Popular Singapore fitness instructor Ria Chen is ready to take on her first full marathon with New Balance in the world famous TCS New York City Marathon, SportPlus.sg sat down with her to find out more
The TCS New York City Marathon, held annually on the first Sunday of November, is one of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world and part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
It offers a 42.195km or 26.2-mile long course with electrifying crowds, taking runners through all five boroughs of New York City: Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan finishing at Central Park.
Meet the six runners from Singapore who will be taking on the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon with New Balance in this five-part series with Sportplus.sg.
Our first New York City Marathon-bound runner is Ria Chen, popular local spin instructor with Absolute Cycle and fitness trainer hailing from Barry's Bootcamp who recently found a new passion for running after witnessing her partner complete his sixth World Marathon Major in early 2024 to become a six-star finisher.
Despite being relatively new to the sport compared to more seasoned runners, Ria's strong cardio base has seen her ace running and hybrid racing events, making her the perfect choice in taking over the marathon baton from her boyfriend Joel Wong.
1. Share with us what do you do for a living?
Ria: I’ve been a full-time fitness coach for close to 5 years now. I currently teach classes at Barry’s Bootcamp & Absolute Boutique Fitness. I also do personal training with clients on the side.
2. Name an iconic location that most represents you and your personality when you do your runs
Ria: A hawker centre because there’s so much variety. Some days I go hard and fast while others I like to take it slow and chill - much like going to the hawker during lunch hour where you have to chiong to chope a table as opposed to off peak times where you can take your time browsing the stalls before deciding what to eat and have plenty of tables to sit at! 😂
3. What are your personal goals for embarking on this journey to NYC Marathon 2024?
Ria: Completing a marathon has always been on my bucket list. I always envisioned I’d work my way up from a 10k race to a half marathon and eventually a full. Despite not having done a half yet (longest race to date is 15km), I’m confident that with the training plan my partner (also my marathon guy) has drawn out for me, I’ll be able to enjoy the race in the big apple! My main aim is complete the NYC Marathon and have fun while doing it!
4. What has been your biggest challenge when training for NYC Marathon?
Ria: Being disciplined and patient. Being disciplined to stick to the training plan with other races happening in between now and then, juggling work, running and making sure I’m well rested between trainings.
Being patient and reminding myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve been used to going hard and fast - I grew up playing netball which involves quick movements, changes in direction, not lasting more than an hour of game time.
With marathon training in the works now, I find myself pulling back, consciously reminding myself to go slow in order to go fast and to go the distance. It’s really testing my patience and mental resilience!!
5. Could you share with us a regular run route of yours for Marathon training?
Ria: We’re trying to incorporate slopes in our weekly runs (as much as possible since we don’t have many hills here in SG). One of our go to routes is to run through Gardens By the Bay East to Marina Barrage, over Sheares Bridge and back. As the mileage piles up, we do the Marina Barrage loop a couple of times before heading to Sheares bridge and circle it again after coming back.
6. Who do you usually train with (if any)? Any individual / community?
Ria: Joel Wong! He’s my partner and also my coach for this season. He’s completed the 6 World Marathon Majors and it’s been very helpful tapping on his experience as well as that of his running circle from Running Department.
7. Share your journey into running with us, were they any major influences?
Ria: My journey into running started when I was in school, sprinting for school track meets (I love sprints) and endurance training for netball, my CCA at that time. I used to tell myself 2.4km (the distance we run for our annual physical test) will be the longest distance I’d willingly run 😂
- Since then I’ve taken part in races sporadically, usually just for run with friends. First it was a 5K, then a 10k, and my last one was 15k at the Income Eco Run earlier this year.
- I’d say the biggest influence into my running journey as this stage in life is my partner. He’ll tell you that despite competing the 6 World Majors, he doesn’t consider himself a runner 😂 And every time we hangout with his running friends, they’ll tell me my first marathon will not be my last…
The first time I experienced one of the World Majors was early this year in Boston. Joel (my partner) got a spot in the Boston Marathon which upon completion would see him as 6 Star Finisher of the WMMs.
I tagged along for the trip (just for the holiday 💁🏻♀️) and was pleasantly surprised at the magnitude of the event - entire roads were blocked, thousands of people out in support lining the streets with banners and snacks, cheering everyone who ran past, restaurants giving discounts to those who completed the marathon (some offered 26% off the bill since the marathon distance is 26.2 miles). It felt like a festival of sorts and the atmosphere was amazing! I wanted to experience that too.
8. Is NYC Marathon your first full marathon?
Ria: Yes!
9. What made you sign-up for NYC Marathon with New Balance?
Ria: One quote I resonate with is “if not now, then when?”
So when the opportunity to run with New Balance at the NYC Marathon presented, I asked myself if I was ready and the answer was no. Was it challenge that I was willing to take up? HELL YES.
10. What does "Run Your Way" mean to you personally?
Ria: It means to stay true to your WHY. Whether you’re running for passion, to keep fit, to achieve a goal, for social reasons or whatever it is, do it because YOU want to :)
11. What's your running philosophy / attitude towards running?
Ria: Do it while you can!
12. What are your personal goals and what are you looking to accomplish in NYC Marathon 2024?
Ria: To achieve a sub 4 finish would be sweet!
Comments