found it quite easy and enjoyable.”
Beks found some other like-minded
mums to join her in training for a few
half marathons before taking on the
real deal in London.
“A close friend had cancer, and it
was good motivation to have the goal
of raising money for cancer research
in my mind, while putting in the hours
for training,” she says. “Over three
marathons, I’ve been able to raise
around 30,000 quid (HK$360,000), so
it’s been worth it.”
Beks believes Hong Kong is an
ideal place to train for long-distance
running because of the varied terrain
on offer. Dozens of hiking trails are
available and easy to access, and allow
runners to train without fear of traffic
and exhaust fumes.
“Training for a marathon can get
quite boring if you’re running the
same track all the time,” says Beks.
“Here, it’s easy to mix it up with hills,
running on the flat and the beach.
The climate here is also ideal for
training, but avoid the afternoon heat
in summer!”
The biggest concern for Beks in
the lead up to New York is keeping
herself injury-free, as the sport can
take a heavy toll. Her first injury was
a fractured knee, sustained after a slip
and fall at the end of a 50km race.
More recently, Beks suffered painful
bulging discs in her spine, which she
believes was caused by overtraining
and following other people’s advice.
“At this age, I know my body better
than anyone and I’ve learnt to trust
my own instincts,” she says. “Now I
train less but I train smart, and it’s
paying off.”
Beks recently came in third place
for the Women’s 25km Greenpower
race, and will soon start ramping up
the training to be marathon-ready for
November.
“I am really looking forward to
New York; I had to pull out last year
two weeks before the race because of
my back, so I am very determined to
get there this year.”
Ready to run? Be prepared
While long-distance running is challenging for everyone, there are extra
considerations for women post-30 and 40, beyond the usual wear and tear on
ankles and knees.
Hong Kong sports nutritionist and ultra-marathon runner, Jeanette Blanks,
says women in this age group can do more harm than good if they are not
adequately refuelling their bodies.
Jeanette says many women take up running to lose weight, and will also
restrict calorie intake and cut carbohydrates at the same time. If the body
doesn’t have enough energy-dense food to replenish the source, problems
arise.
“Too little energy will lead to fatigue and poor concentration, it can
compromise the immune system, hormonal balance and metabolism,” she
says. “Instead of losing weight, the body may begin to store fat, as it tries to
cope with reduced energy input compared to output.”
Jeanette advises runners to eat healthy carbs like oats, wholegrain toast,
pasta and quinoa, coupled with lean proteins like chicken, fish, eggs and
dairy. Also, aim to fill your diet with a “rainbow” selection of dark green, blue,
red and purple fruits and vegetables.
“Stay nourished and stay hydrated,” says Jeanette. “Running is a great way
to improve fitness and connect with your surroundings, but make sure you’re
looking after yourself at the same time.”
Top tips to hit the trails
•
Take it slow – have incremental goals
and build up gradually
•
Hydrate – drink before, during and after
•
Sun protection – slather on cream and
wear a cap
•
Watch out for local wildlife – most
runners in HK have encountered the
odd snake or two
•
Treat yourself to a post-run massage –
it helps sore muscles and aids recovery
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