Testimonials II...

Another wonderful Testimonial to share with all... Thank you very much, Anne!

“In total, I have learned running from scratch 3 times. It has been a long and frustrating journey made better by Swee’s coaching, support and friendship. As running is generally a solitary activity, I am very thankful for all the friends I have made from the running group.

Three years ago when I first met Swee at the track, she asked me to run 30 minutes to assess my pace and running gait. That was 27 minutes more than I had run in my life. I gulped and ran for what seemed like an eternity and I nearly did not go back for the following training session (don’t worry, she doesn’t ask this of newbies anymore). Under Swee’s guidance, I was able to complete my first 10K race running all the way without stopping in a few months.

I had to start from the beginning the second time when I tore my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a soccer game. After knee surgery followed by an extended period of physiotherapy, the Orthopaedic surgeon advised me against running. When I was discharged from physiotherapy, Swee trained me by walking first on the track then walking faster then finally running. I was able to complete my first half marathon - without an ACL.

The third time I had to start over in running was after the second knee surgery for ACL reconstruction. This was followed by and another extended period of physiotherapy. The second Orthopaedic surgeon also advised me not to run. Once again, after physiotherapy, Swee trained me and I had to re-start by walking and running in water. Slowly I worked my way up to running. I was able to run a 10K race and a half marathon faster than before.

This year Swee introduced Fitness and Conditioning classes and I have benefitted greatly from Chong’s functional strength training. My core strength has improved and I run tall and land lightly at Swee’s training sessions.

Recently I completed my first full marathon in Gold Coast, Australia, less than 2 years after surgery. I had sworn it would be my first and last marathon while I was training because it can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. Two days after the full marathon, I had no more muscle ache - this speaks volumes of Swee’s customised training programme. Now that I have overcome the psychological barrier of 42.195 km, I am a more confident runner. I am looking forward to planning more overseas marathons with fellow runners from the group because it gives us something to look forward to and we all get to enjoy a holiday after the race.

My reasons for running have changed over the years. I started running to be a better soccer player and to lose weight. Recovering from injuries has taught me patience and perseverance. These days I run to enjoy the freedom of movement and for the camaraderie at Fifth Ray.”

~ Anne Sam, Converted Marathoner ~