Susie Chan Monthly Update – March 2017

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    • Susie Chan Tokyo Marathon

    It’s been another active month in the life of Susie Chan and we’re delighted to bring you all her latest news and running adventures! From clocking up plenty of miles in races across the globe, to race commentating and a handful of events back in London, she literally hasn’t stopped – and it’s clear that she’s loving every bit of it.

    10 Highlights of the Month

    1. Coastal Challenge Costa Rica – February

    Susie Chan The Coastal Challenge Costa RicaWe last left Susie as she was heading off for the 6-day Coastal Challenge Costa Rica, a gruelling race along golden sand beaches, through dense jungle, across rivers and over coastal mountains in extreme heat and humidity.

    Despite stubbed toes, snakes and spiders, the scenery and people made it the trip of a lifetime, and Susie won both the Female and the Overall categories in the 155K Adventure Run! Cold beers at the end were totally deserved. Read all about Susie’s Costa Rica adventure here.

    1. The Running Bug – March Column

    Susie Chan The Running Bug

    Susie’s third monthly column has appeared at The Running Bug, the much-loved social network for runners.

    Having shared how she fell in love with running in her last monthly column, Susie now gives us her top tips for learning to love long runs, from running with friends to trying a new route and incorporating parkrun into your training. She just hasn’t quite cracked the enormous pile of washing that long runs entail…any tips welcome!

    1. Tokyo Marathon – 26th February

    Susie Chan After Costa Rica, Susie had a whistle-stop 22 hours in the UK before flying to the other side of the world with her running buddies to tick off her fifth World Marathon Major: Tokyo Marathon. Having already decided to enjoy the race for what it was, Susie had a fabulous time soaking up the atmosphere, the culture, the sights, the food and the superb hospitality of the Japanese, before running what turned out to be one of her most enjoyable marathons ever. Find out what made it so special on her blog and watch her live video of the action!

    1. Pro Touch by Intersport Photoshoot

    Susie ChanAs a lady who knows what to look for when it comes to running gear, Susie was the perfect person to trial the new Pro Touch by Intersport range. She did a photoshoot at the Alice Holt parkrun for Intersport wearing the new running tights, t-shirt and hoodie, and was extremely complimentary of the new technical and affordable kit. Susie has since been featured in Intersport retailers across the UK and has been seen running her local streets sporting her Pro Touch goods!

    1. ASICS FlyteFoam® Fast Series Launch – 7th March

    Susie Chan Always up for trying new gear, Susie was delighted to attend the launch of the ASICS FlyteFoam® Fast Series on Tower Bridge on London. She got to sprint across the high-level glass walkway at the top of Tower Bridge to test the new running shoe, the narrow corridor creating the ultimate speed experience with wind machines, lights and sound effects.

    As a high profile endurance runner, Susie is the perfect person to attend functions, mix with international guests and review kit.

     

     

     

    1. Susie Chan Vitality Bath Half Commentary – 12th March

    Susie had a fantastic experience commentating the 2017 Vitality Bath Half Marathon, one of the most popular and longest established running events in the UK. She was a true professional with her 8 hours’ commentary of this iconic race, and thoroughly enjoyed the behind-the-scenes action of this huge sporting event.

    The 2017 race saw a record 12,748 runners cross the finish line and some 40,000 spectators lining the streets to cheer them on.

    1. OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO – 19th March

    Susie ChanThe OPAP Limassol Marathon GSO took place mid-March and Susie flew to Cyprus with her husband and pacer Shaun Marsden, and key members of the blogging community including Elise Downing, for a long-awaited run in the sun.

    And what a weekend it was – not only did Susie run a great time of 3:28, thanks to Shaun’s expert pacing, but the sun shone, the atmosphere was superb, the food was first class (in particular the pre-race pasta party) and it was possibly one of the most relaxing races Susie has experienced. To say nothing of the pool, the beach and the incredibly accommodating Mediterranean Hotel… Definitely a race for the 2018 diary!

    1. Heat Chamber Training for Marathon des Sables – 7th April

    Susie is no stranger to the heat chamber after her preparations for Costa Rica in February, and she’s back there now as she prepares for the big one – Marathon des Sables. The legendary 250K, 6-day race through the Sahara desert is not for the faint hearted. Susie will have to carry all her food and equipment with her, and so her heat chamber sessions at Kingston University involve her running as hard as she can for one hour, at 36-37 degrees, carrying a 6kg race pack on her back. Phew! Good luck Susie in this incredible adventure. Read more about Susie’s Marathon des Sables challenge.

    1. Virgin Money London Marathon – 23rd AprilSusie Chan

    Susie will be a sub 4-hour pacer for Runner’s World at the Virgin Money London Marathon next month, and she can’t wait to be a part of this iconic race. Her name is here on the list below Paul Addicott, whose story you can also read about on Breathe Unity. Fast forward to point 9 for another important date with Susie in London!

    Susie has also been named a ‘Running Hero’ in the May 2017 edition of Runner’s World: “Susie Chan, ultra runner and RW pacer; she runs incredible times at gruelling races on top of working full-time. Superhuman.” Hats off to you, Susie!

    1. Women Run Strong – 21st April

    Susie ChanSusie and her running pal from America, the inspirational Kelly Roberts (www.runselfierepeat.com), will be hosting a Women Run Strong event in London to kick off marathon weekend.

    The evening will welcome females of all abilities for an informal shake-out run pre-race, and will include a panel chat with guest speakers including London Marathon experts.

    Taking place at The Running Works in Central London, this is the event to attend for bag loads of motivation, self-belief and fun! Full details to follow shortly.

     

    As for what’s next…

    After a full-on few months Susie is unsurprisingly due some down time in May (apart from the minor detail of a 50-miler which we’ll fill you in on next month). That doesn’t mean her running shoes are put away though – far from it! So we’ll have lots to update you on in April and plenty more to look forward to throughout spring.

    Until next time, keep up to date with all of Susie’s adventures on her blog, and follow her Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.