Every runner has his own story to tell. For Ahmad Shamin bin Ahmad Najib, his running journey started from a tragedy. The 35-year old from Kuala Lumpur, a technical executive at MRT Rapid Rail, shares his inspirational story with ToughASIA.

ToughASIA: Why and when did you start running?

Shamin: My running journey started in 2015. I have not always been a runner, not even close to one. In elementary school, Pencak Silat did excite me. I was competitively active in that sport until 2006 but had to completely quit it in 2007 when tragedy struck.

I was involved in a hit-and-run accident and went into a 10-day coma badly injured with a ruptured spleen.

Internal bleeding happened, plus my lungs collapsed due to broken ribs and hip and spine fractures.

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ToughASIA: How did running help you to overcome your sickness?

Shamin: I was in bad shape after my recovery and weighed 96kg. My spine condition became worse and I was diagnosed for L4/L5/S1 Grade II Spondylolisthesis.

Later on, I took up running to make a change for the better. I started to lose weight, lessened my lower back pain and increased my fitness level. Now, I weigh 71kg with an ideal BMI.

ToughASIA: What is your motivation to train these days?

Shamin: I am motivated to overcome my illness. Therefore, I do bodyweight training and run about 4 to 5 times a week.

I do not train for races. Running helps to control my thoughts, my inner strength and I become more focused at what I am doing.

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ToughASIA: Where are your favourite running locations?

Shamin: I usually run around Padang Merbuk in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city, sometimes around Bukit Jalil or at my workplace at the MRT Depot.

ToughASIA: What is the most memorable running race you have competed in?

Shamin: That would be the KL Towerthon International Challenge.

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ToughASIA: What is the most difficult part about running and how do you overcome it?

Shamin: The most difficult part about running is actually to begin running. It is a kind of a “love-and-hate” situation. Fortunately, my family it supportive; I am motivated to run until it has now become a good habit.