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 M.Rameshon
Bsc (Hons) Degree in Physical Education, Loughborough University (1992-1994)
Masters in Education (University of Western Australia, 2005-2008)
Jonathan Kang - Nearing sub-3hr for a marathon in the near future
For last year's Standard Chartered Marathon 2011, Jonathan Kang ran the race and was not able to finish the race. He was hospitalised as he fell victim of dehydration. As for this year's race, in the Chicago Marathon 2012, after much contemplation, he finally booked a ticket to the US to run the race, recently. He took a gamble on running it. At the same time, he told himself that he wanted to run for the fun of it.
He followed Dr Ben Tan (PB of 2hr 56min in 2008 Stanchart Marathon) and Dr Benny Goh (the record for ultramarathon by a local) to Chicago. He ran the race despite the cold. Although it affected, his final time was 3hr 08min. Congrats to Jonathan Kang!
Picture 1 - (Left to Right) Jonathan Kang, Rameshon and Lim Thow Wee at Singapore General Hospital where Jonathan was admitted as he collapsed at the 35km mark of 2011 Stanchart race.
An Interview With Jonathan Kang
What was your expectation for this race?
I was not expecting much. I had a problem at my knee area and it affected my 2012 Gold Coast marathon race efforts. I did 3hr 22min in the race. The only training I did was long runs only. Before the Chicago race, I had an accident while crossing the zebra crossing, when I was doing a slow run.
How was your preparation for the race?
I did only long runs of about 70 to 80km per week because of my knee condition
How did you feel about the race?
Very happy. Unexpectedly I did 3hr 08min for the race.
How was the weather?
It was very cold, about 6 to 8 degrees centigrade on average. At the last 10km mark, my knee was hurting. It definitely affected my race. I believe that I could have done better if I had run in temperature ranging from 6 to 8 degrees centigrade.
Can you share with us about the race?
At the 15km mark of the race, my knee pain condition was alright. At 21 to 25km mark, the accident that I had with the motorbike in the past affected my left thigh. It was very hard to move. I told myself to breathe normally and focus 1km by 1km at the last portion of the race. I did not put any form of pressure on myself. When I reached the 38km mark. I told myself that it was possible to do a 3hr 15min. At 38km mark, I had no mental goal. At 40km, I realised that it was possible to do a 3hr 10min and I went for it and achieved the 3hr 08min 51sec, which was a personal best for me.
How was the organisation of the race?
It was fantastic, especially the race expo. During the race, I was able to wear disposable windbreaker, which was a good idea. The marshalls were good, food and drinks were available, the kilometre and mile distance markers were very accurate.
What is your next goal?
It is to run in the Stanchart race. I want to cross the barrier of 35km in this marathon and finish the race, as I was not able to do it last year. I will take precaution not to end in hospital as well.
Next Issue - Ashley Liew's New Balance Real Run 2012 Interview
By Narayanan
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.
Next Issue - Ashley Liew's New Balance Real Run 2012 Interview
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 do a marathon in sub-3hrs. He has made 7 female runners do sub-4 hours for the 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.
