Geodis Wilson Newsletter

 

June 30, 2014 Mei Chan Edges Closer to Marathon No. 100 Despite having run a total of over 2,300 miles, Mei says she isn’t tired yet.

You may have been following our colleague Mei Chan’s impressive race to complete 100 marathons.
When the Logistics and Processing Administrator last spoke to MIXnews, she had just completed her 74th marathon in Barcelona. On 31 May, she completed her 90th after running the Kent Roadrunner.
Despite having run a total of over 2,300 miles, Mei says she isn’t tired yet.

“I’m fine, apart from the minor heel and knee cap pain which is known as the ‘Runners knee’ which is a result of over training; Too much too soon”. She is hoping for a little miracle!
“I’m pretty much running every weekend,” she says. “I don’t get back till Sunday night as some of the runs are based abroad.”

Mei’s 100th marathon will be the Chester Marathon and she was interviewed by a local newspaper about it.

But she admits she’s going to have to retire from marathon running soon as it is time consuming and can get costly especially when flying all around the world to do it. She can barely fit anything else into her weekends, having run marathons every weekend since march. “I hope to reduce my mileage once I have reached my running goals”!

“I think there was a runner in the States who sold his house just to pay his debt off,” she says, “but I haven’t got to that stage yet!”

Keep reading MIXnews to stay in touch with Mei’s progress!

March 25, 2014 Geodis Wilson forwarder aims for 100 marathons The 35-year-old started running marathons in 2009 when she ran one in New York City.

A forwarder at Geodis Wilson Heathrow is aiming to complete 100 marathons by October.
Mei Chan just completed her 74^th marathon in Barcelona and hopes to run her 100^th in Chester on 5 October.
The 35-year-old started running marathons in 2009 when she ran one in New   York City.
“I can’t ride a bike, I can’t swim, so I just did a few miles here and there round the block where I live and it’s just become an addiction,” she said.
One might expect that Mei has to undergo a rigorous dietary plan to keep in shape, but she says in fact she can eat whatever she wants. “I drink the night before,” she said. “I just eat chocolate – you name it. I have a friend who runs marathons and eats Pot Noodles in the morning.”
She said her favourite place to run is in the USA, where she has completed three marathons. “I prefer running out in the States because on their courses it’s like a big party,” she said. “They’ve got pancakes on the course and hot food waiting for you. Here it’s just cold drinks.”
Mei’s friends have come up with some teasing names for her as a result of her undying commitment to the sport. “I’ve got friends calling me ‘Mad Mei’, ‘Marathon Mei’ whatever names you can think of,” she said.
Besides running, Mei has a passion for baking. “I like making cupcakes,” she said. “I’m doing shortbread at the moment. When you’re doing a run or you’re going to events I take them along with me. If I leave them on the course, people can just nibble on them.”

January 23, 2014 Mei’s 100th is in Sight in 2014! Now a marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time and it is this one fact that makes Mei stand out from the crowd. She’s not interested in completing a marathon in super quick time (that’s not to say that she wouldn’t be pleased in achieving a personal best) She competes in marathons through her sheer love of running.

A recent quote from Mei Chan said ‘Anyone can run 20 miles… It’s the next six that count’

Strong words from a very determined lady.

We have previously reported on Mei’s quest to achieve 100 marathons in order to become a member of the elite 100 club, a minor bi-benefit however, as Mei’s determination stems from a hunger to achieve.

Now a marathoner is a marathoner regardless of time and it is this one fact that makes Mei stand out from the crowd. She’s not interested in completing a marathon in super quick time (that’s not to say that she wouldn’t be pleased in achieving a personal best) She competes in marathons through her sheer love of running.

You may think that running continuously for four, five hours is ludicrous, but it’s not until you get out there with the wind in your face, and the crowds cheering you on that you can fully appreciate the challenge of long distance running.

And 2014 is going to be a momentous year for Mei as it will be this year that she competes in and completes her 100^th marathon. Some of those marathons that Mei has signed up for leading up to her 100^th are… Barcelona, Vienna, Madrid, Geneva, Prague, Amsterdam and Frankfurt (tbc). It’s not just the UK where Mei ‘competes’, she has travelled far and wide and is quite well known on the marathon circuit.

