Archer Wee

Can you remember the first time you failed IPPT (the year)?

=>Should be 2005/2006, I was scheduled for camp RT in 2007 where I finally managed to pass after multiple attempts, so as to avoid camp RT.

What do you think caused your fitness to slide from NSF days to the time you failed IPPT?

=>change of job/routine/lifestyle... was focusing on other things and neglected health/fitness.

What is your most recent IPPT result / score?=>Gold award

Describe the turning (decision) point in your life that made you start on a journey to improve your fitness?

=>after various attempts to pass IPPT in 2006/2007, I was asked to help Alpha in numbers by participating in REALrun, by Alpha PNSF (tasked by Lok as I was in the shooting team). I signed up and did my first 10km without any training and suffered through the whole 1 and a half hours of run walk... though I managed to finish the race, I suffered for a whole week of soreness... My buddy who was also unfit at that point, was surprised that I could finish 10km... he suggested we start running together every Sunday morning... we did... and as we improved, started to sign up for races to see where we stand... from 10km to 21km to 42km to 50km trail, to 100 km trail... did 100 miles in 2013 and finished the 100 miles trail in 2015.

What were your top 2 or 3 motivators for getting fit again?=>I train to eat, drink, travel with my girlfriend, and enjoy other aspects of life...Don't wanna suffer during IPPT, or any races...Keeping up with my girlfriend, kids and friends around me.

What helped you to push through the difficulties when you decided to become fitter?=>Support from the buddy I started with, and girlfriend and friends I met along the way...I Want to keep up with my girlfriend, friends, and people I run/race with.Socializing during group runs, or trackworks with various running groups, help with sharing and learning about races/injuries/experiences...Support in all other aspects of life from my girlfriend...

What exercises did you do in the first and second month of getting back into shape?=>Mainly running, mostly trail/off road as I enjoy the peacefulness of being around nature... started to do strengthening work on legs, core and upper body as well... circuit and track work... swimming as well...

Was it difficult when you tried to improve your fitness once again?=>Yes... the first step is always difficult no matter what you do...Decided to quit smoking in 2009 before my first 42km, so as to keep up with life...Lots of research to get through many plateaus along the way...Managing time... waking up before sun rises or training late into the night...Skipping some social events, etc...

Was it worth it?=>Yes... it's a whole lifestyle change, but a change that comes with many perks...I'm able to enjoy many things better, do many things that wouldn't be possible without fitness... being able to live life to the fullest... meeting the love of my life through running.

What would you say to encourage NSmen who are in RT and struggle to pass IPPT?

=>I'd say, do it not to pass IPPT or get thru RT... but for your own life, as living it well requires health and fitness... it'll require a lifestyle change, so using the 21/90 rule will help a lot... build or break a habit + create a lifestyle...