positive and negative. When a song that I like very much plays on my MP3 player during the race, I'd feel pumped up and increase my pace. Of course the best feeling comes when I finally complete the marathon. It’s a mixed feeling of joy and relief that cannot be described with words.

Is there a specific objective that you want to achieve in every marathon?

GZ: I always try to achieve a good time for every race, be it a 10km or full 42km marathon. I feel that it’s the same for every marathon runner. That’s why you always hear about runners aiming for new personal records!

Tell us you strive to beat the 1st runner!

GZ: Actually, no! Some of those top runners are the professional ones and they’re really good! Beating them isn’t really probable. If you’re willing to go out there and take the challenges of a marathon up – and go through all the pains of preparing for it, you’ve already accomplished a great deal.

Speaking of preparation, what challenges did you face while preparing for marathons?

GZ: Definitely injuries – a big problem every runner faces. It’s demoralising when you cannot go out and train but you just have to take some time off to recuperate and hope that you heal quickly!

What advice can you give to people who are running a marathon for the first time?

GZ: It’d be good to add cross-training and embrace interval training to improve speed. Diet-wise, I don’t really follow a strict one but it’s advisable to have more foods high in carbs and proteins, and drink lots of plain water when a race is near. It’s also wise to decrease the intensity of training at least 2 weeks before a marathon – just be sure to do a slight jog the day before the marathon to prepare for the big day. Lastly, find a running partner, be it a friend or family member, to run with you so that both of you could help motivate each other.

What about those who are just starting to run?

GZ: For those new to running, the best advice I can give to you is that you should run at your own comfortable pace and progress gradually from

there. More often than not, people commit the mistake of running too much too soon - which of course, leads to injuries. One good way to run would be to increase mileage by 10% per week. Do also get a seasoned runner to accompany you so it's easier to know if you're doing it right.

Do you think that there are too many marathons in Singapore?

GZ: No, I actually think that there’re not enough marathons! There’s a potential for more marathons because there’re some possible routes still left unexplored. We rarely see a race in the West side!

What do you know about some of the hazards of running?

GZ: It’s sad to learn about the recent cases of participants’ deaths during marathons. Running, like any sport, has its fair share of risks. But I believe these risks can be mitigated with proper hydration and a good sleep before any race. Over-training is also a no-no and we should take note of our limits before signing up for any marathon. Again, I need to stress the importance of cross-training. Biking and swimming are great alternatives, especially for runners who are recovering from injuries. By putting these practices into use, we can minimise the hazards of running.

Let’s talk about more positive points. Tell us about your most favourite marathon. And why?

GZ: My favourite has got to be Nike We Run SG 10km 2010! It was where I managed to clock my best record for 10km . Couple that with the scenic route, wonderful atmosphere and great organisation and you got a memorable experience!

If you could run with a person, dead or alive, who would it be?

GZ: I would say any one of the Tarahumara runners because they’re the originators of ‘free running’ which is basically minimalist running which is so popular today. I love their book ‘Born to Run’ and I adore every aspect of the Tarahumara style of running. It has inspired me to start running with minimal shoes and even barefooted! So if I have the chance, I would love to travel to Mexico one day to run with the tribe up in the mountains!

We get it. Running keeps you healthy. But are there other reasons why running appeals to you in such a big way?

GZ: Running is equally about the spiritual connection between your mind and body. Whenever I run, there’s this innately primitive side of me that connects with the surroundings and nature. During the run, I also feel liberated of all my problems ; it’s just me and the road. I feel that completing a run that I’ve planned a rewarding experience too. Running has a really important role in my life – it’s part of my identity now!

How do you pace yourself in a marathon?

GZ: You need to have a good plan before any marathon. Many people tend to push too hard right off the bat and I’ve to admit that I’ve committed this mistake before! It’s good to do practice runs at your targeted pace so that you’ll be used to it on race day. Or you could get a running partner! I’m fortunate to have many running buddies who push and support each other when the going gets tough.

What happens during a marathon?

GZ: I get all sorts of emotions during a marathon, both