Xiao Yus Socks: Being a Lifetime Running Girl

"Before I started running, I thought long-distance running was the most boring and tedious sport in the world. Running for hours with legs constantly alternating seemed like something only crazy people would do. But as I started running, I discovered that long-distance running is a magical sport. I enjoy the time I spend alone and the mental relaxation during each run. Marathon may not be for everyone, but it suits me very well."

——Running Girl Top 10, Xiaoyu's Socks.

Editor: Can you share your running journey on Codoon with us?

Xiaoyu's Socks: I've been running for 264 days on Codoon, covering over 2460 kilometers, including offline full marathons, half marathons, and online half marathons. There are so many that I can't remember them all, haha~ I run three to four times a week, usually ten kilometers each time, and do long slow distance (LSD) runs on weekends, either half marathons or thirty kilometers. When I'm not running, I practice core muscle strength. My personal bests (PB) are: 5km in 25 minutes; 10km in 54 minutes; half marathon in 2 hours; full marathon in 4 hours and 33 minutes.

Editor: What is your most unforgettable running experience?

Xiaoyu's Socks: The first time I ran ten kilometers. The park where I usually run has a loop of about 5.4 kilometers. That day, I set a goal for myself to run two loops. I wasn't sure if I could complete it because I had only been running for about two weeks. At one point, I wanted to give up because I felt very tired and my legs were heavy. I've cried twice while running, and the first time was during this ten-kilometer run. When my phone announced that I had run ten kilometers, I couldn't hold back my tears. It wasn't because of the hardship or the fatigue, but because I was genuinely happy and proud of myself. It was the first ten kilometers I had run in over thirty years. After that run, I slowly realized that I could run farther and farther. So, that first ten kilometers gave me the confidence to gradually embark on the marathon journey. Haha~

Editor: What is the biggest gain from participating in Running Girl?

Xiaoyu's Socks: Being selected as one of the top ten was both surprising and delightful. The happiest part was meeting this group of positive and sunny girls and becoming friends with some of them through this platform. I also want to wear running shoes and run through all the places I want to visit, to be a running girl for life, and to share my happiness and health with everyone. As long as I can surpass myself a little bit each day, it is positive and meaningful to me.

"I have witnessed the changes and growth of Codoon over the past year, and Codoon has witnessed my journey from five kilometers to ten kilometers, to half marathons, and then to one full marathon after another. I don't know how I, who used to be so quiet, became a girl who runs outside every day. What I admire most are those who persist in running every morning. They don't record their achievements or participate in competitions; they just love running. Running is a part of their life. My goal is to be like them. I enjoy the time I spend alone and the mental relaxation during each run. Marathon suits me very well."

Running Girl is a nationwide selection event for female runners initiated by Codoon. Win big prizes and become Codoon's 2016 spokesperson! We thank GAC Toyota Levin and Levin Hybrid, Samsung Gear S2, Rexona, Watsons, and Sohu Running for their strong support of this event. We look forward to meeting a better you on the running path!