Fitspo of the week: Fitspo: “Meimei.” Juthaphat Jampawan - From A Girl Group Star To Running Enthusiast

‘Fitspo’ is an initiative designed to spark inspiration for fitness and exercise across all demographics, aiming to ignite a personal drive for transformation towards better health through diverse forms of physical activity.

 

This project highlights influencers or public personas capable of shaping thought, offering deep dives into their lifestyles enhanced by daily or weekly exercise routines. Each contributor brings a unique and captivating viewpoint on fitness.

 

Our Fitspo this week is the captivating and fiery “Meimei” Juthaphat Jampawan,  known outside her athletic endeavours as a former Miss Healthy Beauty at Miss Tourism Thailand and the tourism ambassador for Lampang, her birthplace.

 

What impact has her journey into the realm of running had on her life? Dive deeper into the story of Meimei through our exclusive interview.

 

Starting off with a very simple question, why not introduce yourself to the Fitspo fans out there? 

 

Meimei._.JJ: Hi there, my name is Meimei Juthaphat Jampawan, and I’m 27 years old. I started running and exercising about 3 to 4 years ago. There were times that I really was into running, to the point of nearly being “addicted to running.” Then, I took a break during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but recently just came back into the running scene. Previously, I was known as the “Running Angel” and had the chance to be in a girl group. But my contract with the agency has since ended.

 

Does being the first face of the Fitspo project intimidate you?

 

Meimei._.JJ: Wow, I didn’t know I’d be the first for this project. It’s an honour, and I’m genuinely happy. Thanks to the mentors for recognising my potential. They appreciated the effort I put into the exercise and training routine – a big thank you to all of them.

 

Reflecting on your childhood, was our “Running Angel” always keen on exercising?

 

Meimei._.JJ: Not quite before. I remember that in one of my years at university, I went through this time when I felt like my body was not firm enough, especially under its clothes or styling. My physique did not feel tight, and thus, I started considering a way through which I could get fit. To be honest, running has always looked like an activity that is really easy to do, and the results promised to be quite good, so it is what I started with – running. The very first thing that I did was try to burn my fat, so I ran. That was the start of my journey. I ran in the Lampang Half Marathon event in my hometown. It was the first running event I had ever taken part in, and it opened my eyes to so much more than just the health benefits. It made me more focused, and therefore, it has been my passion ever since.

 

Your first race was a half marathon?

 

Meimei._.JJ: I did run a 10k, but it’s just in the event name that it says “half-marathon”. It went 10k, 20k, then the full marathon.

 

Did you grow up in sports?

 

Meimei._.JJ: I wasn’t really an exercise person, but I love dancing and singing more than anything.

 

Are there any other sports you’ve played besides running?

 

Meimei._.JJ: I liked badminton and played chair ball, where you throw the ball into the basket – just everyday things in school.

 

So, is running the sport that you have taken more seriously? As your social media profiles suggest, do you consider yourself a ‘runner’ professionally?

 

Meimei._.JJ: No, I see my running as a hobby, something I enjoy rather than a profession. I still consider myself, in the first place, a KOL or an artist since I was previously in a girl group and an idol.

 

Have you ever encountered scepticism at running events, with people thinking you were not serious about the sport, just a pretty face seeking attention?

 

Meimei._.JJ: I never faced such negative perceptions when I entered the running scene. It’s because I’ve built a solid profile by showing my training and achieving good race times. I bet people give me the “strong-legged” tag. Some groups run for trends, but once we establish a good profile and show dedication, people see we’re serious about running.

 

What is your favourite type of running? 

 

Meimei._.JJ: I love trail running the most. I am very fond of sports adventures. I started with road running, but it became quite displeasing. Really, everything around: only roads and a lot of trash. And one day, I went trail running with my teammates, Runway, a group of very talented seniors. The setting was very different from the road run: forest, mountains, sounds of birds, even snakes. It was an adventure. Getting dirty in the mud was fun and challenging. I’ve been addicted to trail running ever since.

 

​​What’s the most memorable reward or moment since you started running seriously?

 

Meimei._.JJ: Actually, there is one award that I have cherished a lot from a race I joined at Doi Inthanon. I was awarded  5th place overall in the women’s category then. I was thrilled because it was one of my first trail runs. It’s a world-class UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) venue. I felt so much proud of being the one to have won that.

 

Is being a health-focused influencer harder to get work compared to other niches since the audience and clients might be more niche and specific? 

 

Meimei._.JJ: I guess it’s pretty niche indeed because it is sport-related. However, the presentation of the product ideas could be attached to health or lifestyle; it can work. For example, cosmetics or clothing other than sports outfits are also sent to me for review. Moreover, our bodies make the attire look better and more attractive. I see it as another way of presentation of ideas, eventually based on creativity.

