Transcend Yourself. According to Google, it’s to go beyond limits or surpass prior achievements but what does that means to you? To me, it simply means be better than what you used to be. To me it’s more than physically transcending yourself but transcending yourself with your heart and mind too as time goes. Become a better person and also achieving what I wanted in life ? Maybe that’s what life is other than making meaningful memories and to make meaning out of your life, be better and keep on improving yourself ??

(With Peter Tan, the Managing Director of JustRunLah! ?)

This is my last running event in 2016 and it’s also my first race with The Performance Series. It’s concept is interesting, with a series of 5 runs spread out over the year and the medals forms up a map of Singapore and that there is different distance categories to participate in such as the 2.5km/5km/10km, which encourages families of multi-generations families to run together and encourages people who dosen’t run to start running ? The best part is all the 5 runs is not held at the same place! The previous race were held at Coney Island, Jurong lake, Bedok Reservoir and the very familiar place at Gardens by the bay where many runs were held at. This time, the run is at the Kranji farm. Having the runs all over Singapore is like encouraging the runners to explore Singapore. Though Singapore is small or even we’ve live here our entire life, but there were places where we didn’t know of or went before.

I’ve thought of signing up for the package of 5 races to collect the full set of medals but thought of what if it clashes with any other runs that I really love to go and it falls on the same day or what if I have other commitments? Turns out that one of the TPS run clashes with Batman Vs Superman run which is a fun run with a good theme which I definitely want to run and another run I was running the Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon.

So, the runner’s entitlements includes of two T-shirts. One is race tee, the other is finisher tee for the 10km runners. I have never gotten a finisher t-shirt for 10km runs though I did a couple of 10km runs before, for those runs there is no finisher tee and I’m perfectly ok with that. To some, running a 10km is like hitting a milestone or is an achievement, yes running even 100 metres is not easy(some people do even complain of chiong-ing a fee metres to catch the bus will also want their life) it is very memorable for them to keep those shirts with them as it’s their hard earn trophy. But I think would be a good option that if we do not want the race tee, we can opt to donate it away, or even be more environmental friendly, opt out of race tee. Imagine those who ran the whole series have 10 t-shirts! Even though the 10 t-shirts were of different colours, to me its still like wearing the same shirt lah! ?

There is no queue during the race pack collection and I like it, there’s a few booth selling some sports apparels, insect repellent and a booth selling something like a medal and bib album where we can file our medals and bibs inside. I was so tempted to buy it but its too expensive and recently I’m also doing spring cleaning so I find an alternative way to display my bibs at home. I think I need another 10 years to fill up the wall with the race bibs. Still thinking of how should I hang my medals ?

Thank you P_ease for personalising my race tee! ? They always comes up with new designs uniquely for the different races and some of their designs and quotes are so motivating! Of we can just simply don’t use their designs and just customised our own tee by adding the words or numbers we want.

I bought the shuttle bus ticket on the race day to fetch me from Yishun to the race venue and there isn’t pick up from certain areas like Khatib like always, but its just another few hundred metres walk to Yishun but it’s ok for me just that the shuttle bus ticket is selling at $7 where for many other runs, the shuttle bus tickets is selling at about $5. Khatib area is expanding with many new BTOs and Condos ready soon so hopefully next time running events would provide shuttle bus service from Khatib.

On race day I really dreaded to pull myself out of bed. Smelling the air and seeing the red sky, it’s obviously going to rain and I only slept 3 hours as I reach home late from a x’mas celebration, sounds seriously appealing to stay in bed. But still it’s the last race of the year so I pull myself out bed and walk myself to the shuttle bus pick up point.

But the mood is not dampened by the wet weather at all when I reach the even site and luckily the race is just delayed and not cancelled. Flag off for the 10km category by right should be at 6.30am but it’s about 7.05am then we were flag off. But it’s ok with the delay, maybe the Organisers want to ensure the weather is really ok to run in or the route is safe to run such as whether there’s any fallen branches blocking the way after such a heavy rain?

I enjoyed the entire 10km running with Kelvin. Chit chat walk walk slow slow run. Don’t want to worsen my sprained ankle and my legs is very jelly because of yesterday’s pole class, we were stretching to do splits which I still can’t do ? The stretching always kills my legs like for the rest of the week, then when the legs finally feels ok it’s pole class again ?

It’s a very cooling run as it rained earlier and the Sun didn’t appear at all. I felt cold and I must really say that the air smell very unpleasant at some parts ?The terrain is not easy to run as there’s many slopes. Saw many runners have their race tee customised and got one is really cute and sweet with the words printed: If lost please return to Mrs Smit ?

(With one of the Super cute mascot of Gardenasia ?)

