Singapore Rail Corridor has been a popular running route, providing runners a safe, uninterrupted and peaceful run in Singapore. This unique corridor is a green passageway stretching from Bukit Timah to Tanjong Pagar and connects many green spaces together along the way. Unfortunately, the Singapore Rail Corridor will be closed in 2016.
New underground water pipeline
Following the press release from PUB on 30 June 2014 – to meet future water demand in the city area, about half of the 22 km pipeline from Murnane Service Reservoir will be laid underneath the lower half of the Rail Corridor. Construction work is expected to commence in first half of 2016 and complete by 2019. The stretch of Rail Corridor on south of Holland Road, which sits between between Tanjong Pagar Station and Bukit Timah Station, will be affected and some sections of the corridor will be closed temporarily.
PUB has consulted the Rail Corridor Partnership Group and assured that an Environmental Impact Assessment study will be conducted before the works to minimise the impacts and that alternative public access will be provided along the corridor to minimise disruption. The pipeline will also go under or around wildlife spots including a bat roosting site, and historic structures such as the former Bukit Timah Railway Station and a brick culvert along the Rail Corridor.
Photo credits: Urban Redevelopment Authority
Long-term conservation of the green corridor
Dr Balakrishnan posted on his Facebook: “I agreed to this plan because it not only enhances water resilience, but it is also one way of guaranteeing uninterrupted public access along this corridor for hopefully a century and beyond.”
Tan Chuan Jin posted on his Facebook: “This is a good move in terms of meeting our water needs and particularly in securing the continuous space we aim to keep as we develop the Rail Corridor.”
While there will be inconvenience for users along the southern stretch of the corridor over the next 5 years, this short-term disruption would eventually lead to the long-term conservation of the corridor. After the pipeline has been laid, the surface of this stretch will be maintained as a contiguous green space for public recreational use.
Head for the Compressport Rail Corridor Run 2016!
Before the rail corridor closes for the next few years, take this opportunity and join in the Compressport Rail Corridor Run which falls on 31 January 2016! Experience a race along the rail corridor, running from the historic Bukit Timah Railway Station via Singapore’s rail corridor to Tanjong Pagar Railway Station. Embark on the 5km or 10km heritage trail, and bring yourself through an enriching journey of history, and flora and fauna. This is a race that you would not want to miss!
Click here now to sign up for the Compressport Rail Corridor Run 2016!
Bliss Out is Singapore’s first mega event that combines yoga and music in one spectacular night. A Yoga practitioner for 2 years, Bliss Out ambassador Jiamin shares with us about her Yoga journey and how we runners can benefit from practicing Yoga.
JustRunLah!: How will you introduce yourself to Singapore running & fitness community?
Jiamin: Hello! I’m Jiamin, currently working as a freelance yoga instructor. My favourite ways to sweat are Ashtanga yoga and dance (salsa and standard ballroom). Follow me @jyan_g on my sweat journey! If you ever need help in getting started, I’ll be more than happy to assist you!
JustRunLah!: When did you first pick up yoga (what age) and what inspired you to do so?
Jiamin: I did my first Ashtanga session when Kino Mcgregor came over to Singapore in March 2014, I was 22 then. I’ve been following her on instagram and she’s such an inspiration! When I heard she was coming to town, I knew I had to go even though I had zero background in Ashtanga. Out of curiosity I decided to explore more about Ashtanga and I fell in love with it. Shortly after I took my teacher training (in Nov 2014).
JustRunLah!: Would you say that one needs to have a certain mindset to take up yoga as a sport/exercise activity?
Jiamin: Practicing with non-attachment to the results. Be present in yoga throughout the practice, wherever you are at, be true to yourself.
JustRunLah!: Physically, Mentally. On the mat, off the mat, how has yoga improve your life?
Jiamin: Dedicated yoga practice definitely improved my overall physics. I was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis in June 2014. Yoga helped to strengthen the core, and soon, the tremendous pain I was experiencing was gone day by day. Through asanas, I was able to better concentrate and persevere. It’s a control of mind over body. I always tell myself that I can do it, push myself a little more to get out of my comfort zone.
JustRunLah!: Is Yoga just all about stretching for runners?
