JustRunLah! : How will you introduce yourself to Asia running and fitness community?
Poon – Hi I am Poon Zi Li, an average runner, trying his best to improve on his running while juggling the role of a full-time teacher job as well as father to 2 beautiful girls. I also like to lift weights and paddle in my kayak regularly. The birth of my 2nd girl started my journey as the “Captain America” runner since 2013. I am still trying to hit my target of a BQ at a local marathon.
Rachel – Hi I am Rachel See. I am really a very ordinary runner who simply loves to run. In fact, those who know me well will know that I prefer to do my easy runs at my leisure pace rather than to complete in races. I only started using a GPS watch recently. I am really lucky to be able to excel in running somehow and honoured to represent Singapore for 2 Sea games 2015 and 2017 and Hong Kong Marathon 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Other than these, I am a full time working mother trying very hard to strive balance in all my roles.
JustRunLah! : How did you meet each other?
Poon & Rachel – While doing a design project for an offshore platform for oil extraction. (totally not related to running at all). We are both trained civil engineers (SURPRISE!!!) but we didn’t go into that area after we graduated.
JustRunLah! : When did you first pick up running (what age) and what inspired you to do so?
Poon – I was in the national dragon boat team and had to stop competitive paddling since the birth of my first girl. Being used to a structured training routine, it was natural to add in more running when I had more time freed up. Our first home was also near Mt Faber and it offered many scenic routes for us to get hooked on running. We run to enjoy the scenery and landscape that our Singapore offers.
Rachel – I picked up running after I started working, as I tend to sleep better after exercise and it’s also a good way to de-stress. I was doing shift work back then and I started training and taking part in races mostly from 2007.
JustRunLah! : Your greatest reward from your sporting journey so far?
Poon & Rachel – Being able to travel to different places and enjoy the awesome running experience together. We have completed Boston and Tokyo so far and certainly hope to add in more marathon majors into out bucket list.
JustRunLah! : What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
Poon – I believe everyone will push for a personal best during each race but to me, whenever I fall short of my target, I just tell myself it’s ok, enjoy and complete this race first. We all want to race forever. haha
Rachel – Think of all the hardships and failures I have went through and try not to make this race into another regret… haha that being said but sometimes when its really too tough then I will give myself a break. Some things are not within control.
JustRunLah! : One advice for aspiring runners?
Poon & Rachel – Anything is possible if you set your mind to it. We both started our first marathon at more than 4 hrs (5hrs plus for poon in fact). We would never have thought we could achieve sub 3 hours ever!
JustRunLah! : Finish this sentence: Fitness is…
Poon & Rachel – a lifelong journey. Consistency and incorporating fitness into everyday life is the key to lasting fitness and achieving overall good health.
