‘ellooo runner! 👋 How’s the first full week of the new year been? This edition of RunLetters will surely make you want to lace up and go out. Before we start, a quick poll….

Vote to see live results!

Okay, let’s dive in ⤵️

I first featured Jake from Ran to Japan in edition #1 of RunLetters, back in May 2024. Eight months later, Jake has become an absolute phenomenon. His YouTube channel has completely exploded, and for good reason.

So it was about time we got a full documentary-style video from him. I won’t spoil too much, as this one truly deserves an hour of your time. Perfect for a post–long run Sunday. Especially if it’s rainy or snowy outside. Curl up on the sofa, grab a blanket and some post-run treats, and devour this video.

Just a few highlights: the opening intro (goosebumps), how he got into running as a young kid, the huge operation he had at just 16 years old and the dreaded months that followed (a long road to recovery), and his journey to becoming a YouTube sensation 😉

Ever heard of Nick Butter?

Probably. He’s best known for becoming the first person to run a full marathon in every country in the world. That’s 196 marathons, across 196 countries, in under two years (🤯). My shins flare up just thinking about it.

He captured that journey in his book Running the World. A story that’s more about people, culture, and staying curious when things get uncomfortable than about running itself. It shows how running can be an incredible way to explore the world.

No wonder that, after all this, Run Weekends came into existence. A company focused more on the social side of running than performance. Relaxed (trail) running adventures where like-minded runners meet, explore, and… run together. Of course.

Besides that, Nick is also a coach and a speaker. He also runs the 196 Foundation, an initiative that supports causes around the world (donors choose the cause).

I’m not sure how he juggles it all, but he seems to be doing a great job. It would be easy for him to brag about his achievements, but instead, he comes across as genuinely honest, kind, and incredibly inspiring. Worth a follow.

If you’ve ever wanted to race somewhere completely different, the Vietnam Mountain Marathon (VMM) might be it. The event takes place in Sa Pa, in northern Vietnam’s highlands. There are multiple distances you can choose from, ranging from 10K to 100K. All of the courses go through steep rice terraces, bamboo forests, and remote villages. Memorable landscapes guaranteed.

The longer distances include a lot of climbing and humidity, so expect to work hard. According to past participants, trails are well-marked, aid stations are reliable and properly stocked, and the atmosphere is something special.

All races finish at the Topas Ecolodge, a hilltop resort (which looks incredible) with some of the best post-race views you’ll ever see. Here you can celebrate and cool off in the infinity pools overlooking the valleys. Not a bad way to recover!!

If this race interests you, I recommend you check out the Topas Ecolodge race packages. They include transport from Hanoi to Sa Pa (where the race starts), accommodation, and race logistics. Everyone staying at the lodge that weekend is part of the event, so it’s an easy way to meet other runners and stay right where the action happens.

Date: September 17 to 20, 2026
Location: Sa Pa, Lào Cai Province, Vietnam
Website: vietnamtrailseries.com/mountain-marathon

Ever finished a soggy or rainy (trail) run and stared at your shoes thinking, how long till these are dry again? Yeah… me too. Especially over the last few weeks.

Hence, this week, I felt like featuring the Atacama Shoe Dryer. I first spotted this product last summer, and remember thinking how handy it would be during rainy training weeks. Fast forward to mid-January, and I’ve lost count of how many times my shoes have been absolutely soaked.

The Atacama Shoe Dryer from Save Our Soles dries your shoes from the inside out. In about an hour, most of the moisture is gone. Thicker pairs might take a little longer, but not much.

Wet shoes are super annoying and, besides that, a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. That means blisters, stinky shoes, and even athlete’s foot if you’re unlucky. Keeping shoes dry helps avoid all of that and can even extend the life of your favourite pairs.

It’s definitely a luxury gadget at £95.00 GBP, but it does feel like one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you have it. Belated self-Christmas gift, maybe?

This one’s just a PURE GEM that I had to share. If you have a big race coming up or are in the middle of your training season (running high mileage), then you may find this recipe interesting. Or at least inspiring in some way.

And maybe, just maybe, by even watching you might train your gut 😂

That’s it for another edition of RunLetters ✅ Thank you so much for being part of this community. It truly means a lot to me.

I’m working on growing RunLetters into something that could eventually support me full-time. I want to keep building this for the long run, all while sharing the best running content, athletes, races, and brands with you.

If you enjoy this newsletter, sharing it with a friend or telling someone about it genuinely helps more than you might think. And if you’ve ever replied to an email, sent feedback, or just read along quietly, thank you. You’re already supporting this more than you know.

Here’s to a gorgeous weekend ☀️ Go out for a run!

Caroline