KUALA LUMPUR: There is just no stopping former national athlete Melinder Kaur who is determined to etch her name in the Malaysia Book of Records for a fifth time.
This time, the 34-year-old retired army officer is aiming to achieve the longest non-stop backward run on a treadmill for 12 hours.
Melinder is driven by her determination to raise RM20,000 for underprivileged children and is scheduled to attempt the gruelling record on Jan 28 at the Fitness Concept outlet at Sunway Velocity Mall, Cheras.
A similar feat was accomplished by Alvin Netto, a personal trainer, in July 2018. Melinder aspires to be the first Malaysian woman to do so.
It was only in July when Melinder achieved two national records in one go.
She became the first Malaysian woman to run non-stop on a treadmill for 25 hours and recorded the longest distance within 24 hours, covering 123.85km within the stipulated time.
When asked why she was going for another record in a short span of time, the mother of one said: "The truth about me is that I'm never content with my achievements.
"I always remain hungry for more victories and more challenges.
"Also, age is catching up so while I can still perform, I will use my talent and skills to raise funds for less fortunate kids.
"My intention is not to gain fame or for my own benefit, but to make a difference in the lives of others. I hope to lead by example.
"I really want kids across Malaysia to have a normal, comfortable life. Poverty has affected so many children but they're innocent, they had no idea this was coming to them."
Melinder believes it will be tougher to achieve the backward running record compared to non-stop conventional running on a treadmill for 24 hours.
She is, however, relishing the challenge.
"It's normal that your mind will tell you that something is impossible, but it isn't," said Melinder.
"Whatever record I choose to break, I always make sure it is something I love doing. I then train hard, plan ahead, be patient and don't give up.
"Running forward is something that we do every day without any conscious thought. Running backward is a great challenge as I'm forcing my body to adapt to new and unfamiliar demands.
"For backward running, I need to work on my weaker parts, especially the lower body.
"I need to train and increase strength in lesser-used leg muscles. Also, I need to force my mind to focus and step outside my comfort zone."
In track and field, Melinder is still the national record holder for the women's 3000m steeplechase which she had set during the 2010 Malaysia Games in Malacca.
Melinder's record attempt is supported by her main sponsor, Fitness Concept Malaysia.