Race Media

When Not Working I'm Exercising

Trail and pain - C3fit Bonaqua

“When I was climbing up, I was so exhausted that I couldn’t feel my legs. But there was only one thing clear in my heart that was to get myself over to the other side of the mountain. When I was on trails, it was only me and the mountain. It’s all about determination. When I believe I can make it through, I can,” said Rachel Hui. This time she will return to where she started -- C3fit Bonaqua Action SPRINT Trail Series. She joined the whole series including the last leg - C3fit Bonaqua Action Sprint - Sai Kung. 

1. How many times have you participated in our races before?

I have joined races organized by Action Asia for 10 times, including last year’s Action SPRINT Trail Series, MSIG Sai Kung 50, Lantau 50, Lantau 2 Peaks, and Royale International Kayak and Run Series.

It wasn’t my first time to participate in C3fit Bonaqua Action SPRINT Trail Series - Repulse Bay but the first trail running event that I joined was last year’s Repulse Bay Action SPRINT. I remember the race was held on Valentine’s Day last year. I won one of the best customs awards with my boyfriend. So I came back to the same event this year, to see how much I have improved, as it is where I started.

2. What got you into running?

I started with road running. After I did my first 10km road running, I wanted to go further. Then I did half marathons, and full marathons. After I have completed a few full marathons, I have decided to go for something more adventurous. Then I switched to trail running. In trail running, everything is more challenging. Distance is no longer the only concern. You have to take care about the ascent, descent and the terrain. You have to consider which gear to bring like whether to bring poles or not.

3. How trail running changed your life? How to balance the daily work and pre-race training?

Trail running has changed me into a stronger person, both physically and spiritually. I remember when I have to climb the Lantau Peak at nearly the last part of MSIG Lantau 50, I was still thinking whether I should quit at Ngong Ping or not, as I knew I couldn’t make it to the next check point which was at Pak Kung Au on time. But I knew I would regret and blame myself later on if I quit at that moment not trying my best. Then I have decided to climb the mountain regardless of being late at the next check point. When I was climbing up, I was so exhausted that I couldn’t feel my legs. But there was only one thing clear in my heart that was to make myself through the mountain. When I was on the trail, it was only me and the mountain. It’s all about determination. When I believe I can make it through, I can.

I am an engineer who works 9-5 on week days like the ordinary office ladies. I hit the gym at lunch time because doing some squats energizes me much more than eating out at restaurants. I bring homemade smoothies and sandwich to office to refresh myself after the workout. After work I usually go for another sports session, like running and yoga classes. Basically, when I am not working, I am exercising.

4. How do you encourage your family, friends or other people to join trail running?

I have invited my sister to join the Royale International kayak and run series with me. As a team, we were both much more motivated than being alone. We support one another. And this actually interested my parents. They formed their team too in the next race of the same series. Team race is a good way to invite newbies to trail running, as they feel more accompanied. This makes it easier for them to take a step beyond their comfort zone.

I couldn’t deny that social media also plays an important role in encouraging people to join trail running. When my friends saw the trail running photos which I have uploaded on Facebook or Instagram, they would be curious about the sport and ask me how to begin with.

 

All the best Rachel during the C3fit Bonaqua Action Sprint in Sai Kung.