Run with Asics at the Paris Festival of Running and Paris Marathon
From 5 to 7 April, Asics is hosting an inclusive and high-energy 3-day event in Paris, celebrating the joys of running and the power of sports for all.
Singapore – Japanese sports brand Asics will be holding an immersive three-day running event at Palais de Tokyo in Paris from 5 to 7 April in celebration of the transformative power of running, while instilling positivity for running elites and beginners. The first-of-its-kind, the Festival of Running will see the meeting of international pro-athletes and elites, such as Eilish McColgan from Great Britain, Goh Chui Ling and Natalie Dau from Singapore, Sonny Wagdos from the Philippines, Tony Ah-Thit Payne from Thailand and more. Athletes will compete in 5K and 10K Ignite Races on 5 April, as well as participate in the Paris Marathon on 7 April, with iconic Parisian landmarks as backdrops.
An inclusive event meant to inspire runners of all levels to keep moving, beginners can also join in the fun in a 5K Shake Out Run on 6 April right in the heart of Paris. The Festival of Running will also showcase the latest cutting-edge innovations from Asics, such as the highly-raved Metaspeed Paris, to the unveiling of new Asics shoe and apparel releases for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.
Ahead of the Festival of Running and Paris Marathon in Paris, Yahoo Life Singapore spoke with three Asics athletes who will be participating in the Ignite runs and Marathon in Paris. We queried them on their prep work, sports injury prevention tips, motivation, and favourite workout shoes. Truly, there’s no better sport than running to level up one’s fitness journey. Let’s hear from these Asics athletes!
Goh Chui Ling, 32, Asics athlete participating in the 5K Ignite Race
Yahoo Life Singapore: When and how do you usually start prepping for races?
Goh Chui Ling: Unlike Marathon training blocks, I start race preparation almost all year round. I do Winter general preparation seasons starting sometime between September and November, depending on the late races that season, [then] move into Summer racing. I also take the time to do Spring road racing, which is super fun for me!
Do you have a goal set for the 5K race and how do you intend to achieve it?
I want to go under 17:00 minimally (my personal best is 17:09 – which is also Singapore’s National Best), but I am training to go under 16:30. I have gone through a long Winter general preparation phase, with the clear intention to break my personal bests for the distance events!
How often do you train and what does your training entail?
I train 7-9 times a week this season, doubling up training once or twice a week if my work and travelling schedule allows for it. My training is mostly cardio (as you can expect), ranging from progressive runs, threshold runs, recovery runs, interval runs, and any other adjectives you can think of. I regularly do rehabilitation work and light strength work to ensure my joints and muscles remain durable. When I enter the summer season, I move to heavier weights and faster runs.
What tips can you share to prevent sports injury especially while training for races?
The biggest tip I can give anyone is to ease your body into things and give your body time to adapt. Sometimes, we try to do things too much too fast, and that will culminate in something somewhere, whether physically or mentally. After that, it is doing regular strength exercises—not necessarily with weights—to build core and joint strength to follow your cardiovascular training. It's hard sometimes because you don't see results, but it's preventative!
What motivates you to continue with your training day after day?
I enjoy the process of training so much because I have seen my life without training. Without the lifestyle of high-performance sports, I don't get to eat what I like, sleep as well as I would like, or travel the world for races and meet other sports people. The process of pushing my body and training my mind challenges me every season, and it is a life I would not trade for anything else.
What advice can you give to those who would like to participate in races?
Enjoy racing, whether with the challenge of performance or the camaraderie with others. You have 24 hours a day and you should choose to do things that bring you joy and satisfaction.
Which are your favourite Asics shoes to (i) train and (ii) compete in races?
For training, my shoes on repeat are (1) Gel-Nimbus for strength and stability work; (2) Superblast/Novablast, for all runs except intervals; and (3) Magic Speed for intervals. For racing, I have used the new Metaspeed Edge Paris, it’s amazing.”
