Because We Can!

They are public officers by day but in their spare time, Ms Sim Yi Hui, Mr Cheang Kok Chung and Ms Sim Phei Sunn climb mountains, trek jungles, run ultra-marathons and conquer adventure trails. Challenge finds out what drives them to test their limits in the name of sport, and why they are so loving it

Because We Can!

MS SIM YI HUI

Experiential Education Officer, Raffles Institution/Junior College, and Co-Leader of the NATAS Singapore Women's Everest Team

Favourite endurance sport

That would have to be trail running and mountaineering. I first started when I joined Make It Real, a student mountaineering programme in NUS in 2003. I am drawn to the aspect of challenging myself physically and mentally in an environment that is different from what we are used to in Singapore.

Training routine

Currently, I train about four times a week - mostly doing trail runs and hitting the gym. I like to do my runs before work as I tend to feel more energised for the rest of the day. Finding time to train is not really a problem for me as I love the outdoors and would rather hit the trails than walk around in a shopping centre.

Highs and lows

The most significant is the feeling of having gone through the toughest and most challenging moments, and in the process gotten to know myself better. A definite high would also be the joy and feeling of camaraderie of climbing together with my team - the NATAS Singapore Women's Everest Team.

Well, I would count having to abandon the summit of Everest because of my chest condition as one of my biggest lows. Having trained so hard for five years, the decision to turn around from the summit was one of the most difficult decisions that I had to make.

Having lived through some of the most trying environments - such as enduring -20 deg Celsius temperatures, severe windstorms and more than 20 hours of non-stop climbing - I've developed a 'can-do' attitude such that it is possible to overcome any obstacle and challenge at work.

Because We Can!

MR CHEANG KOK CHUNG

Director, Water Studies Division, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources

Favourite endurance sport

Adventure races are like mystery bags. Challenges unfold as the race proceeds and there isn't a pre-defined route. Beyond athletic prowess, participants compete over a wider range of disciplines including navigation, rope skills, team dynamics and even puzzle solving. No two races are the same, and completing the race is a satisfaction in itself. These races push me to deal with situations that I am not naturally comfortable with. I have had to deal with heights, such as doing rope obstacles up and down Sheares Bridge.

I still don't enjoy heights but at least now I know that it is possible to grit my teeth and go through the challenges if necessary, especially since such races are typically team events.

Training routine

I would have liked to say that training is integrated into my normal daily routine such that it does not tax my schedule, but unfortunately, that is not true. I try to achieve some integration such as bike commuting to work (my minimal daily dose of cardio work). Watching TV was one of the first things to go.

Essential learning

A typical race has dynamic elements like navigation and order of checkpoints. There are also surprise elements, and participants can usually expect the unexpected. These races often demand on-the-spot decisions. Making sound decisions in the face of fatigue, stress, time pressures and in a team with conflicting views, it's simply not easy. After paying the price for several bad decisions, you learn to have a much more disciplined decision-making process instead of just gut feel.

Self-motivation

How about visualising calories being zapped while training?

If I weren't doing this, I would be...

Hunting for good Chinese desserts like walnut paste - another passion of mine!

No two races are the same, and completing the race is a satisfaction in itself. These races push me to deal with situations that I am not naturally comfortable with.

Because We Can!

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.

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

STEP UP!:

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