Joycline Jepkosgei back in Valencia last year. Mary Keitany came back 3 seconds later with another personal best for her.

Read More: Another Joy For Joyciline – Smashing The 10 km Road World Record

Photo Credits: Rak Half Marathon 2018

In the men’s race, Bedan Karoki, defending champion took home the crown again. At the 19th km point, he put in a test surge where there was no response. It was then all him all the way till the finishing line.

Both Champions are set to run the World Half Marathon Championships in Valencia.

Top 10 Men:

1 Bedan Karoki (KEN) 58:42
2 Jemal Yimer (ETH) 59:00
3 Alex Kibet (KEN) 59:06
4 Jorum Okombo (KEN) 59:36
5 Morris Gachaga (KEN) 59:36
6 Wilfred Kimitei (KEN) 59:40
7 Edwin Kiptoo (KEN) 59:54
8 Benard Kimeli (KEN) 1:00:16
9 Vincent Rono (KEN) 1:00:24
10 Lelisa Desisa (ETH) 1:00:28

Top 10 Women:

1 Fancy Chemutai (KEN) 1:04:52
2 Mary Keitany (KEN) 1:04:55
3 Caroline Kipkirui (KEN) 1:05:07
4 Joan Chelimo Melly (KEN) 1:05:37
5 Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) 1:06:46
6 Degitu Azimeraw Asires (ETH) 1:06:47
7 Brigid Kosgei (KEN) 1:06:49
8 Gladys Cherono (KEN) 1:07:13
9 Helen Tola Bekele (ETH) 1:07:47
10 Naom Jebet (KEN) 1:08:22

Source: IAAF.org

My Marina Run 2018 [10km] (by Lingderella)

Lingderella
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My Marina Run 2018 [10km] (by Lingderella)

Blur sotong me! Mistaken the date of Safari Zoo Run, I thought it’s supposed to be on Sunday! ? On that Saturday, I even woke up early and roll on bed, watched a few episodes of Drama of the Empress Wei Zi Fu on YouTube, happily go buy lunch then nua till afternoon, then I was scrolling Instagram and I almost heart attack when I saw people posting photos of medals and photos of them at zoo run. Limbu missed a sibeh memorable run! ? It’s a run where Limbu first met my stead leh and I missed it just like this! ? (Limbu eh engleash standlerd is wers dan Premium Lian lah ?)

At least I got this Marina Run but anything more than 10km is very scary to me currently ? I just want to rest rest, run short and happy distance for a few months so this 10km category is just nice for me. For this run they also offered the 5km, 21km and 30km distance and the 30km is a new category.

Race fee is subjective I think, to me this race fee not cheap ? When signing up for race actually many considerations, such as brand of the race singlet, organise by which organiser, got finisher tee or medal bo or race site at where etc. But all these factors can don’t matter at all too. You happy, you want to run you will just register for the run. Though I kept complaining the race fee in Singapore sibeh expensive, but then hor the Blacksmore Sydney Marathon slot I register recently cost me USD180! ? But I know kennot lidat compare la.

(Photo Credits: Red Dots 123)

On race day, I need to collect my Prosperity Walk Entry Pack at Marina Square so after that I meet my friend then we walked to the race site. I was craving for milk tea with pearls and we even detour to Marina Bay Sand’s Liho just to get it ? I was actually also dreading to run ? The Sun still sibeh bright, my eyes kennot open, and I can feel the heat. I rarely run before 7pm because of the heat and wish I can have fair skin like Snow White which is Misssion Impossible. I was wishing that there’s no cut off time to the flag off as we’re already super late but I’m still dilly dallying and determined to get my Liho.

When we reached Marina Barrage, it was just nice 5.30pm, and off goes the 10km runners running towards Bay East. By the time we went for toilet, deposited our bags, pinned our bibs, wore our shoes the last wave, wave 3 of 10km was already flagged off. It was 5.49pm when I started my Garmin, my first time ever so late for a race ? At least I turned up ?

Quite happy with my unofficial timing for this 10km as it’s my longest run after SCHKM and I’ve gained weight, not easy to carry extra kilos and run hor ? Recently just eat and eat but run very little. I’m just optimistic, convincing myself that I can lose it easily when I start preparing in a month or two for my next marathon ? Maybe that’s how I got my BMI to 29 in the past and became obese ?

I’m not a fast runner but it’s nice to be overtaking instead of being overtaken. But not always have the luxury to be overtaking in all the race and run with ease without weaving in and out unless the lanes is wide enough and without bottlenecks. I didn’t stop at any hydration points as I can feel the Liho bouncing around in my stomach ? At 5km point I noticed there’s a hydration point at the opposite direction but runners were cutting across which is pretty messy and jammed as I think it’s for runners who came back from the opposite at their 9km.