 

You mentioned the body or physique previously. If you would like to say which part of your body you like the most, which one is it?

 

Meimei._.JJ: I like my hips; they are just there naturally. I’m not necessarily exercising them a lot. It is kind of a gift from my mother. Some people really work hard to get theirs. The abdomen is also my favourite part because I worked hard for it. These two are like – one is genetic, and the other is achieved through dedication and hard work in exercising.

 

What do you think about people who see paying to run in races as a waste, like spending money just to tire themselves out? 

 

Meimei._.JJ: I don’t really get where they’re coming from. But for a true runner like me, for sure, no one thinks it’s not worth the money, whatever the price is. Paying thousands to take part in any race is a source of great pride for me. It feels like having a community, health, and fun combined in one; it feels worth it. But from the other people’s perspective, I’m not so sure. 

 

Do you set specific goals or train differently for each race you prepare for?

 

Meimei._.JJ: The key is that you set goals first. For example, if you are going to run a 20K or 40K race, then at least half of your set distance should be covered while training. If I signed up for a 21k, that’s a half marathon, so practically, I would have to run about 10 to 15k every training. It’s all about discipline, so I train most of the time, either with the team or alone at home when I’m not out with them. For trail races, I also train for half the distance. Usually, in preparation for races, I train on the trails every weekend, and they are mostly held in Chonburi.

 

If you can’t leave Bangkok and have to train in its current dusty conditions, does that pose a challenge? How do you manage it?

 

Meimei._.JJ: I think it definitely takes a toll due to the dust and outside environmental conditions. The respiratory system is quite sensitive; it’s dangerous for runners’ health. When we have a good health target, we expose ourselves to heavy dust, counteracting and harming our health. In this regard, we need to adapt by training indoors and using fitness centres in condos or elsewhere. Those who do not have access to the condo gym should find an indoor gym rather than fight poor air quality outdoors. We should avoid putting ourselves in risky areas; there’s always a way.

 

What’s your take on cosmetic surgery versus exercising to look good when both are about improving appearance? 

 

Meimei._.JJ: We ought to make one thing clear: this is not a wrong choice at all; considering whether to do some cosmetic surgery or use clinical treatments to make up our beauty is purely up to personal preference. Results from such clinics or surgeries might be quicker, but self-care through rigorous exercise is supposed to get the health benefits that last longer. Results from clinics or surgeries may be more rapid, but taking care of the self through disciplined exercise aims for longer-lasting health benefits. Exercise offers health benefits that stay with us longer, although the results may be delayed. Cosmetic procedures might improve the exterior, but for inner health, exercise is essential. It’s all about complementing physical workouts with possible clinic visits for skin care, especially after exposure to harsh conditions outdoors. It narrows to individual tastes and preferences on how comfy one wants to be. I frequently visit clinics to care for my skin, especially after outdoor activities. So, it’s about maintaining both inner and outer well-being.

 

Have you ever wanted to try other, riskier sports, like free running? 

 

Meimei._.JJ: I’m interested but have yet to have the chance. I’m currently setting goals to do cycling. It is a new and exciting challenge.

 

So, what is your ultimate running goal? What is the longest distance that you have run? Have you completed a full marathon yet?

 

Meimei._.JJ: I’ve done about 40+ kilometres in the trail event, but eventually, I plan to be able to run a hundred kilometres, and there’s the senior who’s not only a senior but an idol, a teacher, a coach who accomplished great times. I admire her; she is my role model. She taught me that running is not about getting trophies but about the spirit of enjoying the atmosphere. It changed my mind to run for fun, not by forcing myself to get trophies. First, I pressured myself to reach given times and would be disappointed not to reach those times. But later, I would want to change the motive to run for health and happiness, which made running more relaxed. Moving from being a running addict and then pressuring myself to a point where I am not happy at all because I focused too much on winning for my happiness. That senior changed my perspective into a more positive outlook. Her name is “Teacher Fon”.

 

Have you ever had a severe accident or injury from running?

 

Meimei._.JJ: I have never gotten into a serious accident while running. The most serious injury was a muscle tear during a 40 km trail run because I underestimated the terrain and didn’t use poles. I was left to push my body way too hard in climbing because I relied solely on my legs. This feeling of having lost a leg was experienced the following day, but I still managed a good time in that race.

 

Does your on-screen persona match your actual character, or are you different when not in front of the camera?

 

Meimei._.JJ: Actually, though I look full of strength or even fierce from the outside, people who know me will find that’s not true. I lack some confidence in a conversation, and I can be rather silly, talking nonsense. I’m easy-going, not aggressive or as intense as I might seem.

 

Who is your idol in the running community?

Meimei._.JJ: It’s Teacher Fon. She’s the one who changed my mind about running and made me realise that I want to run for fun and not to self-punish.

