National duathlete Yong Man Yun started her running journey later than most, but that did not stop her from pursuing her goals and competing for Singapore at the highest level in the duathlon
PHOTO: JOHN YEONG, SPORTPLUS.SG
She may not be able to compete in Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2022 due to clashing schedules with SEA Games 2023 qualification, but national duathlete and teacher Yong Man Yun has a message for her students and aspiring athletes who wish to write their own stories one day.
In this exclusive "Go Beyond" series interview for Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, Man Yun shares with us just why loves running and what makes it so special for her.
What is your favourite Running Route in Singapore - care to walk us through it? What makes it special?
Man Yun: I enjoy running at Kallang and Marina Barrage. The landscape there is beautiful and I feel it is a good representation of Singapore's development. Practically, the route is flat, has water points, shower facilities and it is also linked to East Coast Park! Out of the city, I love to do my easy runs in the trails as I love nature and find it peaceful doing so.
You are a Team Singapore Duathlete / Triathlete, how many years have you been running, and how did you first get into running?
Man Yun: I first started running when I was at NIE back in 2011. During breaks at NIE, I just followed my classmate (who runs competitively) to the track for sessions. With that, I got better over time, trained with more structure and started to win at local road races.
PHOTO: JOHN YEONG, SPORTPLUS.SG
In line with this series' theme of Go Beyond, we'd like to ask you about some of the challenges you have had to face on your running journey, and how have you overcome these?
Man Yun: The biggest challenge was probably becoming stagnant and under-performing during races. It is difficult because performance at trainings sets expectations and when race timing falls short, you start to ponder and get demoralised when it happens too frequently.
A change in training methodology helped me. I would say it is essential to know what are our weaknesses and with that knowledge, we can better cater the training programme or seek alternative training plans to build on our flaws. Running is not just about running hard and fast, it’s a lot on self-discovery, rest and regulating your emotions when you are stressed, e.g during a race or hard workout.
PHOTO: JOHN YEONG, SPORTPLUS.SG
What's it like being an educator in Singapore? What are the things you enjoy most, find the most fulfilling and some of the challenges you encounter?
Man Yun: It’s true that teachers don’t just teach. We are more of a mentor and an adult figure to guide the students along as they navigate through their youth and life.
I am a physical education teacher so naturally I love seeing students play and head outdoors in their own time.
I find it fulfilling when students who have a fear of playing sports tell me they are no longer scared of it anymore, or even better, when they tell me they've started to enjoy sports. And the biggest challenge for me would probably be the multiple roles we have to take up in order for a school function well.
What do you do for running / training in a typically given week?
Man Yun: I run 3-4 times a week, bike 3-4 times a week as well. I also swim and do strength work.
For runs, I usually do 1-2 easy, 1 hard and 1 long run. I do brick when race is nearing - which is run after a bike session! That would be about 30-50km a week on average.
Are you more a solo run or group runs kind of person?
Man Yun: More of a solo because I don’t have to plan much. However, I prefer to run with someone/group if it’s a hard run. But it can be challenging to find people who fit my schedule, pace and training sets!
How many SCSMs have you taken part in to date? Share with us your favourite SCSM running memory.
Man Yun: I think I’ve ran seven to date! Ranging from 10km to full marathon. My first marathon was at SCSM more than 10 years ago!
PHOTO: JOHN YEONG, SPORTPLUS.SG
What are your wishes for the local running community?
Man Yun: I wish for everyone to be injury free and that we will continue to inspire each other towards our personal running goals.
Are there any personal running goals you have for yourself this year?
Man Yun: I will not be able to participate in this year's SCSM. SNOC has recently announced the timeline for SEA Games 2023 Selections and Triathlon Association has came up with its own selection policies and timeline accordingly.
A group of duathletes will be traveling to Clark, the Philippines over the same weekend to race as part of selection process. This race is important for us to qualify for SEA Games because it is probably the last duathlon race in the region before nomination on 19 December. Really bummed to miss SCSM but I hope to come back again soon!