Born with Dwarfism, She’s Chasing Her First Half Marathon — One Step at a Time
At just 1.38 meters tall, every step Kathleen Zhu takes carries more meaning — and effort — than most runners ever imagine. But this December, at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025, Kathleen will be taking thousands of those determined steps toward one of the biggest goals of her life: completing her first half marathon.
For Kathleen, 43, a career coach and fitness enthusiast, this journey is not just about running — it’s about resilience, transformation, and self-belief.
A Journey of Strength Over Stride
Born with dwarfism, Kathleen has lived her life defying limits — but running wasn’t always on her radar.
As a child, she once asked her doctor for a note to skip fitness tests forever. In her 30s, life’s pressures caught up with her. Overweight, exhausted, and struggling with mental health, she knew something had to change.
That turning point came in 2022, when she joined group fitness classes and started working with a personal trainer. Slowly but surely, she shed 20 kilograms, gained strength, and discovered a newfound appreciation for movement.
“I used to get tired just carrying groceries,” she shared. “Now, I can run, lift, and move with confidence.”
Finding Peace in Every Step
But Kathleen’s transformation wasn’t only physical.
In 2023, at a friend’s suggestion, she began running — and something clicked. Running became more than a workout; it became therapy.
“Running is my mental reset,” she said. “It gives me clarity and peace — a way to process my thoughts and emotions.”
For someone with shorter limbs, running takes far more effort. Every kilometer demands extra energy and determination. Yet, Kathleen embraced the challenge, completing two 10km races in 2023 and 2024. Now, she’s setting her sights on 21.1km — a distance that once felt impossible.
Training for the Impossible
To prepare for her half marathon, Kathleen trains under the guidance of Dr. David Shum, a certified running coach and sports therapist. Together, they focus on techniques to improve mobility and stride efficiency.
“Stretching my shoulder blades allows for bigger arm movements while strengthening my thighs and hips helps me take longer, lighter strides,” she explained.
She trains three times a week, alternating between long runs, strength training, and recovery days. Her running pace has improved dramatically — from 14 minutes per kilometer down to 8–11 minutes/km, a pace that could see her cross the finish line within the four-hour race limit.
And with each training session, her confidence grows.
“When I started, I was only 30% sure I could finish the half marathon. Now, I’d say I’m 70% confident — and 100% determined.”
A Community that Runs Together
Though running is often a solitary sport, Kathleen’s journey is powered by community.
She trains at Revl Training, where she’s part of a close-knit running club that meets for jogs around Kallang Riverside. Her gym family — many of whom she’s inspired — have now set their own running goals, following in her footsteps.
Beyond running, Kathleen also prioritizes core strengthening to support her spine and improve endurance. “Because of my spinal curvature, a strong core is crucial. It reduces lower back tension and makes running smoother,” she said.
Running Beyond Limits
On December 6, 2025, Kathleen will line up at 4:30 a.m. at the F1 Pit Building in Singapore, surrounded by thousands of runners. Techno beats in her earbuds. Her heart racing with anticipation. Her family and friends cheering from afar.
“Running is a solo affair,” she says, “but I’ll know my loved ones are with me in spirit — especially my parents, who are my biggest supporters.”
For Kathleen, this race isn’t about medals or finishing times. It’s about proving that resilience beats limitation.
“If someone like me, with a physical limitation, can do it,” she smiles, “then anyone can.”
A Lesson in Courage
Kathleen’s story is a reminder that the true measure of strength isn’t in height or stride length — it’s in the heart that keeps pushing forward.
As she prepares to conquer 21.1 kilometers — one small but powerful step at a time — Kathleen Zhu stands as a symbol of courage, mental resilience, and the limitless potential within us all.
Inspiration takeaway:
🏃♀️ You don’t have to be the fastest. You just have to keep going.
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