I had registered and intended to support last year’s edition of this race, though my plans were foiled by a painful bout of injury. This year’s edition came with the addition of new categories – notably the half-marathon. However, for my less adventurous self, the 10km was a pleasant option. Do look out for the font in italics as I highlight aspects of a race which I deem important in this attempt at an objective review 🙂
Race Category
As mentioned above, the 10km was my choice as it is one of my favourite events. Long enough to make the registering worthwhile, yet short enough to be taken as part of training and not be overly taxing. It was priced very affordably at $24 for Early-bird sign ups (or $28 beyond that period)!
The Race Precinct
Though
Though Race Entry Pack Collection was available on many occasions prior to race-day, I was only intending to collect my race pack on race-day itself (an option which organisers had kindly made available). I headed to the venue about 40 minutes before flag off for my category (10km) which was to be at 7.00am, though collecting took barely a minute due to the small scale of this race. Baggage depositservices and race pack collection was at Anchorvale Community Club, a stone’s throw away from the Start-point. No issues here and I enjoyed a fuss-free experience, including the adequate availability of restrooms.
The Race
Flag-off was prompt at 7.00am for the 10km category. It was a small field of participants, perhaps barely over a hundred runners, therefore congestion was definitely not an issue.
The race route would take participants around Sengkang Riverside Park and Sengkang Sports Centre, following the scenic PCN to Punggol Waterway Park before returning. The start and finishing points were not at the same location, though they were very close. Notable challenges had to be the hairpin turns at multiple occasions, often when turning onto bridges and even a pretty tight turn just metres from the finish. There were 3 hydration stations serving both water and isotonic hydration, though the first point came a little too late into the race at around the 5km mark.
Distance markers, albeit their small size, were placed at every kilometre. Though I did observe direction signs (somewhat inconspicuous) and volunteers directing runners, I understand that one speedy runner had run off-course, missing out on a podium finish. The route distance came out to be significantly shorter than the stated 10km however. Strava data (seen below) based on my Garmin FR15 measures it to be more than 500m short. It was otherwise a pleasant, partly-shaded route with no congestion.
Strava data available here 🙂
It is of concern that some runners did report the presence of insect stings after running past a bridge at Sengkang East Way. When I ran past that portion of the route early into the race, I did hear buzzing noises in my ear though was not stung. I recognise that it must have been an unpleasant experience, though I do acknowledge the challenges in prevention of such an incident which is unlikely due to negligence on the organisers’ part. A Facebook post by organisers indicated that they did recce the route for the two weeks prior to the race, till the morning before the event. Thankfully, first aid was available to attend to runners’ concerns.
Post-Race
Thereafter, runners were handed a Finisher’s Medal, a banana and isotonic hydration. Sports massages were available for participants and of course, with the swimming complex nearby (time to spend some ActiveSG credits), I couldn’t resist a dip (after an initial rinse to get the perspiration off)!
The adorable Finisher’s medal.
I’ll conclude by mentioning that for the affordable price-tag and a simple community race, it’s certainly one worth experiencing! You may feel free to read more about my personal experience of this race here 🙂
You have been running for awhile and doing great. You are losing those pesky pounds, getting toned and feeling healthier. But then, suddenly, you hit a plateau. You want to do more but you just can’t seem to find the energy to do it. What’s happening? Is it because you aren’t as healthy or fit as you think you are?
That may not necessarily be the case. In fact, your running plateau may be a result of too little sleep, high overall stress levels, wrong diet and poor weather (yes that is a factor too). Or you might just not be doing enough kilometers or minutes on your routes. Whatever the reason may be, hitting a plateau can be terribly frustrating because, let’s face it. No runner ever wishes to have to change their lifestyle or routine. And, well, humans just enjoy being comfortable don’t we?
But what are some ways runners can break through this monotony and get back into their gaining more bang for their efforts?
1. Plan your progress
While most will just take it to the streets when they hit a plateau, it may make some sense to actually write down what needs to be improved on your routes to make your work out more rewarding. Sometimes, you may find that what you need to do is not so much about doing more, but more about doing something different.
2. Run more
This is probably the most straight forward and simplest way of breaking through your plateau. Just run more each week! It is a well-known fact that higher mileage increases endurance, improves economy by making your running form more efficient and increases your ability to tolerate longer and faster workouts. Try to increase your weekly mileage by five to 10 miles and you will feel the difference in no time.
3. Do strength exercises
Such exercises help to reduce your risk of injury, which in turn helps a lot when you are trying to build up longer distances at faster speeds. Try building up your core muscles and utilize the medicine ball to get a more effective workout.
4. Attempt different plateaus and exercises
What I mean is the ground plateau here. Switching up your regular run on a straight path to, say, doing your last kilometer uphill, can be both refreshing and a boost to your body. You can also hit up cross training to break through your plateau, although most runners will turn up their noses at this option.
5. Start running faster
Putting more speed in your runs can help to propel you to run longer distances in a shorter time, over time. The thing is, if you don’t attempt to run quicker at all, your plateau is sadly never going away. Fact.
