Sound Mind, Sound Body: how Asics redefines strength for women across Southeast Asia

Set against the serene Tha Chin River, the retreat began with a ‘Let Go’ ceremony, inviting us to liberate ourselves from anything holding us back. It was a vulnerable exchange; many echoed the “fear of being ‘too much’” or the “need to be perfect”, revealing deeply personal sentiments that define the female experience. The emotional release set the tone for the retreat, deepening our self-awareness and encouraging us to show up with open hearts and minds.

This introspection continued with the flower crystal mandala session. In many Eastern cultures, creating mandalas is a meditative practice that marries expression with mindfulness by grounding the artist in the present moment. In Tibetan Buddhism, it takes on a deeper meaning as the mandalas are destroyed upon completion—a symbol of impermanence and an invitation to embrace life’s ups and downs. With an array of fresh flowers at our disposal, we crafted our own mandalas, punctuated with a crystal of our choice. The RXV Wellness Village team then interpreted each one, revealing insights about our inner selves—our strengths and our struggles—that moved many to tears.

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The retreat shifted into high gear with a thunderous taiko performance before delegates were separated into four teams, exchanging introductions as we collaborated on our team flags and bracelets. Over the four days, the teams went head-to-head on a series of challenges: high-five push-ups, three-legged lunge races, plank trivia and karuta tori, to name a few. Demanding speed, strength and strategy, every challenge ended with boisterous cheers and laughter that quickly turned strangers into sisters in arms.

In addition to the Southeast Asian delegates, the retreat also welcomed three Asics frontrunners from the UK and Germany, who led a 5-kilometre sunrise run with Singapore-based Asics athlete and ultramarathoner Natalie Dau, all dressed in Asics’s latest AW25 Nagino women’s collection: a line designed to inspire movement and confidence, with performance and comfort in mind. As we tucked into our energising breakfast, these four incredible women then shared their inspiring journeys.

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After breaking her collarbone two years ago from a biking accident, Prakriti Dutta searched for ways to mentally prepare herself before going under the knife. Her solution? She ran a marathon, just three days before her surgery, all on her own. “The more you run, the more mentally strong you become,” she discovered. “What breaks you is what makes you.” This 2025, she’s set on completing 12 marathons in 12 months, travelling across the globe to accomplish her goal.

A personal trainer for 23 years and a run coach for ten, Ania Gabb sought to disrupt the myth that women can’t run during pregnancy—and so, while pregnant with her first child, she continued to do so, and even completed a 5-kilometre run on her due date. Just six weeks after giving birth, she was back on the road. Eight months post-partum, she completed the notoriously challenging London marathon in under three hours. “It was the first time I didn’t feel nervous,” Gabb revealed, sharing that it was the first time she had enlisted in a marathon simply to enjoy herself. “I thought, actually, I’m doing it for myself, I’m not doing it for anyone else, and I had the best time,” she continued.

For Nina Ashton, it’s all about building bravery and confidence. Ahead of her 30th birthday this September, she compiled a 30 before 30 list: a bucket list of new experiences designed to push her beyond her comfort zone. Though some, like open-water swimming, are more athletic in nature, many of them are not: dining solo at a Michelin-starred restaurant, getting her first tattoo and even proposing to her life partner. “Do the thing that you’re afraid of, because that’s what will really shape you,” she added, echoing Dutta’s sentiments.

Dau, who moderated the panel discussion, likewise shared her story. Just last year, at 52 years old, she ran from Thailand to Singapore across 12 days—that’s 1000 kilometres in total, and about two marathons a day, a feat that earned her a Guinness World Record. Halfway through, she was nearing her limit. She broke down on the side of the highway, and that’s when a camera person asked her: Why are you doing this? It was only then that she realised what was driving Project 1000. “I want to prove to women that they can do amazing things at any age,” she declared. Then, in May 2025, she completed another 1000-kilometre run in 12 days, turning her sights to the Philippines. Travelling from Sta. Ana, Cagayan to Taguig City, Metro Manila, Dau raised funds for the Bayani Scholarship Program, stopping by charities along the way to feed underprivileged children.

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Between spa treatments, hydrotherapy sessions and art workshops, we got acquainted with our fellow delegates. A wellness guide who discovered soulwork on a trip to Bali after a painful breakup, and now dedicates her efforts to helping others reclaim their power. An amateur runner embarking on a new fitness journey and celebrating every moment, highs and lows, just the same. Weightlifting coaches and pilates instructors, each dedicated to empowering women towards wellbeing.

It was powerful not just to meet these women and hear their stories, but to challenge ourselves—inside and out—alongside them. “For me, Sound Mind, Sound Body means having balance, taking care of both your mental and physical health, because they work together,” says Manalo. “When your body feels strong, your mind follows, and when your thoughts are clear and positive, it’s easier to stay motivated and active.”

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“Strength isn’t just about physical power; it’s about resilience, perseverance and having the mental toughness to keep going even when things get tough,” adds Newberry. “As a former national team swimmer, I’ve learned that true strength is about consistency and inner grit—or, as I like to say, galing sa puso.”

As the retreat came to a close, it wasn’t the team leaderboard that left a lasting impression, but the impact of meeting these amazing women, each one uniquely inspirational. “We are stronger together,” coach Que-Aguilar reflects. “Hearing stories from women across Southeast Asia reminded me that we all share the same passion, and we’re all breaking barriers in our own ways. It’s empowering to know we are not alone.”

“At Asics, we believe that movement has the power to transform lives, and this retreat is a testament to our commitment to empowering women to prioritise their physical and mental well-being,” shares Low. “By fostering a community that supports and uplifts each other, we can create a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond our events. As we continue to grow Asics as a brand, we’re committed to building a strong and supportive community that empowers women to reach their full potential. The Regional Women’s Retreat is a key part of this effort, and we're excited to see the positive impact it can have on women's lives and the broader community.”

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