Coach Clarence started his first half marathon in 2008. Before that, he had the notion that his knee injury would not allow him to run more than 10km and he never ran beyond 2.4km since he left University. He only ran to fulfill his NS obligation to complete his IPPT requirements.
Entering his 1st full marathon in mid-2008 was also his first hard lesson on how to overcome knee pain issues. He read and shared notes with athletes as well as gym instructors on how to avoid or minimize the pain in his knees. Working through stationary exercises as well as gym machines helped though the pain was always nagging now and then. He ran between 2 to 5 marathons a year and several half marathons each year. He also started his 70.3 and then full Ironman events since 2011. After picking up ChiRunning in early 2015, he started to see there could be hope in running a pain-free marathon. It was also that time that he started running 100km ultra events even more…..the Singapore Craze Ultra 105km, Penang Twilight Ultra 100km and the TNF 50km events. With more practice, he learnt how to make his runs even more efficient and injury free. In Jan 2016, he ran the 200km ultra event and completed it in 33+ hours. Shortly after, he took part in Titi100 – the toughest road race – and completed in top 15th position. All without injury and above all faster than he would use to run. He adds: “ I am really pleased with how ChiRunning technique has helped me to become a more efficient runner and above all, kept me free from injury. “
Today, Coach Clarence practices the ChiRunning technique with his students and continue to strengthen his core to run better and more efficiently.