Come Support the Pink Ribbon Run 2016 which has the sole objective of raising awareness of Breast Cancer among the Malaysian community. Come show your overwhelming support for this noble cause. Let’s all gather on the 12th November 2016 to celebrate the strong women who have fought breast cancer and won, and also to remember those defeated. We take this day to remind ourselves of the importance of early detection and how this can save lives. Come down and join us in educating ourselves, and educating others.
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We always hear people telling us the amount of water we need to imbibe per day to keep our organs and body functioning well. It’s interesting to note though the volume that each person says is the right one. Some say it’s two litres, while others claim you should have up to eight litres per day. So what exactly is the right amount of water we need to consume in a day to be getting the right effects?
According to some experts, we require about three litres of water per day to keep our bodies hydrated and also to ensure we don’t suffer from ill effects such as constipation. To make things a little simpler and easier to measure, there is also the 8 glasses of water a day rule. Especially in warm and humid climates like ours, we tend to sweat a lot and lose much of our body moisture throughout the day. Drinking lots of water can help to replenish the lost fluids and keep us energised and functioning properly.
What are their benefits
Besides the basic benefits, consuming this amount of water can also help in leveling up our metabolism for awhile so if you are someone who is looking to lose some weight, having about 500ml of cold water 30 minutes before a meal has proven to reduce one’s appetite. Cold water helps to expand the energy to heat up your body to the right temperature and studies have shown that those who do this actually lose up to 44% more weight than those who don’t over a period of 12 weeks. Of course if you want to see significant weight loss, you will need to pair this drinking habit with a healthy diet.
Sufficient water intake also helps in keeping kidney stones at bay. Kidney stones are hard masses formed by solidified insoluble calcium compounds that can cause great pain and distress to whoever gets it. Water aids in keeping these stones soft so they can be passed out as waste material at the end of the day, keeping our kidney and other organs clean and toxic free.
And that’s not all. Besides cleaning out our insides, drinking enough water can also make us more radiant on the outside. Because water helps to flush out the nasty stuff within our bodies, it also contributes to plumper and clearer skin, in turn less acne and pimples. While there are no reports to truly confirm or refute this, anybody who drinks lots of water a day will know that it works. At the end of the day, everybody wants beautiful, glowing skin don’t they?
In the end though, all of us have a natural thirst alert in our bodies which is triggered when our bodies lack water. That’s when we feel thirsty and reach for something to drink. As much as keeping to a certain amount of hydration per day is good, there is really no need to be too meticulous about it. Drink when your body wants you to and you should be fine. As much as there are heaps of benefits to drinking lots of water, there are also a couple of negative points to note like water drunkenness. This happens when an individual over indulges in water and gets to a point of overhydration, causing an imbalance in the amount of electrolytes in the brain and making it lose its functionality. So far, there have been very few studies to prove that this is something to be worried about but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consume water according to your body’s needs. Three litres, or eight glasses, of water a day is still very safe so go forth and drink away!
Take out your calendar now as we are bringing you to the next runcation destination: Philippines. You will want to block the dates!
Cebu City Marathon
Photo Credit: Cebu City Marathon
The Cebu City Marathon is one of the fast-rising marathons in Asia. Just in its second year, it has already created a buzz in the international running community. What makes the Cebu City Marathon unique from many races around Asia is The Sinulog, one of Asia’s biggest and grandest of festivals. And the Cebu City Marathon is held exactly seven days prior to the Sinology. What’s a better way when you can earn your another marathon finisher and also stay for the street festival!
Corregidor Marathon
Photo Credit: Corregidor Marathon
In a runcation to the Corregidor Marathon, you can simply leave the smog and heat of city behind as you enjoy the cool sea breeze when you take a ferry trip to the beautiful and historic Corregidor Island. The island is gorgeous, historical, mysterious and a fun place to visit. The Corregidor marathon, half marathon and 10km race are taken place every January. Besides swimming and other water sports that you can do on an island, you can also join a historical tour to experience the breathtaking sights.
The race incorporates trail running along with pounding the pavement.
Hardcore 100 miles
As significant as Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) and Ultra Trail Mt Fuji (UMTF), Hardcore 100 miles (H1) attracted hardcore runners from all around the world every year. H1 is the longest trail race in the Philippines. It belongs to an exclusive club of 100-miles races worldwide that have a total elevation gain of more than 35, 000 feet, and so it is worth six UTMB points. This established race holds the course records. If you think you can run faster than Jan Nilsen (Male, finished in 27:22:49) and Maria Josephine Liao (female, finished in 36:40:21), come take up the challenge! Yet, do check out their entry requirements if you are preparing for H1. For example, to be qualified, you must have officially finished any one single-stage 100-kilometer road or trail ultramarathon within 24 months prior to H1.
Everyone loves a loser story. Who doesn’t? I’m quite sure though that everyone has an embarrassing story about themselves hidden deep beneath their souls, waiting to be told to their nearest and dearest (only).
