‘Wonder Girl’ sends out challengeThursday, December 10 2009
TRINIDAD and Tobago Road Race Club runner Wendy Shallow wants to encourage women to be confident in everything they get involved in.
Her call comes a few days after she achieved the feat of competing in three races at the weekend in Barbados.
On Friday, Shallow finished third in a one-mile race in Bridgetown and followed that by placing ninth in a ten kilometre road race that was held the day after.
On Sunday she contested a gruelling 26.2 mile International Marathon in which she placed eighth overall and was the first woman from the Caribbean to complete the race.
With her achievements Shallow said she felt compelled to use it as a form of motivation to the nation’s women. Though suffering a few bruised toes, Shallow admitted that although the challenge appeared to be daunting at first, she never doubted herself.
The 42-year-old VEMCO Super-visor is also sending out a challenge to women to compete in the Clico International Marathon to be held early next year, saying anything is attainable.
She is also advising that if women are unable to contest the Clico marathon, they should take part in other road races in the future.
She assures that it will help in their general development and help them cope with life’s challenges.
Shallow is advising however that before they attempt such a challenge they should consult their personal doctor first. “Get your gear, rehydrate yourselves by consuming lots of liquids and just focus on finishing the race. Do not study anything else but finishing the race and I can guarantee you that you will,” she said.
Shallow, who began running competitively back in 2005 is urging women to challenge themselves and be sure of achieving successes.
She told Newsday that her challenge is not only about running, but expands to anything that women are to do in their lives.
Since her involvement in road running four years ago Shallow has become one of the key athletes among the women for the Trinidad and Tobago Road Runners Club (TTRRC), finishing among the top ten in all of her races.
She is now hoping to contest the popular New York Marathon which will be held on the first Sunday in November next year. But before that the talented Shallow will attempt to secure the top spot at net year’s Clico Marathon.
Her intention is to compete in ten marathons and to date she has contested seven. The New York Marathon will be her biggest test but she is confident of doing well.