Congratulations to Jasmine, Yvonne and Justina for getting top 10! ?

I must say that I see queue I want to cry ? The queue for toilet before race, the queue for baggage collection and especially the queue for shuttle bus back to Kranji MRT station is at least 1 hour ? But luckily I have good companionship to make the queueing more tahanable. Especially Haohan is so funny he pointed out a signboard: Notice anything funny about the signboard? Because Haohan says 500 metres is still 500 metres right? No matter by foot or by car or any other means ? Though it’s said that the shuttle bus stop its service at 9.30am but it’s still ferrying us though it’s already 10am. Thank you for the extra effort from the organisers ?

Other than the queueing everything else is ok, consoling myself that at least I had an enjoyable run and the medal is pretty and also treat this run as a gathering with friends ?

Will you run for beer? Silly question. Of course I will! ? It was raining heavily and though I was tired from pole class, still I want to go for the beer and see see look look! Not to mention that I fell down from the stairs last week as I missed a step and sprained my ankle ? Recovering but there is still slight pain. Was telling my dad it’s a free run as I won the slot from a contest and my dad response is: Running is free. You can go there and run whenever You want. True because it’s very near home but it’s different, it’s just different just like there is millions of trees but you are willing to give up the entire Earth of trees because you feel that it is one special tree. Got link bo? ? Just trying to say that runners will knows what they are willing to pay for a run ?

The location of the run is just 1.2km from home, best for me! Give the run a like! It’s walking distance from Khatib MRT. Though I went there to run a couple of times before but I went there for a short run to see see look look the day before and its so beautifully decorated for x’mas ? Running events is getting popular, I live in Khatib and Yishun my entire life and I don’t remember there is any run around my neighbourhood but recently there’s the OCC 3 Ten Run and now this Orto Beer Run. Or is it because that I started running only these two years so I didn’t know of any past runs?

So I waited for the rain to stop taking my own sweet time at home then I ran there. I think that the first wave flags of at 5pm but by the time I reached it’s already 6pm and I missed my wave, I didn’t even know that they flag off in waves. So the organisers asked me do I mind to run the next wave with the guys? Of course not, I need to rushed off for family dinner then after dinner I still have to rushed off to attend my pole school x’mas celebration the faster I start running the better ?

My wave of runners got a Super cute T-Rex. The T-Rex of course becomes the center of attention ? Before the flag off I heard one guy commented jokingly to his friends to be careful of those people who are fishing ?, we might get hooked any moment ? Each wave there is only 20 something people and before the run we were briefed that it’s running two loops around Orto. Running around the fishing area and the premises which includes a place where people plays paint ball and trampoline. Interesting activities. After the first loop we will need to finish a pint of beer before we start the second loop running a total of 1.8km. Of course there is prize for the fastest runners but I’m not sure because it definitely have no link with me.

Do I love to drink? Yes! I used to be a scary drinker, not because I’m good at drinking but because I always drinks till I become like the Singapore’s popular Merlion if you know what I mean ? That was me more than 6 years ago so what is 1 pint of beer? Though there’s beer given too after the run at New Balance Run a few months back where after the run you can take your own sweet time to sip the beer but it’s different this time, this is my first time to drink a beer during a run. I was breathless from the run and there’s a super steep slope nearing the end of the loop, chiong the “mountain” then I have to gulp down a beer ?

The draught beer is given to us in a plastic cup, some people “gei gei” spilled their beer by grabbing their cups so tight, half cup gone, or cheers with other runners, another half cup gone ? I thought it’s easy lah, just a pint of beer but it isn’t! Tried not to spill much of my beer but it’s not easy to, being breathless and drinkinf a pint of beer at maximum speed, spilling a little not that bad already. Trained by those days when you went drinking with friends and if you spill any single drop of beer, you’ll need to drink more ? The second loop though just 900metres is very torturous, the stomach is so full and it’s so gassy and I just want to burp ? At the end of the run, there’s another pint of beer but I would be drinking a little too at the pole school Xmas celebration afterwards and tomorrow there’s the Performance Series so better don’t drink it though I wanted to ?

Though I wonder at first should I go since all my running friends didn’t sign up but since it’s a free slot and since it’s so near home so why not? Didn’t regret going as it’s really an experience and very well done! Maybe it will become a yearly event? ?