I train regularly for distance running, and I know my talents do not lie in sprinting. As I live my life every day, I sometimes have moments where I am transported back to the time when I was 12 years old, representing my Rumah Merah team as the third runner for the 4×200m relay event.
We had a strong team that year: The first runner and the anchor of the team were district-level sprinters. I did my part by attending a single training for the event that year. We practised handing the baton, and that was it. I felt strong and invincible.
The day of the event finally arrived. I went to school that day wearing my white school shoes. My entire family attended school that day to watch me perform. My mind was a total blank sheet of paper, absorbing whatever my friends told me that day. I had friends telling me to run barefoot for more grip on the grass, while others told me to retain the shoes. The hottest item of that year was minyak cap kuda (Horse brand massage oil): almost all athletes in all four houses (Red, Green, Blue and Yellow) diligently massaged the oil onto their shins and feet, so that they could run like “horses”. I followed suit.
My event started at about 4pm, under the hot sun. As the gun blasted and the first runners shot off from the lines, I could not help but feel a thrill of anticipation coursing through my veins. My team mate created a huge gap of almost 50m between the other teams as she flew across the field. I got into position as the batons were exchanged between the first and second runners. The second runner managed to maintain the gap. Once the baton reached my outstretched hand, I started running as hard as I can across the field. The first 50m felt good. Then I started feeling a strange sensation in my stomach: my lunch was sloshing around, and a stitch was developing on my right side. By the 100m mark, my legs were lead, and I started faltering. I remembered the minyak cap kuda smeared on my legs, and prayed for it to work statim. A roar suddenly enveloped the field, and out of nowhere, my classmate, wearing green of her team, whizzed past me and flew in front of me to hand the baton to her team mate. I plodded along the best I can, and finally passed the baton to my very-frustrated team mate, who could not catch up with the Green team despite her best efforts. We won a silver medal that day, through my “hard”-earned efforts.
I learnt that two categories of people were present on the field that day: those who were frustrated with me, and people who were greatly entertained by my ineptitude. My mother later told me that many parents and spectators roared in despair when my friend lapped me in the race. This story is now a legend in my family, as it is recounted time and time again when the occasion presents itself.
Just a few months ago, I was asked to represent my residential hall in the 4×400m event for the university’s annual sports event, due to the lack of participants. I was assigned as the first runner. As I prepared for the event, I could not help but remember my past, and wondered if the situation would repeat itself. This thought was put away permanently as I finished my lap that day, the first among all the teams to hand the baton to the next person.
This is Sabah! Calling all adrenaline junkies, wanderlust seekers, adventure scouters, there is no better way to see Sabah than the Kiulu Adventure Challenge! This race showcases the very roots of Sabah. Sabah is synonymous with thrill and adventure! Come satisfy your hunger for challenge! Mark you calendars, book your flights – 4th December 2016!
The Most Thrilling Adventure!
This race is designed to challenge yourself! Your adventure is set in the beautiful district of Kiulu. The journey begins with a 13.5km run bringing you through the impressive scenery along the iconic Kiulu Valley. You then mount your bikes on the banks of Kiulu River and go on a bumpy roller coaster ride to Kg. Tulung. The ride will flaunt the amazing landscapes of the Kiulu area and exhibit the rural yet inspiring nature of the villages of Sabah. The icing on the cake will be the refreshing nerve-wrecking exciting ride down the Kiulu river. This is the true meaning of adventure for daredevils.
A True Rural Experience
Kiulu Valley is a small town in the District of Tuaran with a population of just over 2,000 people. Truly interesting is the unique vision of developing an eco-tourism based community, with the aim of transforming the majestic Kiulu into a popular spot integrating sports and eco-tourism. Come visit the farmsteads, live the village life in homestays, and get your heart pumping with activities such as quad-biking, buffalo riding, river tubing and hiking. See a different side of Sabah – rubber plantations, vegetable farms, paddy fields, ginger-filled gardens, pineapple plantations!
The More The Merrier
Introduce your friends and family and get them hooked on to this great adrenaline pumping experience. It’s going to be a fun-filled carnival. Last year, the organizers lined up activities such as zip-lining, tagal fish feeding, suspension bridge crossings, rafting and also mountain biking. We’re sure the race organizers will step up their game and give us an impressive entertaining line up of side activities. Your buddies will be kept busy whilst waiting for you to bring the race home! Let your family come out to show you some love and support during your race! Run to the finishing line and be greeted with their proud looks.
Show Us What You Are Made Of
Think you are invincible with a heart of steel and courage of a lion? It’s time to put yourself to the test. People always say you either be jack of all trades or just master of one! Come show everyone how you can be master of all! Challenge yourself with this undulating terrain and hardcore race. This race will earn you bragging rights.
How many of us enjoy plugging in when we run? I know I definitely do. As much as some prefer to hear their own breathing for pacing and take the time to admire the scenery and going-ons around you when you run, others like myself like to immerse ourselves in our own little world for that hour or so to take our minds away from the rest of society for a while and have some time for ourselves.
