Race Media

Ada Tsang Yin Hung - HK's first female summit Mount Everest challenges herself again at MSIG Sai Kung 50

Ada Tsang Yin Hung is Hong Kong’s first female who summit Mount Everest, also ranked the 4^th female runner of MSIG Lantau 50 - 50km. Decided to participate in the upcoming MSIG Sai Kung 50 (10 Feb, 2018) for her very first time, Ada is looking forward to exploring the hidden angles of this “back garden of Hong Kong”, “After racing at MSIG Lantau 50, I found the MSIG HK50 Series very challenging with a lot of fun! Also with the sufficient supply provided by Action Asia Events during the race, I decided to join another race from the series.”

Growing up hanging out on the trails most of the time, Ada has started trail running since 2010 and thought it would be an effective way to strengthen her hiking ability. Since then, trail running has gradually become part of her life. “Back to the days when I was teaching, work was busy, and it was difficult to squeeze time for training. At that time, I decided to participate in races as racing can be the most efficient and high quality type of training for me. I started joining different races every two weeks and during long holidays.” To match with her working hours and racing schedule, Ada also developed her own preparation plan, “I won’t adjust any of my daily routine for any race, but to stick with my usual eating habit and lifestyle – to race on weekend and rest on weekdays – as to avoid my body from feeling shocked due to the sudden changes.”

Although it is Ada’s first time racing at MSIG Sai Kung 50, she has prepared herself well and happy to share her usual pre-race preparation, “I will always look at the elevation gain of the 50km race in order to arrange the most suitable pace for that day. For example, the elevation gain for MSIG Sai Kung 50 is around 2700m, I will then run a bit faster than racing in a 100km course, and to remind myself not to be affected by other runners. Apart from the supplies provided in each check point, I will also equip myself with around 500ml water and few packs of energy gel just in case.”

Well preparation of equipment and supplies is never enough for runners, but to get prepared for the toughness when they have to confront the challenging course all by themselves, even Ada, a trail run veteran, found it the most challenging part while racing, “It is tough especially when you are participating in a 100km race and have no people around most of the time, facing the tough course by yourself, that mental challenges within the 10 hours (or more) race is much greater than the physical challenge. So I will always talk to myself and encourage myself as to keep my own pace.” Ada also shared her self-encouragement when having a demanding time, “these are only temporary pain and challenges, only if I hang in there and run towards the finish line, I can get a proper rest.”