Jiamin: For sure, stretching helps to relieve the tightness in the muscles that runners have built up over. However that’s not all. Practicing yoga also helps to improve overall physical and mental conditions. Physical benefits are strength, flexibility and balance. Mental benefits are concentration (staying focused) and perseverance. All these play a part for runners as well.
JustRunLah!: What are your future goals?
Jiamin: To stay healthy and maintain good relationships with the people around me.
I would love to hold retreats and set up my own studio in Bali someday.
JustRunLah!: One reason why the running & fitness community should join Bliss Out 2015?
Jiamin: It’s gonna be fun and exciting! Don’t miss out!
JustRunLah!: What advice would you give to all participants at Bliss Out 2015?
We may have a steadily growing running community in Singapore now with race events occurring every weekend, but things were not looking as great in the past. Athletes from the past generation did not receive as much support (financially and also in terms of supporters at events); many of them had to work to pay for their own trainings and to represent Singapore in the global arena.
With the formation of Singapore Amateur Athletic Association, and athletic clubs like Swift Athletes Association, Singapore gradually gained more recognition in the sports sector and eventually, till today, athletes receive plenty support from government and locals for training and competitions.
Here is a brief infographic running through the years in Singapore:
It can be difficult to predict how much exercise is too much for our body and it can be enticing sometimes to push ourselves to achieve a certain goal. When that happens, overworking will only have a backwards effect on our body and we may even end up getting injuries. But always remember: have sufficient rest, replenish your bodily fluids and allow your body to recover. Rest helps to rebuild your muscles and allows them to grow back bigger and stronger.
There are several different signs for how you can tell if you are overworking your body. Check out this flowchart below for some simple ways to know if you have been pushing your body too hard:
Hey fellow Yogies! How does groovin’ to some good music after an awesome (hot) sunset yoga session sounds?! Head down to Singapore’s first ever Yoga+Concert event “BLISS OUT” at The Meadow @ Gardens by the Bay on 12th December 2015 for to find out more!
As a lead up to the main event, the awesome folks at Bliss Out organised a yoga+cookout session for us. So while the haze kinda cleared up one fine Sunday morning, bestie Jerine and I attended one of the sessions by Bliss Out at The Yoga Co for a session by Angie (check out @sassyyogi on IG) followed by a pasta cooking demo by FunkyChef Melvin.
Both of us were psyched as it’s our first time at The Yoga Co.! Upon arrival at the studio, we were greeted by a really cosy living area where everyone gathered for a short briefing before class. We loved the decor there – filled with intricate decorations which made the whole place comfortable with a modern-rustic touch.
Class was delayed slightly for about 5mins but that’s okay. The moment we stepped into the studio I looked to Jerine and exclaimed: “So this is the famous white windows where all the local yogis practice and take their awe-inspiring stance and poses”!
And so, we settled down and began our 1hr practise. Man, and I’ve to say it’s been a while since I last practised yoga since my previous membership expired earlier this year. Instructor Angie was very patient in her coaching and did constant checks on everyone to make sure we were all on pace. It’s a pity I didn’t bring my phone into the room, otherwise I would’ve attempted a shot against the ‘famous picturesque white window backdrop’ too! Haha.
Nearing the end of our practise, we had to not only resist the urge to ‘give up’ to the workout, we also had to resist the fragrance of frying BACON teasing our senses! I reckon it’s Chef Melvin and his crew outside preparing the food for the cooking demo.
After the lesson, we were handed a packet of Vita Coco. As many of you might notice, coconut water is the “IN” thing right now as it contains lots of natural electrolytes for recovery after a workout. Thank you Vita Coco for the coconut water! 🙂 It was amazing!
Alas! Time for cooking demo! Today’s Menu: Truffle Carbonara Spaghetti and Soya Milk Poached Chicken Fusilli in Thai Pesto, courtesy of San Remo and FunkyChef Melvin. Doesn’t it sounds delicious? Chef Melvin was really fun and engaging! Throughout the demo, he offered tips on cooking pasta such as “Did you know you are not supposed to rinse the cooked spaghetti in cold water? San Remo’s pasta has the highest starch content among all other brands?” Very quickly, we came to the end of the Bliss Out fringe event. Before we left, the good people of San Remo also gave us each a goodie bag which was rather heavy. (see picture below to know what’s given inside the goodie bag)!
