Izzat

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

- The first time I failed the IPPT was in 2011. 5 months after ORD i received a recall order for IPPT. I failed miserably that day. I was the last runner to cross the finish line in 25 mins for the 2.4km run.

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

- The shift work contributed a big part in the decline in fitness. During the night shift, we always order fast food. To keep myself awake, I find things to munch on during shifts like sweet candies and chocolate bars.

What is your most recent IPPT result / score?

- Last FY2018 IPPT I attained a Silver award. I was happy because i managed to run a sub 10 mins for 2.4km (9.58min) which i have trained for. Although it was a Gold award timing, I was more focused on the 2.4km run than the static stations. Will try to attain a Gold award for this FY2019.

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

*- My day job requires me to walk and stand for long hours and I found it increasingly difficult. Panting and shortness of breath became more frequent and I will always find myself extremely fatigued after work.

- One day while i was watching a talk show on TV, it shared about a few individuals with health issues based on their unhealthy lifestyle. It proved a turning point for me as I wouldn't want to end up having health issues as I was still young. That evening, I tried to go for a short run. After warming up, I started a slow jog. About 200m later, I found myself sweating profusely and having shortness of breath. But with a goal in mind, I continued running. I managed to complete 1km based on the app on my phone. While I was walking back home, I felt lethargic. I vomited under the void deck and sat there for a good half hour. I thought to myself "No pain, no gain". I had to pay the price if I wanted to get fit.

- The next day I went for a run again. This time I targeted 2km. I managed to complete it. This time no throwing up after running. From there on, I continued to run every day, be it before work or after work. I felt motivated by the progress from a couch potato to a runner. I felt fitter after each run as it went from 1km to 5km in just 2 months.*

What were your top 2 or 3 motivators for getting fit again?*- I started watching running documentaries on TV and saw what running can do. The runners ran through beautiful scenery and cities. Exploring the cities as they run as a form of leisure and training combined into 1.- My running buddies in Alpha (Central Police Division). The way they organized and conducted the training, catering to the strength and weakness of each individual motivated me further to be fitter, faster and stronger.*

What helped you to push through the difficulties when you decided to become fitter?

- The fear of getting fat again further enhanced me to push through and to maintain my fit. I wouldn't want to be a burden to my family and friends if I was to be unfit and unhealthy with illnesses.

What exercises did you do in the first and second month of getting back into shape?

- It was mostly just running and some HIIT workout on my rest days from running. After the 5th month, I started doing interval and fartlek workouts to improve on cadence and speed.

Was it difficult when you tried to improve your fitness once again?-It was challenging as i had gained over 35 kg within 3 years after i ORD. The extra weight made me feel heavy during runs.

Was it worth it?-It was a worthwhile decision to get fit again. I feel healthier and not easily tired even after work while on my long runs.

What would you say to encourage NSmen who are in RT and struggle to pass IPPT?- Fitness doesn't come overnight. I went from XXL to XS in 2 years. You need discipline and dedication to achieve it. Diet is as important as exercising. Put your mind into it. Set an achievable goal for yourself. Keep pushing on even if you feel like giving up. Impossible is nothing. Stop when you are done, not when you are tired.