This was my 5th consecutive SCMS since my 2012 comeback from a 21-year break since my maiden FM

Flashback Sep 2016. Craze Ultra 100 Miles. DNF after 142 km. 18 km left, 8 hours to go to finish line, but rest of journey not flat. It was not a difficult decision. No risk policy. SCMS coming. Anyway, completed Craze 100 Miles already last year

SCMS 2016 is of personal significance, having been selected as the (male) Face of SCMS poster boy. I’d be gutted if i could not take part. It is after all, probably a once in a lifetime moment

INJURIES
But too late, damage was already done …
I was sidelined with a series of injuries from early September thru to late October
3 injuries, all one following the recovery of the other
Left (ankle) ligament strain; front, outside
Right ankle ligament strain; back, outside
Left ankle posterior heel spur (bony protrusion caused by calcium deposit) confirmed with Ultrasound scans. Painful because of the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the region. Same bony protrusion at back of heel is evident on the right foot too – worst of the 3 injuries, needed trekking pole to aid walking around the first 2 weeks or so
By the time i felt i could run, it was already 20th October. But even then i was still managing with the pain, and making sure i wasn’t going to push it on my runs.
Longest distance run to SCMS was (one) 21KM from TTSH (after consultation) to home
Still not totally clear of this one yet

REPC DAY 1
Met The Flash Jeremy Lee for lunch, and afterwards accompanied him to The Expo
He seemed reluctant to do this race too (he’d DNS last week’s TNF100 SG 50K run, opting instead to go Bukit Timah Hill for elevation training)

REPC DAY 2
As agreed, met up with Eugene Aw (at Bishan Circle Line station) and headed to The Expo
Eugene, winner of this year’s Digital Queue FB contest was running SCMS to raise funds for charity; Singapore Cancer Society
I hadn’t anticipated him bringing his camera along. I’d thought it’d be like most other REPCs … collection, a few selfies, and be done
In retrospect, we both had a great time meeting our running friends as he made them pose holding a printout he’s sneakily prepared beforehand

SCMS 2016 – My Game Plan
Really unsettling. I wanted to race, to go for timing, but was scared my efforts might end in vain, and more importantly resulting in yet another injury !
The revised route (no Sheares Bridge) plus the reverse in direction (fresh route) seemed too wasted on a fun run !
I deliberated over the few days before and after REPC
Closer to race day, i was more inclined to go try the sub-4 again which has eluded me (my closest, a 4:02 Sundown 2015). And if that was compromised anytime during the race i could drop back and join my Eugene who was planning on doing a slow and easy 7-hour FM just as he’d done so during Sundown 2016
Jeremy was still undecided. He’d hurt his left knee from all the stairs training he’d been doing of late
In a last minute ditch of plans, i decided to forego my quest for a PB (i didn’t feel it was realistic and i should not risk another injury), and convinced Jeremy to run with me & Eugene

PRE-RACE
Slept from 2230 pm to 0145 am, left home 0225 am
Walked 2k from home to CCK Lot 1 Pickup Point.
2 SBS Transit buses arrived. 1 to The Stadium, other to Orchard.
Boarded the double-decker. I was pretty sure the buses left before the stipulated 3 am (i stand corrected, i think my bus arrived at Bukit Panjang pickup point at 3 am (my bus was not the only Orchard bound bus there)
Journey was smooth until the split point of Buyong & Penang roads
Slight congestion (of buses) at the first drop off point, before i could get off
It was 3.35 am then, and immediately i came upon Daniel Ong on the other side of the road, before the group grew in numbers, including Lai Boon.
Lai Boon was starting in Pen A with a HM bib. The 2 of us waited outside the Pen till just before 4 am. Eugene was already in the pen. He had tripped on his way from the pens further back, but thankfully was none for the worse except for a few minor abrasions. He was also concerned if he’d ripped or torn his new special edition Spiderman suit (it ain’t cheap !). Thankfully it wasn’t
As ever, time seemed to go by fast awaiting any race flag-off, and soon it was 0430 am !

FLAG-OFF to 1 KM
This year’s flag-off was 1/2 hour earlier. The earliest of any Singapore Marathon
Spiderman (& i) ran at 5.47 pace despite his visibility being compromised by his suit, specifically the region surrounding the eyes (they were not cut-outs like Batman’s, Captain America’s masks). Instead it was more akin of the vision of a spider’s compound eyes. Visibility is not great when it’s dark, and also when it’s too bright (glaring). This on top of the limited field of view that the mask offered. Peripheral vision was next to zero

His new suit was also different. It was a single-piece, meaning there was no separate hood that he could flip up from under his neck region. That meant he was not going to be able to consume anything other than liquid, and even then this was to be done through the region of the fabric covering over his mouth. So in essence, it was not as simple as just putting on the suit, or coming to terms with the heat and humidity that most of these suits pose (at least this one though was of made of quick-wicking material)
We ran till the agreed meetup point and here we waited for The Flash, & The Hulk to join us (since they were from later pens) – Fort Canning Tunnel, 1 km point

