ASICS META : Time : Trials Thailand 2025 – Balancing the Demands of Being a Doctor with a Love for Running: Dora Lau
- Hana Basir
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
ASICS Running Club Singapore's Dora Lau shared with Sportplus.SG on how running will always be part of her life, no matter the trials and tribulations of being a third-year resident
Growing up, Dora Lau once wanted to be a PE teacher, then a reporter, and then thought—maybe she’d follow in the footsteps of her father, an engineer. It was only after being hospitalised as a teenager and experiencing the compassion of healthcare workers that she discovered her true calling.
Now a devoted member of the ASICS Running Club Singapore, she is in her third year of family medicine residency, carrying with her the hope of paying forward the care she once received. The days are long, often spent on her feet, and the work is as mentally taxing as it is meaningful—but through it all, running has never been secondary. No matter how busy she got, it’s always been there as her steady constant.
“There have been a few occasions where I’ve had to break bad news to family members, but once was especially tough,” she recalled.
“The family found it hard to accept as everything happened too suddenly. They shared their side of the story with me, and it really weighed on me. I had training that evening after work and I was so close to skipping it. When I showed up, seeing the running community all excited for training really cheered me up. The run helped me to reset mentally.”
Dora’s love for running stemmed from childhood innocence—a common game played by many Singaporeans who grew up in the early and mid 2000 and 2010s.
“My interest in running began in primary school where my friends and I played Catching during recess! I then started running longer distances in university as an outlet to clear my head. I grew to love it, and now, I look forward to my runs after a day's work,” Dora recounted her journey fondly.
From the courts of her primary school and the streets near her university, Dora has gone on to take part in local races such as the 2XU Compression Run, Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and has even served a pacer at events such as the Garmin Run Asia. Not only that, but she’s even made time to take part in overseas races such as the ASICS META : Time : Trials as part of the ASICS Running Club crew.
Balancing training with a full-time job is never easy—but for doctors, it’s an entirely different challenge, a test of endurance and resilience that only those who’ve lived it can truly understand.
As a third-year resident climbing the ranks, it’s not uncommon for Dora to work through the night and into the early hours of morning. Yet, she always finds a way to push through, sometimes even running home from work as a form of commute to get her miles in. With her bubbly, happy-go-lucky personality, it’s no surprise she chooses to embrace the rewards of her two passions instead of letting it break her.
“Running keeps me grounded. It gives me space to process my thoughts and brings me peace amidst a stressful day. It also helps me understand my patients better. I hope to promote the importance of staying active to everyone. It does not have to be hard or painful, starting small by integrating exercises into our daily routine can make a difference,” she shared.
Some weeks are more packed than others with longer hours, admin work, and prepping for exams. Sleep and recovery can be affected but I’ve learned to be more flexible with my running routine and not be too pressured because small, consistent efforts still count.”
Like everything in life though, dark days inevitably come—but when they do, she leans on her colleagues who instinctively know how to weather the storm by her side.
“There are some days where I'll think of my patients after work. It may be after an emotional conversation with them or concerns about their progress overnight. Over time, these thoughts can lead to burnouts easily, and I've had friends who’ve had to reach out for professional help,” she shared in earnest.
“I want to bring across the message that it is okay to not be okay and allow others to help you when you feel vulnerable. For myself, I’ve slowly learned to let go after work and trust in my colleagues who take over the care of my patient.”
Soon, Dora will trade the hospital corridors for the bustling streets of Bangkok, as she takes on the ASICS META : Time : Trials Thailand 2025. Once again, she’ll be running alongside the ASICS Running Club—a crew that has grown into some of her closest friends and one of her favourite parts of the event.
“We have been travelling every year as a team with the ASICS running club. I enjoy the memories we make pre-race, on race day, and even post-race! Everyone is so supportive. There is a common love for running that brings us together,” gushed Dora.
“The running community—shoutout to ASICS—keeps me going because I’m around people who love the sport so much. Their energy is infectious too. Running has become part of my life, and I truly enjoy it for what it is—the rhythmic footsteps, the quiet reflections, the familiar sights. I'll never get bored!
"I'm looking forward to this year's new running route at the Rama VIII Bridge and park. I've never been there before, so I'm excited to explore the area. Coupled with running alongside my friends and regional athletes, I'm sure it'll be a memorable experience.”