Double Trouble: Sisters Who Run Together, Stay Together

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A look of fondness crossed her face as the two sisters would tell their mother when all three of them would participate for a race, “Mum, we run for the podium but we’re waiting for you at the finish line so don’t you dare enter the ambulance”. Jokes cast aside, their mother is what keeps them going, keeps them running to the finish line. If their mother couldn’t be at the race, it would feel like something was missing and their usual speed would lessen. Knowing her presence was there at the finish line would motivate them to run even faster. During every race, she would always lovingly tell her two daughters that “you must have a strong spirit, if anyone ever cuts you, you cut them back”. Their mother would always ensure an extra set clothes be ready for them when they have completed the race. To see the sparkle and glimmer in the eyes when these two sisters talking about their mother was truly enriching.

“…you must have a strong spirit, if anyone ever cuts you, you cut them back”.

Both siblings have one athlete they aspire to be, Mohamed Muktar Jama warmly known as “Mo” Farah. Hailed as the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic history, he is no ordinary athlete. Mo Farah is the 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medalist in both 5000m and 10,000m. No doubt with the determination and spirit within them, this dream is a possibility for the sisters.

When asked about their diet and training involved in preparing for a race, the siblings are very strict on themselves. From no consumption of cold drinks, basically anything that contains ice, no spicy food to just plain water. However, the girls do have their cheat day occasionally. Their biggest craving is cold drinks in which they reward themselves after a successful race.

The best parts of having your sister share your same passion? Double the motivation, double the effort. If Eryn feels lazy to attend practice, her younger sister motivates her to run alongside her. Plus neither can sit around while the other trains. When asked their ways to bounce back from failures, there wasn’t a twinge of hesitation in their voice when they said they would place the blame entirely on themselves. They would use this as a challenge and a stepping stone to make sure that they will come back stronger and faster in the next race. Especially for races that are far away from home, they would double up their endeavor, they will ensure that they return home with nothing less than the best.

Fascinatingly, there were at least 36 sets of siblings competing in 2016’s Rio Olympics. Need any more proof that athletic siblings are indeed a lethal combination? So why do these two sisters run? A chorus of laughter ensued when the response simply was “our legs just can’t sit still” When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who can possibly stand a chance against such a mighty combination?

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RUNNING MALAYSIA is the first running magazine in Malaysia that puts forward the best of the interest of all runners across the nation, may they be running for fun, fitness, or races.Dedicated to deliver the latest running news, events, tips, gadget features, nutrition and wellness advice, Running Malaysia is the one-stop source for information of running enthusiasts and athletes from amateur to experienced ones.