If you want to run fast, run alone.
if you want to run far, run together.
an African proverb
I’m sure some of us girls are still feeling high from last week’s GEWR Race. Were you running behind the high energy Mario Sisters with the 70min pacer balloons? If you were, I am sure you will find one half of our Feature Friday runners familiar.
In the hot seats for this week’s Feature Friday are one of the running couples of Running Department, Aisah and Sheikh. Aisah is none other than our 70min 10Km Pacer for the GEWR 2018, 10 Km. Sheikh was also a 70min 10km Pacer for the Straits Times Run 2018 held last month.
Aisah and Sheikh, parents to 5 teens/ young adults (aged between 17 to 25), are both active runners.
Read on to find out how this active youthful looking couple manage to strike a balance between family,work and running.
Aisah (first from right) in her Mario Outfit for GEWR 2018.
Photo credit: Aisah
Sheikh during the recent The Straits Times Run 2018
Photo credit: Running Department
1. Tell us something about yourself (that’s not related to running).
Aisah: I am an Elementary/Additional Mathematics tutor. I also enjoy working out at the gym, which I frequent four times a week, clocking 2 hours of workout per session.
Sheikh: I enjoy photography, feeding stray cats and listening to Blues music.
2. So tell us, who encouraged who (to start running?)
Aisah: My youngest daughter (indirectly)! After giving birth to my youngest child in 2001, I was determined to shed those stubborn fats. I tried to cut down on my food intake but to no avail. I started with running only 2km and during that initial period, 3km felt like completing a Full Marathon. In 2012 I met someone who has seen me running around my neighbourhood and she encouraged me to run in the GEWR 2012. Two years later, I was able to ‘upgrade’ myself to 21km run events.
Sheikh: It was 5 years ago, when my iron lady wife encouraged me to pick up running.
3. You are one of the few husband-and-wife tag team runners, how do you juggle between family, work and runs?
Time management hasn’t been an issue for us. If we go for runs, we are home by 9pm and still have ample quality time with the family. On weekends, we spend time together in the afternoon. This has been going on for years so it has become a lifestyle. Our kids have also been very supportive.
4. What are your typical pre-race and post-race diet?
Pre-race: 2 days before the race, we will carbo load with pasta, whole-grain breads and eggs. No spicy stuff! We don’t drink carbonated drinks so we drink plenty of plain water.
Post-race: Eggs are compulsory, and lots of water.
5. To Aisha, how will you encourage fellow women to engage in running?
Women should never give up especially after giving birth. Never think lowly of oneself. Fitness and keeping healthy will make a better and a younger looking you.
Do not think only other women can do. Don’t be shy. Don’t think people will laugh at you. I was once unsure and shy too, but I know only I can make the change. So put on those running shoes and in no time, you too, can be proud of yourself. Don’t give up!
Lastly, complete this sentence : “If I didn’t run. I will …”
Aisah: If I didn’t run, I will be a plump lady, looking older than my age. I won’t be as fit and fashionable as I am now, in the gym or running.
Sheikh : If I didn’t run, I will get fatter and be tired easily.