Faherina ‘Ryna’ Mohd Esa
Ultra-Trail Runner
We’re super excited to introduce our August Ambassador, Faherina Mohd Esa, also widely known in the running circle as Ryna Rynz. An active and adventurous girl at heart, Ryna loves to challenge herself beyond her limits and has ventured into various multi-sports such as trail running, mountaineering, cycling, mountain biking, diving, kayaking, crossfit and many more. A Project Manager at Maybank, there’s no stopping this girl from doing what she loves – Adventure!
Q&A With "Ryna" Faherina Mohd Esa
1. How did you get involved in sports?
I started with hiking. And running is my training for hiking in the mountains and jungles. I also started cycling when I sign up to participate in a mountain bike (MTB) Duathlon as I love being in the mountain trails. I won 3rd place at this event, and ever since then, I have been doing both running and cycling.
2. Doing adventure sports involve getting into mishaps at times. What motivates you to work and train harder, even after a few sporting injuries?
The OLD me is my motivation. I’ve had four surgeries for Scaphoid Non Union Fractured (I fell down during an MTB Orientering race) as well as Orif Distal Radius Fractured (I had a fall while mountain climbing). I had to take a back seat during the recovery period and I asked my doctor what I can do to slowly build my muscle up so that I can train as before. Honestly, I am still traumatized up till now but I try to stay focus as much as I can, and to stop if I feel any discomfort. Regardless of any activities that I plan to do, I always seek my doctor’s advice now.
3. What’s your best trail running achievement so far?
My first longest run was the Merapoh Magnificent Trail Run which was 60Km in 2016. A lot of international runners participated in this event. Somehow, I managed to maintain my pace at the last 45km and eventually became the Champion for the 60km mark. I also completed the 100km at the same event. It was my first time running a 100km trail run. I achieved a personal best (PB) at the time, and even a placing as the 1st Runner-Up. From then on, I confidently participated in many ultra-trail events.
4. Do you have any tips on nutrition that you try and follow?
I don’t really have any particular tips. I am the type that must have rice in my diet and if possible, I try not to skip any meals be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Being petite with an active lifestyle, I tend to burn a lot of calories and need more of them.
5. How did you hear about Beet It Sport?
I normally don’t use any supplements but look for a food source that can help me to sustain my endurance and boost my energy. That happens to be beetroot, but it is very time consuming to prepare the juice. Hence, when I was looking for a ready-made product, I found Beet It Sport.
6. Why do you use Beet It Sport and how has it helped you?
I use Beet It Sport because it is very convenient. It suits me very well as I’m able to sustain my performance and energy for a long period of time in a lot of the endurance activities that I do, such as adventure races and ultra-trail events. The first time I consumed Beet It Sport was at the UiTM Ultra Running 52km event and I “beet” my PB. I also achieved a PB using it at the Penang Eco Challenge 100km ultra-trail event.
7. Anything additional you would like to add about Beet It Sport?
To have better performance, consume Beet It Sport at least 1-2 weeks before a big event to load up on nitrates. I also like to use at least 2-3 shots an hour before the event starts. I like to mix the juice in my food such as spaghetti/ pasta, granola, salad and I even make jelly candies and ice creams using Beet It Sport. And many more! Just be creative! 😊