Jeremy arrived, and was soon followed by Steven, arriving here at 4.44 am. The latter was already paying the cost for wearing The Hulk’s mask. It was not only hot and humid but difficult to breathe in. He decided to continue, but without the mask (He would put it on closer to The Finish Line)

0 to 5 KM : Split – 0:40 (Elapsed Time – 0:40) [Time of Day – 0510 am]

Departed Fort Canning Tunnel after 9 mins of waiting, the 4 of us ran for another 1-2 km before The Hulk decided to let us go whilst he dropped off the pace
Spidey, Jeremy, & i also decided that we were going to enjoy ourselves and so we shall drink from every station we encounter

5 to 10 KM : 0:34 (1:14) [0544 am]

Key Locations : GBTB, Barrage Bridge, GBTB East
In and around the 10k stretch, GBTB East … the area was pretty dark, and this greatly affected Spidey’s vision. I illuminated the ground with my iPhone
Jeremy knee was still holding up ok
I could feel a slight strain on my left heel, but it was not something out of the norm in recent runs

10 to 15 KM : 0:46 (2:00) [0630 am]

Key Locations : GBTB East, ECP service road, HM Split Point (12k Fort Road)
Daylight breaking, Jeremy suggested we’d walk after 13k … probably feeling the effects on his left knee

15 to 20 KM : 0:45 (2:45) [0715 am]

ECP
We bumped into Ashley Ng who was on his way to the SAFRA Support Station we’d just passed. He handed us Sng Baos. Jeremy & i took 1 each. Spiderman Eugene had to decline as he was not able to consume it in it’s solid state

20 to 25 KM : 0:42 (3:27) [0757 am]

ECP, U-turns zone
21k, 2 Hrs 50 Mins
had 1x banana

25 to 30 KM : 0:45 (4:12) [0842 am]

run walk still … but now picking up the pace a little

glad to chance upon Sandy Heng Support Station – Coke, Ribena (3 mins), and a little further up :
SAFRA Toa Payoh. Lim Teck Chye, Ashley Ng, Danny Tham, Eugene Teo, Yeo Kim Kiat – were helping out here. had another Sng Bao from Ashley before leaving after 4-5 mins here

30 to 35 KM : 0:50 (5:01) [0932 am]

Running on the ECP Expressway : 32 – 33 km

we finally arrived at the GGRC (Gei Gei Running Club) Support Station
manned by Lawrence, Lena, Amy, Melvin, Wen Lim
We were here longest out of all the support stations – 10 mins.
Had Coke, watermelon cubes, Sng Bao

The Amazing Spiderman does inspire people to run !
we were running pretty fast after some lengthy walking along the ECP Service Road,
5:30 – 5:45 pace.
At this point of the race, most of those around us aren’t the fast sub-4 or even sub-5 runners …
Spidey’s senses tingled … he felt like he was being chased !
A young couple was running after, and gaining ground on us …
they wanted (and got) a wefie with Spiderman !

The weather which had been kind to us all morning did a reversal once we hit Fort Road
It was hot. Really, really hot !
We decided to walk in the shade, and run in the sun, and encouraged whoever would listen around us to do likewise

35 to 40 KM : 0:40 (5:41) [1011 am]

Mountbatten Road, Nicoll Highway
running alongside traffic was fun ! People were winding down their windows, taking shots with their mobiles … cheering and clapping
Credit to the motorists too. They were not impatient. Quite the opposite, driving with a smile. i also did not hear a single horn anytime here
And as before, volunteers and passers-by alike were awe-stricken and filled with amazement and admiration for my buddy in the Spiderman suit !
Some gasped as they see him running in the heat, in that costume, with that mask on
some wondered, few asked how he’d even drink

Me, i was feeling blessed just to be able to witness and experience such moments
Running has truly evolved in every aspect since it’s early days

There was still one other unofficial support group station that’s been on our minds
At last, we spotted them, but from the wrong side of the road
There was still a small matter of a business we needed to attend to … the final u-turn of the race !

It looked some distance off, but slowly and surely we came upon it, walking at first … and then running all the way to that station. And just as well, for we had no idea that they had been told to shut up shop by the race officials
it was only at the requests of bro Esmond & sis Lily that Keegan, See Chun Yan & others agreed to stay on a lil longer to wait for the 3 of us ! (i only learned of this after the race)

This was the PRR (Peirce Reservoir Runners) Support Group Station !
Keegan, See Chun Yan, Sharon Ong, Frankie Yang, Jenny Oh, Wendy Lee, PK Jang, OhMy Fran, and anyone else i might have missed out … Thanks for your hospitality, patience, and whatever inconvenience that might have arisen from the prolonged stay because you were waiting for us

We stayed here for about 6 mins before we knew we had to carry on !
Last 3.142 km to go !