But while having some me-time is good and all, there are other benefits of running with music and of course, some not so good reasons for doing so too.
Advantages
– Full concentration
When you are plugged in, everything else around you melts away and if you are one of those who like to get away from it all during your runs, this is a great way to do it. Listening to music helps to keep you focussed on the path and not get distracted by passersby and the like.
– Going the distance
It’s rather amazing that when you run with music, you actually can go for longer distances without realising it at times. Because you are so tuned out from the other things happening around you, you just keep going until you feel entirely exhausted. I do that all the time and even sing along to certain songs to keep me entertained and so many times, I have accomplished longer distances than I started out to.
– Keep you focussed on happier things
As much as running can be enjoyable to some people, some consider it a chore. They do it because it is probably the easiest and most fuss-free way to stay in shape and in good health but if given a choice, they would rather not do it. Listening to music helps to keep your mood alleviated during your runs, especially when you are tuning in to your favourite ones. It’s always highly recommended to have a soundtrack of the songs or music you enjoy the most to keep you motivated during your run.
Disadvantages
– Road safety
There have been so many cases of runners getting knocked down by vehicles or crossing roads while plugged in and being in danger’s way. Being plugged in can also result in you not paying attention to the traffic situation and this can get you into a lot of trouble and pain. Always look out for traffic especially when you are listening to music on your runs.
– Throwing caution to the wind
There is a reason why the authorities constantly advise runners to not do it late at night and along areas where there is not much light and people. Danger could be lurking at any corner and if you choose to plug in, you might not even realise that there are suspicious characters following you. This is super dangerous as it usually results in crimes that you may have avoided if you were in tune with your surroundings.
Each pair of feet is unique. Did you know lacing techniques could affect your fit and comfort? Sometimes, these little things really do matter. Using the right lacing techniques and proper knots can really make a difference in your running performance. By adjusting your laces right, you could relieve pressures on certain parts of your foot, giving you a more comfortable run.
Here are a few lacing techniques to keep in mind! It could come real in handy!
Wide Feet
If you have wide feet, the above lacing technique will help solve your inconveniences. Indeed there are some brands these days that offer shoes for people with wider feet, but if there is a particular model slash brand that you really like that does not offer the wide feet alternative, this lacing technique could be your saviour!
Narrow Feet
This is a more uncommon problem, probably more common among females but still uncommon. However is you are encountering this, having a proper fit is a must. The shoe must not be too roomy. This form of lacing tightens the shoe more than usual, perfect for the narrow feet.
High Arch/Gap Lacing
Having a high arch commonly causes you to underpronate – meaning they are vulnerable to the outward rolling motion when running. This may cause discomfort while running. This particular lacing technique will provide your arch with some support, preventing supination from getting in your way of comfort.
Too Tight On Top? – Lydiard Lacing
This way of lacing up is also known as “parallel lacing” or “straight bar lacing”, best tried if the top of your shoes feel tight or bind. Comfort with just changing your lacing method.
High Midfoot?
Other than the high arch lacing technique, the overpronators may also benefit from this kind of lacing technique. This lacing technique helps improve stability.
Flat Feet?
This lacing technique isn’t to cure flat feet but is surely to enhance your running experience. This lacing technique prevents overstretching of the plantar and medial tendons. This may relieve your discomfort after a run.
Loop Lacing Lock To Prevent Heel Slipping
Fondly known as the “runner’s tie” as the top of your shoe will resemble a tie being knotted. This method is best used to minimise heel slippage.
Start by lacing up all the way to the second top eyelet as per normal using your preferred method. Then, run lace ends straight up on the outside and in through the top eyelet. Cross the lace ends, and pass them over the opposing vertical section. Using this method to tie your shoelaces will ensure that when you pull in the shoelaces to tie, you will also be increasing your foot security.
Now, you can have a more comfortable run utilizing the right lacing techniques for you!
Some marathons are renowned for the majestic scenery, some for the pancake flat PB course. Jeju Mandarin International Marathon is famed for their mandarin oranges, hence the incorporation of the term Mandarin – fun fact! In fact, all finishers will be rewarded with 5kg of sweet mandarins. Of course, there is more than just mandarins behind the Jeju Marathon, even though they are special mandarins. People come to the beautiful Jeju to experience one of the world’s greatest nature – you see the sun, the sea and bountiful orchards of mandarins and autumn flowers lining the running route. And what better way to experience Jeju, than to run a marathon here! 13th November 2016 – Save the date!
$50 OFF Jeju Mandarin International Marathon
Sign up for your #runcation package with Dynasty Travel! JustRunLah! readers get $50 off the travel package! Just give Dynasty Travel a call, quote the promo code – JustRunLahJeju and enjoy the $50 off!
