To counter high blood pressure, Mark Chui worked to lose 20kg in three months. He will be running his first half marathon this Sunday. (Photo 1 courtesy of Mark Chiu)
Thursday, August 28, 2014 — An increasing number of army servicemen have signed up to run in the signature half marathon category at the 2014 SAFRA Singapore Bay Run and Army Half Marathon (SSBR & AHM).
Of the 33,000 servicemen who have signed up for SSBR & AHM, 18,000 will be running the AHM, indicating that these servicemen are taking greater ownership of their personal health and well-being.
One such runner is 49-year-old NSman, Mark Chui, a former naval technician officer, who will be attempting his first half marathon since a health scare last year.
In November 2013, Mark was informed by his doctor that his blood pressure was too high and that life-long medication was one way to manage his blood pressure. Also known as hypertension, it is a fairly common ailment that plagues Singaporeans.
Mark, however, refused to rely on medication and decided to heed his doctor’s advice to start living an active lifestyle to lose weight. He picked up running, which was the easiest and fastest way for tangible results.
With his determination, he shed 20 kilograms within three months, dropping from 86kg to 66kg. Furthermore, without the use of medication, his blood pressure returned to a healthy range.
With running part of his routine, Mark has begun running longer distances. Equipped with a leaner physique, he has a new personal goal: completing his first Army Half Marathon this year.
Mark chose the signature half marathon event as his first public race, which he would be able to participate with a group of old friends he has known since secondary school.
On weekdays, Mark usually runs six to seven kilometres around his neighbourhood park. Weekends are dedicated to running 10km around East Coast Park with his friends.
Mark said, “I enjoy running with my friends as we motivate each other to go further. What’s more, we get to catch up on each other’s lives over a meal after each practice.”
The father of two believes that race timing should not be the biggest concern. The sportsmanship and determination to complete the race would be his main priorities as he attempts to complete his first 21km run.
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