Ashley Liew - Hong Kong Marathon 2011 Target

Ashley Liew - Targeting between 2hour 42min and 2hr 45min for Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2011.

I find that at this age both Shui Kun and Ashley Liew are able to do a sub-35min. Hence, I wanted to give an interview but Shui Kun had to leave for NSF reporting day, as it was his first day in the army, at 8am. Hence, I decided to interview Ashley on his personal best time of 34min 45sec from 34min 48sec.

Picture 1 - Ashley Liew , aiming for excellence in running.



An Interview With Ashley Liew.


When you knew that the target that you have to go for was 34min 30sec, how did you feel about this target?
- I knew it would be tough: my 10k timing a week earlier was more than 35m and my school workload became heavier. But my coach firmly believed in my potential, giving me much needed confidence. Moreover I knew the talented Shui Kun would be working hard with me for pacing. All this made me feel that 34m30s was definitely possible.


Is this your last tempo run?
- Yes, the last before Hong Kong Marathon.

How were you feeling before the run?
- I was well rested and my legs were not too sore despite the high weekly mileage. However I woke up with a painful nagging stomachache which lasted up to the start of the run. 15m before the start, I was still stuck in the toilet... it happens. But once it was time to start, I pushed the sensation away and channeled my focus into doing a personal best.


Are you finally happy with this performance?
- Yes because a personal best was achieved (from 34m48s to 34m45s). I will need to work even harder to bring my timing down in future. I know I have it in me.


What is your prediction for the Hong Kong Marathon 2011?
- 2h45m, considering the gradual upslopes and downslopes I have to run.


Are you confident enough to achieve the target?
- Yes, especially with my coach physically there and my girlfriend's (overseas) support.


Picture 2 - Ashley's girlfriend to give moral support from Singapore.


Are you looking forward to Hong Kong Marathon 2011?
- I can't wait! It's going to be an exciting experience racing there and representing Singapore.


When are you going there and when are you returning back to Singapore?
- I'll be heading up on 17th Feb Thursday and returning 21st Feb Monday... just in time for my SMU mid-term break!

Picture 3 - Ashley Liew with fellow friends, including Lim Thow Wee, at extreme right, who is going to Hong Kong for the same race.