John Kelai - A Story on Resilience (Part 3A)

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)

I met John Kelai, along with his Kenyan friends in Eldoret, Kenya, in the year 2001. He brought me for some easy runs in Kaptagat forest. He was with me in Kakamega forest as well. We were all staying in Kip Keino Running Camp at that time.

In the camp, John Kelai showed me the condition of the running camp. It was more of a simple living and high thinking type of lifestyle. The runners were professionals but they had to take care of themselves once it comes to washing clothes, socks and shoes.

During workouts, John used to talk to me with positive words. During my stay in Kenya for 10days, I also realised that the attitude shown, not just by John Kelai, but other Kenyans as well, was excellent.

I also realised that poverty, in a way, has made them work very hard to achieve the goal of going to other countries and win glory for the country. Moreover, I noticed that each and every Kenyans have the attitude to make it to the top. It was an eye-opener for me. The mental focus of improving in running was great.

When John was in Singapore, more than 4 years back, he also got into a long term injury, where he had to limp and run all the way. Some of my running friends empathised with him and felt sad. However, over time, true to his words of coming first in major runs, he started doing well to the point that he is currently the best in the Commonwealth Games marathon race for men.

Having said that, let us find out the thoughts he had after running the race and coming in first in the Commonwealth Games marathon 2010.

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.