Running is one of the best exercises you can do, but the same routine can get you into a rut. To get a true whole body workout, to engage your core and upper body muscles, and to add a lot of interest, incorporate the following 8 exercises into your running routine.

He’s neither the tallest nor the heftiest runner on the Malaysia marathon scene, but Frank Chong Wei Siong’s countenance is as tall as Mount Kinabalu, the nation’s highest peak. If you’re looking to be inspired, you couldn’t find a better role model than Frank as you look forward to a new year of health and happiness.

Admit it: On occasion, you love your dog more than anyone else! It’s easy to understand why; when you come home from a run exhausted — competed in a marathon and wound up with a lousy time — or when life is too depressing to manage, your pup is ready to greet you with licks, wags and unconditional love. Besides, you enjoy a well-rounded life that includes training time for running events, conditioning your body and participating in marathons, so shouldn’t your four-legged friend enjoy the same experiences? As his/her owner, you can pick and choose when to go, but it’s up to you to make sure you choose a dog park with as many amenities as possible so your pooch stays as healthy and fit as his owner. These nine venues are bound to strike your fancy!

Ever wonder where the word “trend” originated? Once upon a time, “trend” was a noun with deep roots in Middle English that meant “following a specific direction” for more than 1000 years! But lately, “trend” indicates experiences and possessions modern society cannot get enough of, which explains why trends in fashion, destinations, habits and activities have become so universal. Singapore has emerged as a global leader in fitness and running thanks to growing numbers of advocates and the nation’s support, so if you have more than a passing interest in running, you are eager to know what’s on the horizon for 2015. Here’s RunSociety’s primer on what’s hot and what’s not in the year ahead.

With the rainy season approaching, you might not be able to get as many outdoor runs as you might like. But don’t let that put a damper on your spirits! Wear this rocking outfit and hit the gym instead!

As many runners know, training in the same places all the time can become boring, too repetitive and hence, less enjoyable. With a large number of islands all across Southeast Asia near Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, there is never a shortage of locations to visit that make for excellent running vacations. No matter if you are a speedy 5km racer or a steadfast marathoner, these 10 islands in Southeast Asia are suitable for fulfilling running experiences.