Meet Ruby Cheng — Hong Kong triathlete, endurance coach, and founder of No Limits Coaching. Ruby has competed in multiple IRONMAN races, represented Hong Kong internationally, and inspired countless athletes with her relentless drive and positivity.
1. For those who don't know you yet — can you tell us about your journey into triathlon and how it became such a big part of your life?
My journey into triathlon was influenced by swimming teammates. When I first started, I don't even know what is a triathlon! But after my first race, I was hooked! The more I trained and competed, the more I realized how triathlon transformed my life. It taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of setting goals. Eventually, I decided to pursue coaching, wanting to share my passion and help others experience the joy of triathlon.
Now, as the founder of No Limits Coaching, I dedicate my life to helping athletes of all levels achieve their goals. Triathlon is not just a sport for me; it's a way of life that promotes health, perseverance, and community. Each race and training session reinforces the belief that with dedication and the right guidance, there's no limits to where you want to go.
2. What motivates you to keep pushing through such demanding training and racing schedules?
It is a combination of personal goals, passion for the sport, and the inspiration I draw from my athletes.
Each training session is an opportunity for self-improvement. I love challenging myself and seeing how far I can push my limits, both physically and mentally.
I'm also inspired by the athletes I coach. Their dedication and achievements fuel my motivation. Watching them overcome obstacles and reach their goals reminds me of why I started in the first place.
As a coach, I want to lead by example. Maintaining my training and competing shows my athletes that hard work pays off and that it's possible to balance life's demands with pursuing athletic goals.
3. You've said before that recovery is as important as training — what does "recovery" mean to you as an athlete?
Recovery means prioritising and listening to your body needs both physically and mentally. It's a critical element in order to perform well in races and maintain sustainable athletic achievements.
4. Have you ever had moments where not prioritizing recovery affected your performance or health?
Yes, I have experienced moments where not prioritizing recovery significantly affected my performance and health. During the early stages of launching my coaching business, I was so focused on building my brand and supporting my athletes that I neglected my own recovery needs.
The quest for performance and the demands of my coaching schedule led to burnout. I pushed through training sessions without adequate rest, thinking I could handle it all. As a result, I faced physical fatigue and decreased motivation, which ultimately hindered my performance in races and made it challenging to provide the best support for my athletes.
This experience taught me the importance of balance. I realized that prioritizing recovery is not just beneficial but essential for sustaining long-term performance and well-being. Now, I make a conscious effort to incorporate recovery into my routine, ensuring that I can remain effective as both an athlete and a coach.
5. How did you first discover MOVO Recovery, and what was your initial impression of the compression system?
I first discovered MOVO Recovery when Tomasz introduced to me. My initial impression of the compression system was very favorable. I was intrigued by the full coverage of the recovery boots and the differences to the other brands.
6. Which MOVO product have you been using, and how do you typically fit it into your weekly routine?
I have been using the MOVO recovery boots. As a triathlete that spends hours on the bike and running. The boots greatly reduced the soreness of the legs and hip and helps me recover better. I will use it after every intervals run and long cycling and running sessions.
7. Have you noticed any clear benefits since incorporating MOVO into your recovery routine?
I woke up with fresher legs after a long training days and sleep better!
8. You train and race in one of the most intense climates in the world — how do you manage recovery in Hong Kong's heat and humidity?
Hydrate well, eat well, and recover well such as scheduled the timing of the training, stay hydrated 24/7, eat well the nourish the body and prioritise recovery!
9. What advice would you give to amateur athletes or weekend warriors in Hong Kong who want to improve their recovery?
Progressive overload the training, Focus on hydration and nutrition and listen to your body!
10. You're also the founder of the No Limits Coaching — can you tell us what it stands for and how recovery plays a role in the way you coach athletes?
No Limits Coaching stands for empowering athletes to break barriers and achieve their personal bests, regardless of their starting point. Our philosophy emphasizes that with the right mindset, dedication, and support, anyone can reach the impossible.
I believe that effective training goes beyond just physical performance. Incorporating recovery strategies helps athletes develop holistically, ensuring they stay healthy and motivated. A balance between training and recovery helps them avoid injuries and mental fatigue, allowing them to enjoy the journey and stay committed.
11. What's one piece of advice you'd give to younger female athletes who want to push their limits but struggle with burnout or fatigue?
Don't be extreme and listen to your body! As a female, we need to pay close attention to how our body reacts to training and nutrition. Recognising signs of fatigue to adjust our training to crucial to long term success without burnout
