ST Run: New runners inspired by SEA Games marathon champion Mok Ying Ren's tips

Left: Mok Ying Ren, who turned 29 on Thursday, is surprised with a belated birthday cake. Below: About 30 participants warm up with Singapore marathoner Mok (right, in blue) at Suntec City.
Above: About 30 participants warm up with Singapore marathoner Mok (right, in blue) at Suntec City. ST PHOTOS: ARIFFIN JAMAR
Left: Mok Ying Ren, who turned 29 on Thursday, is surprised with a belated birthday cake. Below: About 30 participants warm up with Singapore marathoner Mok (right, in blue) at Suntec City.
Above: Mok Ying Ren, who turned 29 on Thursday, is surprised with a belated birthday cake. ST PHOTOS: ARIFFIN JAMAR

New to Singapore and to the world of running, Neha Das was curious about how a top runner warms up before an important run.

The 31-year-old, who came to Singapore from Bangalore last September, got her wish when she was taken through the warm-ups by two-time SEA Games gold medallist Mok Ying Ren.

"I was looking for a good routine to warm up and cool down," she said. "To get it from him was just a blessing... he was very down to earth."

Mok, who is managed by ONEathlete, conducted the final Straits Times (ST) Run clinic at the Suntec City Rewards Lounge yesterday.

The 29-year-old explained how best to run a marathon, followed by a 20-minute run with the participants.

Das and her husband Somsubhra Ganchoudhuri, 33, will take part in the 5km fun run next Sunday - their first run together.

Neha said: "The sessions are very informative - basically everything you need to know about running.

"Running together helps us communicate well as a couple and rather than lazing around at home on the couch, we are trying to be healthy and stay fit."

Mok, who is juggling his work as an orthopaedic surgical resident with preparations for next month's SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, expressed his delight at being able to impart his knowledge to fellow runners.

He said: " I love sharing my experience and whatever tips I have garnered over my many years of running.

"I brought them through some dynamic warm-ups, which help their muscles be ready for the run."

This year's run will include 5km, 10km and 18.45km categories.

Participants can collect their race packs today at Suntec City North Atrium between Tower 1 and Tower 2 from 11am to 8pm.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on July 09, 2017, with the headline ST Run: New runners inspired by SEA Games marathon champion Mok Ying Ren's tips. Subscribe