Asics Men Gel-Nimbus 26 Platinum Running Shoes
Asics Women Magic Speed 3 Running Shoes
Natalie Dau, 51, Asics athlete participating in the Paris Marathon
Yahoo Life Singapore: When and how do you usually start prepping for races?
Natalie Dau: I always like to stay somewhat “ready" to race throughout the year. So when it is time to start focusing on a specific race, the ramp-up isn't too extreme, and I can get a quality, focused block of training around eight weeks out.
Do you have a goal set for the Paris Marathon and how do you intend to achieve it?
My goal for this marathon won’t be a personal best, as I am coming off the back of a recent 104km ultra race. Instead, I will be trying to enjoy the experience and use it as a training run for my upcoming 1000km Thailand to Singapore run in May—Project 1000.
How often do you train and what does your training entail?
My training consists of 6 days of running per week — about 100 to 150km in total — as well as 3 strength sessions per week in the gym. I also like to stay mobile and do a lot of walking. My mobility is always a work in progress.
What tips can you share to prevent sports injury especially while training for races?
As you ramp up your mileage, do not increase it by more than 10% per week, otherwise, your body won’t have time to adapt and adjust. Strength sessions are also key when it comes to injury prevention, as you can work on any muscle weaknesses.
What motivates you to continue with your training day after day?
I love running (most of the time) – the challenge to improve every day, being outside, the satisfaction when I finish a run and always trying to see how I can push my body and my mind.
What advice can you give to those who would like to participate in races?
Go for it! Give yourself plenty of time to train for it: don't pick a marathon as a first race, choose races you think you will enjoy doing, and try and get some friends involved to make it even more fun. And when you are in the moment, know you can push harder than you think.
Which are your favourite Asics shoes to (i) train and (ii) compete in races?
I love Superblast they are my go-to. But for the Paris Marathon, I will, of course, be wearing the new Metaspeed Sky Paris – how could I not?
Superblast Unisex Running Shoes, available in 2 colours
Asics Unisex Metaspeed Edge+ Running Shoes
Is there anything else you would like to share with Yahoo readers?
I'm excited to do the Paris Marathon, as it would be an amazing way to see the sights, do what I love—running — and then enjoy all that great food afterwards. I urge any runner to try an overseas race for a different experience.
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Sonny Wagdos, 31, Asics athlete, Participating in the 10K Elite Race
Yahoo Life Singapore: When and how do you usually start prepping for races?
Sonny Wagdos: I usually set my race goals by incorporating a combination of physical training and mental preparation leading up to the event.
Do you have a goal set for the 10K race and how do you intend to achieve it?
I’m hoping to break the 10K National Record during the Ignite Race. I’ve included pacing strategies during training runs to ensure the ability to maintain an appropriate pace throughout the race.
How often do you train and what does your training entail?
A comprehensive 10km race training plan that includes a combination of endurance, speed, strength, and recovery activities.
What tips can you share to prevent sports injury especially while training for races?
Always start your workouts with a warm-up and incorporate dynamic stretches for increased flexibility. And to end with a cool down to lower your heart rate and stretch any tight muscles.
What motivates you to continue with your training day after day?
I’m determined to be the best version of myself every single day. I’m also thankful that my family has been supportive throughout my running journey, and this is the driving force behind my daily motivation to run.
What advice can you give to those who would like to participate in races?
Enjoy the racing experience, celebrate your accomplishments, and have fun with your team, whether you’re racing against the clock or for fun!
Which are your favourite Asics shoes to (i) train and (ii) compete in races?
My favourite training shoes would be the Novablast 4 and Magic Speed 3 and for racing, the Metaspeed Sky+.
Asics Men Novablast 4 Platinum Running Shoes
Asics Men Magic Speed 3 Running Shoes
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Not in Paris from 5 to 7 April? You don't have to miss out on the action. Catch the event live on asics.tv/paris. Also, check out IGS @Yahoosg and @Asicssg for updates.
Giveaway alert! Keep your eyes peeled on this column in April as Asics will be giving away a pair of Men’s and Women’s shoes, up to S$200 each! Click here for the Giveaway!
Shop on the offiical Asics site
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