All in all, we enjoyed ourselves with the simple and cosy line up of activities. What better way to spend the Sunday morning with your bestie! Thank you Bliss Out for organising this 🙂
Can’t wait to work out and rock out on 12 Dec with you guys!
Commissioned in 1912, Lower Peirce Reservoir is the second oldest reservoir in Singapore. Impounding the upper-reaches of Kallang River, the reservoir is surrounded by a mature secondary forest interspersed with rubber trees and oil palms.
With an early morning start we had the pleasure of soaking in the serene surroundings of the reservoir and the crystal clear reflections in the water.
With well laid plans (or perhaps not) we split into two groups: one for the 9km loop and the other for 3km loop. John and I stayed together, Zuzana followed her program and the rest of the gang; Chris, Stan, David, Michelle and Avni, tackled those well laid plans (or not).
The well laid plans, it was thought.
The blue loop was meant to be 3km but it didn’t take long to figure out that what looked good on a map didn’t necessarily give you access in real life. So when the start of our route was inacessible we opted to go in the opposite direction onto a 900m boardwalk that crossed the edges of the reservoir and into the secondary forest.
The boardwalk location was beautiful but not conducive to running. The boardwalk itself was narrow (1.5 persons wide) and already filled with a steady stream of morning walkers and families with little ones. With my balance still askew post ankle injury I wasn’t game to tackle jogging around the people and hoping that I wouldn’t fall into the reservoir.
John and I chose to walk instead and enjoy the location. Once we returned we bumped into Zuzana and decided to walk to Grub Cafe in the neighoburing Bishan Park and wait for the rest of the group.
In the meantime, elsewhere in the park the group discovers that their well laid plans have thoroughly gone off the rails. Cutting through brush and jungle like true pirates on a hunt, to their utter horror they accidentally found themselves on the golf course instead of around it. Desperate to get off swiftly, preferably with stealth and invisibility (pirate swashbuckling all gone now) they found themselves sprinting across the course as if they were crossing the Mexican border. Mission accomplished and back on track they completed their hilly run knocking up 9km along the way.
Jungle fever
Finishing off at Grub Cafe with a hearty breakfast as usual, we swapped stories of accidental exploits and adventures. Can’t deny though that wherever we go for our runs, Singapore is a beautiful country with lots of outdoor activity opportunities and lots of very good hearty breakfasts.
Heading to the gym and need a set of workout to follow? To become a stronger runner, it is not just about the legs; we also have to work on our core stability and upper body mobility for improved posture and more efficient movements. You can try these 5 simple workouts at the gym or even at home:
Side Planks
Support your body weight on one elbow (directly underneath shoulder). You can add variations by lifting the free arm upwards (with weights for additional challenge) or lift one leg up to do a scissors kick.
Russian Twists
Sit on your bum, lift your legs up with your knees bent at a ninety degree angle and lean back to balance yourself. Keeping a straight body, and then twist with your body weight (or with a dumbbell or medicine ball to add weight of resistance). When doing the twist, look straight ahead, twist your torso and not your head, while keeping your neck neutral.
Bridge Leg Raise
First get into position by lying on your back with your arms alongside your body. Put your feet hip-width apart and raise your hips. Then find your balance and lift one leg up while pulling your shoulder blades back throughout.
Squats
Begin in a standing position and bend your legs and knees at a 90 degrees angle. Make sure your knees do not extend beyond your feet and keep your body balanced.
Walking Lunge
Lunge forward keeping your chest up, your knee at 90 degrees and your back knee touching the ground and then continue so it replicates walking. You can also add weight resistance to this workout by lifting weights above your head while keeping your arms straight.
THE WORKOUT
These exercises work best in a combination circuit, where you can do 2 complete circuits, rest for 2 minutes, and complete another 2 circuits. This will give you a quick 30 minute workout and you can still work on the treadmill or go for a small jog after this.
Kirsty Smith will be participating in the upcoming Polar-Circle Marathon with Kate Gray end of this month. Justrunlah had a chat with Kirsty to find out what inspires her to run and how she feels about competing in the coolest race in the world!
JustRunLah!: How will you introduce yourself to Singapore running community?
Kirsty: My name is Kirsty Smith. I’m a sports nutritionist living in Singapore with my husband and 3 young children. I love trail running and being able to explore different environments and nature through running.
JustRunLah!: When did you first pick up running (what age) and what inspired you to do so?
