As more and more people seem to be taking up running and many races are being held all over the country, this week we present you with all the things you should know before deciding to run after this healthy trend.
We've got you covered whether you run for fun, the challenge of it, a good cause, or all of the above.
Running Events
Highlighting that walking is so last year, here are the numerous running events that are coming up soon.
Run for a good cause and avoid the sunlight at the same time by joining the 17th Charity Midnight Run 2014 on Oct 18. The event is organised by Amari Watergate Bangkok & BMW Thailand. Money raised will help fund the education of underprivileged kids in the city, the education of children who lost their parents to HIV, and better the well-being of children living with HIV. Raffle prizes include flight tickets, hotel stays and more. Register online by Oct 10 or at the hotel after that.
Venue: Midnight. Amari Watergate Bangkok, 847 Phetchaburi Road.
Contact: 02-653-9000 ext 69, http://goo.gl/UzjpqQ.
Price: B500 for 6km or 12km run, B1,000 with entry to the raffle.
The Music Run by AIA will take place on Nov 1. It's a fun run where participants can get active to the tune of their favourite music. After signing up, you'll get to vote for songs to be played in different zones of the circuit. Top tracks will be included in playlists. The 5km distance is divided into five different music zones of 1km each. A party and live performances await you at the finish line. Participants will receive a Run Pack, which has a special souvenir inside.
Venue: 3-7:30pm. Suan Luang Rama IX Park, Sukhumvit Soi 103.
Contact: www.themusicrun.com, http://fb.com/TheMusicRunTH.
Price: B700.
To really put your stamina to the test, consider joining Relentless Endurance Run in Chiang Mai on Nov 1-2. Let's see how much you can run within three (for ages under 18), six, 12 or 24 hours. This doesn't mean you have to run all the time though. Within the given time frames, the ones who have completed the longest distances will be winners. Register online by Oct 25 at the Go Adventure Asia website.
Venue: From 9am on Nov 1. Huay Tung Tao Reservoir, Chiang Mai.
Contact: http://goo.gl/xDQW4c.
Price: B500 for three-hour run, B1,000 for six hours, B1,500 for 12 hours, B2,200 for 24 hours.
For a thrilling run, consider U-Tapao Ripley's Run 2014 on Dec 13. The trail running experience is a joint effort between The Royal Thai Naval Air Division and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. Brace yourself for 300 ghouls while you complete the 21km race. Also, 5km and 10.5km distances are available. Register online by Dec 7 at Go Adventure Asia.
Venue: U-Tapao Airport, 70 Moo 2, Ban Chang, Rayong.
Contact: http://goo.gl/TmV5T6.
Price: B350 for 5km, B550 for 10.5km, B750 for 21km (B50 discount if you register by Oct 31).
You'll have to wait until Mar 2015 when the Thai edition of Run for Your Lives will take place. Live out your fantasy of running away from zombies on a post-apocalyptic obstacle-ridden path. Besides the running dead, you'll also get to enjoy a full concert as part of the run. In the meantime, check out their Facebook page.
Contact: http://fb.com/rfylth.
Informed Runners
We've run through some figures and information to keep all runners going.
Runners' Stats (That Sound Physically Inhuman)
Guru's Tips to Survive Running in Bangkok
1. Don't be alarmed when you see monitor lizards in the park. They usually eat fishes in the pond. You're not their target food group.
2. If you want to commemorate your run with a selfie, do so before the run unless you want to show friends your boob/moob sweat too.
3. When you feel like you need to sit, make sure the bench you want to land your bum on hasn't been preheated by the sun.
4. If you prefer running through the city, you'll have to keep an eye out for potholes/soi dogs/street vendors on top of maintaining your stride. Think of it as a fun obstacle course.
5. While participating in a run, chances are there will be photographers taking pictures. Make an effort in putting on your best face. You may end up becoming an internet meme like that Ridiculously Photogenic Guy or being featured as a cute or handsome runner on Facebook pages (yes, there is such a thing).
