IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH
Tahira and Rahman even tag team during races and challenges. “It’s good that my wife is with me during races, not only to support me but she’s there every step of the way”, said Rahman smiling. However, Rahman stopped doing triathlons and did trail running instead just so he can compete together with his wife. The things he was willing to do for her was endless.
“We were doing the thing that we both love and we’re doing it together”, added Tahira further.
Their love towards sports paid off when they became the first couple to be selected as the main explorers to represent Malaysia to cross Greenland by skiing in 2014. It was a 27-day expedition and the journey was 550km long, while pulling an 80kg sledge in a -35 degrees Celsius environment. The couple let us experience Greenland through their eyes as they talked about how they’d encounter some difficulties while skiing because the surface of the ice was so thick and the temperature became uncomfortable most especially for them, whoweren’t very used to such cold extremes. In spite of that, upon looking at the breath-taking views, Tahira and Rahman realized the experience, pride and glory that came along with this expedition. Not many were given the chance to be able to accomplish something that they were grateful for. Not to mention,they achieved it while holding each other’s hand.
The sweeping views of the slick rock areas on the east side greeted them before walking through the forestwhile the scorching heat of the sun threatened to burn their skin. The complicated trails that lead to the race finish line and the dehydration they felt as they ran was nothing as long as they had each other. That’s how things work with this running duo as they paved their way through every ultra marathon and adventure race they’ve participated in. Once the other one was already on the verge of giving up, their other half will give an endless amount of support needed in order to keep moving, to keep running. Like in the recent Ultra Rogaining 2016—a 24-hour race with 100km radius they managed to finish it within 10 hours and 8 mins and declared as overall champion. The lovers on trail held hands as they raced past the finish clock.
ONCE BAREFOOTED, NOW COVERED
Tahira used to be a barefoot runner because she couldn’t find the right pair of shoes that suits her feet due to blisters she got when she was a kid. Growing up in a household with 11 siblings, their family was financially unstable to afford a pair of shoes for her to walk and so she ran around barefooted. That’s why when she started to get involved in running she couldn’t find a comfortable shoes for her feet. This was till she wore Hoka One One because this responsive shoe provides extra cushioning that whenever your feet hit the ground, it bounces right back and this make your legs less tired.
THROUGH TRAIL AND DISTANCE
Along with recognition and pride that came with this path, they both chose on how not to compromise their family life. According to Tahira and Rahman raising 3 kids while participating in marathons was somewhat difficult. It drained them, made them more exhausted than the usual. However, it actually helped in building their strength and endurance. Besides, having a partner that fully understand the things that you have to do because he/she shares the same interest with you made things a lot easier. It makes things as easy as breathing. A cakewalk, perhaps.
The duo balanced their family and athletic life through alternate trainings. If Tahira’s on training Rahman will look after the kids and vice versa–they take turns. It’s a give and take kind of relationship to make things work to their utmost advantage. Apart from that, their families are very supportive ofthe couple’s endeavour so every time when they have marathons,Tahira’s mom will take care of the kids or sometimes they will bring their kids to the events. Watching how their kids cheered for them during every run fuels them to achieve more in this field. It gives them more strength and courage than their usual trainings.
When we asked if they wanted their children to follow in their footsteps, Tahira neither hesitant nor entertains the idea as she further clarifies that “sports is something that a person has to love to do it, you can’t force it on someone”. The running duo will support their children whether they have the same dream with them or not.
Lastly, we asked where they drew their inspiration from. The couple didn’t say anything they just intently looked at each other and smiled.
And that dear readers, answers our question.
