Training for Lululemon’s Further Ultramarathon: Vriko Kwok’s Journey

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Vriko Kwok: From Novice to Ultramarathoner

Vriko Kwok, a 31-year-old novice runner, achieved an incredible feat by running a total of 303.31 kilometers (188 miles) in the Lululemon Further ultramarathon. This six-day ultramarathon was a challenging endeavor for Kwok, who had never run a mile before committing to ultramarathon training just 11 months earlier.

Kwok, a former Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor and entrepreneur based in Hong Kong, was selected as one of the 10 women to participate in the Further ultramarathon held in La Quinta, California. Each woman set an individual goal to attempt to meet over the course of the race, with the aim of furthering awareness, understanding, and research in women’s endurance athletics.

Despite being a beginner in distance running, Kwok set a goal of running 50 kilometers (31 miles) every day to reach a total of 300 kilometers over the six days. With the support of her teammates, including ultramarathon world record holder Camille Heron and ultramarathoner Mirna Valerio, Kwok embarked on her training journey.

Over the next 11 months, Kwok trained rigorously with her teammate Stefanie Flippin, a running coach and ultramarathoner, to build up her endurance and strength. Starting from walk-runs under an hour, Kwok gradually progressed to running marathons and logging a total of 2,700 kilometers (1,677 miles) in preparation for the ultramarathon.

On the fourth day of the ultramarathon, Kwok faced a significant challenge just two loops away from her daily goal. Feeling depleted and unsure if she could continue, Kwok found support from her teammate Montana Farrah-Seaton, a member of Australia’s national basketball team. Farrah-Seaton’s encouragement and companionship motivated Kwok to push through and complete her 100th mile with the help of her teammates.

Reflecting on her journey, Kwok emphasized the importance of a “wellness first” approach, which prioritized self-care, rest, and recovery throughout her training. By listening to her body, incorporating strength training, and using the right gear, Kwok was able to avoid injuries and maintain her physical well-being during the ultramarathon.

Furthermore, Kwok highlighted the significance of finding a balanced goal and not “moving the pole” by constantly increasing the challenge. By harnessing insights about her body through biometric testing and identifying her optimal pace, Kwok was able to sustain her energy and push through the toughest moments of the race.

Above all, Kwok emphasized the power of community and teamwork in achieving her remarkable feat. The support and camaraderie she experienced with her teammates were instrumental in her success, demonstrating that running is not just an individual pursuit but a team sport.

As Kwok looks back on her journey from novice to ultramarathoner, she hopes to inspire others to find their own version of “Further” and push beyond their limits with the support of a strong community. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, determination, and the unwavering support of those around us.