JustRunLah! : How will you introduce yourself to Asia running and fitness community?
Derrick – I am Derrick Teng and I am a Mizuno F1 Runner.
Cindy – I am Cindy Ong. I am also a Mizuno F1 Runner. Some of the team mates joke that we are the PB (personal best) couple because we are always trying to outdo each other. Actually, we motivate each other!
JustRunLah! : How did you meet each other?
Derrick & Cindy – We met each other for the first time at MacDonald’s at King Albert Park when Derrick was studying for his university exams together with some common friends. I went there to look for my friends. Due to common interests in scuba diving, running and photography, we started hanging out together.
JustRunLah! : When did you first pick up running (what age) and what inspired you to do so?
Derrick – I picked up running after knowing Cindy. I was doing mostly water sports then. At that time, I was about 26 years old. She was an avid runner and liked to participate in races. I got inspired by her to run and motivated to get better at it.
Cindy – I started running at 11 years old for my school. I took some breaks after secondary school, started again when I was working and stopped again when I gave birth. In 2016, I returned to running after 6 years because I missed running and I wanted to lose the weight gained during pregnancy and keep fit.
JustRunLah! : Your greatest reward from your sporting journey so far?
Cindy – I think my greatest reward is having the support of the people around us. With two children, it is not easy to attend trainings. My in-laws have been supportive and help us to take care of our children when we need to attend trainings together. They even went to the Gold Coast Airport Marathon together with us to cheer us on. Our Mizuno F1 Runners’ team mates are awesome too! On occasions we bring our children along to trainings, they will help to keep an eye on them.
Derrick – I think our greatest reward is that we have each other on this journey. Doing it together as a couple is motivating. We establish fitness goals and support each other. Running together also brought us closer as we have more common topics to chat about, especially since we are on the same team. We also share improvement tips and adjust our diet together.
JustRunLah! : What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
Derrick – Running is 80% mental. It is all in the mind.
Cindy – When the mind believes, the body achieves. Keep on going and don’t give up.
JustRunLah! : One advice for aspiring runners?
Cindy – Running is a journey and an adventure. Enjoy the process, be patient and run injury free with the correct forms and advices from someone like a professional coach.
Derrick – There are always ups and downs in running. Don’t let the downs get to you but learn from them.
JustRunLah! : Finish this sentence: Fitness is…
Derrick – 3D’s – Discipline, Determination and Dedication to make it a way of life.
Cindy – positive habit, strong mind and a healthy life.