The Autumn Legend – between the lovely tinge of the red-brown autumn colours and the amazing fall view of the iconic Samaksan Mountain and magical Uiamho Lake, what more reason do you need to join the majestic Chuncheon International Marathon. The October marathon captures the magnificent colourful autumn scenery as you run along the prestige Hoban Street and the famed Gongjicheon Park. Race in the mother of marathons in Korea – 23rd October 2016.
$50 OFF ChunCheon International Marathon
Sign up for your #runcation package with Dynasty Travel! JustRunLah! readers get $50 off the travel package! Just give Dynasty Travel a call, quote the promo code – JustRunLahChunCheon and enjoy the $50 off!
As of reported from Ministry of Health (MOH), Singapore yesterday (6 September), Zika confirmed cases hit 275 and there are eight breeding habitats. That including Yishun St 81, Tagore Avenue, Punggol Way, Joo Seng Road, Bishan St 12, Bedok North Avenue, Aljunied Crescent/Sims Drive and Harvey Crescent. Looking on the bright side is that the MOH has been closely monitoring the Zika virus situation and the public has been taking actions to prevent mosquito breeding. We hope the risk of the virus will be reduced as early as possible. For more timely information, visit MOH website.
How’s Zika virus affecting a runner
Zika is generally a mild and self-limiting illness. Zika virus infection in human has been diagnosed since the 1950s. If you are planning your next Run’cation, check out the list of outgoing outbreaks and ongoing local transmission/exported cases and try to avoid travel plan to the areas.
Zika is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, identical to dengue. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, muscle aches, headache and red eyes. Yet, only about one in five infections are symptomatic. There is also no vaccine or specific anti-viral drugs and so appropriate precautions are essential in order to prevent mosquito biting.
Here are 7 steps you should take before you head out for a run.
Important Information for our buddies
Under the circumstances when the precautions against mosquito bites are well-taken, we encourage our buddies to keep up their daily routine and stay active!
We advise our pregnant buddies to reconsider and avoid as many outdoor activities as possible.
“While there is currently no evidence that pregnant women are more likely to get Zika virus infection, the consequences can be more serious If a pregnant woman is infected, as the ZIka virus infection can cause microcephaly in the unborn fetus of pregnant women,” as advice from MOH.
Seek medical attention immediately if you are unwell, especially with symptoms such as fever and rash. Don’t forget to Inform your doctors of the location of your residence and workplace.
Continue to refer to MOH’s webpage on Zika for updates on any further developments and for the latest health advisory.
Taka care, buddies! We can do this together in fighting against the virus!
Many people run, with different reasons with different goals and different motivation. I run for many reasons. Do you remember how and why you start running?
I recently always have this in mind: Running is not my life but running is part of my life. True enough, someone tells me: Running is your life, running consumes huge amount of your time till you don’t manage your life. But my life is not about running.
Sometimes, some of us are not fortunate enough to find someone to share our life with, it’s fate and destiny or it is yet time. Sometimes, it is better to be alone in some situations, and sometimes you wish that you could turn back time and be single.
I’m still learning to manage my time and life better. Nobody is responsible for you but yourself. What is life? What is growing up? I’m working, I’m studying, I’m eating and I’m breathing. But these are just living and being alive. Still figuring about how to live my life and what is the life I want to live. Maybe most people is searching for the answer to it throughout their entire lifespan.
I started running in 2014 shortly after I finally decided to consult a doctor because I got some knee pain. The doctor says because I’m too heavy and my leg could not support my body weight and I need to lose weight.
I’m not always fat. But I guess it’s because over the years, I’m getting too comfortable in a relationship that I put on 18kg! It’s a gradual weight gain over three years. Life revolves just around food and Dota(online gaming) and we seldom leave the house. He was lean but gains weight too but maybe because he is tall and metabolism rate is higher, he dosen’t gain as much weight but me, standing only at 1.57m, weighing 70kg, my BMI is a freaking 28.4!
It was when my weight shows a scary 70kg on the digital weighing scale then I finally decided to consult the doctor regarding my weight issues. Omg! The first digit changed to 7! I asked for diet pills and was told to run at least 2.4km per week. I don’t run, so I asked the doctor, can I do other exercises like play basketball(I used to play Basketball everyday in my early teens) or swim(I don’t really know how to swim well but I guess I prefer swimming which also means I will swallow mouthful of water accidentally in the pool than running, I don’t really like the idea of running). And the doctor response is epic: You compare all the athletes, runners are the slimmest.
True to a certain extent. So obediently, I listened to the doctor advise and run. Running 2.4km is achievable I thought, so I started with running my first 2.4km after years without running but then I started to find myself running more frequently because I’m motivated as I could see the weight decreasing and I’m losing fats!
I didn’t run a lot back then, with average distance about 60km per month. Within the first 3 months, I lost a impressive 10kg. But could not credit all the weight loss to running, it’s also the pills the doctor prescribed. The medicine name starts with D, think the famous blogger XX also took it last time, unless prescribed by doctor, it is better not to try because of the side effects like palpitation, insomnia and others. I couldn’t sleep for two weeks and every night for that period I only slept for only 2 hours but I’m not tired at all. Had palpitations and is always thirsty. Till after a month or so, I get used to it. Long term consuming of that medicine will results in depression and worst case suicidal, that’s why I stop taking it. I continued losing additional 6kg the next 5 months without the diet pills.
