By June Cheong

What do you do to keep fit?

I swim four times, cycle twice and run two to three times a week. I did track and field and cross-country racing throughout my secondary and junior college years. I have always enjoyed running and I have always been good at it. I also grew up cycling and I love it. Taking part in triathlons seems a natural progression because they combine all the sports I love.

What is your secret to looking so fabulous?

Consistent exercise and watching what you eat. Your body needs to be working at a consistent rate to burn fat and build your physique. Exercising for five hours in one day and taking a break for the next two or three days does not have the same effect as working out for an hour every day. Consistency and frequency are key as they help you to form a fitness base.

Has there ever been a time when you were not fit and fab?

Yes. It was during the two years I served as a full-time volunteer with my church. I went to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Malaysia between 2003 and 2005, going to people's homes to evangelise and inviting them to church. I also taught English and music. My schedule was set by the church and I had only 30 minutes for exercise each day. I put on enough weight for a friend to notice. With the stint over in 2006, I started exercising regularly again.

What is your diet like?

I try not to eat so much rice and carbohydrates. I eat more vegetables and fruits. When I am back in the United States, I try to eat less fried food and more salads and wraps.

What are your indulgences?

Good old Singaporean hawker food like chao guo tiao, beef hor fun and laksa. They remind me of home, especially when I have been away so long.

Do you count your calories?

No. I believe you can enjoy eating as long as you burn off more calories than you consume.

Do you take supplements?

Yes, I take a multi-vitamin pill every day to boost my immunity.

What is your sleep routine like?

I get six to seven hours every night. I do not think that is enough. For one's body to perform optimally, especially with the amount of exercise I do, most doctors recommend eight to 10 hours of sleep. In the United States, I am working part-time and studying so it is hard to find the rest I need.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

I work out every day from Monday to Saturday, sometimes even twice a day. Sundays are my days off. I spend time at church and with family and friends. It is a chance for me to repay people who have supported me. If I feel burnt out, I will miss a workout. I think it is important to listen to your body.

What do you do to relax?

I swim or run. When I am in the water, I feel relaxed. When I am running, I do not think about anything else but my running form. Running along forest trails also gives me the space I need to relax.

What are the three most important things in your life?

Faith, family and friends. Faith because it has given me hope when times were bad and provided my life with some absolutes. It has planted signposts for how I should lead my life. Family because they will always be there for me. Friends because they have things in common with me and they are very supportive of what I do.

Would you go for plastic surgery?

No. I do not feel a physical impairment or blemish handicaps you in life. I have seen a lot of people with disabilities who compete in triathlons and are successful in their endeavours.

Do you think you are sexy?

No. Fit, yes, healthy, yes, sexy, no. I have never thought of myself as sexy. When you see people who are sexy, they do not just have nice bodies but a certain attitude and they always have nice clothes. My friends have criticised my dress sense.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times.