Features
These stories showcase the heart of Like the Wind: powerful storytelling that explores why we run. From intimate portraits to expansive journeys, this category brings together the magazine’s most engaging narrative writing. Whether delivered through immersive Long Reads or concise Short Stories, these features capture the emotion, culture, and human experience of running in all its forms.
Still waiting for the change
Just after 11.30am on 5 November 2006, Samia Akbar took a last right turn in Central Park and raced towards the finish line of the 37th annual New York City Marathon. As 12th woman, she would cross the finish line – in her first marathon – in 2h34m14s. She ran each 5km split at a pace that didn’t vary by more than three seconds per mile. It was a pretty flawless performance for a first-time marathoner, albeit one who already had a solid distance-running career behind her.
enough is enough
I ran every night in the dark and had felt pretty comfortable. A man blocked the bridge I was crossing to ‘get directions to the metro’… aka to tell me I was beautiful and that he wanted to talk to me. I basically had to change my routine, so I would take the metro to the other side of the river and then run from there, just because it didn’t feel safe any more to be even briefly in a more remote area of a pretty busy trail. I’m not particularly concerned about someone jumping out of the bushes on a trail or anything, but having someone physically block my path was a bit of a game-changer.”
Turning Point
First the suspicion, then the revolution.
Fifteen years ago, a young Catalan runner shook up the then small world of trail running. Accused of cheating in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (the first time he had entered the race), 20-year-old Kilian Jornet shook up the small world of trail running to the point of breaking its codes. After that, nothing was ever the same again.
“Do you think that’s wise?”
Whatever challenge she takes on, Courtney Dauwalter continues to amaze, pushing herself beyond her limits to reach new highs. Writer Sarah Barker has known Courtney since the ultra runner was in high school with her daughter and has often looked at Courtney’s adventures through protective parental eyes. What are Courtney Dauwalter’s limits, and why does she continue to push them? Is suffering really a good thing? Sarah thought she’d better give Courtney a call…
What a Difference a Day Makes (or, How I Became an Elite Athlete for 24 hours)
Running towards wellness – Celebrating World Mental Health Day
Today is World Mental Health Day. A day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for mental well-being.
We’ve celebrated mental health in almost every issue of Like the Wind magazine. Why? Because running and mental health are inextricably linked. Running is powerful, versatile and takes on many forms. It can be an escapism for someone seeking comfort. It can be a meditation tactic or therapy. It can also be a confidence-booster, a cathartic release, a form of punishment and pain, or it can simply be running.
Facing the Elements
Archive Story: Racing with Kierkegaard
“You know what? Let’s just make it bonkers. Let’s try and go for 22 days”