People change. Love change. Life change. On the day my boyfriend of 5 years left me, I went for a run. And I continued to run more since then. It was a tough period for me, someone so close can become a stranger overnight. I was depressed, very depressed. Life changes overnight and I couldn’t adapt. Life was meaningless till I even questioned myself what is the purpose of living. 5 years together is not something that can be so easily left behind and move on, it took me quite a lot of time to finally pick myself up again.
Ironically, I was studying for my examinations during that difficult period and I was taking Psychology. Words like depression, suicidal, love, stages in life and etc keeps on coming up that I just want chunk my textbook down the rubbish chute. Then I read that it is proven exercising is also a form of “therapy”. I run, I need the “therapy”, I need to help myself, so I started running more. And it helps. I guess those who used running for healing will know what I mean and how it feels.
Maybe some will say that it’s “running away from reality”, but I find peace in running then, especially at that difficult times. If it’s what hurts you, don’t think about it since its not beneficial at all, so the time I’m running is also the time I use to reflections, learning and thinking. Running is not just running.
Suddenly friends and family starts to wonder did I even eat because I have gotten too “skinny” they say. I lost another 8kg in 4 months. I was eating lesser and I ran close to 200km a month. For a non competitive or a leisure runner, it’s considered a lot to run like this. It was only until a friend wanted me to look properly at my pictures then I realised I’m so “flat” and looked so tired. It is not what I wanted.
So I started to eat normally again but the running mileage does not decrease because I registered for a full marathon, looking back I think I’m crazy to do that. Because I run but I didn’t really run more than 10km for each run. I survive that full marathon.
I continued running till now because I think it’s a long term “therapy” and for general health. I’m happy running and I made friends through running. I dare not say I will keep on running but I’ll continue running till I’ll stop just like Forrest Gump.
Marina Promontory was the venue for this year’s POSB PAssion Run for Kids. It is Singapore’s largest charity race for kids and is jointly organised by the People’s Association and POSB. Around 7,500 turned up to the event yesterday to run and have fun at the Carnival.
I signed up for my usual 10km, a distance that I’m becoming fairly comfortable with. We were flagged off at 6.30am – which is an ideal time to race. It’s cool, still dark and you get to see the sun rising as you run. It’s always great to see pacers on race day and yesterday was no exception. There were three lovely groups to run with, depending on your target time. The kids’ competitive 1.2km races flagged off at 7.00am with the 11-12 year old boys category, followed by the girls at 7.20am. The 7-8 year olds ran 800m and there was also a 3.5km Family Walk at 9.30am.
Looking forward to the 3.5km Family Walk: Javier, Janize, Wei Xuan & Kenneth
I often hear people complaining about the city races because of the “same old route all the time”. This is not the case for me. I will never tire of these views and the stunning skyline as the sun rises over the city. For me, it is simply breathtaking – and not just because my lungs are on fire!
So, I got to the start pen around 15 minutes before flag-off and basically walked straight to the Start line. I’m not entirely sure that this was my best idea as when the gun went off, my plans to pace myself went out the window and I found myself being swept along with some of the boys from True Fitness. Obviously this speedy pace was short-lived (for me) but fair play to some of these guys – they are fast!
The 10km route started at Marina Bay Financial Centre and took us past Marina Bay Sands, along the reservoir and that horrendous twisty hill at Marina Barrage. That hill was the least favourite part of the race for me. We also ran along Gardens by the Bay East and I recall there was a nice breeze which made the second half of the run almost pleasant. There were four hydration points which is perfect, although I didn’t stop this morning.
At this point I should mention the goodie bag – it was quite decent actually! My daughter had most of the items and the rice cakes and juice were snaffled before I had a chance to photograph everything!
I was quite pleased with my race time and even managed a bit of a sprint towards the Finish Line. My husband managed to catch a few action shots, one of which proves that I can actually have both feet off the ground at the same time haha!
Yesterday was a real family event and it was so lovely to see so many children participating and sprinting around the course, enjoying themselves. There was plenty to do at the Carnival afterwards including Kids’ Yoga, right against the gorgeous backdrop of Marina Bay. There were lots of other activities going on in the pre-race kids’ tent like balloon sculpting and hip-hop dancing!
Chatting with some of the race participants in the race village, the general consensus is that the event was extremely well-organised. It’s also for a very worthwhile cause and I, for one, will definitely sign up to next year’s event! #RunForKids
The Pink Ribbon Run 2016 is organized in collaboration with MAKNA (National Cancer Council) with a single aim in mind – to raise the awareness of the Malaysian Community towards Breast Cancer. Come support this motion by joining the Pink Ribbon Run happening on the 12th November 2016!
#1 Run for Breast Cancer!
