Not only a PE teacher in Keming Primary School, Sumiko is also a swimming instructor, a running coach and a serious runner herself. She describes herself as a person who "lives to run, not run to live". Daily, she will have her routine runs and in addition, she trains cycling and swimming 3-4 times a week. She cannot survive without running because her passion is running and will always strive to run her best.

I've been running competitively since 11 years old! I was in the primary school track and field team.

My PB for 10km is about 42mins

This PB was achieved in which race?
During a biathlon

What time of the day do you usually train?
430-6 am and 6-8pm

List your favourite running routes and why.
Macritchie reservoir because it a llows me to have runs on different terrains. Turf city since the slopes there provide a great venue for slopes workout and running on the grass massages the feet. East coast park for its relatively flat route, suitable for injury-free and stress-free runs. Bukit Brown Graveyard allows me to run faster during intervals as I am very afraid!

What's in your water bottle during a run :
Ultra fuel, gatorade or hundred plus

Maiden Run Experience:
It was compulsory for all the students who were not participants in the 100,200,400m or relays of the annual school sports day to run the easy 800m. I emerged first and was spotted by the track and field teacher. From then on I just kept running

What drives you on to get up early in the morning or miss out on doing things your peers would normally do but you can't?
The adrenaline I get from training and the sense of achievement gets me going. Its the motivation given by my coach and my club as well as my sponsor that gives me the extra boost to want to better myself to a higher level.

What goes on inside your mind when the pain starts kicking in?
Keep on moving.

How does your boyfriend cope when you are away or busy training?
He is busy training too! He supports me at most of my races and he understands that I live to train, not train to live.

Any running or training tips for beginners ?
Start slow and increase moderately. Check your performance and do not over exert or over-train.

Tips to take one's performance to the next level?
Get a qualified and committed coach!

Work-life plus training, how do you juggle all that?
Being a PE teacher and coaching swimming, my work-revolves around sports. I have given up a lot of outside activities to be have ample time to rest and train. If you want results, you will have to juggle your time. You need to know how you prioritize the things in your life. Most importantly, the important people around you will have to understand and support you wholeheartedly.

Why endurance sports?
I do what I feel I am good at. Endurance sports not only builds up your confidence, it tests your patience and determination. It puts you to a test of your limit. When you complete a race, you feel totally exhausted but great

How old do you think you will be doing this until? And why?
I think I will be doing this for life! I will not want to give up something I love. Learning never stops, that is why I am still learning all the tips about running. I think I cannot survive without running, swimming and cycling!