Every Step Forward: How Qamarul Lost More Than 50kg and the People Who Keep Him Moving
Running started as a way to lose weight. Today, it’s become something much bigger—a promise to himself, his growing family and the future he wants to build.
When we asked Qamarul Azman, “Who keeps you moving?”, his answer came without hesitation.
“My wife.”
She’s been there since day one.Â
From encouraging his first runs to cheering him on at races, she’s never doubted what he was capable of, even when he doubted himself.
Today, as Qamarul prepares to become a father, running has taken on an entirely new meaning. He’s no longer running just for himself. He’s running for the family waiting at the finish line.
One Decision That Changed Everything
At 28 years old, Qamarul works as a designer, but his running journey began years earlier during National Service.
Like many Singaporeans, he first experienced running during Basic Military Training. Back then, it was simply something he had to do. After completing National Service, he wanted to become fitter. Running felt like the easiest place to start. So he laced up his shoes and began running, mostly by himself.
At the time, he wasn’t chasing race medals or personal bests. He simply wanted to become healthier. Because life had started to feel harder than it should.
“I didn’t like how I looked or how I felt.”
Even walking to the bus stop left him sweating and breathless. More than the physical discomfort, it affected his confidence.
“I cared about how I looked and how I presented myself. Being overweight affected my confidence, and I wanted to change how I felt, both mentally and physically.” That decision would eventually lead to one of the biggest transformations of his life.Â
More than 50 kilograms lost.Â
But more importantly, a completely different outlook on what he was capable of.
Becoming Someone He Never Thought He Could Be
Weight loss wasn’t the finish line. It was only the beginning. Running taught Qamarul something far more valuable than fitness. It taught him that the limits he believed in weren’t always real.
“Back then, if you told me I’d one day run a half marathon in under two hours, I would’ve said, ‘No way.'”
Today, he’s done exactly that. Every training run, every race and every small milestone has become another reminder that progress comes from simply showing up. Looking back, that’s what he’s most proud of.
Not the medals.
Not the times.
But the consistency.
“I constantly showed up and never gave up.”
Now, with a full marathon on the calendar later this year, he’s excited to discover what he’s capable of next. Running has transformed more than his health. Growing up as an introvert, it also introduced him to a community he never expected to find.
Through running, he’s built meaningful friendships with people who share the same passion, proving that sometimes the biggest rewards aren’t found on the race course—but in the people you meet along the way.
The Person Who Keeps Him Moving
Ask Qamarul who has had the biggest impact on his running journey, and the answer is immediate.
His wife. From his very first run, she’s been his biggest supporter.
“She has never doubted how far I could run.”
After every training session, she’d ask how it went. When races didn’t go the way he hoped, she never focused on the disappointment. Instead, she’d remind him that he was still stronger than yesterday. One memory stands out above all the others. His very first 10km race. Waiting at the finish line was his wife. Seeing her there gave him a quiet confidence that she’s always in his corner, through every finish line and every challenge still to come.
If she were reading this today, Qamarul has a simple message.
“Thank you for always supporting me. You’re going through your own journey too, and I’ll be there supporting you every step of the way, just like you’ve always done for me.”
Running for Something Bigger
These days, Qamarul’s motivation looks very different. He’s no longer running to lose weight. He’s no longer running only to chase race goals. As a husband and father-to-be, every run carries a different purpose.
“I want to be healthy so I can watch my child grow up.”
He hopes to be present for every milestone. To set an example. To show his son that healthy habits begin with the choices we make every day.
“I want my son to see me as his first role model.”
On days when motivation is hard to find, he has a simple reminder. He looks at old photographs of himself before his transformation. They remind him exactly why he started.Â
And, with a laugh, he admits there’s another reason.
“I’m always training for another race!”
Qamarul’s Gear & Running Picks
For easy runs, social runs and long-distance training, Qamarul reaches for the Brooks Glycerin Max.
“It’s such an easy shoe to pick for my easy and social runs, but it’s also a workhorse during my long runs.”
His other favourite is the Brooks Glycerin Flex – another shoe he enjoys for everyday miles.
How He Discovered Brooks
“When the Grey/Black/Nightlife colourway of the Glycerin Max went viral, I knew I had to get a pair.”
Favourite Running Route
Yishun → Khatib → Seletar Loop
A peaceful route overlooking Yishun Dam, perfect for clocking relaxed kilometres away from the crowds.
Running in One Word
Straightforward.
“People tend to overcomplicate things, but running is simple. Just put your shoes on and have fun.”
Advice Without Saying It
Perhaps the biggest lesson from Qamarul’s story isn’t really about running.
It’s about consistency.
You don’t have to change your life overnight.
You simply have to keep showing up.
One run becomes another.
One kilometre becomes another.
One decision becomes a completely different future.
For Qamarul, running began as a way to lose weight.
Today, it’s become something much more meaningful.
A reminder of how far he’s come.
A promise to the family he’s building.
Share this post
