For retiree Dell Wong, there is no finish line

At 68 years old, Dell Wong might very well be fitter than you; each week, this retiree clocks around 20 miles, giving every step a powerful sense of purpose. “Move it or lose it. I want to see more women like me walking, running, just moving,” she says.

Wong began running six years ago when a friend invited her to a run at Hope Gardens. “I said I couldn’t run. They said I don’t have to, that I could jog or walk. So I walked! But I started feeling bored, so then I started to jog. Next thing I know, instead of jogging, I was running!” she recalled.

After crossing the finish line, Wong learned that she had completed three miles, placing third in her age group. “I got a trophy, and they invited me to come back to run a 7K. Then they asked, ‘Where do you train?’ Of course, I had no answer; after all, remember I had only intended to walk.”

With such a stunning finish, Wong began wanting more. “I started training only on Saturday, but then I felt I was ready to do long runs. Then, I found out that the Pacers Running Club got together three times a week, and so I decided to train with them,” she says. “Most people think I started distance running late. But to that, I say, `Whenever I start, I start’.”

Pacers Running Club is a supportive community for runners of varying abilities, so Wong felt right at home. “With Pacers, I built up my distance. Soon, I decided to do the full marathon. I trained with them, went down to the Reggae Marathon, and did 26.2 miles! I felt so wonderful. I don’t think about age any more. When I’m training, I concentrate on the half marathon; whatever the club says we are doing that day – if it’s 10 miles, 11 miles – I’m doing it!”

For those who want to take cues from the sprightly and spirited Wong, here is her advice: “Find a running club, tell them you’re just starting, and they will tell you in turn, walk or run at your own pace. My body talks to me. If I’m running and I cannot have a conversation, I’m going too fast. Take your time, don’t push it. Your body will talk to you if you listen.”

Not yet ready to run? “Anyone and everyone can become fitter than they are with healthier habits. Take, for example, Red Stripe’s Responsible Living Challenge. For me, I drink 2-3 litres of water a day; eat three healthy meals; exercise three times a week, and practise 15 minutes of daily meditation,” says Wong. “Do that for a month, and you may not be able to beat me in a 5k, but it would be great if you tried.”

RESPONSIBLE LIFESTYLE HABITS

“When I found Pacers, it was more than what I signed up for, not only did I get the opportunity to run different routes and feel safe, but I was pushed and encouraged to run distances I did not think was possible for me. I have also made some really good friends, developed many responsible lifestyle habits and gained a whole new family,” shared Pacers Running Club president, Queenie Ko.

She added, “You don’t need to have a whole plan, a complete schedule. Just start with baby steps, don’t watch anyone else’s progress and where they are. Just focus on yourself and that you are better and stronger than yesterday. One day you will realise you have been living responsibly.”

It’s a challenge Red Stripe hopes more people will take on as they push the Drink and Live Responsibly campaign. “Dell is such an excellent example of how a body in motion stays in motion. That’s a big part of what the Responsible Living Challenge is all about – increasing healthy habits as we incorporate our products as part of a balanced lifestyle. This is why we were so pleased to join the Pacers after their Saturday morning run,” said Stacy-Ann Smith, Red Stripe’s brand and corporate public relations manager.