Kirsty: I’ve always been active but only took up running about 5 years ago whilst living in Moscow. After having my second child it was a great way to get back into shape and have some time to myself. I ran my first half marathon in Sweden 4 months after I started running and that was the start. Someone once told me I’d never run in Singapore because of the heat and humidity – how wrong they were! The 25km North Face trail races are now part of my annual calendar – they also provide great food at the end (the thought of which helps in the last few kms).
JustRunLah!: Would you say that one needs to have a certain mindset to take up the challenge of Polar-Circle Marathon?
Kirsty: Yes definitely. I think you need to be able to trust yourself and be resourceful. The conditions in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland are estimated to be around -15 degrees Celsius (or colder) at the start, warming to between -5 to -10. There is a possibility of snow (actually light snow is predicted on the day) and a high likelihood of strong winds. Living and training in Singapore, we’ve not had an opportunity to understand running in these conditions nor test our kit. Gels and food for the race will need to be kept close to the body to prevent freezing! We also only have a few days to acclimatise. All these aspects are part of the adventure! We’ve researched and prepared as well as we can and thanks to this my mindset is one of excitement about a unique challenge rather than fear of the unknown.
Photo credit: Ming Ham
JustRunLah!: What advice would you give to all participants at any marathon?
Kirsty: Actually this is my first marathon! So let’s see…
JustRunLah!: What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
Kirsty: It may sound like a cliche but I try to take one step at a time and break things down into small chunks of time.
JustRunLah!: Anybody to thank for this incredible journey?
Kirsty: My husband and kids for their unwavering support and similar love of adventure. My friend, and running partner, Kate. Not many people will do the crazy adventures we’ve done i.e. Mt Rinjani Ultra-marathon! And now the polar circle! Lexxus, and the team from F1 Runners for teaching me how to run better and for being such a welcoming and inspiring group.
JustRunLah!: Finish this sentence: Running has…
Kirsty: Running has given me and taught me so much. I’ve made great friends and met loads of interesting and fun people, explored beautiful environments, and got in much better shape!
There was no preparation for the 32km race whatsoever. Thanks to the haze, I only managed to squeeze in only 3 runs for the entire Sep 2015! A grand total of 18km!! This was why I was contemplating not to turn up for the race. But after collecting the race pack, I decided that I should give it a try to see if really can mind over body and complete the whole race in one piece.
The Day Itself
The race was scheduled to start at 5am. So I woke up at an unearthly hour of 3am, grab a quick light breakfast, before heading off for Big Splash. I was surprised to see a rather empty car park at Big Splash when I reached around 3.50am. Found a good spot and parked my car. As usual, made my way to the mobile toilet and did the usual warm up and stretching exercise. The sea breeze was a welcome and the haze seemed to have disappeared.
Soon it was 5am, with the usual fanfare, we were flagged off for the race. Yipee…..so I ran at my usual pace for the first 8 km. The sea breeze was great and boosted my pace. I consumed my energy gel and down a couple cups of Pocari Sweat at the hydration point, and continued with my next 8km. The lack of training began to take effect at around 16km. I started to slow down to a crawl. I consumed my 2nd energy gel, washed down again with some Pocari Sweat, and started to walk for quite a distance before regaining sufficient breath and stamina to run. But after about 1 – 2 km, my stamina fizzled out again. So I ended up jogging at a snail pace and reached 24km, huffing and puffing. Took another shot of energy gel and lots of isotonic drinks. This time round, my legs refused to even jog. The warning signs of muscle cramps also started to manifest itself around my tired legs at this point of time. Not wanting to end up writhing on the ground like some of the runners with muscle cramps, I decided to play it safe and strolled all the way to the 32km.
The Aftermath
I was elated when I collected my medal and finisher tee at the finishing point as it was indeed quite a feat that I could complete the entire 32km, with so little training. New runners should not try this as prior to this I had been racing half marathons for the past 6 months and had built up some foundation. The food supplied at the finishing point was fantastic. There were quite a selection such as nasi lemak, yougurt, biscuits, bananas and ice cream. I spent a considerable time eating those and listened to the luck draw session. Although I did not win anything, it was a memorable race, with great weather (thanks to the haze?) and fantastic food.
