Bound for Nagoya fresh off a successful 2023 season after clinching both the Great Eastern Women's half marathon and Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon women's half marathon titles, Vanessa Lee is looking to break new limits.
She is a double winner of the 2023 Great Eastern Women's Run Singapore Half-marathon at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon Women's half marathon.
While many in the running community acknowledges Vanessa Lee is in the ascendancy and on a hot streak, Lee acknowledges that she still has a long way to go and hopes to overcome bigger challenges in 2024, beginning with the Nagoya Marathon half-marathon.
Just how much do you know about Singapore's rising distance runner? SportPlus.sg attempts to help you break down the pieces and find out what makes Vanessa tick in this special New Balance x Nagoya Marathon collab feature.
How many times do you run a week?
Vanessa: I run about six times a week.
What does a typical training day for you look like?
Vanessa: Every day is different - I've got intervals, I've got easy runs, tempo runs. You obviously don't put intervals back to back, that's just crazy. So everyday is different, I live with the program and mix it up a bit.
What is your least favourite type of run and why?
Vanessa: The least favourite type of run is the run that I do alone, because I really thrive off others' company, it makes the entire run a lot easier physically and mentally.
Tell us one fact about you that people don't know yet?
Vanessa: I can touch my nose with my tongue. *laughs
What do you listen to on your runs?
Vanessa: I know this is a bit unusual, but if I was doing easy runs by myself, I will usually carry my phone and watch Netflix shows.
Who is your favourite running idol?
Vanessa: Sha'Carri Richardson, she is the best. I love her nails, her wig, her long a** lashes, and she still is the GOAT.
Any favourite cheat day meals?
Vanessa: Fried food and pizza.
What is your pre race ritual (if any)?
Vanessa: Not necessarily, I don't really believe in rituals but if I was really nervous, I will listen to music and talking to any of my friends who are at the race venue really helps a lot.
What is your goal for the Nagoya City Marathon?
Vanessa: Hopefully I can achieve a new personal best! My current is 82:25.
What sets this race apart from the rest you’ve competed in?
Vanessa: This time, I’m really looking forward to having team New Balance members there to watch and support me!
What’s next in your running journey?
Vanessa: I will be reducing my race distance after the Nagoya City Marathon to work on my speed instead. I’ll then start to increase my distance again and work towards a half marathon towards the end of the year.
What’s your next goal after the Nagoya City Marathon?
Vanessa: After the Nagoya City Marathon, I’m looking forward to running at the Singapore Open. I haven’t decided what distance to participate in though!
What does run your way mean to you?
Vanessa: Run your way means that anyone can run, no matter what size or shape, or what you do. The key is to be comfortable with your own pace and simply enjoy the run.