Bet you didn’t know that 1 in 20 women in Malaysia is at risk of suffering from breast cancer. Early detection is key to circumventing the painful circumstances of breast cancer. This run aims to do just that – by becoming a platform to allow the Malaysian community to be more aware of breast cancer. Take this run as an opportunity to educate yourself with how to perform breast self-examination. Remember, early detection can save you a heck lot of hassle and even your life. This may sound wrong on so many levels, but, come get your breasts examined by the National Cancer Council. They will be having a free clinical examination down at the Pink Ribbon Run!
#2 Run for Food!
Bring your family and friends for a day of laughter and fun. This is a run to raise awareness, a run to celebrate the strong women who have fought breast cancer – applauding the triumphant, and remembering the fallen! To do just that, the Pink Ribbon run is going to keep runners happily stuffed with amazing street food and entertained with many food trucks and vendors. It’s going to be a mini carnival! Come mingle around and meet new friends. These people may have great stories to share! It will be a run to remember!
#3 Run to Bali
Run you and a friend to Bali! Stand a chance to win a pair of tickets to Bali – the ancient temples, the magnificent beaches, the adrenaline-rush surfing, who wouldn’t want to travel to Bali. More the reason to join the Pink Ribbon Run!
#4 Not Free? – Run Virtually
Not able to make it for the run? No fear – you can still show your support by registering for the virtual run. Run along your favourite running route, clock the distance of 5km or 10km, send proof of run (garminconnect, runkeeper, fitbit etc.) before 11am of the 12th November, and voila, you are officially a finisher of the Pink Ribbon Run 2016. Might I add you would also have ran for one of the greatest causes. Click here to find our more about the Virtual Run. It’s going to be as though you are there, but not there!
It was then called the Sheares Bridge Run, also organised by the Army with the same categories, 21km, 10km and 5km. The highlight then was all runners, including the 5km category, had to run up Sheares Bridge (hence the name) and back along Nicoll Highway. I will always remember that first 1km stretch of torturous climb.
After 21 years, my running has come of age and reached full circle. This year, at the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon (SSBRAHM), I celebrated a special occasion. I was back to running the 5km to commemorate my running journey since the first race in 1995. The logo below, which has been used since, depicts a man running over Sheares Bridge (in case you don’t know.) But gone are the days of having to run up the bridge but instead we are blessed with a relatively flat Marina Bay area for this event.
Unlike most race reviews, I will skip the race pack collection bit as I intend to make this article more of a personal reflection of my running journey. Suffice to say, the REPC was well organised and I was in and out within 20 minutes. Bumped into a running friend, Kenjoe, who blogs regularly for JRL, and convinced him to take a photo at the JRL booth; together with Zhi Yong, the founder of the Performance Series and Yvonne Siew, the ambassador for the series. Do I get a free slot for this series? Haha
At JRL Booth with Zhi Yong, Yvonne and Kenjoe
Since 1995, I have not done many races. A couple of years thereafter, I had a fall and injured my foot, leading to plantar fasciitis plaguing me for years before I dared to run again. My physiotherapist, who was a runner, then told me that my recovery would depend very much on my diligence to work through the therapy. I guess I was either too lazy or ill-disciplined to see myself through that. Since then, I never quite came back to running till about ten year later. Then in 2005, I started to experiment with short runs, but no more than 2.4km thinking that it would be enough to stay fit and healthy. Also, then I did not have the time to go for long runs – juggling the demands of family and work.
All these short runs were enough to satisfy me until I turned 55, and that’s when I thought of doing something different – so much for midlife crisis. In 2014, I ran my first 10km at SCMS2014 and in Nov 2015, I ran my first 21.1km. See my first blog here (comments are welcome). And since 2014, I had gone on to run more than 15 races and even lucky enough to podium once! I was busy chasing personal best timings and amassing medals and finisher tees that I lost my original aim of running – to run for fun and fitness. The wake up call came in April this year, just right after my NTUC Run350 half marathon. My knee gave way and I was not even be able to run even 1km without any pain. And so I began my long journey of recuperation and recovery from runner’s knee. What happened during that period will be left for another blog.
Four months have past since I hurt my knee. Throughout that period, in order to stay active, I did a lot of strengthening and stretching to rehabilitate my knee coupled with a few 5km races that I only managed to jog and walk. You can read some of these in my previous race reviews of OSIM Sundown and Pocari Sweat. Long before I had this injury, I was already eyeing the Army Half Marathon because of its significance to me. Alas, I could only choose the 5km category so as not to further aggravate my injury. Nevertheless, I am still happy to join the hundreds of NSmen and army personnel and their families for this fun run.
I woke up very early on that race day morning and was already at the starting point around 7am (when my flag off was only at 8am). I saw wave after wave of red filing past me as they made their way to the starting point – which made me a bit nervous about the run. Recalling the 1995 event, I cannot remember if there were so many people running at the same time; even for the 5km.
