He is one of Running Department’s founding member, one of Running Department’s most experienced pacer, and definitely one of Running Department’s sweetest foodie.

If you have been joining Running Department to Train with Us regularly, it is highly likely that you have already figured out that we are talking about Boon.

Boon has been pacing with Running Department at a incredibly consistent pace for the past 6 years; from Running Department’s maiden official project – Army Half Marathon 2013, right through till the recent Income Eco Run 2019. In case, you are wondering why did you not see him pace during OSIM Sundown Marathon 2019, that is because he was mentoring the pacers. He is certainly on pace to create an incredible local pacing record.

Boon is also known for his love for food. Well, to be precise, sugar-filled food, food photos on Facebook and of course, his creative Instagram stories of Bubble Teas!

We found photos of Boon pacing as early as 2011!
Photo Credits: Boon’s FB page

Continuing the A- Z Feature Friday series on Running Department’s 6th Birthday. This week, we present to you…

B is for Boon!

RD: Tell us how did you start running and what motivated you?

Boon: I actually started running actively after ROD from the army. The purpose was to motivate and prepare the younger ones from my church group for NS. MacRitchie Reservoir Nature Reserve was usually where we ran in those days.

One of my challenges is laziness. I need motivation to drag myself out of the bed. That motivation for me surfaced in the form of my friends. The company of my friends to hang out with, during and after a run always motivates me to get myself moving.

RD: We hear that you have been here since the formation of the Running Department 6 years ago. We are certain RD has a special place in your heart. Share with us what RD means to you and some special moments you have had over the last 6 years?

Boon: Yasssss,  I totally love this group! There is no pretence, the folks are open, honest, and they are simply a fun bunch to hang out with. No yaya papayas yet incredible runners.

Memorable moment would have to be the one in which I couldn’t complete one of my pacing assignments. The support, care and understanding was tremendous. It was also a big learning moment for, no matter how prepared you are sh*t still can happen!

RD: You have been pacing for many years . Let’s start with the most commonly asked question – Why do you pace? How did your motivation to pace evolve through the years?

Boon, the official pacer for 2:10 for the Army Half Marathon 2013
Photo Credits: Running Department

Boon: The camaraderie of the team • The discipline to train • The satisfied/grateful faces of the people we run with to get to the finishing line in a certain time are the reasons I pace and remains my motivation to continue pacing.

RD:  What is the most impactful, the most unforgettable moment you have experienced or you have seen during your running journey. It can be about yourself, pacing, the running community, a tree, a pebble, the clouds, a toilet break, a water station, a route, or even food?

Boon: The most unforgettable moment had to be during my first marathon, when I was still younger, none the wiser. Did not train for it at all, and just yolo ran and completed it in under 6 hours. Well, the downside was that I paid for it by suffering the entire night laying motionless in bed. Every bit of my body was in excruciating pain!

RD: We have one last question before we conclude this special edition of Feature Friday. There has been a long-time curiosity amongst many about why you are never seen in a in sleeve less tee?

Boon: No guns to show, so gotta cover them up!

You can actually see the guns in the tank top pacer profile pic above. It is pretty solid, Boon. I have to show you mine someday.

On behalf of our readers and the Writing Team, thank you for letting us feature you. Please let us thank you for your time with a boba bae! celebration.

via GIPHY

For our dear Readers and Runners, we hope that you have enjoyed this “B(agus)” edition of Feature Friday! Thank you for all your support and contributions to Running Department over the years. Our 6th Birthday would not have been possible without you all. Thank you! <3

We will be back again with another A-Z Feature Friday Series soon. This time, it will be C for … … … Take a guess and tell us in the comments who you think it will be? 

Happy Birthday, RD!