Next race? I dare not even think of it. The Standard Chartered Full Marathon. Faintz……
Anybody can run as long as you have the determination and motivation to do so. Kate shows us that age is not a limiting factor to how strong and how fast we can run. Kate shares with JustRunLah! how she keeps this running spirit high for so many years and just run lah!
JustRunLah!: How will you introduce yourself to Singapore running community?
Kate: I love running! I’m a mother of three children under the age of 9 and I have lived in Singapore for 8 years. I’m 43 and I’m a stronger and faster runner now, than when I was in my 30’s. I have competed in many 5k-10k road races, triathlons and occasionally half marathons. It has only been in the past two years that I have started running Ultra’s and full marathons.
JustRunLah!: When did you first pick up running (what age) and what inspired you to do so?
Kate: I started running with Little Athletics in Australia as a young child and then came back to it in my late 20’s. I love the freedom, strength, and general enjoyment I feel when running. It’s very empowering. Running downhill fast is so much fun, it takes me back to being a child, like I could just take off and fly.
Travelling and running is a great combination. I’m so fortunate as running allows me to travel to spectacular parts of the world, places that I may never have thought to visit. I also find that running is a form of meditation, an escape from daily routines. I enjoy running on the road but there is nothing like running trails surrounded by nature, wildlife and open spaces.
JustRunLah!: Would you say that one needs to have a certain mindset to take up the challenge of Polar-Circle Marathon?
Kate: My running coach Lexxus Tan from F1 runners, sums this up with one word; dedication. I also believe it takes determination.
Dedication to your training plan
Dedication to ensure you maintain a balanced family and social life with training
Dedication to your coach and running friends
Dedication to yourself, look after your health, make sure you eat well, get enough sleep and listen to how your body is feeling.
Determination to do the very best you can and get to that finish line!
Photo credit: Ming Ham
In 2013, I ran the Annapurna100 – 50k successfully. I loved this race. The training and event gave me insights into what my body is mentally and physically able to endure. In 2014, I competed in the Mt. Rinjani Ultra 52k, then the New York City Marathon and in 2015, the London Marathon.
When reflecting on my past races, some of my happiest memories are the races I shared running with friends and when I have taken the time to look around and enjoy my surroundings. I’m also so grateful for the support and love I have received from family and friends. I believe it takes more than one person to run a race.
When deciding what the next adventure will be, I wanted it to be a race that would challenge me again mentally, as well as physically and to be located in a place that isn’t a typical family holiday destination.
The Polar-Circle Marathon! “The coolest race on earth” I couldn’t think of anything more challenging than running a marathon in the complete opposite weather conditions of Singapore. The race is being held 24th Oct 2015 in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and they are expecting -10 to -20 degree temperatures. I’m nervous about the challenges the weather will bring and excited about running in such a beautiful remote place. I’m running with two wonderful friends and I know this race will be another amazing experience to treasure.
JustRunLah!: What advice would you give to all participants at any marathon?
Kate: The day before a race, I will visualize running the entire race in my mind. I always study the race route and work out my timing goals for the various distance points. When it comes to the race day, I will feel more relaxed, as I have a plan and I feel familiar with the race.
Stop and take a breath. I have learnt that it’s important to take it all in. You have worked so hard for this race and sometimes due to the nerves or just focusing too much on running a PB, you forget to enjoy the moment. Make sure to look up many times during a race and see your surroundings. It will go by very quickly and you want to remember more than looking at your watch to check your time.
JustRunLah!: What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
Kate: It comes back to your determination to get to the finish line. I find that after 30k, it’s mostly a mental race. I don’t let myself think about the total distance of a race when I’m running. I break the race down into shorter sections in my mind. If I’m hurting, I try to stop thinking about the distance and focus more on just finding a good steady rhythm.
JustRunLah!: Anybody to thank for this incredible journey?
Kate: Yes, everyone!
Big thank you to Kirsty Smith and Sarah Galvin, my running friends who I’m sharing this adventure with. I can’t wait to experience this journey with you. It’s nice to know I have friends with me and I won’t be the only one freezing!
Thank you to my beautiful family! My kids and amazing husband David, they are my biggest fan club. I couldn’t have done it without their support, patience, encouragement and love. Also, my Mum and Erich who travel here from Australia to help with the kids every time I take off to another part of the world.
