From tough terrain to painful injuries: How the Predators took on the Mud Race 2019

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After 10 long weeks of training at F45 and nutritional advice from an expert, the Predators were finally ready to face their endgame

Heidi Yeung |
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The Predators (from left) Mohammad, Ka-yi, Saanchi, Esther, Angelina, and David show off their medals.

After 10 long weeks of training, the Predators were finally ready to face their endgame: the Mud Race 2019.

The team of six students gathered at Tai Tong Ecopark in Yuen Long on Sunday, April 28 to tackle the mud-filled obstacle course. Each had won or had been selected for the chance to train at F45 Sheung Wan, and receive guidance from nutritionist Wynnie Chan, in preparation for the big day. Did all their hard work pay off? We caught up with the Predators after the Mud Race to find out.

After the 10 weeks of training, I feel much fitter and stronger. I’m so grateful for all the fitness and dietary advice we’ve been given from our trainers and nutritionist.

I’m actually disappointed that the training programme is over, because I miss hanging out with my teammates. I’m so happy to have met this warm, friendly bunch.

I’m not going to lie: the race was hard – there were so many obstacles. But before we started the race, we all gave each other some words of encouragement and said that we would wait for each other at the finish line. It felt good to achieve this as a team. The whole experience has motivated me to continue to train, and maybe even compete in the Mud Race again next year.

Law Ka-yi, 19, HKU Space Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College

Moments after completing the race, satisfaction surged through me; all my hard work had paid off in the best way possible. Competing in the Mud Race has been one of the best experiences of my life! Not only have I physically become stronger, I am also more confident.

This process has taught me that you never really know what you’re capable of until you meet people who help bring out the best in you. If it wasn’t for my friendship with my teammates, this journey wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable or memorable. Thank you to the Predators for being the most supportive teammates anyone could ever ask for!

Saanchi Shah, 15, King George V School

What an extraordinary, muddy experience! A week later, and I can still smell the mud in my nostrils. Taking part in the Mud Race felt like going back to prehistoric times – climbing trees and wading through swamps.

I’ll never forget the help and support of our teachers, the Young Post staff, our fitness coach, and our nutritionist. In the beginning, we Predators were a timid bunch, but now we miss fighting and sweating it out at the gym and on the racetrack.

I can’t wait for another challenge like this! Young Post, what’s next?

Esther Choy Lok-yiu, 16, PAOC Ka Chi Secondary School

Thanks to the training programme, my fitness has improved a lot over the past two months. Even so, in the days leading up to the race, I was racked with anxiety. What if I didn’t do well? What if I couldn’t even finish the race? When the race day arrived and I saw the other competitors, I felt even more intimidated. But after the starting horn blew, I emptied my mind and just focused on putting one foot in front of the other.

At the final obstacle, with the finish line just metres away, I twisted my ankle while falling into a pit of water. But, motivated by the cheers of my teammates and the Young Post team, I limped towards the finish line. Looking back on the experience, I am so proud of myself. With the support of my teammates, I did something that I never thought I’d be able to do.

Angelina Wang, 17, Chinese International School

This training has taught me a lot about health and fitness. Our trainer, Ernest, prepared us for the obstacles we would face in the race, while our nutritionist, Wynnie, advised us on what type of foods would give us the most energy.

Throughout the race, I could see how motivated my teammates were. I was especially filled with admiration for Angelina, who persisted and finished the race despite getting hurt. I am thankful for the chance to work with a wonderful trainer, nutritionist and teammates. The experience has given me a taste of what it’s like to be a professional athlete, and I will use that to help me achieve my own sporting dreams.

Mohammad Ans, 18, CSBS Mrs Aw Boon Haw Secondary School

The Mud Race was a total success. Thanks to our training, I had the strength and stamina I needed to complete the whole obstacle course without taking a break. I wouldn’t have been able to do that before.

I was so happy seeing my teammates complete the race – especially Angelina. Even though she fell from the monkey bar and sprained her ankle, it didn’t stop her from finishing the race. I was so impressed by her determination.

Although we didn’t win the race, the experience was an unforgettable one. I’m proud to be a member of the Predators!

David Cheng, 18, St Joseph’s Anglo-Chinese School

Edited by Charlotte Ames-Ettridge

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