A chat with Sham…
TRF caught up with Sham a while after the sundown, just to get a few words from him.
TRF: When did you decide to register for the sundown ultra?
Sham: Well, after coming in 12th overall for stanchart’10, I decided to assess my fitness for a brief period of two months. After doing a thorough evaluation of my physical condition as well as the commitment and sacrifices I would have to make, I then signed up in March.
TRF: Why did you decide to do this race?
Sham: 2 reasons. One was ambition. The other was to challenge myself.
TRF: How as the race overall?
Sham: The race had its ups and downs. I was most grateful for the many loved ones fans and supporters along the way. However, the water points were too far apart. I was struggling with the ” should i carry the water bag dilemma”. I took a calculated risk and jettisoned it along the way. I’m happy to say that the gamble paid off. The feeling at the finish line was indescribable. Surprisingly I still felt fresh, but more importantly, I was so relieved that I had finished the race.
TRF: How was the competition?
Sham: Very strong. Especially the foreign athletes. But I’m an overcomer and with the aditional home ground advantage, I’m glad that I was able to focus, pull through and overcome.
TRF: How’s your recovery getting along?
Sham: Making progress. My body is still extremely tired and I’ve got a couple of black toe nails that’ll take time to heal. Currently, I’m paying special attention to my diet and also engaging in some light cross training. I hope to be back in about a month.
TRF: Anybody you wanna thank?
Sham: God. Without Him, this would not have been possible. My beloved wife Faith, for everything she’s done for me. My dedicated trainees from SIM and TRF. And not forgetting my sponsors and partners and anyone else who helped me in one way or another
TRF: Any advice for virgin ultramarthoners?
Sham: Plan carefully, train consistently and above all stay injury-free
TRF: Would you do it again?
Sham: A hard question to answer. Yes I think. If I’m prepared, I would like to the opportunity to defend my position and break my time of 9hr 55min.
