Sometimes known as the “Eighth Continent”, Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. Home to 5% of all known flora and fauna species, it boasts incredibly diverse landscapes. Just imagine: you can trek from rainforest to desert in just 300 km, scale the mountainous central plateau or explore the pristine coastal plains.

Indonesia’s trail running scene got a serious boost. The MesaStila Challenge Ultra, the country’s least known race on the Asia Trail Master (ATM) calendar, welcomed two local heroes on the international trail scene. Arief Wismoyono and Mila Marlina both won the tough 100 km race and are now leading in the 2015 ATM with four races still to go.

Are you looking for something new, interesting, novel or unique in a workout program to complement your current running and conditioning program? Perhaps you’re bored with everything you’ve seen and tried at studios, gyms and recreation centers and you would love to change things up by adopting a personal program that fills in the physical toning areas not currently addressed by your current routines.

Finding clever ways to excite the runner in your life isn’t difficult, if you’re willing to be adventurous. The trick is to turn everyday actions, plans and circumstances into romantic interludes that put a new spin on them. Not every suggestion to follow may be to your liking, but keep an open mind and you’re sure to find at least one that is capable of turning your strong, powerful runner into a quivering mass of desire!

Raise your hand if you complain about not having enough time left after work, family and social obligations to accomplish your daily run. Aha! We see lots of hands held aloft, which triggers this intriguing question: If you’re already overwhelmed, why are you reading this article? The answer is clear: you’re smart and you’re wise and you already suspect that it’s extremely beneficial to your overall health if you add at least one more activity to your schedule. Here’s the best news of all: lots of athletic pursuits can pile on the health benefits!

Once upon a time, life was easy. You put on your favourite running shoes, grabbed a towel, went out for a jog and returned home feeling fit, satisfied and maybe even a little smug because you saw your effort as insurance for a healthier future. These days, “simple runs” are almost anachronisms because activities classified as track and field sports now list multiple, specific categories. Making a choice isn’t easy, but if you pick the one that’s right for your body, it could carry you nicely into your senior years with just a few modifications along the way!