Dutamas Runners : Raymond Ng

Raymond a.k.a. Tomatoman, is one of the bubbly runners you'd meet on the road who will never fail to greet you, unless of course, he's running very very hard and turning red at the same time. His day job involves being "kuli orang" (his exact words!) or in English, you'd take it to mean "someone's slave".

He recently finished as the top runner of Tom, Dick & Harry's Mou Man Tai 2.0 run held on 13th November 2011. Woohoo!

1. How long have you been running?
started 2006 after near death experience in 2005. and this can be another interview...hehehe.

2. When did you complete your first marathon? Was it painful?
first 42km was KL marathon 2007. painful, yes, caused by leg muscle cramps.

3. What was your most memorable event for 2011 and why?
can I have 2 events? :P
PJ half marathon - I did my PB :)
TMBT - 50km trail run...my first distance beyond the marathon (in running)

4. When you're not running, do you play any other sports?
cycle...used to play racket games...badminton and squash but not anymore

5. You're very into trail running. Tell us, is it scary? Does it help you be a better (and faster) runner on the road? Would you be willing to guide newbie Dutamas Runners on an easy trail one day? ;D

(sorry, I had to throw that last one in. ;D)

yes, trail running is NOT boring like road running. definitely not scary during the day but when the sun sets, it can be a little spooky. other than that, it's definitely not scary if you like nature and don't mind mud on your shoes. it does help you to be more agile as trail running is not like the the flat road where you can actually close your eyes and run, provided no dog poo along your route!

trail running involves more muscles used. your feet not only move forward, they need to have extra movements, vertically & horizontally, or up down left right. essentially it's a full workout for your ankles. strengthen ligaments, tendons and other muscles as opposed to road running.

so when shall DR go for a trail run? easy trail...ok, let's go FRIM...26th ok?

6. What is the best and worst thing(s) about running?

best - you just feel good...partly due to endorphin...a "drug" produced by our own body which has the effects similar to morphine! yes! i'm not pulling your leg here. it's true.
google it or just read this link.
like it or not, we will be addicted to it...that's when you know why there are drug addicts. well, we are the natural and original drug addicts! woohoo! :D
who doesn't want to feel good, right?

worst - injuries!!!! cos you can't feel good when you can't run.

7. Do you have any favourite carbo loading food?

nope...i just eat anything...but remember carbo loading doesn't work if you munch munch munch the day before the race or marathon. you need to EAT, don't FAST the week before the run. not necessary to eat a horse or eat as if there's no tomorrow. just eat your regular meals with a bit more carbs.

8. If you could organise an event, how and what would it be?

Our Capt KYK DR1 has the answer. A time handicap run! Yes!!!

Set a distance, eg: 5km or 10km. Be honest with your personal best timing.
Slowest (no offence!) start first and fastest start last. Mathematically, all should arrive at the finishing line at the same time, but we know that's not going to happen. And that's where the climax is. Last few hundred metres will be everyone chasing & trying to outrun each other.

(DR1 kekeke, that's a good one!)

Raymond & Michelle at the Genting Trailblazer event.

9. What advice would you give to newbie runners?
Don't fly when you've just started walking!
Oh...what I mean is, don't jump into a marathon if you have not ran 5km, 10km, 21km, 30km. Why? Marathon is 42.195km...NOT 4.2km.
Now that I've got that clear, hopefully...
Ok, running is FUN!

DON"T be intimidated by those fast legs. You must understand that they did not start running yesterday or a newbie like you. Those fast runners have been running for years...yes ...years! They have trained and seasoned their legs, body and mind to be able to run fast over a long distance.

I started in 2006 and all I wanted then, was to run 10km without stopping and walk. I didn't bother about my time then.

After that, you increase your target...maybe run 10km a little faster than your previous time. Or just maintain your pace if you don't like to be gasping like fish out of water when you run faster. then when you've done enough 10km runs, you may like to try 15km or 21km and eventually progress to a marathon. But you don't have to if you don't like the idea. There are many runners who just stick to 10km or 21km. They don't like the marathon distance...too far la.

But on the other hand, there are marathon maniacs or freaks who only run marathons. they don't do 5km or 10km runs cos to them, too short. Or they just like the idea to run far over a long time to enjoy it.

Well, you don't have to follow anyone's standard, you just run according to how your body feels. DON'T be KIASU!

You don't have to beat or outrun anybody unless of course you have a bet with your friend and a beer is on the line. hahaha!

Don't be intimidated when you see a fast running tomato on the road, just say hi to Raymond!