Ben: I am a Runner

Today I am bringing you another instalment in my I am a Runner series. As you know I am a storyteller/interviewer by trade.  As in life, I think every person has an interesting story to tell.  I love featuring runners on my blog. I want my little blog to be that place where runners can bring their stories come to life and inspire others.  

So please turn your attention this week to Calgary where you will meet runner Ben Cheong. I met Ben for the first time during the Lost Soul Ultra last September. We ran together for a bit until I lost my breakfast on one of the coulees! (No joke!) 

I bumped into Ben again at the Grizzly Ultra in Canmore in October. Funny how once you step onto the ultra scene you run into the same people at races. Read on to learn a little more about the runner behind the dark sunglasses.

Name: Ben Cheong

City: Calgary, AB

Profession: Business Banking Advisor and Life Coach

Runner Since: On and off since 1980

1. Why did you start running? What pushes you to keep going?

Running was never my favourite activity. I’m genetically anemic which means I literally suck air when I run because my red blood cells can’t carry oxygen very well. I went into weightlifting and bodybuilding instead.I have huge legs. In 1985 I got conscripted into the Singapore Army and was forced to run daily as part of our training. Hated it. One day I clued in it would be a lot easier if I actually train for the runs and enjoy it. So I did. I ran my first marathon in 1997. I got into trail running on a whim in 2010 and discovered I actually liked that since I also like to hike. My running over the years has a roller coaster profile. Run for a couple of years, fall off the wagon, run again. Something about life getting in the way.

I run nowadays mainly for the challenge, to stay consistent at it, to be outdoors and to be able to complete the distances. I have a head band that says I Run So I Can Eat. I am very much The Blerch.


2. What is your running/fitness routine for a typical week?

I’m using a modified running Hanson Method where I run six days a week and my long run is no longer than 60% of the race distance. I find this is easier on my arthritic joints and feet (thanks army!). My weekly totals are at or just a bit more than race distance, which averages 50k a week.

I don’t weight lift these days having torn a pec muscle in 2011. Instead I focus on body weight exercises. Occasionally I might go for a swim. I am interested in trying out CrossFit. I also tried out and liked kettle bell training. Now I just need to get a kettle bell.

3. What does running mean to you? See my head band. I am The Blerch 2.

4. Trails or pavement? Why?

Both I like. Trails brings me to the mountains and pavement is when I feel lazy and just to get my distances in. I live in between Fish Creek Park and Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary so those are the most convenient for me with both trails and pavement to work on.

5. What is your favourite distance to run? Why?

My favourite distance is the couch to the fridge. I don’t really have a favourite distance. It really depends on where I am at with my training. But I seem to have an affinity for 50k ultras nowadays.

6. Best running memory? Tell us about it.

My first marathon. In 1997 I signed up for the Singapore Marathon. Go big or go home. I thought. I had never run anything further than 3km at that time. Speaking to a few buddies, one guy told me he finished his marathon on training runs no longer than 10k. Easy peasy I thought. I did just about everything wrong. I trained only at night when it was much cooler. There was no GPS in those days so I estimated my distances. I probably underestimated those distances a lot, running short of what I thought it was. I knew nothing about hydration or nutrition then, I didn’t even carry water for the race. There was no popular running technique to follow and learn from, so I ran army style, not always the best. These days we have run/walk intervals, Chi or the Pose running method etc. The only thing I knew was that there was something called The Wall. I found it around the 30k mark. Good thing I learned to deal with fatigue, pain from the army and from my martial arts training.

Being in such a hot place (Singapore is 1 degree north of the equator, averaging 33c year round with 90% humidity which means it feels more like 54c on a hot day), the race started at 6am. It went fairly well for the first 20k and then the sun peeked over the buildings and started to shine on us. I melted at that point. I started walking long stretches. The race ran out of drinking water and electrolytes for the last 12k. No gels or food then. The only that saved me was the water sponges. It took me 6:03 to finish. I was chuffed. I still have my finisher certificate. This was before medals were in vogue there. Challenges makes the best memories.

My next most memorable run was my first 50k ultra, the Grizzly in 2012. I did mostly right this time. All I got was a generic beer mug. Love that mug.

7.  Do you have any current running goals?

Just to not die and have fun doing it. But I really want to be able to break 6min/k on a long run. Damn genes.

8. Do you run alone or with a group? Tell us about it.

I usually run alone as I fall into that crack that is I’m too slow even for the mid-pack runners and too fast for the slower lot, like beginners. I don’t really like to have people wait for me.

9. Upcoming races? What are you training for now?

At the moment for 2015, I’m eyeing Frozen Ass 50; it depends on my travel plans. I’m signed up for Blackfoot 50k (May), Sinister 7 leg 3 (July) and Iron Legs 60K (August). I’m debating whether to do Lost Soul 100k or do the 50k again in September. It’s open season on Grizzly 50k. I’ll decide on that probably early to mid 2015 once I have a better idea how my training is going. I’m aiming to be injury free this year.

Twitter: @Fantasyflier