An interview with a runner's hero

If you had to pick just three of the most important things in your preparations, what would they be?

You definitely need the endurance. So distance training is very important. You've got to prepare your mind and body for the long battle ahead. The mental challenges that marathons bring are really difficult in the final parts of the race.

The second most important thing I'd say, is sleep! (laughs). Especially on the night before the race, I've got to have a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep. Throughout the week leading up to the race, you've got to make sure to give your body its required rest, or it won't be able to deliver during the run.

Thirdly, I'd have to go with food. And this is something that has taken me a long time to find what works for me. Different people have different demands for food; it's a very personal thing to discover. For instance, energy gels and carbo-loading tricks don't really work for me. Instead, I've found that things like chillies (as a diuretic), 100 Plus, Gatorades, and stuff like that during the week before helps me prepare best. It's important to remember that this is a very personal thing for everyone. Everyone has different needs. It's important to keep track of what works, and what doesn't for you.

Oddly enough, I have a friend, who absolutely MUST have a packet of Nasi Lemak during the race! So yeah, it's very different process for everyone.