Roy is one
of the most approachable characters in the local running circuit and he is
always smiling and having fun with other runners in races. That does not mean
he is not a serious runner and he can easily put in a sub-4 FM and sub-2 HM
anytime he wants. What is special about this guy is that he is a 2-time stroke
survivor, and the 2nd time he was afflicted was less than 12 months
ago which left him bedridden. Surprised? He is bound for South Africa for the
oldest ultra marathon, the Comrades Ultra in a couple of days time. That’s the
attitude and mental strength Roy has that puts a lot of us to shame.
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Come back race with Eugene at MR25 Singapore
Pic by Chua MH
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1. First up Roy,
lets kick this off with you telling us about yourself. What do you do to pay
for all those race fees and put food on the table? Maybe also some family
background?
Thank you 2ndskin for
this opportunity. I am a trained IT security specialist but has since moved on
to publication and event management field. This has given me a bit more time to
do the things I enjoyed.
With my medical
background, life has to be simple now and the focus is on training the body and
mind to be healthy. Once you simplify your life, there is really no big deals
in this world.
2. Were you active
in sports during your younger days? In school or college?
I was pretty much into
all kind of sports during schooling days, but only football and martial arts
stands out. I had the opportunity to travel outside Malaysia to compete in
martial art. However, all that were put aside once my career kicked off and it
took me more than 10 years to realize I need to be active again.
3. What made you take
up running as a sport?
Having to buy new
pants and shirts every few months shocked me to the core. Apart from causing
hole in my pocket, the physical change has become unbearable. With a group of
friends that has also started casually on sports, it gave me the reason to
start loving myself again. Oh yeah, and being in the high risk group with high
blood pressure, needless to say any activity that brings my weight down would
help.
4. Do you remember
the first race you took part in? What was the distance and how did you feel
upon crossing the finish line?
11KM Orange Run 2010
starting from the Curve. I think the reason I signed up was because it is free
and I heard they served great nasi lemak after the race (Mind you I was still a
heavyweight at that time). With the food as the incentive, I slowly crawled to
the finishing line and the feeling was just amazing, there is food and drinks
everywhere!
Since the first race,
I told myself I would sign up at least a race a month to keep myself motivated.
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Powered by 2ndskin, Garmin, Skechers and Hammer to
100KM during Twilight Ultra Challenge
Pic by Running Shots by Marcus
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5. Guess that
felt like a long time ago. How many Ultramarathons and Full Marathons have you
accomplished since then?
Well it was really not
that long ago, but till date it should be around 16 Full Marathons and 5 Ultra
Marathons. It would have been more if I were not bedridden, but that's life,
just has to pick up from where you left it.
Most of the races were
just to get to know the runners community and see the world but I do get
serious in certain races and set my own goal.
6. We know
that you have run in various countries. Tell us the “take away experience” from
each one.
Let's see,
- Malaysia is always
humid and hot, the ugly side of Malaysian are the showcase of races when their
convenience are affected. The good side is, runners are friendly and will always
be seen helping each others.
- Singapore, much more
competitive and sophisticated ($$$) than Malaysian runners but otherwise is the
same as running in Malaysia.
- Thailand, a heaven
to running, good support , smiles everywhere and they organize race the simple
yet efficient way.
- Australia, as an
Asian, you will think why we are so much slower than them.... the answer is in
their training approach and of course the weather and environment there helps.
They can virtually train anytime anywhere whereas we are always worried about
our safety here. If you want to run fast, this is one place you can run.
- New Zealand -
similar to Australia plus the cold weather always makes it much comfortable to
run.
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Ice cream during TNF Singapore City Race - balancing
racing and having fun in race is an art
Pic by Tan Kim Lai
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- Japan - running is
their life. Running is Japan is just amazing. Full marathon equal to 42KM of
human support along the roads, and they served you everything from sweet,
cakes, miso soup to beer and sakae.
I have yet to run in
Europe or North/South America so that would be the next goal hopefully.
Stay
tuned for more Team 2ndskin updates.
7. You are
about to embark on one of the most iconic journeys ever, The Comrades
Ultramarathon in South Africa. Can you tell us about your preparation for the
87km “uphill” journey and your expectations?
Comrades is one race
with a long history (since 1921) and tradition. It is considered one of the
most challenging road race in this world, so it is kind of hard to put your
expectation into perspective. Before I was bedridden, I would think I will
challenge the Bill Rowan medal, which is given to finisher below 9 hours. But
as of now, hoping for a 11 hours finishing would be my goal.
My training started in
December with a 12 hours ultra trail race in Singapore (MR25) and ever since
then I tried to work on the strength on my leg to get it to my previous self.
By the time I run the race, I would have clocked 1500km, hopefully 1500 of
quality mileage.
8. So, you have
done some pretty long runs and races. We also know you are signed up for the
160km in Singapore later this year. What else have you planned for or where do
you go from here?
Last year, I was
supposed to complete that 160KM but I have to DNS due to medical reason so it
is only natural that I am going back to try it out again. In terms of race, I
have yet to sign up for anything major, but definitely now with the guidance of
team 2ndskin, I would want to see my timing in all major categories improving.
And probably going back to do the 'down' run of Comrades next year (assuming I
complete this one).
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Going strong in Bidor Half Marathon
Pic by Cham LK
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9. Have you
ever entertained the thought of venturing into multi-sports? Most of your Team
2ndskin teammates are triathletes. Have they ever planted that thought into
your head?
These guys look great
with their bikes, so obviously the poison is strong, very strong. But then
again I still hold on to the antidote - there is still so much I want to
achieve as a runner so for now, guess I will keep my focus in running and just
ride on my old ugly heavy bike when the team is away racing.
10. We’re nearing
the end of this interview, but we would like to pick your thoughts on something
a bit more personal. Having been afflicted with stroke not once, but twice,
what goes on in your head everytime you go out for a run or race? It must be
pretty scary to have that shadow of a doubt always lingering nearby. How do you
deal with that?
The thought of a third
attack is there, but once we accept life as it is, then it matters not whether
there is going to be another attack or not. It is how we focus on living our
life and what we can do that matters. I would believe what makes it possible
for my speedy recovery is just a simple acceptance of whatever circumstances
and have the self belief that you can handle any situation.
11. Before we
finish this off, what advice would you offer to a runner who wants to take the
next step from running half marathons to doing his/her first Full Marathon?
Set realistic goals
and be committed to it. Training is the core of everything so train full
heartedly and have micro goals to monitor your progress and continue to
improve.
With that, we conclude our interview with Roy and
we wish him all the best for Comrades.
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