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Back then, some of his friends suggested starting up running to keep fit, with the intention of competing in a marathon as the ultimate goal. "Once I started, I couldn't seem to stop," he quips. "My legs would feel the 'itch' if I didn't run for a few days."
Alongside his buddies, Bak Hooi first began by tackling shorter 10 km and half-marathon distances. He then took part in his first marathon at the tail end of 2005. "It never occurred to me that I could complete a marathon with just one year of training. I always thought it would take many years of preparation to get results."
Bak Hooi's feet have pounded the asphalt in various marathons in Singapore and all over the region, from Malaysia, to Thailand, and even Hong Kong.
"Racing overseas is fun, and sometimes the good weather and optimal race routes have allowed me to achieve timings which are personal bests. It's also enjoyable meeting and interacting with runners from all over the globe, sharing our training experiences with each other, and inviting them to participate in Singapore marathons." Racing outside of Singapore also allows him to take time off from the hustle and bustle of work, and spend some time with family. "My wife enjoys these overseas races too, especially when she gets to shop around before and after the race!" he says with a laugh.
His most recent accomplishment is the 84-km Sundown Marathon, and it is the longest race distance he has competed in thus far. With an arduous race route circling Singapore's east coast from Siglap to Changi, the fact that he was nursing a cold while racing made the marathon all the more difficult.
"As the Sundown Marathon starts at 8.30pm, one of the biggest challenges to overcome is the effect of the 'z-monster'. After midnight, the fatigue and sleepiness definitely weighs down on you. And although running at night is supposedly cooler, it can be actually quite hot and humid during this time of the year," elaborates Bak Hooi.
It took him more than 11 hours to complete the race, but it was well worth the experience, he says. "When the race was over, my first feeling was of pure exhaustion… I don't know if I would ever run this distance again, but I'll only know for sure at next year's registration!"
In fact, Bak Hooi is already looking forward to his next race. "I am contemplating attempting the upcoming NorthFace 100-km challenge, where teams of two complete a 50-km trail-terrain race together."
Like any other sport, running is not without its share of ups and downs.
"Nobody can do well all the time," Bak Hooi adds. "I always tell myself that there's always another race. Once the race is over, just learn from your mistakes and carry on - the next one will be better. Of course, it helps having fellow running mates around you who share your passion. You can encourage each other to stay strong and keep going."
Among his ardent supporters, include his friends and training buddies from the Mount Faber SAFRA Running Club, as well as his wife, who accompanies him to all his marathons. Bak Hooi's supervisor and colleagues have also been encouraging of his pursuit for running excellence, even when he has to take time off to travel overseas for races. "My supervisor and fellow colleagues understand my passion for running and they always help to cover me during my absence," he says. DSO's work-life balance policies, including Sports Hour every Friday, do well in persuading staff to take up sports like running, he adds.
"DSO's initiative to pay for the registration fees for the Sheares Bridge Run and Army Half Marathon, and Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, also helps to encourage more people to take up running."
"I like the Adidas slogan 'Impossible is Nothing'. As long as you set your mind to do it, you can achieve it. You'll find that once you start, regardless of the timings and distances, it is hard to give up… so keep running!" he says.
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Bak Hooi and his biggest supporter, his wife Elaine, at the Sundown Marathon. |