Actress gears up for run despite slipped disc

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FRESH from climbing Mount Kinabalu, actress, TV host and emcee Chermaine Poo is preparing herself for the PJ Half Marathon on Oct 30.

Poo said she read in The Star about the run and thought it would be a good idea to join.

“It would motivate me to start working out more. I told my family, friends and clients about it and decided to participate together,” she said.

Gearing up: Poo and McMillan Woods president Liew practising at the Lembah Kiara park in Taman Tun Dr Ismail.

The Miss Malaysia Universe 2005 runner-up was recently picked as the spokesman for the McMillan Woods Mount Kinabalu Charity Climb Expedition.

She climbed the mountain with 50 others, including McMillan Woods president Datuk Raymond Liew.

“Since I had slipped disc twice, I knew climbing the mountain would be difficult due to the lack of training and fear of hurting my back.

“To make matters worse, I was down with fever for a few days before the climb and even threw up before the event,” she said.

She made the climb nonetheless and the experience left her inspired and raring for more.

Getting to the top: Poo scaled Mount Kinabalu despite a back problem

However, she was still waiting for her chiropractor to give the green light to join the run and advise her on the distance that she can take part in.

Poo is no stranger to runs and was the track captain during her school days.

“I used to run between 5km and 20km three times a week but have stopped doing strenuous exercises for more than two years because of my slipped disc.

“I am now working out with my personal trainer and he has customised a workout regime for me, taking into consideration my back injuries. I will be posting updates of my preparation on my website www.chermainepoo.com,” said Poo.

Besides getting her personal trainer to join the run, she said she would also be convincing Liew to join her in the run.

“During our Mount KK expedition, he proved to have such dynamic leadership qualities and inspired all of us to do our best. I am certain that he will again inspire our group members, including myself, to do our best,” she said.