Jasmine Goh Interview on MR 25 Ultramarathon Win on 29th Dec 2013

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)

Jasmine Goh - All smiles while running the Ultramarathon race.

I have always admired Ultramarathon runs. It is a test of one's will to do it. 

Last Sunday, 29th Dec, while I was doing my own 70km brisk walk/run, at the same time, the MR 25 Club was organising their own Ultramarathon Race 2013.

While running, I saw some men and women running ahead of the rest of the running pack. Over time, I observed that the leading people kept changing, especially in the men's race. I felt that the leading men may be going out too fast. At about 1pm onwards, I saw some dropping out of the race.

Soon the number dwindled from about 400 runners to about 150 runners, by the time it reached 2pm. Some wanted to complete about 5 to 6 rounds. Some wanted to complete a certain distance to collect their goodie bag.

In the women's race, I saw Jasmine Goh running slightly ahead of the rest of the female runners, but I believe that she was pacing herself very well such that she was able to maintain the steady-state running nearly all the way. Towards the end of 8th round, I could see some signs of her caving into muscle soreness.

An amazing thing about her is that she was smiling while running when she saw me. I was cheering her and she was cheering me as well. Many runners were cheered on by me and they were doing likewise to me. 

As for Jasmine, her run that day in a way cheered me on in my running to complete at least 70km in total, my targeted distance that I had set to cover. Even Yeo Kim Hong was cheering for me and I told him that he looked strong. It was encouraging to see these winners cheering me.

The other person that made me continue running was Ming Ming, who fell in the second round of the l0.5km loop course and continued running. I was not aware of her fall. Around half-way of her running, I asked her whether she is alright. She was beaming with smiles and told me that she was fine. Then, I continued. Only after the race, Ming Ming showed her bruise around the knee area where there were still blood dripping. She told me that it was painful especially when the sweat of her body mixed with the blood while running. Moreover, she told me that it was irritating her while running, throughout the whole race. I was full of respect for Ming Ming to have continued and to do her best out of the worst condition that she had to endure. 

While Ming Ming continued her running, Jasmine Goh showed her extraordinary courage, attitude and feat by continuing her run, nearly all the way. Over time, she completed her 9th round of the 10.5k MacRitchie loop. I saw her pressing on even while she was fatigued by the ultradistance, which was set in her 8th and 9th round.

When I completed my 73.5km for the day, I was at the first floor of the two-storey car-park at MacRitchie, wanting to see Ming Ming finish her run and to cheer all the other runners as well. I witnessed Jasmine running and smiling towards the finish line. Later on, Ming Ming also finished the race.

After the race, I decided to interview Jasmine. I found that she did 9 rounds between 7am and 7pm. Marcel, our correspondent kept in touch with her and hence I was able to interview her.

I believe that many will be inspired by Jasmine Goh's interview. 

An Interview With Jasmine Goh - Winner of MR 25 Women Open Ultra Marathon Race 2013

1.      What made you take part in the race?

When I started running in 2011, someone introduced me to MR 25 ultra marathon. It was my first ultra, my first win (I got sixth) and I made many wonderful new friends in that race. The experience was amazing and thus MR25 Ultra has a very special place in my heart. I was back in 2012, but due to injuries, I only completed 5 loops. Thus, this year I was more determined to try my best and do as many loops as I can. It is also the last race of the year so it feels good to be able to end the year with great results! 

2. What was your target time and distance that you wanted to cover for this race? 
I was targeting to do 9 loops within 12 hrs.

3. How do you feel as a winner?

I wasn’t expecting to win. My priority was to try my best and run my socks off.

4. How was the organisation of the race as a whole?

The race was fantastic! It is the final race of the year and is organised by some of the friendliest people around. It may not be the most high tech race but the organisers and supporters are definitely the most hardworking, sincere and helpful people. They never stop cheering and giving encouragement. The ambience at the finish line is awesome too! Special thanks to Race Marshal “Ah Too” for his concern and help along the way.

5. Did the weather affect you in any way?

The weather turned out great. Cloudy and practically no sun. I was hoping it would rain though. The cool weather kept me from overheating and I could just keep going.

6. How do you find the terrain?

The terrain is generally ok. Most of the time I walked up fast on the slopes and ran when it was downhill or flat.

7. Can you share with us on your splits per round for this race?

My target was to do 70mins per round and I kept to it for first 7loops. On the 8^th loop I was doing about 1hr 15mins. I had about 2hrs 10 mins left on the clock and I decided to do a walk-run on the last lap. I was so tired that I walked for the first 5km before my pacers pushed me to complete the 9^th loop in 1hr 30mins. Special thanks to fellow runners Alex, Fred, Terence for pacing me and pushing me to a strong finish.

8. What is your next race? 
I will be doing SIM ODAC Xtreme Trail III in early Feb.

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.