So how does she do it, working full time as Logistics & Processing Planner at Heathrow and running 26 miles every weekend? To coin the phrase ‘You get out what you put in’, Mei is committed to her job and her hobby and always gives 100%. Whether it be fuelling for a run through a healthy diet or contributing towards the success of the Ted Baker operation.

We have previously commented on how we could adapt Mei’s mentality to how we conduct ourselves in our daily working lives, and it’s true, no matter how hard a task may appear, if you keep going, don’t let it wear you down, you will succeed especially with your work colleagues around you cheering you on!

Pictured below is Mei competing in her 15th marathon, the Virgin London Marathon 2012, in aid of Children with Cancer.

Geodis Wilson Newsletters

October 15, 2013 Mei Chan Continues in Her Quest for 100! Congratulations to Mei Chan who has just completed her 56th marathon!!

Mei has embarked on a personal challenge to become a member of the elite ’100 Club, a club dedicated to those sports men and women who have accomplished 100 full marathons (or 2620 miles – The equivalent of running from the UK to Azerbaijan!).

Her most recent challenge was the Chester marathon, a 26.2 course that crosses from the UK into Wales and back again, while taking in the beautiful Cheshire countryside.

Mei achieved a PB (personal best) during the race coming across the line in 4 hours and 42 minutes smashing her previous PB by almost 10 minutes.

Mei has also recently been accepted as an affiliated member of the 100 running club, giving her the opportunity to run with existing and future 100 club members, gaining both valuable support and advice from some of the UK’s most proficient runners.

Mei’s next challenge will be the Munich marathon which takes place on Sunday 13th October, marathon number 57!!

And to say that Mei likes her bling would be an understatement. Check out this haul of medals!!

Pictured below is Mei in the home straight at the Chester marathon.

Keep running Mei, only 43 more to go!

 

July 16, 2013 Mei Nears Half a Century in Her Quest To Reach 100!

Mei Chan, Feltham Branch, has recently completed her 47^th & 48^th marathon at the Summer Enigma Event on 6^th July 2013 as she nears the half way mark in her epic journey!
As we reported in the last edition of Wilson News Mei’s original challenge had been to run 40 marathons before she turned 40, but during her quest had revised this to 100. In completing 100 marathons Mei will become and member of the ‘100’ club, an elite club for those die hard runners who have 100 or more marathons under their belts.
Mei runs most weekends and more recently has completed the Enigma Double (part of a three full marathons back to back), San Francisco triple (three marathons back to back) and the Lancaster marathon.
The self confessed ‘marathon maniac’ is now enjoying a two week break before embarking on the Grim Reaper Ultra, a staggering ultra marathon which takes place on the 2^nd August 2013, aptly named due to its intensity and distances which range from 40 miles up to 100 miles!! Mei will be taking on the 40 mile challenge for the second year running, which loops through the beautiful Grimsthorpe Castle estate in Lincolnshire and continues throughout the night with runners responsible for their own fuelling, resting and management of their running times. The event has amassed a loyal following over the years and sees runners given a maximum 26 hours to complete the event which takes runners over a terrain of lime stone trail and fields.
We all wish Mei the very best of luck, 40 miles is no mean feat, but she has proved that if you put your mind to it you can do anything!
See the next edition of Wilson News for an update on Mei’s journey as she strives to reach that goal of 100 marathons!

May 1, 2013 A(Mei)zing! As you are all aware Mei Chan was aiming to run 40 marathons by the time she reached her 40th birthday.

