Maximalist running shoes are quickly becoming the hot running trend of 2015, and for good reason: they seem to be the cure-all for a variety of ailments that plague runners. For a time, some runners were even opting to go barefoot in place of their so-called “minimalist” running shoes, because the minimalist running shoes were causing them so much pain and so many problems. Maximalist running shoes, however, are not the diametric opposite of minimalist running shoes – in fact, many elements of the maximalist running shoe is taken from minimalist design (because maximalist shoes use light materials, and their design draws from the aerodynamic look of minimalist shoes).

So, you want to run a marathon? Congratulations! Deciding to run and complete a marathon is a big commitment. So we have prepared this quick marathon preparation guide to assist you from pre-race day up to race day itself.

Before you start reading, I must make a confession: I can’t get enough wild colour combinations when I choose my running outfits! You read that right. I’m hot for bright pinks, vibrant blues, electric greens—you name it. So when I first glimpsed the Funkita Brick Braque singlet, in its signature splashes of colours, I fell in love! I grabbed one once I saw that it was available in my size (10) and then I caught sight of matching Brick Braque 3/4 tights. I need a slightly larger size, so I was over the moon to see that I could order these in size 12.

If you never met a race you couldn’t stop yourself from entering – and you’ve got nothing on your calendar for 25th July – consider yourself invited to one of the premier trail running events on the Asian rim: The 2015 MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50. Ninety percent of this race will be off-road, so start breaking in those new trail running shoes now!

Just after a short three years, the annual 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon has gained a reputation for being one of Australia’s most loved running festivals. Set in charming Sunshine Coast, Queensland, this internationally-recognised road race is back on Sunday, 30 August 2015, and is anticipating a staggering 8,000 participants.

This story was related to me by a running friend in the United States. After learning the tragic events surrounding the death of her cherished running partner and dear friend, I was inspired to write this article on her behalf.