CHASING PAVEMENTS
Even though, Michelle loses some of his social life because of her rigid training but her family, most especially her father,is really proud of what she has achieved. Also, her friends helped her so much by supporting her in this path that she chose to pursue. Michelle can’t help but be overwhelmed.
Also, there is her PUMA family. Michelle became part of PUMA family when she won PUMA’s threadmill challenge. The challenge was to have the fastest time with the lowest heart rate. Michelle came in number 1 and won herself a trip to Korea in winter. She became a PUMA friend soon after. “PUMA have been supportive with my shoes and running apparels. They replace the products right away whenever they see a need. With thick cushioning of PUMA shoes, it saves me from unwanted injury during a race” this fast runner explains.
We asked, how does Michelle Chua train? Michelle didn’t usually follow a strict program before. But it was only when she decided to join the SCKLM, she underwent an 18-week training program. She started early this year and ran through the course of 18 weeks. Michelle runs almost 5 times a week with a routine composed of fast or interval session, tempo runs, long and easy run.
BEHIND 3:33
After missing her running target last year, Michelle works extra hard for her physical and mental preparations. “My running target was 3:45, and I achieved 3:46 when I missed my mark with just a minute difference. I was quite disappointed because I worked so hard for it and suddenly all those efforts got wasted.” Michelle said calmly.
Nevertheless, her ever supportive coach continues to encourage her in any way he can. That’s what drives Michelle to improve her timing and achieve a better running performance. Her determination is indeed strong. “After not hitting my target last year, I tell myself that this time, I have to make it no matter what”. Michelle recalls that after maintaining a 6-minute pace when she reached the 32km mark she still didn’t have the need to walk. That’s why most of the people say it’s all on the mind. Michelle’s strong determination allows her to embrace setbacks to reach her ultimate goal. Upon reaching the finishing line, Michelle couldn’t help but be excited that she felt her legs were about to break. Even not knowing her exact podium placing, she was already ecstatic with the mere fact that she belonged to top 10 and most importantly, she hit her running target, after chasing it for almost two years. Her determination is indeed strong.
“Coach Jon, tells me to believe in myself, so I did,” Michelle said smilingly.
Yes, she did. She didn’t only achieve her 3:45 running target but she acquired more. Michelle finished strong with an impressive 3:33 timing and placed 3rd on the recently concluded SCKLM. Apparently, these were the reasons why from 2013 until today, her name and face have become a familiar figure in the running scene. She wasn’t born fast but she works really hard to become faster. For others, 7 is the lucky number. For Michelle, it’s 3.