Well we are delighted to inform you that not only has Mei now got 33 marathons under her belt, but she has also revised her original target and is now aiming to run a staggering 100 marathons in a bid to become a member of the ‘Elite 100 Club’. The association is dedicated to marathon and ultra runners who have reached and in many cases exceeded a century.
Mei’s biggest recent challenge was the South Down Way Ultra, a 50 mile foot race along the South Downs Way Natinal Trail that begins in Worthing and ends at Eastbourne. Runners are given a maximum of 20 hours to complete the gruelling course which is just shy of running two full marathons back to back. On this occasion Mei unfortunately has recorded her very first DNF (did not finish) but still managed to complete a commendable 26.6 miles in 7hours 20.
Mei openly admits that running such distances is hard, yet her sheer determination drives her forward. “I will set myself a pace that is comfortable to maintain and start every race with a positive aim to finish. I have ran that many long distances to date that my body is accustomed to the physical effort. The personal accomplishment I feel when crossing a finishing line is immense, though the key is to train, train and train. As long as I don’t push myself beyond what I know I am capable of I know that I will be fine”
Much of what Mei achieves is down to mental strength as well as physical strength. I am sure there are many of us who have been in a situation where we have just thought ‘I can’t do this’ and haplessly given up!
Now we’re not expecting you all to take up long distance running, but Mei’s story does have an underlying message that we can all relate to:
‘Set your mind to it and you can do anything’
Something to bear in mind next time you get a knock back from a prospective customer… Don’t give up, keep going and you’ll eventually cross that finish line and get your reward!
Recently Mei volunteered at the London Marathon for team Macmillan. And last week ran the Manchester Marathon in 5hours 14!
You can see all of the marathons that Mei has completed to date on her blog: http://www.maychan8888.blogspot.co.uk/
By the end of 2013 Mei hopes to have completed a staggering 57 marathons, in excess of 1480 miles!! See below for all of those she is set to participate in below….
Good luck Mei, you a truly an inspirational lady!




Richmond, Milton Keynes, Windermere, Edinburgh, Kent, Luxembourg, San Francisco, Lancaster, Enigma 1, 2 & 3 (triple marathon), Grim Reaper 40 mile ultra, Isle of Man, Enigma Gold & Reverse (double marathon), Wolverhampton, Chester, Yorkshire, Beachy, Saxon Shore 1 & 2 (double marathon), Portsmouth!

Geodis Wilson - December 2012 Newsletter

December 19, 2012 Mei Chan – The Running Lady We love when a part of the GW team does more than just work for us – someone who offers something inspirational that we can admire and gives us the encouragement to do more with our time. Mei Chan has recently completed her 29th marathon out of 40, in Beaujolais, France where 8200 runners took to the hills and roads around the vineyard of the regions world famous wine to complete the 27 mile challenge.

Beginning her journey in New York, this epic adventure has taken Mei round the world to places such as Dublin, Luxembourg, Edinburgh and Amsterdam to name a few. When asked why she did this Mei said that she had a ‘can-do attitude’ and a ‘determination to go the distance, no matter what!’

We can all learn a lesson from such an absolute inspiration of a woman. She began her training for the first 10k race, by running round her block of flats and slowly increasing the distance – and her aim is to reach 40 marathons before she hits the big ‘four-zero’ birthday. To have the dedication to set a goal that takes such pain and effort to attempt is quite a task in itself, and that’s before the running. So to have done so many and come so far is not short of incredible.

We had a quick chat with Mei to find out what gave her the ‘get-up-and-go’ and what the hardest parts of this experience.

Checkout her amazing blog here, comment and support her in her future races.http://maychan8888.blogspot.co.uk/p/introduction.html

Why are you doing this?

I run for a sense of well being and it is not just for physical reasons, it is because I recognise what running does for me mentally. It’s a way of clearing out my mind at the end of a tough day, and it gives me the ability to explore and learn about myself outside of my usual life routine. I enjoy running because of the self discovery and self-confidence that comes from getting my body to do what once seemed impossible. Every run is a small victory for me and I love the sense of comradeship with fellow runners.

What or who gives you the courage/inspiration to carry on?

Friends, family and random strangers I meet on Marathon runs- they all give me the courage and inspiration to run. I meet so many people that have overcome illnesses, loneliness and disability through running. Each person has their story, and it’s so humbling to see people of all shapes and sizes, capabilities and disabilities competing side by side at many of the Marathons. There are very few sports competitions that are open to so many different people, you could be the fastest or slowest runner but at the end of the Marathon you are a winner.

