Meet Li Ping: The Pacemaker Who Inspires With Every Step
At The Marathon Shop, we’re proud to have a dedicated and inspiring pacer in our community — Li Ping, a runner whose journey from casual jogger to marathon enthusiast is a true testament to the power of perseverance and passion.
A Passion for Running
Li Ping, 46, started her running journey with a simple goal: to get fitter and healthier. What began as a way to stay active quickly evolved into a love for the sport. Today, she runs 3-4 times a week, completing several Half Marathons across Malaysia. Her proudest achievement so far has been the IJM Duo Highway Challenge: Half Marathon, where she achieved a personal best of 2:13:59 hours.
But Li Ping’s journey doesn’t stop there. She’s now preparing for her first Full Marathon at the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, a milestone she’s both excited and nervous about. “Every race is an opportunity to grow stronger and more confident,” Li Ping says, and she’s excited to continue this personal challenge.
Running as a Lifelong Pursuit
For Li Ping, running is much more than just exercise. It’s a mental and physical challenge that brings a sense of freedom and accomplishment. “Running gives me a feeling of joy and balance in my life,” she shares. “Whether I’m out for a calm morning run or feeling the race-day adrenaline, it always adds something special to my day.”
Her passion for running goes beyond the physical benefits; it’s about personal growth. “Running is my meditation,” she says. “It’s my time to reflect, de-stress, and embrace solitude. Each step feels like a journey toward becoming the best version of myself.”
Running With a Supportive Community
Running has become an essential part of Li Ping’s routine, especially on weekends. She and her husband are regular participants in the Pacemakers Malaysia Friendship Run and enjoy long-distance runs with fellow runners. Weekdays include shorter, quicker jogs to help maintain balance in their busy lives.
The sense of community plays a big role in Li Ping’s running journey. As part of the Pacemakers Malaysia team, she’s found a supportive network that encourages her to keep pushing herself. “Being part of the Pacers has become my greatest motivation to lace up my shoes and hit the road,” she says. “It’s not just about running for me anymore; it’s about being part of something bigger.”
The Joy of Pacing
While Li Ping loves the challenge of long-distance running, she also finds immense joy in helping others achieve their goals. As she trains to become a pacer, she’s discovered a deep sense of fulfillment in guiding others through their races. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see runners cross the finish line and know that I helped them get there,” she says.
For Li Ping, pacing isn’t just about leading a group to a set time; it’s about providing encouragement, motivation, and a sense of camaraderie that elevates the experience for everyone involved.
From Inspiration to Motivation
Li Ping’s inspiration to start running came from a combination of health goals and a desire to clear her mind. But the true spark came when she saw her idol, Super Junior’s Yesung, using running as a way to maintain his health and endurance. Li Ping was also encouraged by her husband, a dedicated runner himself, to join him on training runs. Together, they’ve built a running routine that keeps them both motivated and on track.
“The joy of seeing my weight drop and feeling stronger with each run has been incredibly rewarding,” she shares. “Running has become a passion, and I’m grateful for every step of this journey.”