Latest News: Interview with Dr Benny Goh - Boston Marathon 2hr 50min
Note:
If you are keen and have queries, please contact Coach Rameshon at 9100 4369 or you can email him at m.rameshon@gmail.com or swift.rameshon@gmail.com. Please refer to website http://flexifitness.com.sg (for more information on him and his programmes)
By Rameshon
Bsc (Hons) Degree in Physical Education, Loughborough University (1992-1994)
Masters in Education (University of Western Australia, 2005-2008)
Boston Marathon 2010, Dr Benny achieved new heights as one of the two doctors to do sub 3hrs in Singapore. The other is Dr Benedict Tan. I had an exclusive interview with Dr Benny. I hope that we can draw inspiration from him.
Interviewer: Could you tell me something about Boston Marathon?
It was on 19th April, Patriots' Day. Start Point Hopkinton town and ending in Boston along Boylyston Road.
What made you to break the ultra-marathon record during the Sundown marathon?
Time and pace discipline was the recipe for the success.
Which year was it.?
2009
How many sub 3 hrs marathon have you done?
This is the 3rd one.
What was the date of the marathon?
- Nagano Olympic Commemorative Marathon 2009
- Singapore Marathon 2009 - 3rd Position in the Local Men Open
- Boston Marathon 2010
What made you to sign up for the marathon?
I am aiming to complete the 5 major marathons, namely, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London and New York
I am 2 down with Berlin 2008 and Boston 2010 in my bag.
How do you find Boston and the people?
The marathon atmosphere here was awesome. Sad to say, Singapore is far far away from the standard here. The whole city and the towns were all celebrating the marathon Monday. Everybody was out on the streets cheering. Every stretch of the route was filled with spectators. There was no sense of emptiness at all. People along the streets would congratulate you after the race!
What was the target that you were aiming for?
I was aim for 2.50. I did not dare to aim anything faster as the the course was very hilly and I did not feel as well prepared as previous races.
How did you feel when you achieve 2 hrs 50 sec?
Great! My belief of pacing and not allowing runners around you affect your pace is true if you are out to achieve a target time. Just let others go past! Try to stick to your race plan!
How did you cope with your job as a dentist and training?
Time was always the biggest obstacle. I need to find time for all the daily 12-16k runs and long distance runs on weekends. I usually run at 5 am before starting work so that I will get the runs out of my schedule.
Can you briefly tell me how the 5km, 10km, 15km, 20km, 25km, 30km, 35km and the last few km went?
I had about 1.30 min buffer for the first 30k, but subsequently, I had to stick to about 6.30 min per mile pace because the hills were taking toll on my quads.
What advice do you have to people who are aspiring to train for marathon?
Firstly one need to overcome the fear of doing marathon. Every fit body should be able to complete it comfortably if there is proper training. Nevertheless, there will always sacrifices to be make because time have to spend training. Try to train during times when it will not take time away from work and family. Stick to the training plan as closely as possible. Maybe you may need to loss some sleep:) Most importantly, listen to your body. Never train with sickness and injury.
What is your next target?
I have the Sundown Ultra to handle in May. I am also looking into the new Stand Chart Marathon 2010 and New York Marathon.
Note:
By Narayanan
Rameshon has taught in Hwa Chong Institution, plus several schools, and Republic Polytechnic as well. He has won many accolades and he was awarded Merit Award for 1991 marathon performance in breaking the national record of Singapore, at that time. He has made 22 male athletes to do marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners to do sub-4 hours for marathon, as well. He was inducted to the ‘Roll of Honour’ by the then College of Physical Education, organised by Singapore Olympic Academy, in 1998, for breaking the National record repeatedly 4 times, till he did 2hr 24min 22sec).
He also has a Coaching group and he trains them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7pm at Botanic Gardens. Those interested can call him at 91004369 for coaching assistance, to improve performance. There is also personal training that he does for many in a week. You can e-mail him at swift.rameshon@gmail.com.