What is the most difficult part for you?The most difficult part of Marathon running is the training. I find it hard fitting the training in during the work week, I sign up for regular 10K, Half Marathons and Full Marathons whenever I can fit the time in and this is my training towards the next Marathon. I make sure I eat healthy and I force myself to eat large meals with lots of carbohydrates. Keeping healthy and not losing too much weight is very challenging.
What has been your favourite race and why?I love running in Fancy Dress, so I am always signing up for the Medoc and Beaujolais Wine Marathons in France. It’s more about having a fun- time, drinking and socialising with people who share the same love for running as you.. and of course love of wine. The Marathon is usually less challenging, times are more generous and we have lots of fun along the way.

What has been you least favourite and why?

My least favourite run is the Ultra running. I’ve taken part in 5 Ultra runs so far since running my first Marathon in 2009 and they always take so much out of me. I can spend a whole day running an Ultra Marathon. This year I did my first double Ultra Marathon at the Enigma Event, this Marathon was held on the 26th August and then the following day I also competed in the 30 Mile Ultra Marathon. I also ran my first 40 Miler, aptly named “The Grim Reaper” on Friday, 13th July and unlucky for me I had to run it in torrential rain. That was the most tiresome run I have ever took part in and although it was my least favourite, I will probably do it again!. It was raining from start to finish! At the end of this 10 Hours and 45 Minutes of continuous Running my feet were wrinkled and I was completely drained mentally.. Not a favourite run!

How are your feet?

I’ve had some issues with my toes at the beginning of the year. I lost a few nails and bruised a few toes. I can still count ten toes and thankfully all nails are intact, so it’s not something I worry too much about now. I keep to my trusted old trainers, they’ve served me well and I give my feet a good pampering every night to keep them strong and ready..

Mei Chan in a local newspaper for the Beaujolais Marathon in France!

 

 

 

 

 

Geodis Wilson - May 2012 Newsletter

May 9, 2012 Well done Mei! Children with Cancer UK is the leading national children's charity dedicated to the fight against childhood leukaemia and other childhood cancers. Their aims are to determine the causes, find the cure and provide care for children with cancer.

Mei Chan works in Geodis Wilson Heathrow office and she has run the London Virgin Marathon on the 22^nd April 2012 within a time of 05:05:52, for the charity ‘CHILDREN with CANCER UK’. “I am extremely grateful to have joined their Mr Men and Little Miss Team for this years 2012 Olympic London Virgin Marathon!” Said Mei.

She started to run Marathons since 2009. Her very first full marathon was the New York Marathon where she achieved a personal best of 04:54:04. ” I collapsed at the finishing line, I was elated that I’d run the full 26.2 miles and hadn’t let Team GB down! I will always cherish the memory of running over Brooklyn Bridge and seeing all the many different nationalities, slugging it out to the finish line. This run has been a personal best for me until my recent Berlin Marathon run, where I beat it by 3 minutes.” Added Mei.

What could be her motivation to do this exhausting sport? She likes to run because it could be a solitary sport. When she is running in the early mornings, she enjoys how it energises her and sets her up for the rest of the day. For Mei it is a good cure for stress and she is much healthier than she was before she started running.

By participating to Marathons, you keep very good souvenir. One of her favourite Marathons is the Beaujolais Wine Marathon in France. She loves running through the wonderful French countryside, with vineyards all around her and French wine tasting on route. The run is a fun way to combine running with wine tasting.

Mei’s plan for this year so far is to run at least 12 Marathons before the end of the year. She has already registered to take part in many Half, Full and Ultra Marathons as she can cope with. However she has never done the Ultra Marathons which is any event longer than 26.2 miles. It is a big challenge for her as she usually close to breaking point when she does one of these Marathons. She has also managed to get herself into the Paris (15.04.12 – Time : 05:27:55), London and Chicago Marathon this year, so 2012 is going to be a big year for her.

Congratulations Mei!

Marathon Runner