The Usual Place Podcast
Running clubs: Should you join one to improve your mindset and lifestyle?
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Some see them as dating opportunities, while for others, it’s a chance to learn more about themselves.
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Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people.
Becoming a runner has always lingered in Natasha’s mind, especially now that it’s a ‘thing’ with young people. She sees others joining run clubs and signing up for marathons and triathlons, and even flying overseas to run in events or various locations.
In this episode, she invites two runners to help her understand why they do it, and what keeps them coming back for more.
Meliani Lee is a budding enthusiast who just decided one day to buy a nice pair of running shoes, while being deskbound in her job as a client lifecycle management specialist. She started long-distance running in 2023, and last year, completed one full marathon and three half-marathons.
Arthur Tong is the founder and head coach of Elevate Performance Coaching. As an Ironman-certified coach, his philosophy isn’t just about crossing finish lines, as he explains in this episode.
(From left) Founder and head coach of Elevate Performance Coaching Arthur Tong, budding running enthusiast Meliani Lee and host Natasha Ann Zachariah discuss the growing appeal of run clubs among young people.
ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
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2:50 Running: Love-hate relationship? Outlet while being tied to a deskbound job
5:22 Advantages of running: Can you start at any age?
6:00 How Arthur’s client, a smoker, started running towards a healthy lifestyle in his 60s
6:50: What changed Mel’s mindset towards running, being inspired by public habits
7:55 Everyone has their own motivations, even running in costumes; not ‘taking yourself too seriously’
9:26 Is running the new ‘dating trend’? Importance of community too, to support running newbies
11:20 Dynamics of run clubs
14:19 How do you get better or faster at running in marathons?
16:08 When do you know you are ready?
18:00 What they learn about themselves when it comes to running
19:00 Arthur being involved in marathons too, as a running guide for visually-impaired runners
20:15 Mel on dealing with mental roadblocks
23:07 Helping people discover their own ‘whys’ in discovering running
24:50 Coping with injuries, planning training with peaks and downtime
27:47 Calling couch potatoes: How to get out of the door and show up?
Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (
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Filmed by ST Video:
Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh, Natasha Liew and Rebekah Chia
ST Podcasts’ executive producer: Ernest Luis
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