Adidas. Available at Adidas outlets nationwide, try 2/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-690-1000. BTS Siam
New Balance. Available at Super Sports nationwide, try 3/F, Central Plaza Rama 9, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-667-5555. MRT Rama 9
Nike. Available at Nike stores nationwide, try 3/F, Central World, Ratchadamri Rd., 02-264-5555. BTS Chitlom

The Solo Artist

So maybe this group fitness thing isn’t for you. Avid runner Sharin Tebo, 33, who lives and works in Bangkok, shares her experience as a marathon runner (she’s run seven and placed fifth in the Amari Midnight Run) and her tips on running solo.

How do you prepare for each run?
Everything about running to me is mental. I literally have to talk myself in to it. I have to be in the mindset about how good it feels once I hit the pavement. Here in Bangkok, I have made it a point to lay out my running gear before I leave home in the morning. Once I get home from work and see my running clothes, it reminds me that I can’t be a couch potato.

How often do you run?
On average that’s about 28 miles per week. I run 5-6 days of the week if I am lucky and the weather cooperates. When training for a marathon, the mileage increases to about 35 miles a week. Those long runs to train for marathons make me cringe, but they’re necessary if you want to finish your races.

You run outdoors or on a treadmill?
I abhor treadmills! I suffered from a subluxed knee while training for my first marathon in 2007. I think it was caused by too many miles on the treadmill during the winter, when I really couldn’t run outside on the icy roads. I honestly believe it is a personal preference. Some like knowing their run will be consistent and they can control picking up the pace, slowing it down, changing the incline. Then there is me, I like to look around and know I am actually moving from point A to point B.

Any tips for beginning runners?
You have to start small. If you are not a natural-born runner (I am not), you have to simply try to get yourself outside on a consistent basis most days of the week. Try running for X amount of minutes, and each day or each week, try to increase that. Challenge yourself to a race every so often, just so you feel some of the personal fulfillment and reward. You are bound to meet others who are beginners and want to improve. Don’t get down on yourself about missing a run, either. Just make it a point to start back up as soon as you can. Furthermore, don’t try to force recovery. Sometimes you just have to realize your body’s signals do mean something.