64-year-old runner: 'Run while your legs and heart still allow it.'

Yow Kang Huat from Singapore was delighted to win second place in the over-60 age group for the 21km race at the VnExpress Marathon Sparkling Quy Nhon 2023.

Mr. Yow, whose running nickname is Frankie, started running in high school. Back then, running was his hobby after school. But at that time, Mr. Yow didn't think about marathons; he only participated in short-distance races at school track and field competitions.

Mr. Yow on the running track of the VnExpress Marathon Sparkling Quy Nhon 2023. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

It was at university that Mr. Yow learned more about running. He joined a group of fellow students who shared his passion for running and found a good coach. From that point on, he began registering for several long-distance races, initially 10km, then half marathons, and finally full marathons.

"I vividly remember my first full marathon; it ended disastrously. I was so exhausted that I decided to quit at kilometer 40, even though I only had 2 kilometers left to finish. At the time, I was so excited that I didn't realize a marathon is not an easy challenge. So, even though I was younger and fitter than I am now, I didn't finish. Before that, I had only trained for 10km. That was a valuable lesson and motivated me to train more seriously later," Mr. Yow recounted.

After graduating, Mr. Yow went to Malaysia for work and became even more passionate about running. He joined a running club and trained regularly. Along with his fellow runners, he participated in marathons throughout Malaysia, mainly in the 21km and 42km distances. "It was a valuable experience in my youth. I not only improved my performance but also made many running friends," he recounted.

Later, Mr. Yow returned to work in Singapore. Fate led him to Vietnam, where he worked in the medical equipment industry. At this time, running was not only an effort to improve himself through each race, but also an opportunity for him to explore many other countries. Mr. Yow registered for and completed hundreds of marathon races in various places such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Canada, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

When he was younger, Mr. Yow achieved sub-3 marathon times. Before Covid-19, his best time for this distance was 3 hours and 45 minutes. Now, the 64-year-old runner no longer has the motivation to train for a full marathon. But Mr. Yow believes that with renewed effort, he can still achieve sub-4 in the future.

Currently, Mr. Yow mainly participates in the 21km distance to satisfy his love of sightseeing while running. At the VnExpress Marathon Sparkling Quy Nhon 2023, he participated in the half marathon and achieved a time of 1 hour 54 minutes and 19 seconds, ranking second in the men over 60 age group.

Mr. Yow strides across the Thi Nai Bridge on the morning of June 11th. Photo: VnExpress Marathon

"This was a well-organized race. The atmosphere was vibrant, the volunteers were friendly and helpful to the athletes. Water stations, medical facilities, etc., were fully provided. I think the organizers could further improve communication with the athletes. For example, when I finished and received my award card, I wasn't given instructions on what to do next. I also think the organizers should place some trash cans near the finish line so athletes can dispose of their used water bottles," he said.

In the future, Mr. Yow aims to achieve a half marathon time of 1 hour and 45 minutes. He said he will continue to participate in races within the VnExpress Marathon system if he can arrange the time.

"Honestly, I don't know how much longer my body and mind will allow me to run. I can only say that I will continue to pursue this passion as long as I can run. When I can no longer run, perhaps I will find another sport to keep myself healthy and happy. Through this, I want to tell you all to keep running while your legs and heart still allow it," said the 64-year-old runner.

Quynh Chi

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/runner-64-tuoi-hay-chay-khi-doi-chan-va-trai-tim-con-cho-phep-4617358.html