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)
Shoe and Injury
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| Clinic given by Haile for a handful of athletes at Kallang Practice Track. |
One of our Flexifitness runners had sent me a message where there was a question that he asked about tapering shoes, which I have written about it in my previous Blogspot. He wanted an elaboration of the point. This was brought up to me as one of the most important points of running, to be free of injury, by Haile Gebrselassie. I shall answer this question and, at the same time, include, those points that I have not mentioned, the vital tips that Haile has given me, which are crucial for long-distance runners to do well. Haile also mentioned about qualities that runners should have to attain their goals and targets during the question and answer session. At the same time, he also talked about having gratitude to the environment, especially of Singapore's environment. He said that we have a great environment.
With regards to the tapering of shoes, if the tapering is found outward, he said that it simply means that one is running in a supination fashion The leg could become bow-legged over time, as found in some of them. (I saw this one of the marathon runners that I have trained and one may get meniscus problem, or even ligament problems, at a later stage of life or training). One can be out of running due to injury for a long period of time. MRI scan etc can be costly. Usually, one can also get ITB problem from running in a supernation fashion.
If the tapering is found inward of the shoe, then a runner should know that they are running in a pronation manner and they will need to do something about it. Pronation of the feet could lead one to ankle, shin, knee and hip problem.
However, if the taper is found right in front and back and it is at the centre of the shoe, then one should know that he or she may not injury easily. The running style is also found to be good, judging from the this. One will run straight, instead.
One way to overcome this is to buy a new shoe. A new shoe will provide cushion and that could solve the problem.
Discipline
The first thing that Haile uttered out of his mouth was about discipline. He said that with very firm discipline of getting up at 4am to run and at the same time train in the evening, which allowed him to do well in running. He also told that he has one day of easy and he does not have any form of a rest day.
Men Open and Veteran Race
Haile told us that he has been getting injuries lately and is hoping to run veteran section of the races. He said that he gets injured at the knee area.
Difference between Ethiopia and Singapore
Haile told that he is hoping that people in Ethiopia can be employed like the Singaporeans as unemployment is rampant in the former state. He said that Singaporeans have everything and that in Ethiopia there is nothing there. He told that if we have good facilities, it is good that we make good use of it. There are not many facilities in Ethiopia. However, he told that if one wants to excel, it is a good idea to train in Ethiopia to improve to expedite performance in running.
Food
There is a kind of bread that the Ethiopians eat and it is very healthy for the body. Diet, he said, plays a dominant role in doing well in running.
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.