40 to FINISH : 0:16 (5:57) [1027 am]

Republic Blvd, Esplanade …

Running Shots alley … this group’s photogs; Sotong, Tekko, & Marcus were all located along the short stretch of road just next to The Esplanade
At one point earlier on in the race, just before 30k, i predicted possibly a finishing time of sub 5:30 … now, we were just glad we were still able to complete before 6 hours !
We decided to make a run for it towards the end !
At The Esplanade Bridge, we agreed to walk (not run) across The Finish Line !
Our plan was to create a gap between ourselves and the ones just behind us … so that we would not obstruct anyone when doing so

Strange, i cannot remember if we did what we all set out to do; walk across The Finish Line ! (looking through the official photos, it didn’t seemed like we walked. Perhaps we slow jogged)

PWs (Personal Worst) for Jeremy & i (beating my 5:40 injury-stricken 2012 comeback SCMS race) … but boy we sure did have a PB race experience ! No cramps, no injuries, walking, drinking, chatting, taking photos, encouraging and motivating those around us … and Spiderman made more than a few fellow marathoners day as he obliged and posed for shots with them !
The 3 of us helped, and took care of each other, constantly checking if the others were alright … was the pace too fast, do we need to walk, was everyone ok to run again, etc

POST-RACE

Pretty much the usual … but i still had one last task. A personal matter
I messaged this friend and we agreed on a place to meet
Chen Phan Yeeh has been keeping his consecutive streak of completing the year end Singapore Marathon (FM distance) going. He started off with the ’92 Singapore International Marathon, and this SCMS 2016 was his 25th !

And we’ve got another streak of our own … to meet every year at the end of the race.
And this year marked our 4th ! (we’d only ever met once other than in Dec before this)

Will i do SCMS 2017, very likely
But i’m glad i made the right decision in the end, thanks in part to Jeremy. Had he decided he was not going to run this year, then i’d probably would have not opted to do the ‘fun’ run, and who knows … i might even end up injuring myself even

We sometimes tend to forget why we run after a while, the need for speed poisons the mind and clouds the vision … we become machine-like in our quest for personal timings
It’s good to once in a while take a step back, and enjoy the runs, even if they are paid events
and, I’m glad i finally did my first in an Full Marathon

SCMS 2016, a milestone year !

15th year since Standard Chartered took over as title sponsor back in 2002 !
It’s also the first time race organization comes under the helm of Ironman Asia which acquired Spectrum Worldwide (SWW) in the middle of this year. SWW had been the organizer of SCMS 2013, 2014, & 2015

But it would also be remembered for a number of other factors:

1. No SMRT to take runners to race sites. Chartered buses to get the job done
2. HM does not start from Sentosa
3. HM / FM same start time and place (flagged off together)
4. Earlier start time of 0430 (instead of the usual 0500)

A combination and the uncertainties of some of these factors upset the running community and saw a higher than usual number of people trying to sell off their bibs on social media sites, some even giving away for free

With regards to the HM no longer starting from Sentosa, i like that Ironman Asia had taken the initiative and put paid to the issues as stated in their quote off CNA :
“Sentosa was always a fantastic start point, the athletes love that. But the tunnel, where they had to run through, and the heat factor there, and the long stretch on the highway was always a negative,” said Mr (Geoff) Meyer (Ironman Asia’s managing director). “There was also the big long stretch of West Coast Highway in the sun, which had no shelter or cover, (and this) was also a big negative.”

On a personal note, this year’s Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore would forever have a special place in my heart, having been selected as the eventual Male winner of the SCMS Facebook 3-part contest held in Nov 2015
My female counterpart was Grace, who unfortunately was not in town to participate this time around

REPC
Standard fanfare, but seemingly smaller than previous years’ (sales booth pertaining to running related stuff)
Collection of bibs was smooth on both days I was there; collected mine on day 2 after accompanying a friend the day before

GETTING TO START LINE
no SMRT trains. Reason : scheduled track maintenance (i’m not going to cover whose at fault for runners not kept in the loop till closer to race day)
Instead chartered buses would take runners at a cost of $5 from predetermined fixed spots islandwide

Crucially overlooked was a pickup point in the city. One that would have served to take those who would park close to The Padang (Finish Point) ! In past year’s they merely had to hop on board the MRT to get to the start line.
Not this year. They had to make their way on foot. I saw quite a number of them running towards the Orchard Start Point from the bus I was on

The Good :
• From where was closest to my home – CCK, buses were faster getting runners there than trains
But having taken me 25 mins at least to walk to the stop, it was about the same traveling time for me as any other year
• The designated 2 (different) drop-off locations was good too

