Changing the perspective about women who run, Melissa Foo hopes to push the mental limits for women and encourage more females to take up running as a sport.
New Balance’s new running philosophy, ‘Run Your Way’ has been at the forefront of removing sterotypes, giving anyone who wants to run — be it socially or competitively — a means to celebrate their individuality. Pace and distance aside, ‘Run Your Way’ shows that there is no wrong way, only your way. In this collaboration feature between New Balance and Nagoya City Marathon, SportPlus.sg finds out how this philosophy has helped with preparing individuals for their races.
Running a marathon is no easy feat, but Melissa Foo manages at least one every year. The social distance runner shares with SportPlus.sg about the highs and lows of being a female runner ahead of the all-women's Nagoya Marathon.
Being a female athlete comes with its own set of unique challenges. While some such as battling stereotypes may be more commonly acknowledged, there's a plethora of other lesser-known hurdles a female runner must confront.
An avid long-distance runner, Melissa has been in the scene for six years now. She has participated in numerous marathons around the world including Sydney Marathon and our very own Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, where she encountered a particular problem that only women can empathise with.
In a special New Balance x Nagoya Marathon collaboration, SportPlus.sg sat with Melissa to delve deeper into the nuanced joys and tribulations of being a woman in the sporting space, including navigating the intricacies of performance during the dreaded time of the month.
 Can you share a little about your running journey?
Melissa: I never really liked running as a kid. I would often skip P.E in secondary school so some of my older friends are amazed when I tell them that I run marathons now. I only really started picking up running after I started work. I started out on a treadmill and when I first started, I couldn't run more than 10 minutes and I slowly increased that minute by minute.
When I realised I was able to run for about an hour on the treadmill, I started running outside. I started at about 5km and 6km and slowly increased that too. The first running group I joined was Superhero Runners and they really opened me up to the world of running because I met so many friends. It is a very supportive running community.
How do you feel times have changed since you were younger when it comes to women in running?
Melissa: I think there are a lot more girls who are into running now as compared to previous years when it seemed to be more of a guy’s sport. I often get my girlfriends to come running with me as well.
I want to make running fun and accessible for everyone because I think the reason a lot of girls are afraid of running is everyone runs so fast and for so long. Even with running groups like at New Balance Run Club, 'Happy Pace Group' which is deemed for slower runners usually has to run a minimum of 5km.
A lot of girls think they can only run a maximum of a kilometer or two so that's something I'm trying to change. I think a lot of the time, girls limit themselves to that but it's not true. It’s not that girls can't run or that girls are weak, you just have to be consistent and motivated to keep doing it.
Moving on to some women-specific challenges, there’s been a lot talk surrounding athletes playing while on their periods. What are some ways you adapt?
Melissa: You definitely have to change your running schedule. One of the most common questions I get asked is if I still run long distance while on my period. The answer is yes.
Going back to what I said about girls limiting themselves, we may think we can't do it but you don't know until you try. I’ve done 21km and 25km even while on my period. I mean, you’ll definitely be affected to some extent. You may feel a little more tired but you can definitely still train so don't let that limit you. Of course, you still do need to adjust your schedule and not overdo it because after all, you are losing blood! Maybe lower the intensity of your runs and take more breaks in between.
Have you ever gotten your period on race day?
Melissa: Yes, during last year's Standard Chartered Marathon...that's why I died halfway! I did finish it though. You don't have a choice. You already started correct?
How is it going to be different this time running at an All-Women’s marathon?
Melissa: My first all women’s race was the 10km Great Eastern Women’s run last year. It was interesting as everyone around me were women and I thought it was quite empowering.
I had all my girlfriends with me and we were all supporting each other. I'm excited to see how different it will be in a full marathon where you’ll be running with women for a full 42km. There’s just something different when it’s all women together. You know, with girl power and women helping each other, there’s a sense of support. Not forgetting that at the end there’s a Tiffany & Co. necklace everyone is talking about! I’m excited to see what it looks like.
What do you hope to achieve in Nagoya?
Melissa: For any race, I’m always trying to do better. I've been trying to go under four hours for the past two years. I’m not sure if I can do it this time, but I'm trying my best. Hopefully I can at least get a personal best but if not, I just want to enjoy myself and enjoy Nagoya!
What does 'Run Your Way' mean to you?
Melissa: It means I'm only just running at my own pace and not really competing with anybody. I'm really just competing with myself. It’s to just improve and do better each time.
