Vivian Tang
She is Singapore's fastest woman marathoner, clinching both the 2006 and 2007 titles in the Singapore marathon. According to Vivian, she has come a long way to achieve her current position as the fastest female marathoner in Singapore. It was not until 2002 that she began training seriously, running six times a week. "It was not easy and still not easy now", says Vivian. Having to wake up as early in the morning as 3.30am for a long run at 4.30am, this meant having to be in bed by 10pm. However, although trainings can be very tiring, the results and learning processes have make the journey worthwhile.
I've been running competitively since 2002 but I have been taken part in marathons since 1994
My PB for 10km:
38min 31sec
This PB was achieved in which race:
Great eastern 10k, 2007
What time of the day do I usually train:
3.30am
Maiden Run Experience:
I didn't know what to expect since it was the first time, so I ran and somehow managed to keep going without stopping to walk. I was very happy to finally see the finish line!
List favourite running routes and why:
East coast is away from traffic so I am able to run at ease without having to look out for cars or bicycles in the wee hours of the morning. I am also able to clock my mileage since east cost has a long stretch for a run. Lower Pierce is good when I need to do my hill training. As for Botanics, I like it because its always quiet and has nice greenery.
What motivates you on to get up early in the morning or miss out on doing things your peers would normally do* :
What I miss most is getting more sleep. Getting up early is very difficult but because I have a set schedule and goals for myself, I will get up no matter how difficult it is.
What goes on inside your mind when the pain starts kicking in?
Its natural to think negative when one feels the pain, but I try to overcome it by thinking of small steps- eg, focus on the next drink point, think of my stride, have felt the pain before so it will go "away", say a prayer.
How do your other half cope when you are away or busy training?
He is also quite busy himself so its easier but he also understands that I need my sleep so whenever we go out, he knows I have to be in bed by about 10. No complaints so far.
Any tips for beginners taking part in the 10km race ?
Please do your trainings! Try to run about 3 times a week, even if its 3-6km and remember to pace yourself during the race. Never run out too fast.
More tips to take one's performance to the next level?
There are many aspects to look out for. You have to watch what you eat, train smart, have lots of discipline, have a focus or goal.In other words, there must be a "purpose" for each training.
Work-life plus training, how do you juggle all that?
Time management and having the support from family and friends.
How old do you think you will be doing this until? And why?
I think I will always be doing some kind of sport as I am an active person by nature but I cannot tell as to when I will stop running competitively. Probably I will stop when I tell myself I have had enough of hard trainings, that will be the day!
Fun Facts About Vivian:
Favourite Post-Run Meal: Instant noodles
What's in her water bottle during a run: Diluted Gatorade
Inspirational sports personality: Paula Radcliffe
I've been running competitively since 2002 but I have been taken part in marathons since 1994
My PB for 10km:
38min 31sec
This PB was achieved in which race:
Great eastern 10k, 2007
What time of the day do I usually train:
3.30am
Maiden Run Experience:
I didn't know what to expect since it was the first time, so I ran and somehow managed to keep going without stopping to walk. I was very happy to finally see the finish line!
List favourite running routes and why:
East coast is away from traffic so I am able to run at ease without having to look out for cars or bicycles in the wee hours of the morning. I am also able to clock my mileage since east cost has a long stretch for a run. Lower Pierce is good when I need to do my hill training. As for Botanics, I like it because its always quiet and has nice greenery.
What motivates you on to get up early in the morning or miss out on doing things your peers would normally do* :
What I miss most is getting more sleep. Getting up early is very difficult but because I have a set schedule and goals for myself, I will get up no matter how difficult it is.
What goes on inside your mind when the pain starts kicking in?
Its natural to think negative when one feels the pain, but I try to overcome it by thinking of small steps- eg, focus on the next drink point, think of my stride, have felt the pain before so it will go "away", say a prayer.
How do your other half cope when you are away or busy training?
He is also quite busy himself so its easier but he also understands that I need my sleep so whenever we go out, he knows I have to be in bed by about 10. No complaints so far.
Any tips for beginners taking part in the 10km race ?
Please do your trainings! Try to run about 3 times a week, even if its 3-6km and remember to pace yourself during the race. Never run out too fast.
More tips to take one's performance to the next level?
There are many aspects to look out for. You have to watch what you eat, train smart, have lots of discipline, have a focus or goal.In other words, there must be a "purpose" for each training.
Work-life plus training, how do you juggle all that?
Time management and having the support from family and friends.
How old do you think you will be doing this until? And why?
I think I will always be doing some kind of sport as I am an active person by nature but I cannot tell as to when I will stop running competitively. Probably I will stop when I tell myself I have had enough of hard trainings, that will be the day!
Fun Facts About Vivian:
Favourite Post-Run Meal: Instant noodles
What's in her water bottle during a run: Diluted Gatorade
Inspirational sports personality: Paula Radcliffe
