There are certain perks being a blogger, and none greater than being able to meet and interview gifted people who are highly effective and respected individuals  in their chosen field of influence. These Super Stars are at the top of their game, and by their actions alone, they can positively inspire the others around them to go that extra mile which could be the difference between joy and pain; winning and losing; success and failure.

Enviro Run at Taman Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur on 21st October 2012

Personally, I have met the subject of my interview today, Mr. Mohan, on only two previous occasions . The first time was at the Orang Asli Trail Run in Bentong on April 2012, and the second was at the Enviro Run in Kuala Lumpur on October 2012. My first impression of Mohan was that he was larger than life, very noisy, and the life of the party in whichever event he participated . My second impression was that  he was a kind, compassionate and caring runner who just loves to share the joys of running with anyone who is willing to listen to him. Since, I am at the infancy stage of my marathon journey, there were many questions about his life as a avid marathonerwhich I wanted to ask. So, without further a due, I fondly present to you my “10 minutes with Mohan” interview…

1. What made you start running marathons?

Back in 1993, I “attempted” my first marathon in Singapore, it was called the “Mobil Singapore Marathon”….

This was after a few years of “preparing for it”… rewind…rewind… I failed my medical in 1988…. Had to make some drastic changes to my lifestyle!

Well, I did not complete the race, stopped after about 18 km….. sigh….

Tried again in 1994…. Failed again…. Only managed a little less than 22km…. Sigh again

2. When & Where was your 1st FM & how was that experience like?

Completed my first full marathon at the 1995 Mobil Singapore Marathon.

Feeling: “ W O W “ – fantastic!

I called the Singapore Amateur Athletics Assn the next day & told them that one marathon a year is just too few…. & was told that the human body cannot take more than 2 marathons a year.

3. At what point did you realise that you wanted to run so many marathons & why?

Between 2000 & 2002, I was off running for 3 years because of injuries.

I had only run 5 marathons….

In 2003 & 2004 I did the Std Chart S’pore Marathons & a close friend of mine challenged me to break his number of marathons – he had done 13. – so die die, I had to to 6 marathons in 2005 to level even with him.

4. Do have particular marathon goals -l before, now & in the future?

Goals?? The problem is … the goal post is always moving….

My original goal was to do 100 by my 50^th birthday in 2010 – better not to set any goals now, just have fun and run as long as I can.

5. What was you worse marathon experience?

Maybe, ( just maybe as I don’t complain about marathons ) is Hangzhao 2009, when they ran out of water. I bought afew cartons of bottled water & distributed to the other runners.

6. What was your best marathon moment ever?

PB is 3h56m in Hangzhao 2010.

7. Since you’re famous among the running community, what’s the one thing which the public expect from you which annoys you?

I am not ‘famous’ – just ‘noisy’. I guess if I am ‘quiet’, the community may be disappointed… pweet

8. How do you spend your marathon-free time?

Another important aspect of training … ‘makanathon’ – I love eating… does it show??

9. Tell us one thing about yourself which nobody knows, not even your friends?

Wish I knew…. hehe

10 If you celebrated Xmas, what would ask Santa for?

Probably to let the community grow and enjoy the sport, not necessarily to be competitive, but to appreciate the journey from 0 to 42….

And of course, for Santa to run a marathon as well.

11. What advise would you give to runners who are planning to run their 1st FM?

Forget about timing… whatever time it takes, it will be a PB !

12. What’s the one item which you can’t do without when you run a marathon?

Two items…. Camera & Whistle

13. The obvious question, how many marathons have you completed?

My count as at yesterday is 178 ( includes both, marathons & ultras ).

14. What would make you quit running marathons?

Maybe…. ( just guessing ) – ‘disappointment’

15. How would you compare Spore runners & events compared with their Malaysian counterparts?

Frankly, the Malaysians have a very simple attitude towards running – something I admire. ‘You guys are back to basics –  no frills runners’ – fantastic!

16. One day when you hang-up your running shoes/vibrams, how would you like people to remember you?

Haha, I think there is nothing to remember… this is reality, this is the real world!

17. Last one! How many pair of shoes do you own?

Frankly, I don’t know….. I still have my first pair of VFFs.  I reckon that I have about 6 pairs of used VFF & afew brand new ones…. And a few pairs of shoes.

There you have it…wasn’t it a riveting & revealing interview! Of course, you may have some burning questions of your own for Mohan. Then why don’t you email me your question to me at gusghani@gmail.com and I will relay it to the man, himself. Similarly if you want to share your personal anecdotes about Mohan, or maybe, you just want to wish Mohan good luck, please drop me a line, and I’ll compile your messages and comments for Mohan.

In conclusion, I found Mohan to be a sincere, warm-hearted and humorous individual who is living life to it’s fullest, and the marathons just happen to be the stage on which he has chosen to perform, entertain, motivate and inspire his friends and other runners. May Mohan’s successful reign as the King of Marathons continue long into the future.

If you want to keep track of my daily activities and thoughts, please check my Happy Runner FB page. See you there 🙂