Running itself is an exhausting sport that requires very high stamina to succeed or reach a target distance. But imagine having it done in the reverse direction. Is this even possible to conquer?
“While I’m still competent I will give my all just to raise funds for the underprivileged kids”, says the former national athlete Melinder Kaur who is determined to etch her name in the Malaysia Book of Records for the fifth time.
Melinder is fueled by her determination to raise RM20,000 for less fortunate children. In line with that, the 34-year-old retired army officer is aiming to achieve the longest non-stop backward run on a treadmill for 12 hours. The record is scheduled to attempt on January 28 at the Fitness Concept outlet at Sunway Velocity Mall, Cheras.
Alvin Netto, a personal trainer, completed a similar feat in July 2018. Whereas, Melinder aims to achieve as the first woman in Malaysia.
Speaking to Varnam Malaysia, apart from this record Melinder has also applied for the Guinness Book Of World Records. “There will be a training for this record on 13 May 2023. If my training goes well, I will try my very best to beat the record for the 100-meter forward roll. In fact, I hold a National Record for this event with a timing of 10 seconds away from the World Record. This time I’m aiming big to cut down the timing and reach the World Record.”
Previously Melinder had achieved two national records in one go.
According to New Straits Times, Melinder is the first Malaysian woman to run non-stop on a treadmill for 25 hours and recorded the longest distance within 24 hours, covering 123.85km within the set time.
When questioned on why she was attempting another record so soon, the mother of one said, the truth about me is that I’m never content with my achievements.
“I always remain hungry for more victories and more challenges. My intention is not to gain fame or for my own benefit, but to make a difference in the lives of others. I hope to lead by example. I really want kids across Malaysia to have a normal, comfortable life. Poverty has affected so many children but they’re innocent, they had no idea this was coming to them,” she explained.
Melinder also shared that breaking the record for running backward is going to be a tough challenge compared to her previous record of non-stop conventional running on a treadmill for 24 hours.
However, she is looking forward to the challenge.
“It’s normal that your mind will tell you that something is impossible, but it isn’t. Whatever record I choose to break, I always make sure it is something I love doing. I then train hard, plan ahead, be patient, and don’t give up. Running forward is something that we do every day without any conscious thought. Whereas, backward running is something unusual and needs enough training and practice. I need to train and increase strength in lesser-used leg muscles. Also, I need to force my mind to focus and step outside my comfort zone,” she added.
In track and field, Melinder is still the national record holder for the women’s 3000m steeplechase which she had set during the 2010 Malaysia Games in Malacca.
Melinder’s record attempt is supported by her main sponsor, Fitness Concept Malaysia.
With the right amount of training and confidence, everything will fall into place. You got this and good luck with the record-breaking Melinder!
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
