MS SIM PHEI SUNN
Strategist, Futures Group, Ministry of Trade and Industry
Favourite endurance sport
My first love is long-distance trail running - I love the feel of cruising through a natural setting.
I started 10 years ago. I ran my first marathon in 2003, and have completed countless marathons and four ultra-marathons since then. I first started out wanting to lose weight, but soon fell in love with long runs. Running is also a great, cheap way to see the sights of any country.
I also like triathlons. The cross training provides a more balanced workout to the body and adds variety.
I recently completed my first Ironman race in Dec 2009, and it was an awesome experience. Progressing from trekking to mountaineering was a natural step. I picked up technical mountaineering in 2005. Mountaineering is a unique blend of many disciplines and is by far the most challenging of all the endurance sports that I do. I try to go for a high altitude climb each year. It is my annual escape and retreat.
Training routine
When I'm not preparing for a climb, I run three times a week, mixing speed work and long runs of 10km to 30km. I also swim two or three times a week, about 1.5km each time, and do a long bike ride. Otherwise, I replace this with HDB stair climbing or going up Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Prepping yourself
I tell myself: "Just do it". Confidence comes from knowing that you've prepared for an event, and you focus on getting to the finishing line safely. It is also important to break down a big target into more tangible goals that keep you on track.
Support
Understanding colleagues and bosses definitely help. My parents have also been very supportive of my races. They used to drive me around in the early mornings and let me use the family car with minimal issues. My mum's greatest headache is how to store all my gear at home. Each endurance sport requires its own set of specialised equipment. And I could probably set up shop with my three bicycles, large down sleeping bag, countless helmets, shoes, clothes and paraphernalia if I had to give it up someday.
If I weren't doing this, I would be...
Spending time on other sports, like adventure racing, nordic ski, rock climbing and multi-day cycling tours. I would love a chance to try a high-altitude or polar marathon, or an Antarctic crossing. To go where few have ventured, and see what few have witnessed.