The Bad :
• pickup points were too generalized in many heartlands. Many had to walk some distance in the wee hours. Myself, i had to walk 2k just to get onto the bus, where any other year i just needed under 5 mins to get to my station at Yew Tee
• Buses also rule out the possibility of meeting any friend along the way where the train would pass enroute to Orchard

CHANGE IN ROUTE
Likely we will not see a return of the HM to Sentosa as cited above
The initial fear of congestion and confusion over FM / HM Pacers (i think) in the end did not materialise

The FM route (specifically the direction) was altered probably more so out of necessity to accommodate HM / FM starting at the same time and place, to prevent confusion and crossovers of runners of the different categories, and to avoid congestion and bottlenecking
The change, a positive one was overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding the plan to start the HM together with the FM

The split point between HM & FM was well handled. The marshal was diligent in his duty, repeatedly saying over his loudhailer : HM Left, FM Right !
Closer the point of separation, painted onto the right side of the road in blue was : M 42.195 km, and for added effect, a steel cage-like barrier was situated right in the middle with 2 volunteers seated on either end

The change dispels (the myth) that what many believed : SCMS IAAF Gold Label Race is generally confined to the original route that has been the template of the past few years
This year’s modifications in the route although not all that drastic did make a significant improvement and had an impact on the overall race experience. It is only in retrospect that this was fully appreciated

The Bad :
• 19-21 km, approaching the first u-turn at ECP …i’d imagined was pretty demoralising for most if and when looking to the left and seeing the snaking lanes of runners; 3 lanes … it’s one u-turn after another .. and that the first one was still some distance ahead
• Same old bottlenecking of 10k and sub-5 FM runners at Republic Blvd – this needs looking into !

The Good :
• Personally, i love the change in direction on the ECP the most ! (i’m still not keen on running a large chunk of our premier marathon going around the East Coast Park) … at last, many were able to catch the beautiful coastal sunrise (running next to the beach) ! This wasn’t possible previously as runners would enter the ECP from the (inland) service road which isn’t by the beach
• I love the stretch of running on the actual ECP Expressway too !
• I like that the MBS / GBTB (in the dark) has been spared ! And also the latter stages of returning to it in the reverse direction … running along the narrow boardwalk, sharing the congested walkways with not just fellow racers … but tourists as well as visitors to this attraction

• Last but not least, done away (hopefully for good) is that torturous u-turn before and the ascent up the Sheares Bridge !
• Special mention : 34-38 km stretch … running along the roads, sharing it with passing vehicles, with passengers holding out their mobile phones to snap shots, others cheering, waving, and best of all seeing the smiles of drivers going by in the opposite direction … priceless !!! Perhaps a sign of things to come in future SCMS … more roads, less ECP !
Maybe taking it one step further. Incorporate the heartlands into the course … run through the various neighborhoods … perhaps even taking turns with subsequent years !
Everyone loves the NDP … why not make our marquee Marathon the running equivalent of the NDP ?

THE VOLUNTEERS
Hydration Stations, Medics, Marshals, and other volunteers
Outstanding, the official isotonic drink 100Plus at every designated station was not just cold, it was served with ice !
Medics – i think there were more of them this year too
Tiger Balm Active Muscle Rub – still an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) item of the SCMS ! I felt this was often taken for granted by runners. Just for the sake of comparison, Sundown Marathon SG does not have this practice. You’re pretty much on your own if you are down with cramps !
Having said that, it was great to see that the heaping of this cream into a molehill on a platter had finally stopped. I always felt that was wasteful, and unnecessary

VOLUNTEER (UNOFFICIAL) SUPPORT STATIONS
These were set up by runners for runners ! They were heaven-sent, providing not only drinks, but also cut fruits, sng baos, crackers, etc
They not only helped to perk up the runners, they also added to the atmosphere and joy, as did the many volunteer photographers
This year, i benefitted from not 1 but at least 3 non-official support stations. They’d definitely played a huge part in aiding me through the journey. They gave me the focus to look forward and ahead and pushing forth to get to where they were, and that can’t be a bad thing as they were there for all, not there just to motivate, encourage, cheer or cajole their running kakis only
So it was pretty baffling to learn later that some of these volunteer support stations were told to pack it up by the officials of SCMS.

