Banjamin Quek tells us why he thinks that running is more than just a sport.
Banjamin Quek fell into his passion for running almost entirely by chance. The 27-year-old freelance tutor, who recently graduated from the National University of Singapore’s School of Engineering, is a pretty impressive middle-distance roadrunner, with a HalfMarathon Personal Best time of 01:16:23.
He counts the five to 21km distances as his most confident race categories, but he was not always a sporty person.
“When I was 13 years old, my main claim to fame was that I was good at video games. I did not exercise, and I loved to indulge in late night suppers, feasting on unhealthy foods like fried chicken. My parents would also encourage me to eat more, as it was the typical Asian way of showing love,” he tells us.
The young Banjamin was a chubby little fellow, though he did join a uniformed group upon enrolling into Secondary School. It did not bode well initially, because of the physically intense nature of a uniformed group’s activities. He could not do a single push-up, was unable to even finish a 2.4km run, and it didn’t take too long before he was sidelined during team games.
He says, “The rejection was real, and while I could have chosen to mope about it and direct the blame elsewhere, I knew that I was genuinely out of shape, and decided to do something positive about it."
The plan was for him to lose weight, and also get fit enough to join in the games and outdoor activities with the rest of his schoolmates.
He started running, as he had been told that it was the fastest way to lose weight and gain fitness. Like any overweight teenager though, the start was rough, but rather than seeing it as a chore he sought to get inspired through running.
This story is from the Apr/May 2019 edition of RUN Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Apr/May 2019 edition of RUN Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Journey To Injury Free Running
How physiotherapists help you stay active, injury-free
Maximizing Potential For Tomorrow
Lim Yao Peng shares his sports and running passion with the next generation.
The Key To Record Breaking Performances?
Running shoes: how science can help you to run faster and more efficiently
Running Makes You Smarter -- Here's How
The science behind how your brain gains as you train.
TIME TO FLY
Hoka One One may still be the new kid on the block, but the sports shoe brand is already showing the way with its innovative engineering.
THE VEGANS ARE COMING
What's fuelling the interest in plant-based eating?
THE HARDER THE STRUGGLE, THE GREATER THE REWARD
In 1981, Rob de Castella was the fastest marathoner in the world. He recounts his rise to the top and tells us about his current project.
BEATING THE HEAT ON YOUR RUNS
Find your PURPOSE this season.
SUPPORTING CHAMPIONS
The journey towards a fitter, stronger and better version of yourself through sport is not always an easy road. Marathoner Ashley Liew, triathlete Ahmad Arif Ibrahim, and trail runner Ong Kian Tiong share with us how their coaches and mentors helped to encourage and motivate them to bring out the best in their sporting abilities. They tell us of their doubts and struggles, and why the presence of an experienced mentor is vital in helping them achieve their best.
AT THE EDGE OF SOUTH AMERICA
Run wild, but safe, at the 2020 Patagonian International Marathon