how did you end up as long distance runners?
thuma
when TfG organized their first long run in 2013, did my first ever half marathon and then there wasn’t any stopping me
leela
as a stay home mum in sydney, distance running became a way of life when my children started school and i had time to spare.
nelfa
invitation from Thuma Ahmed to run in Colombo Marathon 2014
on a weekly basis (average), what is your total running mileage (in kms)?
thuma
60km
leela
an average of 60 kms per week.
nelfa
between 30 - 50Kms
were you this active/athletic even in school?
thuma
yes
leela
yes. I always found active life enjoyable
nelfa
not as much as i run now, but ran 1500m (1.5km) during inter-house competitions, and played netball for inter house netball competitions
do you get harassed on the streets of male’ while running? how do you deal with these?
thuma
very rarely. we just ignore and be cautious
leela
when I do long runs, i find my happy place running by myself. so you will see me running around male’, usually early morning, but have done running at various times of the day, alone. i must say i very rarely come across harassment. there has been the occasional comment, and have taken them as passing things as i do not want anything to mar my running.
nelfa
sometimes, just ignore + but we try to avoid such circumstances like running inside the track.
how do you balance work, life and your trainings?
thuma
be organized and manage time like doing training early in the mornings.
leela
being organised is key to balance. once you are able to do that, everything just becomes a habit and very easy to manage.
nelfa
me and my buddies run very very early in morning, and by the time we come for work, favorite part of the day would be done, which makes us enjoy the rest of the day.
what keeps you motivated to run that much?
thuma
regular trainings improves my discipline in all areas of life. and it releases my happy hormones.
leela
the liberation, the ability to have a control over mind and body makes running such a pleasurable thing in life.
nelfa
my TEAM. my family and our coach Ahmed Sharaf
how many marathons have you run so far?
thuma
12 marathons till today
leela
11 marathons – 5 organised by TfG and 6 overseas
nelfa
12 and courting for the 13th in April
what is your best running event so far?
thuma
Coca-Cola runinlaamu 2018
leela
Coca-Cola runinlaamu 2018
nelfa
Coca-Cola runinlaamu 2018 so far the best running route
why does this running event standout?
thuma
the race is a true beauty running along the most breathtaking scenery with beautiful trees, the sea, the sunrise and the cold breeze.
leela
the route, the management, the people and that serene feeling i felt as i did the laamu run is definitely an experience to revisit.
nelfa
the route
your worst ever international run?
thuma
Singapore Sundown Marathon 2017
leela
i do not look at my marathons in that manner. I have had tough ones. Colombo Marathon stands out as my biggest struggle.
nelfa
Singapore Sundown Marathon 2017
why does this event get such bad reviews?
thuma
the route, the heat and the time it started (midnight)
leela
it was my first marathon and i had done my training properly but the final leg of the journey – the race, was something i had never experienced. so the struggle with a very hot day, 37 degrees, and a body that was not used to the running under the excitements of race conditions, was a tough call. when I look back now, that race taught me a lot and it helps me when my mind and body are in conflict on races.
nelfa
weather and small lanes ?
who is your local running inspiration?
thuma
my coach Sharaf
leela
coach Sharaf
nelfa
our coach Ahmed Sharaf
who is your international running inspiration?
thuma
Kara Goucher, Sally Bergesen, Lauren Fleshman, Meb Keflezighi
leela
Eliud Kipchoge a Kenyan long distance runner. i love his simplicity to life, his control of the body and poise in running
nelfa
gosh this is not easy, watched Breaking 2 National Geographic Documentary and i follow Stephrothstein from my Instagram.
why do you run all your events together?
thuma
they are my therapists, we share so much in the early mornings when everyone is asleep.
leela
marathon running brings happiness to my life and doing the runs with my running buddies thuma and nelfa brings are high to the whole experience. thuma is the one who brings the colour and styles to my running life. nelfa is the one who cracks me up throughout the journey of a race. i am blessed to have them both with me.
nelfa
need a buddy to laugh out loud during the race and most importantly we push each other if needed.
if tomorrow is race day, what three things would you consider as top priority today?
thuma
stay hydrated, rest and get enough sleep
leela
rest, hydrate, fuel properly
nelfa
hydrate, rest and again hydrate,
any race day rituals?
thuma
have an electrolyte & magnesium drink. drink lots of water and get a good meal with carbs in it
leela
pray, relax and enjoy the journey
nelfa
wake-up, breakfast be at the race 45 mins before the race, and pee right before race begins
do you get a goodnight sleep before your race? on average, how many hours do you get?
thuma
no not much sleep with the excitement. 3 hours maximum
leela
it all depends on the time of the marathon. it is difficult to fall asleep when the marathon starts at midnight. the aim is to have at least 4 to 5 hours of rest, if sleep comes then it is a bonus.
nelfa
if taken enough rest before the race day 3 - 4 hours sleep is ok.
what time (hours before race) and what do you have for breakfast before your race?
thuma
three hours before the race. a cuppa coffee and a peanut butter sandwich in white bread
leela
wake up at a specific time (depending on where the race is and if we have to travel to the start line), have my cup of coffee, 2 pieces of toast with peanut butter, banana, get ready, pray and know this will once again be a beautiful memory.
nelfa
2 hrs before the race and it has been bread peanut butter and coffee.
having run as much as you have, do you still get nervous?
thuma
in every race and i love that feeling
leela
it is no longer nervousness. from Colombo where there was uncertainty (whether we would be able to finish the run) to an inner understanding that yes, i can do it is a very beautiful feeling indeed. each run is different. the condition of the body seems to be different for each of these runs and there is always this excitement and awakening of the body that gives an adrenaline rush.
nelfa
yes, its part of the race :)
for anyone running Coca-Cola LONGRUN 2018, what is your advice?
thuma
you are running one of the best and well organized race in maldives so go and enjoy the run.
leela
YES! you can do it! enjoy the run, find yourself and keep thesmiles going.
nelfa
be you, listen to your body
any post-race advices for our runners?
thuma
don’t stop and sit down after the race walk around for 15 mins. have a protein drink for muscle recovery (a chocolate drink) drink lots of water have a good meal plan your next run ASAP
leela
relax and know that you are running for yourself, that it makes you happy and what others say will not detriment your happy moment. learn to smile from the liver!
nelfa
during training give your your best, you’ll see the outcome. don’t stress out yourself before the race thinking what may happen during the race. (you’ll never know)