6. If you plan to run an hour without stopping, make sure the national anthem won't be played during that time because then you have to stand still for a while. The anthem is played twice a day at 8am and 6pm.
Pakanee
Runners' Talk
Pakanee
To get a glimpse into why people begin to run and how it can positively impact your life, we talk to three avid runners.
Pakanee “Oop-aib” Burutphakdee, 29, became the first and only woman (to date) to have run 112.5km in the Ocean-to-Ocean race from Ranong to Chumphon. She juggles her passion for running with a job at Siam Cement Group and also keeps the I'm Oopaib Facebook page (http://fb.com/iamoopaib) to inspire others to run:
“When I was a kid, exercise never crossed my mind because I didn't want to become tired. I was inspired by celebrities who take good care of themselves while I studied in university. Running is my first choice because it doesn't require equipment and you can do it anywhere.
From participating in running events, I get to make new friends. We meet up to socialise and run together. Running always gives me something to look forward to overcoming. After 10.5km, you want to do more until you do a full marathon. It gives you a sense of pride when you push your limits further.
[From running], I have more self-discipline. It's also such a great feeling when people tell me I've inspired them to take it up too. Don't hesitate because running is good for you. Grab your shoes and just do it. You can send a message to my Facebook if you want advice.”
The 33-year-old Krittapas “Krit” Sakdidtanon is an actor who has appeared in many commercials and lakorns. As a runner, he has participated in many races and shares his experience with us:
Krittapas
“I had been doing other sports and lifting weights but I wanted to control my weight and appear leaner and running does that. The extra appeal is that it helps you organise your life. You have to get up early in the morning to practice in preparation for a race, for instance.
To me, it's like a game. You compete with yourself and fellow runners. You also become a part of a big community too. It keeps you motivated since you take on longer distances as you become better. You complete the same distance faster and feel less tired. It keeps you inspired when you see better changes on your body.
For people who live in the city, running is a good choice of exercise. You don't have to travel to a particular place just to run. You can do it anywhere.”
Saran “Tum” Rattanasri, 35, works in IT and administrates Onnut Runners (http://fb.com/OnnutRunners), a Facebook page dedicated to the running scene in the city:
“I used to spend most of my time playing computer games. In 2009, I saw an ad for Nike+ sensor [which counts your steps and distances when linked with an iPod]. I bought it and tried it out. I ran at Suan Luang Rama IX park for a while but got injured and stopped. Pictures of running events I saw made me want to run again. So I practiced and learned how to run properly. I've run regularly for two years since then. [One of the benefits for me is that] I have asthma but it rarely shows these days. Running has taught me not to give up on anything easily.
I think all runners keep at it because they like the challenge [of finishing longer distances]. I want to add that there is a sense of camaraderie and boost to your morale when you join a running event. There are so many events out there right now, each with their own appeal. It's a runner's market.
Saran
[My advice is] don't rush. Jog or walk and run at your own pace first. Once your body becomes stronger then take on bigger challenges.”
Runners' Resources
Before you put on your running shoes, you may want to check out these online resources to make sure you put your best foot forward.
Visit SathavornRunningClub (http://fb.com/SathavornRunningClub) where running expert Sathavorn “Kru Din” Chanphongsri gives useful tidbits for inspiration.
Go to Learn'n'Run (http://fb.com/LearnandRun) for useful topics for both serious and recreational runners, e.g. using different running shoes to decrease injuries.
Check out Bangkok Barefoot Run Club (http://fb.com/BangkokBarefootRunClub) and join their monthly gatherings to practice running without footwear, duh.
For personal accounts from runners, we recommend I'm Oopaib (http://fb.com/iamoopaib),
Onnut Runners (http://fb.com/OnnutRunners), Runner-Blogger (http://fb.com/runnerblogger) and Wing Gab Gib (http://fb.com/runwithgib).
Keep track of all running events at Wing Nai Dee (http://fb.com/runningevent) and Runlah (http://fb.com/Runlah).
Ogle handsome runners at Nak Wing Nalor (http://fb.com/handsomerunners) or pretty ones at Nak Wing Narak (http://fb.com/cuterunners).
