“Nothing Is Impossible.”
Being a new mom doesn’t stop her from pursuing what she loves to do, Yvonne Siew (@yvonne_siew) completed her first marathon at Nagoya Women Marathon 2018 (NWM) after giving birth a baby girl. A bonus added, her finished timing (3:33:46) also hit the Boston Marathon qualifying time at her age group. In fact, it was her second time to be qualified for Boston. In which, she did 3:26:47 in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon 2016 before she was expecting and she did it again after resting for one and the half year. Read on to find out her race experience at NWM and how she copes in between running and taking care of her 10-months-old baby girl.
JustRunLah!: What draws you to Marathons?
Yv: I enjoy the process of running a marathon: Set a goal, train hard and achieve it. This is what makes the dull, repetitive life become different and make it more meaningful.
JustRunLah!: One weird running habit you have that most people don’t know about.
Yv: I’m not sure if this is weird, but I must eat an adequate amount of food before a race. For example, a plate of fried rice or two sandwiches or a few cakes and pastries. I cannot push hard with an empty stomach.
JustRunLah!: What attracted you to Nagoya Women Marathon (NWM)?
Yv: The famous and beautiful Tiffany Necklace! This had been one of my goals ever since I read up about NWM. Another thing that attracted me to NWM is the Japan race atmosphere. I took part in Tokyo Marathon 2016 and it was an unforgettable experience. The spectators cheer for every runners along the course and it’s really fun to run with the happy Japanese runners in various costumes.
JustRunLah!: What was the hardest part of the race?
Yv: In overall, it was a pleasant experience for me. If I have to say one, then that will be the cold weather. The temperature on the race day was about 5 degree and even after I crossed the 30km mark, it’s still chilly and windy.
JustRunLah!: What was the best part?
Yv: The event is well-organised. From the race registration to the race pack collection and to the race day experience, everything is smooth. Their support crews at the water / aid station are really amazing. Before the runners passed by the water point, they already standby holding two cups of water, stretched their hands out as much as they could to serve the runners.
JustRunLah!: How many hours do you train a week?
Yv: Being a working mom, I cannot afford the time to train as much as I was last time. Now I try to allocate 45 minutes to 1 hour everyday to do my workout.
JustRunLah!: Any cross-training?
Yv: I do not swim or cycle. But I like to do weight training in the gym and sometimes HIIT at home if the day is busy.
JustRunLah!: What do you eat before you race?
Yv: One day before the race, I get any bread or pastries that come to my mind. If I am at the overseas race, then I get the local snacks.
JustRunLah!: Favourite recovery meal?
Yv: People that have been following me on my Insta Story know that I LOVE soya milk! On the daily basis, I like to have a fruits oatmeal bowl and eggs after a workout.
JustRunLah!: Who inspires you?
Yv: To Every runners that I met or I haven’t met has a story, a background and a life that inspires me. My husband, Henry is one of them. He is a true run addict that nothing (and nobody) can stop him from running. His strong will and determination makes me to reflect on myself. So they inspire me to pick up running again after giving birth.
Like other new parents, I was feeling lost too. I gave up my interest; I gave away my running gears and shoes and I thought that keeping fit in my current situation is impossible. Then one day I realised that my baby girl, Amber shouldn’t be my excuse. She is my motivation! I need to be healthy and strong so I can be there at her every milestone. Running and engaging an active lifestyle has impacted my life greatly in a positive way, I want to show her excelling in running is a way for me to excel in other parts of life too.
JustRunLah!: One advice for aspiring mummies?
Yv: Nobody can define us, we decide who we want to be and work it out. Do not compare, “run” your own life at your own pace.
JustRunLah!: What running means to you in less than 10 words.
Yv: A spice of our life to become “Runderful”
