Adidas Reintroduces The Joy Of Running With A Supportive Community

We can all see it—the return of “normal” activities that we used to enjoy pre-pandemic is making a comeback in our daily lives. Group gatherings, while observing safety measures, are now becoming less of a taboo. We build confidence by meeting each other face-to-face (finally), and this urged the adidas Runners (AR) Manila team to make their much-awaited comeback.

As the shoe brand relaunched the Ultraboost 22 in a Flash Orange colorway, it prompted the return of their weekly run series open for anyone who wants to try out running with a supportive community. The pairs come in a re-engineered design to better fit the female form, aptly coinciding with the group’s advocacy of promoting women’s safety in running.

It’s definitely a motivating start, seeing that AR coaches also comprise females. During their 3K trial run, where everyone got to test Ultraboost 22s performance, most of the participants were beginners. Experiencing what it’s like to join AR’s sessions first hand, bearing the ups and downs of the whole run can be credited both to the snug and comfortable shoes as well as their warm and very supportive community.

Meeting up at the adidas Store at Two Parkade in BGC, the session began with a warm up—which served as two things. First, as preparation for the afternoon sprint, and second, as a jumpstart to a little getting-to-know of the group. 

Throughout the run, beginner runners didn’t experience the feeling of being left behind. Going at a pace that suits everyone on the trail, running with AR wasn’t an intimidating experience. If anything, it felt reassuring—from reminders of not pushing one's self too hard when the push gets too hard to bear, to the conversations made as our feet reached one kilometer to the next. The group also made sure that everyone was treated equal—a friend or a part of the family even, so there were no awkward moments, only words that energized and uplifted when the going got tough.

Running around BGC also offers a different perspective from what we usually see around the area. We passed by a trail that most of us don’t get to visit, and it’s surprising to discover an open green space in the midst of the bustling little city. Not to mention all the dogs you’ll meet along the way—that in itself is as rewarding as finishing the race.

It’s all huffs and puffs when it’s over, but the afternoon didn’t just end there. After the run, the conversations continued, and the next thing we knew, we’ve found a great support group we can be excited to meet again in next sessions.

If you’re thinking of returning to running with a group, or simply want to jumpstart your running routine, joining AR’s weekend runs is the perfect starting point. Their next run is happening on April 3, with the theme “Own Your Energy—Fast Finish”. With an 8K run for beginners, and 15K for intermediate pacers, joiners can opt for the level that they want to participate in.

For upcoming schedules and other activities by AR, find it at the adidas Runners Manila group on Facebook. See you on the trail!