Hazy sun sending off the 5km runnersCosplay stilt walkers cheering the runners
While waiting for the 5km to be flagged off, I found the entire atmosphere very different from the competitive 10k and 21.1k categories which I used to participate. Runners lining up were generally more relaxed. Many were accompanied by their children and wives or partners (I’m being LGBT sensitive hehe). The cosplay stilt walkers added to the carnival mood and there were a bunch of seniors right at the front row of the starting line. Such an inspiration to see these old uncles donning their gears and lacing up their running shoes to join the fun. Kudos to them; even the 5km seemed like a marathon to them!
Old Soldiers Run Marathon too!
At 8am sharp, we were flagged off by Acting Minister for Education, Mr Ong Ye Kung. He waved and said hello to one of these old guards. Apparently they knew each other from before. Although it was a fun run, I was left in the dust barely 50m from the horn, with some uncles and young kids way ahead of me. Smiling to myself, I just let them each overtake me and before long, the lead runner was out of my sight. The route took us through Esplanade Bridge and towards Shenton Way and snaked back to the Promontory where a surprise awaited all of us.
When we past One Marina Boulevard building and hit the grass batch at the Promontory, I heard “Red tag keep left, Blue tag keep right!”; signaling all the fun runners to make their way to the two inflatable obstacles. Wow! What a fun way to run the 5km and celebrate my coming of age with regards to running.
Climbing up the Apex Ladder was relatively easy and it was to be done on all fours; and when I reached the other side all I needed to do was to slide down (which was quite fun). I wished there were more photographers on site to capture the fun moment of an old uncle going down an inflatable slide! These two obstacles were inspired by the Standard Obstacle Course that every army recruit has to go through. In my NS days, it was called Jacob’s Ladder. However, the Rubble was non-existent in those days. Navigating the Rubble was not easy, if you want to do it fast. A few of the NS boys fell and tripped, being not used to the soft rubber. For me, I just took my time to get through it; but then it also disrupted my pace. I tried to find my rhythm again but it was painfully difficult. Clearing the obstacles disrupted my breathing pattern and my running gait. So I gave up thinking about it and just enjoyed the Marina Bay scenery. I ran past the DREAM sign and thought about how my dream of running again has come true (after my injury.) Picking up a drink and downing it very quickly, I went along my way. Going past the Marina Bay Sands, I thought about those runs I had at the Bay; often tempted to run into the coolness of Marina Bay Shoppes each time I ran by that place.
Hitting the Helix Bridge meant that I was almost half way through the run. I found my rhythm again. As I came down from the bridge, I was met with a rude shock. The 5km route converged with the other category routes. When two streams of human traffic merged, there was much jostling and everyone was trying to find some space to run. It was one huge human-traffic JAM! It continued to be packed with runners all the way to the Padang. I had to weave my way through the half-walking, half-jogging runners to ensure that I did not break my rhythm again. The crowd began to thin out after Anderson Bridge and the different categories were funneled into different channels to collect their drinks, medals, etc.
I saw the digital clock ticking away at about 30:45 and I knew I wasn’t going to do less than 31mins. If not for the delay at the inflatable obstacles, the subsequent loss of pace and the jam at the last 1-2km, I would have been able to achieve my targeted 30min. Since this was supposed to be a fun race and I was still in recovery mode; it doesn’t really matter. Still I was happy that I could achieve such timing. Crossing the finishing line, I picked up the medal and made my way to find some friends. The entire Padang was swarmed with so many runners, many of them from the 10k and 21.1km categories and it was impossible to locate any friendly faces. When I was about to give up, I heard someone calling “Mr Chia”. I turned and saw one of my ex-students, Bertram who just finished his 10km run with his fiancée. What a nice way to bond their relationship.
Happy Reunion with ex-student of mine
After taking a wefie with him and his fiancée, I cooled down, stretched a bit and started to head home. While I was walking to the Raffles Place MRT, a thought came to me. How nice it would be if I had run the 21.1km to mark this 21st anniversary of my SAFRA Sheares Bridge Run. But it was just a fleeting thought. More importantly, I enjoyed this 5km fun run very much, particularly reliving my childhood when scaling the inflatable obstacles!
Army Ready. Solder Strong. Another medal for my collection
With my knee braced, I was well protected for this run. Although it was just a short run; a distance to most army boys is a walk in the park, it did prove to me that my injury is recovering well. When will I be ready to run the half marathon again? I cannot say for sure. Being a conservative runner that I am, I rather play it safe and let my knee recuperate fully for the next few months before attempting anything more than 10km.
While I make this journey to recovery, I am also celebrating my new discovery of the joy of running. During my 4 months of recuperation from the injury, I learned other lessons about being a runner. I am slowly making my way back to regular running again; but I am now approaching running very differently.
How an injury can cause a mindset change for a runner? This sounds like a good theme for the next blog; maybe I will consider that.
Meanwhile, EVERYONE, run safe and celebrate each milestone of your running journey.
Blessings,
SY
N.B. Follow me on Instagram @twtwriter or Facebook [Chia Sie Yong]
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