The one thing that a lot of local runners who have gone (and will continue to go) overseas come alive whilst recounting and sharing their experiences is not how well they had done but more often than not the atmosphere, the experience … one which they could not or had not experience so before back home in Singapore races … and a lot of times these were due to the supporters who’d come down to support bearing food and drinks with them (Japan, HK, etc).
And so on that note, i could not comprehend why our local unofficial support stations could be so detrimental to an event such as SCMS

SUMMARY
SCMS 2016 is an improvement over recent editions. The change in route (FM) was the clincher. Running next to the beach, gorgeous sunrise treat, running along the expressway, running along Mountbatten Road and then Nicholl Highway late on in the race, being next to supportive motorists brought back a sense of deja vu for me of the ’91 Mobil Marathon. I really enjoyed that, and hope to have more of it in future editions. And the extra bit of thoughtfulness of providing runners with icy cold 100Plus was a masterstroke ! One that really paid off since this year’s SCMS was the hottest in recent years yet

HOPES AND PRAYERS FOR FUTURE EDITIONS
SMRT trains to take runners to SCMS restored. At least we now know that a viable alternative is in place – chartered buses. There’s room for improvements though.
Have a pickup in the city area for those who’ve parked and ride in previous years – City Hall station.
Have pickup points at every heartland MRT stations. Follow the examples of Newton Run, NTUC Income Run 350 ….

Tackle the issue of congestion of 10k walkers and the FM sub-5 runners at Republic Blvd Rd … perhaps the 10k event could be held a day earlier, after the Kids’ Dash event ?

No more ECP as part of the FM route ! No more loops and u-turns too please ! 1/2 of FM in ECP is not fun ! Time for a change please

Sports Singapore and the Singapore Government to give Ironman Asia and SCMS full support for making it a reality and a dream to take the marathon back to the heartlands

Like the good old days, use the Sports Hub as a venue for the finish site. The Padang has been good for a number of logistical reasons, but it does little to attract supporters down, does little to ‘trap’ runners to stay on and cheer for the slower finishers … loss of atmosphere ! The Padang ground is hellish if it’d rained hours or a day before SCMS. There’d be mud all over the field ! Not fun scraping and washing mud off my road shoes after a road marathon !
A stadium surrounding would be ideal ! The sound would reverberate around the venue, it provides a 360 view, and there are more than ample spaces for runners to chill out after the race ! The sun roof would also shade one and all alike.

CONCLUSION
Ironman decisiveness in ringing in the changes to an ever growing stale route of the SCMS was like a breath of fresh air ! They’re off to a great start ! Year 1 of 10 !
They’d said they would improve SCMS … and i believe they have !
The future of Singapore Marathon (presently SCMS) looks bright … and i am really hopeful, more so than i’ve ever been since publishing a blogpost back in 2014 : History of The Marathon in Singapore, pleadingly calling for our marquee running event to be brought back to the heartland at the end of that post.
I am hopeful that one day before too long we Singaporeans might experience something very few have had the opportunity to : run through the housing estates in a major event, and have our compatriots cheering us on !

I think i can safely speak for my fellow Singaporean runners … we do not want to run yet another race around the ECP (park) !
There have been too many events choosing this route. What we truly want is to be able to experience the kind of support atmosphere that so many overseas marathons offer. It’s not just the cheers and sideshows from the volunteers and crew … but from the everyday people, the families, the friends, the strangers. Fellow Singaporeans !
Running half of our FM at ECP does not do it ! It is monotonous, and mentally draining. There is not much of a change in scenery. On the contrary, we see hordes and hordes of people … tired, stone-faced runners … going through the very sections that no one really enjoys and yet have to, simply because as Singaporeans we think it is not worth the time and effort giving feedback cos we think that nothing would be done in the end

Ironman has the opportunity to go down into the local running folklore ! Take this marathon back to the streets from whence it started all those years ago !
There is no better avenue to let not just local runners but overseas runners experience and see what Singapore truly is, and the HDB heartland is what defines Singapore and surely not the skyscrapers that every other modern city in the world boasts too !
Imagine if you will, asking a foreign participant of what he’d seen on his first SCMS FM Race :
Xmas lights, dark roads, dark buildings, volunteers, sunrise, the sea, the park (ECP), same park, few u-turns in the park since 12k, tired runners, friendly motorists, 0 spectators on the streets, skyscrapers, Singapore Flyer, The Durian (Esplanade), at last … Spectators … Finish Line !

I for one remain upbeat and optimistic with Ironman Asia being at the helm of this marathon. They’re off to a great start already, and there’s 9 more years of their contract left. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next year !
Only thing i pray is they do not consolidate and stick to what they see as a success of this year and do nothing !
The event has to evolve ! And perhaps that might inevitably see the u-turn in the mindset of many whom have chosen to boycott their nation’s very own marathon !
A sad fact, but one that cannot be ignored !
We can’t allow history to repeat itself as in the early days where the Singapore Marathon came so close to being no more ! … however unlikely given the numbers in this modern era, but one that should never be taken for granted

