Jasmine Goh, 38, is a self proclaimed “late bloomer” in running, having only picked up the sport in 2011 and began taking her running more seriously in 2015.
On the other hand, Kenyan athlete James Barmasai, 32, has been running in his native Kenya since a young age.
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Jasmine Goh is a “late bloomer” in running.
Seasoned runners with accolades to their names
But today, both of them are seasoned runners with many accolades to their names. Jasmine has won races such including the recent 21.1km Income Eco Run 2017 (Women’s Local), 42.195km Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2016 (Women’s Local) and the 21.1km Great Eastern Women’s Run 2016 (Women’s Local).
James Barmasai (centre) has been running in Kenya since a young age.
James’ achievements include the Income Eco Run 2017 (Men’s Open) as well as the 42.195km Bucharest Marathon 2016 (Men’s Open).
Consistency is important
To Jasmine, having consistency is very important to do well at running. She said “Many people are looking for the one best workout that will bring them to their personal best timings, but it is not about that at all; rather it is the day to day effort that you put in on a daily basis that counts for much more.”
Jasmine, with Mok Ying Ren, the Men’s Local 21.1km winner.
She added, “Most people have no patience as a runner. They are looking for a No 1 solution but sometimes they have to make tweaks in for example, their nutrition, and training programmes depending on what stage they are at. We are ever-evolving as a runner and a human, and our bodies are constantly responding to the running and training load that we put it through. What works for you does not necessarily work for someone else; so keep an open mind and be aware of, and listen to what your body is telling you at all times.”
To Jasmine, improving as a runner is not always about smashing yourself and doing as much training as possible. She said, “Sometimes you may have to do less training or train at a slower pace, to build your base and endurance before you can train speed. The foundation must be right, first and foremost.”
Jasmine also came 3rd in the 21.1km Women’s Open category.
Make a schedule
At the same time she feels that having a schedule or a plan, will keep runners motivated to stay focused on their training sessions.
James on stage, with the Men’s Open 2nd and 3rd placed winners for 21.1km
James also strongly believes in runners having a fixed schedule. He said, “In training and racing you need to be clever. You must train and follow a schedule for training as that will keep you disciplined. Training is very important; if you do not train, you should not expect to do well.”
Teamwork is important
He also adds that teamwork and running as a group is very important to constantly stay motivated. Said James, “Teamwork is important. We always train together back in Kenya. In our team there are about 40 to 50 runners and we always run together and push each other when we are tired. You cannot run alone and expect to win a race alone.”
A close up look at the beautiful terrarium trophies that all the winners had received.
Agreed Jasmine, “Due to the support that I have received and the friends that I have made in running, I feel that I belong to my club and that we are one big family. We help to keep each other motivated in running.”
Jasmine’s running club is the F1 Runners Team, coached and managed by Lexxus Tan.
Training and Mileage
For training, Jasmine runs seven days a week, sometimes doing double or triple sessions. She said, “I run every day. I have no idea of the exact weekly mileage I clock because I follow my coach’s programme. I an not keeping track, but daily, I run about 10km to 20km and I run seven days a week.”
Jasmine (left), runs every day.
James on the other hand, clocks about 180km of mileage per week. He said, “I run six days a week. I run every morning for 1hour and 20minutes and then I run for 50minutes to an hour in the evenings. Thursdays are my long runs. I did 32km this Thursday and next week we are targeting 40km. Sundays are my rest day.”
Recovery is important
Recovery is definitely important to James, as it helps to repair the muscles after running and makes you a stronger runner. Said James, “After you finish training, it is important to relax and allow yourself time to recover. As well I make sure I drink lots of water. I eat a light meal at lunch time and eat more in the evenings. I don’t eat in the mornings before I train.”
Run your own race
Recovery is very important to James.
And when it comes to racing, both Jasmine and James agree on one thing – that it is important to run your own race. Said Jasmine, “Most runners make the mistake of going out too fast and not pacing themselves properly.”
James added, “Runners start fast and finish slowly. But you should adjust this and go with your own pace. I know my body and I know what pace I can run at, but you may not be able to follow my pace. You need to run at your own pace to finish well.”
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Income Eco Run 2017: My Race Review
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