Meet Monty L., a current dedicated Grade 11 student at CDNIS. At just 16 years old, he’s been dominating the running and cross-country community here at CDNIS, blending his passion for athletics with his love for music.
Monty’s journey in running began as a casual pursuit, but it evolved into a serious commitment over the past year and a half. He finds motivation in the tangible progress he witnesses with each run, and “the act of giving it your all during a race and pushing your body in a way that it may not be pushed otherwise is incredible to [him].” Whether on a track, the roads, or the scenic trails of Hong Kong, this exhilaration keeps him coming back for more.
One of Monty’s most significant moments came after recovering from a knee injury that sidelined him for nearly four months. Last February, Monty and some friends embarked on a series of intensive trail runs: a 45k trail run along the Hong Kong Trail, a 60k run around Hong Kong Island, and a 20k trail race with 2k elevation. These events, on back-toback weekends, resulted in a serious injury that forced him to halt training for almost 4 months. Nonetheless, Monty returned to racing with a renewed determination. This setback was formidable, but it only fuelled his drive and motivation to beat his personal best, and it solidified his belief in resilience and hard work.
At the recent ISSFHK Cross Country championships, Monty performed the best out of the team, finishing seventh in the U20 Boys’ rankings with an impressive time of time of 25:33.
When it comes to preparing for an event, Monty takes his training seriously. He typically implements a tapering strategy a week before a big race, opting for easy runs and focusing on carb-loading to ensure he is well fuelled. On race day, he likes to keep things simple and enjoy a light breakfast, usually just toast, and head out with minimal stress.
Monty also had the chance to represent the CDNIS Habitat for Humanity Student Chapter Club in the 10 km Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon (SCHKM). This opportunity allowed him to pursue his passion while raising awareness for a good cause.
Beyond medals and accomplishments, Monty’s running journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. “The first step is always the hardest,” he says. “Even if you don’t do it well, it’s still better than not doing it, and simply leaving the house is half the battle already won.”
