JustRunLah! : How will you introduce yourself to Asia running and fitness community?
Henry – My name is Henry and I run for fun.
Yv – I’m Yvonne Siew and a running enthusiast. I like to try out different terrain races, to test my limit at different categories and I really enjoy running at different places.
JustRunLah! : How did you meet each other?
Yv – We are the couples who run together, but CHALLENGE each other. We met at a Sundown marathon race expo but we didn’t talk or know each other then. Then by chance, we met at Macritchie Reservoir and had a chance to run together. His first line to me back then was actually “I will beat you!”, half in jest but also probably half serious as he wanted to improve his marathon timing. We started running together and pushing each other to improve.
JustRunLah! : When did you first pick up running (what age) and what inspired you to do so?
Henry – I think I only caught the running bug in 2011 when I joined my first marathon. I was inspired by my boss back then who was running 3+hrs as a sprightly 50 years old, and I thought I can do better. I crawled to the finish line in 5 hours and walked funny for the next few days, but was intrigued enough by the sport to want to do better.
Yv – I first picked up running at 25 years old and that was encouraged by a friend to help me get over a down period. I joined the Nike We Run, and from that onwards, I just cannot stop. Subsequently, I got the inspiration to run a marathon, this came for a few of my running idols – Yuki Kawauchi, Haruki Murakami, Ou Yang Jing and all the running friends around me. I did my first marathon in Sundown Marathon 2015 and my first ultra race in MSIG Action Asia Singapore 2016. It’s addictive.
JustRunLah! : Your greatest reward from your sporting journey so far?
Yv – A healthier lifestyle, a stronger body and a tougher mind that makes me feel I’m capable of doing anything. I have been applying the “marathon spirit” when life gets tough. Regardless, I’ll continue running and in a hope that my beloved daughter, as she grows, will be influenced to stay fit. For me and my husband, running also gives us a chance to spend quality time together apart from work and parenting. Runcation is something we always look forward to.
Henry – the friendships forged. and controlling my weight.
JustRunLah! : What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
Henry – suck it up. as with many things in life.
Yv – Run like no tomorrow, just tell this to me. Because I really don’t like to deal with regret.
JustRunLah! : One advice for aspiring runners?
Henry & Yv – Don’t ever quit.
JustRunLah! : Finish this sentence: Fitness is…
Henry – my lifestyle; I breathe, I run.
Yv – A spice of our life – moderation will add “flavor” into life, but overdoing it can become a spoiler.
