Michelle Aurelia,

FFRC Run Leader 

Michelle called Singapore her home from 2021 onwards after spending her childhood in Jakarta and early adulthood in Melbourne. She has always been involved in sports and outdoor activities, particularly swimming and volleyball. Running was never her first port of call, in fact, it was her weakest sport. All that changed during the fall of 2022. 

Michelle started her running journey late, with no racing under her belt and a wild initial goal which might be familiar to most Singaporeans, the 2022 Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon (SCSM) - Half Marathon. She broke Sub 2:00 at the 2023 Melbourne Marathon - Half Marathon, her journey from diving into the deep end to finding joy in pounding the pavements and chasing the runner’s high is certainly a popular conversation starter with her!

Your day one at FFRC?

“I’ve been with FFRC since the beginning! Back then, we were just a small group of 10 runners (on good days) at the weekly run. My legs are still burning from our first run around Orchard and Fort Canning in September 2022 Azaria was already dropping hills like nobody’s business, we cruised at a 5.30-6.30 pace - let’s just say I hit my limit. But hey, that’s the beauty of running with a group - even the pain is way more enjoyable!”

Nutrition Facts

  • Half Marathon PB (Melbourne 2023) - 1:49

  • Guilty Pleasure - McSpicy Meal w sprite

  • Must have - Running cap, Watch, Lululemon F&F High-rise shorts

  • One shoe to rule it all - ON Cloudmonsters

  • Kaya hotspot - 78 Kaya runs later, still nothing

Wisdom 

Start slow and be kind to yourself! 

Progress at our own pace, ditch the ego and comparisons to others - the only person you’re racing is the one in the mirror! Finding your running crew is key to make those miles fly by and keep you going on challenging days with their support. I found mine with FFRC and I hope it can be yours too!

P.S. Running’s a gift and you should definitely keep at it for as long as your body allow you  

Ingredients

  • Runs to keep in shape, stay healthy and forge incredible friendships. 

  • Certified dealer in unreal support and encouragement. 

  • Swimming & Volleyball

Dream

  • Tokyo Marathon

What’s a memorable race experience or a challenging race you've conquered?

Only 2 half marathons under my belt, but each one’s been a special memory because I shared them with my amazing training buddy, Dadima. There’s no way I could’ve faced those distances alone. The funny thing is, we barely even talk during the race, but somehow, just having her running beside me, pushing the boundaries together - that’s the memory I cherish the most. We laugh, we sweat, we struggle, we train hard, we cross that finish line together - that bond is something special!

Can you share a bit about your running journey and achievements so far?

This running journey has been far more rewarding that I ever imagined. Sure, it’s helping me to get in shape and be healthy, but the biggest surprise has been the incredible friendships forged along the way. The support and encouragement from this running club is unreal, and finding my best friends here is truly the greatest gift running has given me.