Last but not least, job well done Ironman Asia on SCMS 2016 !
I now am looking forward to SCMS 2017 … and to think that this year could and should have been the last SCMS since i returned to running again after a 21 years hiatus (with SCMS 2012).
I challenge you to keep me and the majority motivated and fuel our desire to wanna continue running and more importantly, supporting our nation’s marquee Marathon event !
Thank You

• Footnotes & References :
  Ironman Asia is also in charge of these other marathons, besides IronMan races :
  Marathon of Bordeaux Métropole
  Hawke’s Bay International Marathon
  Auckland Marathon
  Queenstown International Marathon
• http://www.todayonline.com/sports/ironmans-goal-raise-stanchart-marathons-profile
• IAAF Road Race Label Events

As the 2016 draws close to an end, the date for my final run event is fast approaching. This year, my final run event is The Performance Series’ Race 05 which is going to be held at Kranji Countryside.

Looking back, I have never regretted joining The Performance Series (TPS) runs. The experience for each race is so unique and different. For those who are not familiar with TPS: TPS is a series of 5 races that promises participants a run through different and unique landscapes of Singapore, which include islands, lakes, heartlands, reservoirs and farms. Each race promises a unique running experience and so far from my experience, it has certainly met that objective! TPS was created by runners for runners and each race has 3 different categories: 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km. This is to encourage runners at all levels to join in the national movement of running and at the same time help promote a running culture in Singapore and also to empower individuals to take ownership of their health.

I have participated in the first 4 TPS races and here are some of the things that made each TPS race an enjoyable one:

Highlights from Race 01 – Punggol Waterway / Coney Island

• Enjoyed the scenic views – Punggol Waterway was new and very beautifully landscaped and Coney Island had its rustic charms and untouched greenery;
• It was my first time running on sand – super challenging but it was all worth the experience;
• Nice goodie bag which included a pair of Compressport socks; and
• Cool Finisher Tee – Race 01 Finisher Tee has got to be my favourite because of the colour combination (Black & Orange)!

Click here for the full review on Race 01

Highlights from Race 02 – Jurong Lake

• Organisers introduced shuttle services to the event site which made it very convenient for all runners;
• The introduction of three different wave flag-off timings also allowed a much better experience running the race route of Jurong Lake;
• Breath-taking morning skies greeted us as we made our way to the START Pen; and
• The feel of peacefulness and tranquility of Jurong Lake during the run was super relaxing and makes the workout a very nice one. It was also interesting seeing the different pagodas along the route.

Click here for the full review on Race 02

Highlights from Race 03 – Gardens By The Bay (East)

• Nice change of place for race entry pack collection (REPC) at the Singapore Sports Hub library, which was held in conjunction with National Day and we found extra goodies in our goodie bag!
• Though I have taken part in many races where the starting point is at Gardens By The Bay (East), the pre-dawn scenery never fails to make me appreciate the beauty of the Singapore skyline. Sunrise is just so pretty especially when the morning light slowly hits some of our Singapore iconic landmarks; and
• The most interesting thing for Race 03 was seeing a family of otters when I was heading towards the FINISH line. This is definitely something I would remember because they were soooo cute! One confused otter looks like it was wondering how to dash across the path as there were sooo many runners. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw them and that actually motivated me to run faster towards the FINISH line. Too bad I didn’t manage to take a photo of the otters.

Click here for the full review on Race 03

Highlights from Race 04 – Bedok Reservoir

• Fresh on my memory was how Singapore’s unpredictable rainy weather affected Race 04! I remember taking shelter at the bag deposit tent and that the organisers had no choice but to cancel the first wave. Luckily the second wave (in which I was participating) did not get cancelled and was postponed to take place together with wave 3. When it was time to start, the rain miraculously stopped and the cool weather was awesome for a run.
• The main highlight of Race 04 had to be the awesome view of Bedok Reservoir from the top of a hill after scaling the last slope somewhere between the 8km and 9 km mark. The view was just amazing!

Click here for the full review on Race 04

Upcoming things to look forward for Race 05 – Gardenasia

I am excited about the upcoming Race 05 because this would be my first time running at Kranji Countryside. I have heard so much about farms at Kranji so it would be interesting to run past and peek into these farms. The START point would be at Gardenasia and pictures of that place are really pretty! What’s new at this race is that Gardenasia’s Eco Ambassadors – Titoy & Morchoo will be making an appearance and that means more photo opportunities! Most of all I’m looking forward to completing the race in good time and collecting the final piece of TPS medal to form the Singapore Island! If you are considering signing up for it, do not hesitate! Let’s make it the last and best run of 2016. Registrations have been extended has been extended to 11 Dec 23:59

Well, I hope you guys enjoyed reading this post. I look forward to seeing you at Race 05! Do say ‘hi’ if you see me 🙂 Let’s finish 2016 strong!