Bank Relationship Manager, Qiu Ruozhi was 28 when she first began running half marathons—a 21km run across varying routes. Having completed ten of them since, she tells LUCK-IT why she continues to do half marathons almost a decade on and lets us in on her preparation routines.
“With training, I believe that anyone can run a half marathon. It sounds like a really long distance but it really isn’t that bad.”
Q: How did you start running half marathons? Why did you do it?
A: I was taking part in 10km runs as a social activity with my friends and I decided to challenge myself to go for a run that is longer than the usual.
How did you train for your very first half marathon?
I searched online for a training schedule for a 21km run.
Did you think running it would be a breeze or did you have no idea what to expect?
I enjoyed running so it made it easier.
How long did it take you to prepare for your very first half marathon?
It took me about 6 weeks to prepare for it.
And how long does it take you to prepare for a half marathon now?
I am running/working out regularly, so I guess about 3 weeks would be sufficient.
How do you feel before, during and after a half marathon?
I always take part in the half marathons with friends so it is usually an enjoyable run. I would look forward to it and enjoy the run. After a half marathon, all I want to do is eat and lie down.
Can you describe your training/preparation routine for a half marathon in more detail? What do you do every week and how do you increase the intensity?
It is a 6-days-a-week training. It starts off Monday-Thursday with alternate running distances, i.e. 4.8km, 6.4km, 4.8km, 6.4km. Friday is a sport of your own choice. Saturday would be 9.6km. Every week, the distance increases by 1.6km for all the days. Ultimately, by the last Saturday, you will need to clock 19.2km. There should be 3-4 days where you rest and finally run the 21km race.
Now that you’re more experienced, how does your training routine differ?
I would run four times a week. Twice would be 6-8km, a 10km and one incremental distance, i.e. 12,15,18km.
How do you spend your weekends when you are preparing for a half marathon?
I would ensure I get at least 8-10 hours of sleep before I train, so that I am well rested. I will go running first thing before I go about my day.
And how do you spend your weekends when you are not preparing for a half marathon?
These days I will go to the gym, catch up with friends and family.
What advice do you have for someone thinking of doing a half marathon?
With training, I believe that anyone can run a half marathon. It sounds like a really long distance (given that we do not really walk anywhere these days) but it really isn’t that bad.
Can you map out a recommended path for people who want to complete a half marathon to follow?
There are many training schedules online available depending on fitness level and time available to train.
What, in your opinion, are the key things/people/situations that enable you to complete half marathons painlessly?
I was encouraged to run a half marathon by a friend who is a triathlete. She was the one who trained with me and forced me to chat while running. Running became an activity amongst a couple of us and we would use that time to chat and catch up. It probably made me enjoy running even more because I didn’t have to give up my social life entirely. I think having people around to exercise with makes it difficult to procrastinate.
Who/What can you not do without?
Apart from my dear friends and family, I cannot go through a week without exercising and coffee every morning is a must.
How has having completed numerous half marathons changed you as a person? Or has it not changed you?
“Perseverance is important in whatever we do. Running is a test of this because we have the choice to stop and give up whenever we want and not go anywhere.”It has taught me that perseverance is important in whatever we do. Running is a test of this because we have the choice to stop and give up whenever we want and not go anywhere. I think this can be applied to almost every aspect in life. It has taught me how to self-motivate and keep going even when situations seem bleak.
If you could go back and replay your preparation for your first marathon all over again, what would you do differently?
I was actually pretty pleased with my preparation. I don’t think I would want to change anything about it.
What were you like as a child?
One trait that my parents still like to remind me of till this day is that I refused to ask anyone for help. I would do everything myself. Even if I didn’t know how to, I would try and figure it out on my own.
I was always the favoured child. My nanny doted on me more than her own grandchild. As I am the firstborn, my parents showered me with presents and let me do anything that pleased me.
It was a difficult time when I had to go to primary school because I was on holiday most of the time during my kindergarten years. I still remember crying every day and begging my parents to allow me to stay home.
What about as a teenager and young adult?
As I grew a little older, fitting in became really important to me. It was [the era of] the Baby-G fad and it was the first time I got rejected by my mother when I requested for it. She said it was ugly and refused to buy it for me. It felt like the end of the world for me.
Apart from being FOMO and wanting to always be hanging out with my friends, I would say that I was fiercely loyal to them. I valued my friendships and people who were close to me and I would drop what I was doing if they needed help or just wanted a listening ear. The friends that I have who were there during my formative years are the friends that I know for sure would be friends for life. However, I never much cared about what other people thought of me, I guess this trait has followed me all the way up till this day.
How did you change at every decade? Or did you not change?
I think it’s a constant learning journey. As I age, I control my temper more and I will ask myself if what is troubling me is very important to me. I realised that there are many trivial things that are not worth getting angry or upset about. I have also learnt not to be consumed by things that I cannot control and focus my energies on things that I can change.
I have also started being more appreciative of what I have and not comparing myself with others.
I have also realised that I am making life difficult for myself if I do not ask for help. I can’t know everything in this world and asking for help does not mean you are less of a person. It just makes life easier and more efficient.
Which major event in your life has made you who you are, in your opinion? Why do you think so?
I think that was the time when I first started working. I realised that I had been living in a bubble with idealistic thoughts that after graduating with a degree, I had all the answers to life. Obviously, I was wrong.
I had to learn how to communicate effectively with people and communication isn’t just about forming words. The difficult part is getting others to see your point. This requires you to speak their language and put yourself in their shoes. It was truly a steep learning curve for me and I went to my friends for advice. When that was not enough, I even went to buy books on communication to help me understand more.
It was then that I was truly enlightened. I may have education but having people skills is equally important. There is no point in having brilliant ideas when no one buys into your ideas.
Which 3 objects/people in your life can you presently not live without and why?
My iPhone, iPad and, recently, Kindle. My phone is basically required for work and to catch up with friends. My iPad is also needed for work, and for me to catch up on Netflix. My Kindle is for me to read whenever I have free time.
Of all the objects you’ve ever bought for half marathon preparation, which has been most helpful? Why?
My running shoes are the most important item as of far. When I first started running, I was buying the designs that I liked best across all brands or the ones my friends were recommending. I was throwing them away because they didn’t fit me. I would suggest to find a brand of shoes that fit your feet before you start running, as comfort is key. Ill-fitting shoes will make training difficult.
Which person do you wish Luck-it would interview for you to learn from? Why?
A monk because they live a completely different life from me.
What’s the worst advice you’ve been given, or have heard people giving, with regards to half marathon preparation? And what’s the best?
I’m not sure if this is a bad idea but during half marathons they usually give out bananas/energy bars. I have no clue how people eat while running. I certainly cannot eat before or during a run. The best advice I had was to sip water and not drink the entire cup at water points. That would give you a stitch.
Ruozhi is presently working on becoming more toned by adding body combat and yoga classes to her routine. You can find her in a gym or on Instagram @ruozhiq.
Photographs courtesy and copyright of Qiu Ruozhi. Interviewer: Sy
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