My wonderful coach Lexxus Tan from F1 Runners and the F1 running members. Thank you Lexxus! He never (only sometimes) laughs when I turn up to training announcing what my next crazy adventure will be. He helped me achieve an incredible PB this year, shaving 34mins from my finish time in the London Marathon. I have learnt so much from Lexxus about running techniques and how to train effectively. My number one learning point has been how important quality training is versus quantity in effectiveness.
Icy baths, electric shocks, vertical climbs and prone crawls… why wouldn’t you want to compete in the Commando Challenge obstacle race? The 13 military style obstacles were interspersed within a 6km run along the beaches, tracks, and jungle of Sentosa Island.
A stinking hot day at 33 degrees celsius, perhaps for the first time I was grateful for the haze that obscured the sun from pelting down on us as we tackled the obstacles on the beach, particularly when we were prone crawling on sand (not pleasant if the sand was hot).
Lacking regular training in recent weeks due to high PSI levels, we certainly weren’t prepared for the run so instead of berating ourselves for our slackness we chose to focus on having fun with the obstacles and walk or jog in-between.
Since pictures say a thousand words, here’s a photographic round-up of our experience:
Obstacle 1: The A-Frame Slide
Hmmm first obstacle and already trying to figure out how I was going to pull myself up on a frame that requires upper body strength and a good dose of triceps. Hubby boosted me up on the first frame and then we found a way to make our way across the sliding part and onto the next A-frame fairly seamlessly. I even managed to give the nearby photographer a big grin.
How to get up there?
Obstacle 2: Tyre Power
A collection of tyres spaced closely together ideally tackled by running through it quickly.
Obstacle 3: Barrel Climb
Pretty easy climb across four levels of barrels tied together. Using the yellow ties made it easier to stabilize and pull ourselves over.
Obstacle 4: Vertical Wall
A bit tricky for me. I’m still recovering from an ankle injury during the last obstacle race in March so I can’t run hard nor fly up the vertical wall but the organisers were kind enough to add a horizontal plank and a bunch of rivets that held the wall to the steel frames. That was all I required to get me on top of the wall but needed some help to come down the other end so I wouldn’t land on my sore foot.
On the other hand, John spectacularly hiked himself up the wall and onto the other side like a smooth operator.
Obstacle 5: Curved Ramp
A sprint run-up technique was needed to make it up the 4m curved ramp onto a wide platform. Performed swiftly and easily by John, this was the only obstacle I skipped due to my injured ankle.
Obstacle 6: Larger A-Frame
A singular but much larger A-frame obstacle with a wide platform at the top. This was quite easy as the horizontal planks were spaced in a way that minimised exertion during the climb.
Obstacle 7&8: Over and Under
This was essentially a hurdle jump followed by prone crawl twice over. Some knee abrasions ensued on the rough sand but otherwise not too taxing.
Obstacle 9: Balance Beam
A narrow ramp leading up to a balance beam approximately 1.5m off the ground and 15m in length. Never a fan of heights I was sweating it a little.
Obstacle 10: Ice Bath
Oh my this is a shock to anyone’s system. At least 7m long, waist deep, the ice pool will surely be a forever after moment burnt into my memory. I couldn’t have anticipated the feeling and shock when I ended up submerged into this freezing pool that was somewhere around 4 degrees celsius. The long string of curses that followed were of no surprise to any of the volunteers and perhaps we provided them with some very cheap entertainment.
Wading through the pool, aching for the end, pushing the ice out of my way with my bare hands, I couldn’t even string two thoughts together other than the notion that I wanted out of this pool.
I perhaps got some of my own cheap entertainment when hubby hopped in and had the same reaction followed by his own string of curses.
Perhaps one moment of sanity was when we took our runners off before we entered the pool to try and keep them dry a little longer. Sloshing about in wet runners for another 2kms was just not very appealing.
Obstacle 11: Black Netting Tunnel
Not too sure about the objective of this obstacle. It was somewhat wasted. This could have been lower and created the prone crawl obstacle. That would have felt much more authentic.
Obstacle 12: Icy Spider Web
Another icy submersion except this time it was only calf deep but we had to prone crawl in order to get under the spider web rope above the head. Another shocking experience where I literally slithered out of the inflatable pool. This time John and I entered shoes and all. They’ll be getting a good washing machine wash at home for sure.
Seriously, you want me to do this again?
