We talk a lot in Like the Wind about challenges. These range from what you might call stereotypically “running” challenges – time or distance goals, new world records targeted – to the deeply personal, to the social, racial and economic challenges of breaking through barriers in order to fulfil your potential as a runner.
In issue 38 of the magazine, we’re proud to share many stories of challenges from all over the world, chronicling the achievements and aspirations of runners from massively varied backgrounds.
We celebrate the record-smashing brilliance of Tigist Assefa at the Berlin Marathon by talking to other women who raced that day – they share both their admiration for the Ethiopian and their own stories of Sunday 23 September. Meanwhile, in California, Laos-born Youa Giglini talks to Chad Sullivan about the challenges she faced in her early life – poverty, global conflict and domestic abuse – and the athletic challenge of running Western States.
Over in the Swedish wilderness, we find out what drove Pernille Otto to try to beat the world record for six-day running on a treadmill. And in the English Midlands, clinical psychologist Professor Benjamin Mast shares the challenges faced by a dementia sufferer and his wife as the couple used parkrun to find a sense of both physical achievement and community.
You may not think that the act of simply getting outdoors would be a challenge, but unspoken prejudices and stereotypical imagery of “outdoor activities” mean that to many non-white communities, it can be. LtW editor Simon spoke to a new organisation, Opening up the Outdoors, about how they’re striving to make the outdoors a more equitable space.
Like the Wind readers are able to travel the world through our pages. In issue 38, we visit the heat of Austin, Texas for a 5km road series photographed by Matt Bradford. The streets of an historic Sicilian village provide the backdrop to acclaimed writer Adharanand Finn’s story of an Italian institution and its festival atmosphere. Tom Reynolds and Dan King find balance among the rugged landscapes of the Knoydart Peninsula in Scotland.
Our everyday lives, and the world around us, are full of ever-present challenges. We hope that the challenges we share via Like the Wind provide you with inspiration and escape.