When I returned to barrage, finishing my run, the 5km runners were at the start pen waiting for their flag offs. Collected my finisher tee which was printed “10km.21km.30km” which I heard from some of my running friends complaining that it’s not “special” to the runners who put in their effort to run the extra distance. And there’s no bottled water given and we only get a small cup of water upon completion of the run ? Where got enough to drink? Erm, on one of their latest post in Facebook they asked runners to bring own bottle of reduce wastage. But not many people are used to running with bottles eh.

After finishing I saw many familiar runners and chit chat a little wishing them the best for their 21km and 30km before I went to collect my baggage. Although when I deposited my bag there’s no queue as the 10km runnners were already flagged off but when I went to collect my baggage it’s about a 20 minutes queue, with maybe just 20 runners ahead. When I was leaving, the queue was at least 100m long and I was like wish them good luck ?

Marina Barrage is not a really easy accessible place, though there’s shuttle bus service but we just Grab out. It’s still a better location than Bay East at least. I remembered last year at Bay East my shoes were all muddy. The 30km purple medal looks super nice and the 10km medal looks just nice red red and auspicious just like the Chinese New Year mood but can’t help relate the color combination the red and green of the 10km finishers medal with the Chinese tombstones I saw when I went tomb sweeping in Malaysia (Its the similar same shade of green and red some more) ?

Ever since I came back from Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon I’ve become a potato ? I’m just like low battery, need to recharge as I’m lazy and unmotivated to run. Happily nua-ing in my room munching Pineapple tarts. The thoughts of wanting to retire from full marathon comes up, which was supposed to be my “once in a lifetime” bucket list item to do but I’ve done it for six times already ? Really salute those runners who can easily run a marathon and even ultra marathon so frequently machiam its just a piece of cake. Anyway, I honestly had the less sore and tired legs than the rest of the marathons I had ever completed. Wonder was it because I walked a lot during the marathon or it’s the foot massage I had before and after the marathon. Quite tough to find a massage shop at ground floor along the streets as most have signboards that indicates that it’s at level 2 onwards, which I don’t want to try my luck ? The masseur has muscular arms and looks like he’s in his 40s but is already 60 years old and he told me he transferred me his 內功 (internal energy) which kept me wondering was he serious or he’s just joking ? I was screaming because he uses so much strength but he assured me it will be fine, I won’t break a bone(although I heard a few cracks) and both my foot will be very relax after that. It’s a good massage place and after the marathon, I went back immediately. ? Anyway, a few days later my itchy hands were on my phone and taaadaaaa, I’ve registered for another 42.195km to run in September in Sydney, another marathon after Gold Coast marathon in July ?

Manila, Cebu Hosts Runrio Trilogy 2018

Servinio
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Manila, Cebu Hosts Runrio Trilogy 2018

     After a successful reboot last season, the Runrio Trilogy returns anew this 2018 with innovations sure to gain the interest of all from veterans to beginners.  The major change this season is that the series will now expand its reach to other areas of the country beginning with Cebu City having its own version of the trilogy.

The season will commence with the Half-Marathon on March 4 in Cebu and March 18 in Metro Manila as organizers hope to better the over 15,000 attendance from 2017.  Race Director Coach Rio de la Cruz promised that the Cebu races will be exactly the same as those held in Metro Manila as far as conduct of the event is concerned and they will receive the same post-race like shirts and medals.

Coach Rio also clarified that a runner can compete in different cities and still be considered a trilogy finisher.  “The medals in Cebu and Manila are the same and they interlock with each other,” he said.

Aside from the main 21-kilometer race, organizers hope to gain more participants in the shorter distances of 10 and five kilometers via promos and discounts for duos to whole running teams.  Online registration is now ongoing at www.runrio.com while onsite registration will be held at Olympic Village branches at Glorietta, Market Market and Ayala Center Cebu, Olympic World branches at Trinoma and Alabang Town Center and the Cebu City Sports Complex.

After the first leg, the next will feature a 32-kilometer race on May 6 in Cebu and June 3 in Metro Manila.  The series will culminate with the Philippine Marathon on August 19 in Cebu and September 23 in Metro Manila.

Was one of over 400 out of 15,000 runners who completed all three races in 2017.

The launch of the 2018 Runrio Trilogy coincided with the 2017 Runrio Awards at Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila wherein more than 400 runners who completed the longest distances in all three legs were recognized and thrown a victory party.  The awardees were led by Jojie Daga-as of Team Soleus who submitted the fastest accumulated time among males but fastest female and former Southeast Asian Games marathon gold winner Christabel Martes was unable to attend.

Still, Daga-as and Martes will represent the Philippines in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this October in the United States courtesy of Gatorade.  Also honored was running icon Gil Brazil as the event’s oldest finisher.

Meanwhile, the YesPinoy Foundation received PHP 500,000.00 from Runrio for its charity projects.  The foundation is the main beneficiary of the Runrio Trilogy.

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