Obstacle 13: The Electro-Shock
This has got to be the weirdest, scariest experience. Getting small jolts of electric shocks. As one participant put it “last obstacle was electrifying”. We had some heads up on this obstacle from participants who finished before we started and all we remembered is “just run”. Each time I got electrified, I thought I was going to fall and it sure felt like it would never end. Can’t say I enjoyed this one.
To give a better perspective this next series of photos shows two groups of people holding each other through the obstacle and it just falls apart. Divide and conquer and it worked.
Some running was part of this course but certainly not a highlight just part and parcel of the race. However, we did explore trails and jungle areas that were off the beaten track and quite a lot of beach running as expected.
All in all whilst not an overly difficult race, we had the ice shockers and the electro shocker but we had fun and something we hadn’t done before. It felt like a big kids playground. Would certainly consider coming back next year.
This year marks Great Eastern’s 10th year of unifying women in health and life. Asia’s largest women-only race – Great Eastern Women’s Run – is a run for ladies from all walks of lives. Featuring the 5km, 10km and 21.1km race distances, Great Eastern aims to make the run accessible to female runners of all levels. This year, the race introduces a new category – the Princess Dash – allowing kids as young as three years old to be part of the race!
JustRunLah! was at Suntec City for the race pack collection this weekend, here is a short video of what went down!
The race will flag off at The Float@Marina Bay. All participants can enjoy an array of activities with their family and friends at the race village upon completion of their race. The Great Eastern Women’s Run is commissioned by Great Eastern and organised by Infinitus Productions.
Ladies, all the best for your race; see you at the finish line!
Under clear skies, Newton Challenge 2015 took part earlier today at East Coast Park. A popular event with Singapore runners, the race offers 32 km and 18 km categories on a flat, fast route. With it’s unique distance categories and early flag-off times, this is a race that challenges you to conquer your mind!
Making its debut in Sentosa last year, the PUMA Night Run is back again this year at Marina Barrage. Runners were blessed with a good weather of low PSI-82 today and brought their full enthusiasm to the race. Local celebrities and performers were also invited to participate in the race, which helped boost the morale of many runners who were also fans. While the event began with a high energy level among the runners and supporters, it also ended on a high note with photobooth taking and performances for everyone.
The Commando Challenge 2015 was held today from 9am at Sentosa. Besides the previous favourites Electric Shock and Ice Crawl, this year’s trail race has 4 new obstacles: The A-Frame Slide, Torture Crawl, two Over-Under obstacles and the Spider Web. While the challenging obstacles were a test to the participants’ all round fitness and determination, the enthusiastic participants were true commandos as they displayed teamwork and sportsmanship to complete the race together.
Are you bogged down by work and commitments, unable to take a break for a holiday trip? Why not consider a short getaway to Kota Kinabalu? Home to the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago, Kota Kinabalu has much more to offer as a destination beyond the heights of its mountains. Kota Kinabalu is a ‘Nature Resort City’ with long sandy beaches, paradise islands, virgin coral reefs, tropical rain forests; with the mighty Mount Kinabalu only 90 minutes away from the city. Here are the top 5 reasons for why us Singaporeans love (or are going to love) to run in Kota Kinabalu:
Travel made easy
With only a 2.5 hours flight, flying in to Kota Kinabalu is a breeze. Arrive at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal, hop onto a taxi and you’ll be in the city centre within 15 minutes. You will also be surprised at how accessible it is to travel within the city itself; in fact, most destinations in the city are within walking distance. This makes Kota Kinabalu ideal for a short holiday trip as you get to make full use of your time visiting the various destinations. Or even better, you can plan a running route to visit and admire the various places of interests around the city such as the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque or Atkinson Clock Tower.
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
For flights, both Silkair and Air Asia fly direct from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu daily with a total of 14 flights per week. You may head over to www.silkair.com and www.airasia.com for more information.
Nice and cozy at any price
There is a wide variety of accommodations in Kota Kinabalu, with a wide price range for you to choose from. While there are the two luxury 5-star hotels – the Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa and Sutera Harbour Resort – which are within 10 minutes drive from the airport and in the city centre, you also have your pick of B&Bs, motels and hotels to suit any budget. Travelling with a large group? It is not a problem either; there are service apartments with huge living room space to bunk in the whole troop.
