Mok Ying Rong
Diploma in Physiotherapy (Class of 2015)
A Passion in Running
Entrepreneur, physiotherapist, half marathon record holder (2016 - 2019) and author of "The Runner's Paradox". Meet Mok Ying Rong, our Diploma in Physiotherapy graduate from the Class of 2015.
A passionate entrepreneur, Ying Rong founded Maison Therapy, a home-based physiotherapy group. Ying Rong is dedicated to rehabilitation for patients across a spectrum of movement disorders, from neurological conditions to sporting injuries.
As an athlete, Ying Rong's deep interest in running stems from her decade-long dedication to the sport. For twelve years, Ying represented Singapore in distance running and held the half marathon record from 2016 to 2019. Ying has partnered schools and national teams to help athletes maximise their performance and minimise their injury risk.
We recently caught up with Ying Rong who shared her experiences and brief preview of her book "The Runner's Paradox" at a webinar for alumni. Read on to get to know Ying Rong better and some tips in running if you are a beginner-runner!
When did you start running? At what age did you discover your love for running?
YR: I started running when I was in secondary school. I was tired of competitive swimming - having spent 6 years doing laps in the pool, I was seeking a new sports to switch to. Running felt similar to swimming in many ways - there was the adrenaline rush in setting a new best timing. Its repetitive, mindless nature allows you to simply zone out and express yourself without conscious effort. I also love that feeling of fatigue after a good workout, and on top of it, I got to run with nature as the backdrop!
At first, running was simply tiring. It was enjoyable at the start but no sooner, I would become out of breath. But as I clocked more and more miles, and further fine-tuning the type and quality of my efforts, I found myself becoming faster. And with that, I was able to run at a more prolonged effort with a much lower level of fatigue, allowing me to have greater control over the type of run I could engage in - more varieties of workouts and various undulating terrains.
My love for running was not a black and white clear-cut formation. It simply evolved into a more complexed, more interesting and more multi-coloured form.
Which was your most memorable run and why?
YR: In 2015, I had the chance to represent Singapore at the World Cross Country Championships in Guiyang, China. It was my first time racing against the world’s best athletes. It was also my first time racing at high altitude. Cross country in Singapore was at most a loop around Bedok Reservoir. Whereas in this cross country race in China, it consisted of three loops with five obstacles each - a good mix of mud pools, hills, gravel, grass, tarmac, water jumps, etc.
It was a really refreshing experience but also the most humbling experience in my racing journey. The minute the starter gun went off, I knew it was going to be a tough race. My body struggled with the high altitude and very quickly I fell behind the pack. In the second lap, the crowd booed and I ended up second last. Racing at high altitude was a great challenge but the experience was most valuable. I was glad I did my best.
It really reminded me of what racing is about - to put in your best effort beyond a podium position.
What advice or tips would you share with beginner runners?
YR: Don’t stress yourself with the numbers. We all begin running with a goal in mind - to burn calories, to lose weight, or even to hit a new distance. These numbers are great but the process towards them is crucial too: Appreciate each step.
Both the hard and the easy miles reflect how we deal with adversity and how we celebrate success. And in return, we receive the opportunity to reflect and grow.
Photocredits: Mok Ying Rong