I’d have loved to have started this newsletter with an announcement about exactly when I’m flying out to Japan, but I haven’t quite got around to booking those flights yet!

Instead, we visited Hong Kong, did a load of gear shopping and visited the rest of Joy’s family, which was far more important as it is unlikely we will see them again now until 2026.

Now that I’m back in Hanoi, it’s a case of spending the next few days really catching up with things before dedicating more time and focus to the training. And at least while playing catch-up, I’ve missed out on the last few days of 38ºC heat.

🚂 Training Summary

Training didn’t really happen this week. Spending time with Joy’s family, and the need to pick some bits up in Hong Kong (like running shoes that actually fit) meant that I didn’t get a chance to run until Thursday.

These last few days, I’ve managed to test out my new Altra FWD Vias and get used to how those low-drop shoes feel. A 4mm drop is certainly much different from the 8mm Brooks I am so used to, but they do seem more comfortable than the 2mm Hokas I tried previously. I’m easing up the mileage in these shoes this week, and then, if everything goes well, I’m going to start to hammer the distance next week.

I’m not confident that the calves will cope with big distances, I’m going to be mindful of it, and at least I’ve got one remaining pair of droppy shoes that I can alternate with. I feel like I’ve given my legs as much rest as I can, and now I’ve just got to see how they react.

☀️ Photo from the Road

🧠 Running Through My Head

I’ve started thinking about how I’m going to pay for all this. Costs have mounted up this week, from a flights back from Hong Kong after seeing Joy’s family, through to paying for some new running shoes, a microphone for better audio, some camera equipment to make better videos… and next we’ll be booking flights to Japan and buying Joy a bicycle so she can cycle along with me to provide support.

I’d not really been thinking about the cost of it all until this week, but my credit card is taking a hammering 🤯.

🗓️ This Week I Have Mostly Been…

🎵 Listening to: Panchiko - after being told about their story.
📚 Reading: About barefoot and low-drop shoes, and whether they really have any benefits.
🎥 Watching: Silo - I really enjoyed the book, so I’m catching up on the TV series.

📺 In Case You Missed It…

Finally got that video out, the first one from Laos. And the second Laos video should be up in the next couple of days!

🚀 Next Up

Getting back into the groove now I’m in Hanoi. I have loads of work on the books this week, both IT consultancy and supporting a couple of my PT clients with their own fitness journey, which will limit my training a bit, but I’m hoping once I’ve cleared the decks, I’ll have a good 4 weeks of solid training ahead.

🏁 Finish Line

I’d love to hear back from any of you reading this, with recommendations on what I should be watching, listening to or reading, as well as hearing about your own running and adventures.

Thank you for reading and for all your support.

Take it easy,

Phill