Lynette managed a 2.4km timing of 8m:49m, 73 sit-ups and 69 push-ups, a perfect 100 points for the female IPPT age group under 22 years old. She also holds the record for being the only female Officer Cadet to have won the Overall Best Physical Training (PT).
Two weeks back, she came in 2nd for Shape Run 2015 (15km) with 1:07:23. In this interview, JustRunLah! catches up with this superwoman:
JustRunLah!: We know you have superior physical fitness attributes. How will you introduce yourself to Singapore running community?
Lynette Lioh: Just an ordinary local runner that have an obsession with the gym!
JRL: When did you first pick up running (what age) and what inspired you to do so? And run so fast?
LL: I joined my first running event in 2009. My close friend asked if I was interested to join the race with her as I have been actively running on my own to keep myself in shape.
From then on, it was my start of my running journey. Back then, I joined quite a number of races to discipline myself to run long distance.
I have always had a deep passion for keeping myself physically fit — having been involved in canoe polo, track and field and touch rugby during my school days.
After I joined Air Force, I wanted to be stronger, fitter and faster. That sense of satisfaction of achieving my goal grew me into a more disciplined individual.
JRL: Would you say that one needs to have a certain mindset to take up running as a sport/exercise activity? If so, how must a runner – whether a newbie or experienced – prepare himself or herself mentally?
LL: Yes. I feel that a person’s attitude/discipline is what defines a person. Discipline means inner strength, self-control, mental stamina, physical toughness and perseverance. As long as he/she will have that level of discipline to uphold and maintain what he/she to prepare.
JRL: What would you consider to be your biggest running achievement so far?
LL: During my officer training course, I won the overall best PT in the PT excellence challenge for the cohort in OCS. I was the first female in history to have won the award. I was unaware that a female could even stand a chance of winning the award. I wanted to achieve a personal best ippt result before I commission as an officer.
JRL: You ran a very impressive 8:49 for a 2.4km, 73 sit-ups and 69 push! How long did it take you to train for that?
LL: During my officer training course, I had the privilege of staying in Air Force Training Command(AFTC) where they provided trainees with track and gym facilities. I had a strict training routine that I follow to improve and maintain my fitness level.
JRL: What advice would you give to someone taking that 2.4km test?
LL:
– Set their targeted award.
– Set a targeted score that he/she wants to achieve from the 2.4 km station
– Set realistic goals for themselves and give yourself sufficient time for training
– Most importantly, having the mindset of wanting to achieve the end goal
JRL: Do you have any pre-race rituals? What goes through your head every time you run?
LL: I will set a few realistic goals for myself to achieve. I will mentally prepare myself through the race, setting a realistic timing and pace for myself.
I will repeatedly remind myself that how I must not disappoint myself and this is all that I have and what I have been training for so I must put up a good race, not only meeting the goals but challenging them.
JRL: What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
LL: As I sacrificed a lot for my training, I will constantly remind myself why I started this and that I must not give up and disappoint myself.
For my family and friends know how much I sacrificed, I don’t want to disappoint them and I want to prove that the sacrifices I make are worth it.
JRL: What do you think makes a runner, especially someone who keeps at it, put feet to the ground day after day?
LL: Everyone is a runner. Every individual whether they do it competitively or leisurely, as long as they have the strength and courage to put on that pair of running shoes. There is nothing that should dictate how or what a runner should be 🙂
JRL: Thank you very much Lynette. Finally, could you complete the sentence for us: “Running is…”
LL: Running is a gift!
