The only way is up for vertical running star Cindy Reid in ICC challenge
Vertical star Cindy Reid combines full-time job with role as instructor and running up buildings
While many Hong Kong bankers struggle with tight and hectic schedules, Cindy Reid has a daily routine that can only be described as manic.
As well as her banking job, the 33-year-old Discovery Bay resident is a fitness instructor who manages her own keep-fit studio and a running champion.
"I get up at 5.30 every day, and teach my first class at 6.15am. I'm on a 7.45am ferry to Central. I get to my desk at about 8.30am. On my lunch break I do some stairs, running and hot yoga. After work, I either teach another class at 8pm, train a private client or I do my own training. I train up to 25-30 hours a week," she explained.
On top of her daily challenge, Reid is a keen and competitive vertical runner.
Reid came third in her first vertical run at the IFC building in 2010. In 2012, she came first in an ICC race and won again last year. Since then, she has been competing in various international vertical races: she climbed the Empire State building in February, the Shanghai IFC last October, and the Taipei 101 this year.
Reid, who was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Australia, said she never liked running until she returned to the city to live. "Now I'm doing a lot of buildings and I'm starting to be an international elite runner," she said.