In barely one week to come, we will be welcoming the 7th edition of the Straits Times Run (or ST Run for short). In addition to the usual 10km and 18.45km categories, the organiser has added new categories for the students – SPH35 – Panasonic Challenge (3.5km distance) and a new 3.5km Fun Run for the public to mark The Straits Times’ publisher – Singapore Press Holdings’ 35thanniversary!
Whether you are lacing up for the 18.45km, 10km or 3.5km category of the ST Run, remember to have ample rest and hydration prior to Race Day on 29 Sep 2019.
And coincidentally, spotlight for our Feature Friday this week is on one of the ST Run 2019 pacers – Eric. He is one of “unofficial deejays” during our Wednesday & Saturday runs and his happy mix of music sure help you with the runs especially on the long runs loops along ECP! Run with him and you will be encouraged to push the extra miles!
Read on to find out more on this joyful runner who never fails to greet you with a smile and yes, plenty of flattering wefies!
Eric in his wefie mode! 📸 : Eric
RD: What is your day time profession?
E: I work as a Visual Merchandiser with the Retail & Channel Management in my company. I walk up to 10 thousands steps a day, snap pictures and repeat.
RD: How did you embark on your running journey?
E: A health scare in 2016, my blood pressure reading reached a severe stage at 189/100. I accepted the doctor’s diagnosis but asked him for a grace period of 3 months to work on my primary issues (body weight) before he starts me on long term medications. A big lifestyle change is the only way out for me! The day-to-day choices was hard in the beginning from shrinking meal sizes and ditching all my favourite snacks to lacing up my running shoes. I was determined to work towards the positive change and re-shape my physical fitness. Fast forward, I returned to the doctor with good report and a “shrunk me” (from 83kg to 76kg).
RD: How did you come to know about RD? What kept you running with us?
E: Our running buddy, Mr Fong, brought me and Rachel to Parkland Green for the first time and introduced us to his good buddy, Kenneth. We hit it off right away and became good friends.
RD: Have you always been so fit and active? (I see from your FB/ IG that you run a lot and conduct aqua-fit lessons!)
E: Yes in my early 20s where I showed off my roller-skate tricks and BMX bike stunts to my ex-girlfriend (now the Mrs). I did work in the gym and conducted step aerobics workout..lols! Thanks to national service for the extensive physical training with this core motto to follow; “Endure & Excel”.
I was trained to do aqua running 3 years ago and it was a very good add on workout with incredible benefits. I am passionate to introduce anyone to aqua fitness. Do throw some variety into your running programme to make things interesting!
RD: What is your most memorable race to date? And why?
E: Gold Coast Marathon 2019, race day was cold and windy with 10 minutes of rain showers poured on us at the start pen, my enthusiasm was dampened! And the weather continued to have occasional drizzles and sunshine throughout the course. At about 8km, I was in awe to see the huge arch of rainbow right before my eyes, snapped a picture and carry on. Thereafter, I was battling with a personal best timing at 30km mark and decided to chase hard towards the finish line. Lo and behold, I “fell nicely” in the arms of Rachel, I was saved! The rainbow is truly a reflection of God’s awesomeness, He’s always near. Whenever you see a rainbow, remember God is love.
Eric with his Mrs at the Gold Coast Marathon 2019. 📷 credit: Eric
RD: The running mantra that keeps you going (when you are ready to throw in the towel during your bad runs)?
E: “Hang in there, just a little while more!” I am just grateful to God to be running.
RD: Is there a low point in your running journey and how did you get out of it?
E: Caught this bout of plantar fasciitis for 9 months and it had disrupted my running. Instead of feeling “sore”, I tried different running forms with shorter runs and worked on my core strength to maintain my fitness.
RD: Why did you decide to sign up as a pacer and why ST run?
E: It’s a big job to me! I have always been excited to become an official pacer since I joined Running Department. This is my first pacing project and ST Run is a good event to start with.
RD: Any tips for the runners doing the ST RUN on 29 September?
E: Invest in a good pair of running shoes and socks that promise good feel on your feet. Keep up the good spirit and be energised by the sight of participating runners.
See you at ST RUN Run on 29 Sep 19!
