No Matter How Far It Is, Keep Going

Inspiration from Raks Thai Foundation — and Why Beginner Runners Need Recovery Shoes

Some days, distance isn’t measured in kilometers. It’s measured by the determination to reach someone who is still waiting for help.

That idea immediately brings to mind the long-standing work of Raks Thai Foundation — an organization that has spent decades working alongside communities across Thailand, supporting vulnerable groups and building long-term resilience.

And for runners, especially beginners, the phrase “keep going until you get there” feels very familiar.
It’s the quiet sentence we repeat during our first training runs — when breathing feels heavy, legs feel tired, and stopping feels tempting.

This article connects inspiration from Raks Thai Foundation with something runners often overlook: foot recovery after running.

Getting to Know Raks Thai Foundation

Raks Thai Foundation was established on August 15, 1997, continuing the mission of CARE International (Thailand) to strengthen communities and support vulnerable populations across the country.

Its work focuses on five key areas:

1. Health and disease prevention

2. Education

3. Livelihood and community enterprise development

4. Natural resources and environmental sustainability

5. Emergency relief and disaster recovery
   
   

Raks Thai Foundation is also a member of CARE International, reflecting its role in long-term, sustainable community development.

Their journey reminds us that meaningful progress is rarely fast — but it is always built on consistency.

“Keep Going” Is Exactly Like Running Training

Not Always Beautiful — But Always About Consistency

Most beginner runners experience the same challenges:

1. Running out of breath

2. Losing motivation on certain days

3. Foot pain, shoe irritation, or heavy foot fatigue
   
   

Community fieldwork is similar. Not every route is smooth. Not every mission is easy. But consistency is what allows progress to happen.

That leads to an important lesson for runners: If your foundation isn’t strong, going further becomes difficult.  And that foundation — quite literally — is your feet.

Why Foot Fatigue Increases When You Start Running Seriously

For beginners, or runners returning after a long break, foot fatigue usually comes from multiple factors working together:

1. Foot and calf muscles are not yet strong enough

2. Inefficient weight distribution (such as heavy heel striking)

3. Wearing shoes that are stiff, heavy, or squeeze the forefoot

4. Running, then continuing to walk or stand all day without real recovery
   
   

Common results include:

• Heel pain

• Tight Achilles tendons

• Arch fatigue

• Early signs of plantar fasciitis
  
  

Note: If pain is sharp, swollen, or lasts for several weeks, consult a healthcare professional. This article provides general information only.

What Are Recovery Shoes?

And Why Beginner Runners Should Have Them

Recovery Shoes / Recovery Sandals are footwear designed to be worn after running or on rest days. Their purpose is not speed — it’s recovery.

They help your feet:

1. Rest from repeated impact

2. Reduce accumulated fatigue

3. Return to a condition that’s ready for the next run
   
   

In simple terms: Recovery Shoes help your feet recover so you can keep training.

They are especially useful for beginner runners, because while your body is adapting, daily life continues — walking, standing, commuting, and working.

You’ll notice the benefits most clearly:

1. After a run, when you still need to move around

2. On rest days, when you want true recovery

3. On long standing days, without squeezing or restricting your feet

VING: Running Sandals Born from a Real Running Problem

VING Thailand began with a real running experience.

During an overseas race, the founder suffered severe shoe irritation and blistering. The only immediate solution was to buy a simple pair of sandals nearby — and surprisingly, the marathon was finished successfully.

That moment sparked the idea behind VING:
to create Running Sandals and Recovery Shoes that prioritize comfort, ease of wear, and natural movement.

The goal was simple: Help runners keep going — even when conditions aren’t perfect.

Recovery Allows Runners to Go Further

Good training isn’t only about running days.
It also includes:

1. Rest days

2. Recovery routines

3. Taking care of your body so you can return stronger
   
   

Just like the work of Raks Thai Foundation, success isn’t about reaching a destination once. It’s about reaching it consistently, over time.