Words from the runners
Print Edition
STEPHANE Jacqmin, Belgium, 44
When Stephane Jacqmin is up and running reliving his marathon experiences over the years, there’s no stopping him.
“I get depressed if I don’t run for a day or two. It’s my drug,” said the Belgian, general manager of consumer health care with Sanofi China, as he looked forward to yesterday’s 2014 Shanghai International Marathon — his first outside Europe.
“I like to achieve. I’m an achiever and it’s all about pushing my limits.”
Jacqmin’s long distance running fever started when he watched an ultramarathon race in South Africa, where participants had to run for 89 kilometers.
He then ran in a number of half-marathon from his late 20s, and finally decided to attempt the 42km full marathon when he turned 40.
He completed his first full marathon in Prague in 2010, followed by marathons in Munich, Barcelona, Nuremberg, Frankfurt and Copenhagen.
The Frankfurt marathon experience in 2012 was among the most unforgettable ones, when the temperature was around freezing. Jacqmin had to turn to spectators to help him open an energy bar wrapper as his hands were numb with the cold.
Jacqmin runs for 5 to 10 kilometers outside every day or trains on his running machine if the weather’s bad.
“Running every day is a discipline, and a commitment to myself. I travel with my running shoes. It’s part of my life,” said the 44-year-old.
To get his body more fit for events, Jacqmin cuts back on his intake of his favorite food and drink — chocolates, chips, cheese and beer. His personal marathon best was 3 hours and 49 minutes in Barcelona in 2012.
“You can communicate with your body, and if it’s not in shape you feel it and can make adjustments.”
He advises eating less in the lead-up to the race to lose weight and so reduce stresses on the body. On the big day itself, Jacqmin recommends a small breakfast and not starting too fast.
“The small details can change a race,” Jacqmin said. “In the latter stages you have to keep confident that you can complete the distance.”
As a sponsor of the Shanghai International Marathon, Sanofi China entered a 40-member team. It also supports children from migrant families taking part in running events.
Full marathon time — 3:57:16
Nathalie Van de Walle, Belgium, 38
“I'm based in Suzhou and will make the trip to Shanghai especially for the race. Running makes you feel relaxed and gets rid of stress from work. I’ve got two children, an 8-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter, and I’ll try to get them interested in running too, so that they might join me in the future.”
Carlo Alberto Romano, Italy, 39
“I've already run in the Shanghai International Marathon four times. It’s a way to prove yourself and you feel fulfilled after reaching your target, because you know not everybody can do it. I set a personal goal of 3 hours and 15 minutes for this year’s full marathon.”
Full marathon time — 3:18:27
Pablo Leon, Spain, 28
“I've been living in Shanghai for three years. I love the life here and it will make me feel complete to run a marathon in this city. I like running, and was in Spain when I heard the news that I’d got a place in this year’s race through Shanghai Daily. I felt lucky because I read in the paper that the places were taken up within hours. Running gets my body fit and helps to build my mind, so that I can think more clearly. My fiancée will be there to cheer for me — and to pick me up after the race!”
Half marathon time — 1:56:00
Ingrid Kamphuis, the Netherlands, 38
“The Shanghai marathon will be my fourth running event this year — and there’s the Xiamen Marathon waiting for me ahead. It’s always nice to have a goal, something to conquer or achieve. Running is a good way to spend your leisure time.”
Full marathon time — 5:08:06
Zhang Yu, China, 33
“My job is demanding and running marathons helps me to steel my mental strength. The Shanghai International Marathon has a superb atmosphere, and the spectators are professional and supportive. They supply us with bananas, energy bars and even warm ginger tea along the route, which is very touching.”
Full marathon time — 5:43:27
Wu Rui, China, 36
“I didn’t set a personal goal for this year’s marathon. Don’t get yourself too stressed, as running should be part of daily life. Have you tried getting up early and have a morning run at round 6 or 7am? You’ll be rewarded with a totally different city view!”
Full marathon time — 5:36:03
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