Photo credits: Shangri-La
For a cosier and more intimate stay, the Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa and Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai are great options for accommodation too. For runners who are thinking of participating in a race in Kota Kinabalu, why not put this into your itinerary and reward yourself with a post-event treat with some serious pampering and relaxation.
Power up your appetite
The city streets are a haven for foodies with local specialties to make your carbo loading experience truly delectable. As a state with 30 different ethnic groups, Kota Kinabalu has a unique cultural mix of people and cuisines. You can expect to find plenty mouth-watering delights such as ngiu chap (beef noodle), bak kut teh (pork ribs in herbal soup), spicy laksa, Sabah-styled tom yam, Tuaran noodles (home-made egg noodles), sizzling satay, and even glorious seafood. The western and fusion fare at trendy cafes and franchise eateries are not to be missed too. You will be surrounded by so much good food in the city you may have to run more to burn off those extra calories!
Kota Kinabalu Night Market | Photo credits: notesofnomads.com
Warm up workouts
As the big race approaches, you might want to go for a short run to limber up those muscles. Here is a list of the city’s most popular tracks for a quick run:
Likas Bay running and cycling path stretching about 5km from the port to Tun Mustapha Tower with excellent sea views and evening sunsets.
Perdana Park and the beach at Tanjung Aru are great for soft-surface track and beachfront running. Evening runs are best for the spectacular Tanjung Aru sunset.
Tun Fuad Stephens Park or more popularly known as Bukit Padang has short hill trails which are perfect for trail runners to get in a bit of off-road action before the real race.
Likas Bay
The Big Events
Trail running in KK has a growing community, and some must-do races which will challenge you physically and mentally. The incredible landscapes and warm hospitality of the locals are what I love about racing in KK.” – Jeri Chua, super serious ultra trail runner and member of the Hammer Nutrition Singapore team
Kota Kinabalu is a waterfront city with fantastic views of the sea, sunsets and islands. And just at its doorstep is the Crocker Range providing plenty of rolling hills, ridges, valleys, and rivers to keep you on your toes as you traipse through its untamed wilderness. It is therefore no surprise Kota Kinabalu has its own share of major running events that should not be missed:
Beaufort 60k Ultra Marathon – A super hot run from Beaufort to the beautiful beach of Kuala Penyu. Beaufort is about 1.5 hours south of the city in the Klias floodplain where the midday heat can go up to 40°C. You’ll be bouncing off the track like a cat on a hot tin roof before getting a chance to cool off your feet with a dip in the ocean at the end of the race.
Borneo International Marathon – This is the city’s biggest annual road race that starts and ends at the Likas Sports Stadium. The route heads north of the city along the scenic coastal road, passing by Likas City Mosque, Tun Mustapha Tower and Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Look out for Mt Kinabalu as it comes into view at sunrise alongside the gorgeous sea views.
The Most Beautiful Thing (TMBT) Ultra Trail Marathon – Distances range from 12km to 100km, offering opportunities for both novices and seasoned runners to experience the adventure and excitement of trail running. The terrain varies from easy to extremely challenging with steep climbs and descents, punctuated by scenic sections of farmland, rustic villages and curious villagers going about their daily routine. This is perhaps the most difficult yet most beautiful ultra run in Malaysia.
Beaufort 60k Ultra Marathon
TMBT Ultra Marathon
Come and Run Sabah!
The popularity of road and trail races in Kota Kinabalu has seen the introduction of new events in various districts in Sabah. From the rocking hills of Kokol to the lush paddy fields of Tambunan, running events are getting more interesting with different backdrops to add colour, culture and nature to a run.
Located only within 1-2 hours from the city, not only are the race venues easy to get to, most importantly they offer us runners the opportunity to experience the best of Sabah’s natural landscapes and warm hospitality of its people.
Stay tuned for the latest event updates to make 2016 your year to Run Sabah!
Having run every edition of the Borneo International Marathon since 2008, I have come to realise that KK has so many shorter fun runs to offer as well. The warm reception at races so unmistakably reflects the friendliness of Sabahans. Runners are so friendly and fun, and it’s such a pleasant recharge for me! My friends who have run the trails in KK, tell me that its paradise, but for me, I shall stick to the road runs that give me enough time to eat and shop ….and plan my return trip to KK.” – Mohanadas Kandiah or more popularly known as Mohan Marathon, the man with the whistle!
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