 

What do you think are the costs associated with serious exercise and running?

 

Meimei._.JJ: When we want to spend money on running, we should make it for a purpose; for example, to pay the coach, pay for the attire, or pay for the equipment in order to get a trophy. But with all this pay-to-participate in races for the community and the experience, it is absolutely worth it, as they come with very positive connections through the different professions in the running community. It offers some value if you are paying to gain something, especially when health benefits are guaranteed.

 

What is the weirdest profession you have ever come across in a community dealing with running, which you would never think has to do with running?

 

Meimei._.JJ: Like idols, for example, people might not even expect them to be serious in running. Some business executives, or even CEOs, are less surprising because often they just run for the aspect of networking and health, but idols running seriously is quite rare and interesting.

 

Sometimes, they have to sacrifice work schedules just to be able to run. 

 

Meimei..JJ: Like me, if I’d committed to a show earlier, then I have to honour that even when there’s a race I’d like to participate in. But coming both at a time, if I have a choice, I prefer the race, as it helps not only to relax but also to benefit physical and mental health at the same time. I do get a sense of fulfilment working as an idol, though not all the time; it depends on the best things I feel would be good for me at a point in time. 

 

So, running this much means you don’t have time for a partner? 

 

Meimei..JJ: Not at all. 

 

Time-wise?

 

Meimei._.JJ: I mean, I don’t have a partner at all.

 

Okay, the service questions are over. How is it going with the project team “Fitspo”? 

 

Meimei._.JJ: Very enjoying! At first, I get a bit nervous, thinking if the shots will be okay – more like second-guessing if there will be good shots. This is probably because this was the first day I met my teammates. After talking while walking around in photo sessions at different locations, I truly felt the happiest and enjoyed everything. I hope we have more time; it was so fun and jolly. 

 

Do you have a way of encouraging others to run, or have you ever tried it? Can you share a funny example?

 

Meimei._.JJ: Currently, no, I haven’t. However, back when I was more involved in the industry, I had my users and fanbase who would frequently ask why I didn’t invite the younger ones to run with us. I did invite them, but they simply have yet to show up! There was this one person, Jing Jang, whom I tried to persuade by saying, “Why don’t you give running a try? It could help with weight loss. Yes, it’ll be tough, but think about the beauty benefits. Imagine how great we’ll look once we’re fit and fabulous. Or how about we run first and then treat ourselves to some guilt-free Moo Krata (Thai BBQ) afterwards?” Initially, she was on board with the idea. But when it came to actually doing trail runs in the mountains, nobody from the idol scene was interested in joining.

 

Do you have a favourite song you like to run with inside the gym or recommend others?

 

Meimei._.JJ: Yes! I like to listen to “BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA”.

 

And between listening to music and nature sounds when trail running, which do you prefer?

 

Meimei._.JJ: Actually, I really don’t listen to music. I’m more into nature, and in running, I never have any thoughts in my head but always something like, “When will I ever get there?” With that, I’m thinking about any water station or rice shop up front – I just want it to end. I keep saying, “Let it finish, let it end,” and therefore, I do not listen to music so much; I tend to concentrate more on the finish line.

 

Has the site of the trail always been in the mountains, or has there been such a location by the sea where the trail runner can see two views at the same time?

 

Meimei._.JJ: There are, including mountains by the sea and tropical forests. There are also many different venues, but they mainly exist in the mountains. There are also some islands surrounded by water, such as Koh Chang.

 

When you have a team, does that mean sometimes you have to research the racecourse’s geography and condition or discuss these matters? 

 

Meimei._.JJ: Actually, I don’t do it. I prefer the excitement. But then, there’s one leading, already knowing the steepness of the mountain and the kilometres we’re going to run and go down, how much should we prepare, including those necessary things to be brought.

 

Lastly, was there anything that you wanted to say to the Fitspo fans and also to say something about your work?

 

Meimei._.JJ: Hello, I’m Meimei. I’d like to ask all the fans, every supporter of Fitspo, to follow our interview column and support me, Meimei. I’m also honoured to be the first to do this project. Please support and inspire those interested in exercising or sports. As for me, my contract has ended, and I’m no longer an idol or girl group member. But now, I’m a livestreamer on TikTok, live every day from 3-5 pm and 9-11 pm, talking, singing, and dancing for everyone to enjoy. And I’m still exercising, so you can follow me on Instagram or Facebook with the same name.

 

And finally, in three words, how would you describe yourself? 

 

Meimei._.JJ: How about “rich, rich, rich”? 

 

Let’s be more genuine related to your goals. 

 

Meimei._.JJ: “Bang, bang, bang,” then. I’m hoping everything goes ‘bang’ this year; no matter what, it’s better, right?