World Mountain & Trail Running Championships: ‘relaxed’ Cheung Man-yee ready to represent Hong Kong in Thailand
- The enforced break from racing in Hong Kong because of Covid-19 has left Cheung Man-yee mentally rested and ready for the Thailand
- The World Mountain & Trail Running Championships are taking place from November 3 to 6
Cheung Man-yee is feeling refreshed and ready to represent Hong Kong at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships, after a forced hiatus from racing because of Covid-19 restrictions in the city.
A usually vibrant Hong Kong trail racing calendar has been decimated by health rules, with a ban on any events over 50km.
For the 32-year-old, who will represent her city in the 80km race at the championships in Thailand between November 3 and 6, the lack of competition comes with benefits, as well as drawbacks.
“Maybe mentally I’m not very used to race preparation or the adrenaline while running races,” Cheung said. “But this may not be a bad thing, sometimes being a bit relaxed mentally can help you perform better.
“What I mean by ‘mentally relaxed’ is having a usual state of mind while racing. Not thinking about other people’s expectations, not thinking about the result, but just focusing on the road ahead, on my legs, on my body.
“Some athletes do push hard to give their best at every race, but I think listening to my body is more important, sometimes my body wants to push hard, then my mind goes with my body; sometimes my body really needs some rest, then I just relax and won’t push 100 per cent.”