Run & Raisin’ 2015 is in its 5th year of its annual charity run and carnival to raise funds for needy children and families, organised by TOUCH Young Arrows (TYA). This year, TYA aims to raise $300,000 to benefit children of TYA through educational programmes and services across 21 TYA Clubs in Singapore. These approximately 450 disadvantaged children aged 6 to 12 come from low-income and/or single-parent families.
The charity run will be held on 5th September 2015, Saturday, at the Silver Garden located in the Gardens by the Bay from 7am – 5pm. Participants can choose from 3 exciting race categories: 10km Competitive Run, 5km Fun Run and a 2.5km Family Run to show their support. Runners will also be treated to a scenic and picturesque run with magnificent city landmarks such as the Gardens By the Bay, Marina Barrage and Benjamin Sheares bridge as part of the running route.
In addition, a fun-filled fundraising carnival will be held simultaneously from 9am onwards at the Silver Garden and is open to free public admission. Expect to see exciting live stage performances and enjoy a huge variety of food, games and merchandise stalls for anyone and everyone in the family, with the purchase of carnival coupons.
Do your part in securing the future of our young generations by registering for the charity run here and join in the festive atmosphere of the carnival on 5th September 2015 at the Silver Garden!
The organiser
TOUCH Young Arrows (TYA) aims to nurture and develop children to become future leaders and make a positive impact in the community. Regardless of their family or financial background, TYA believes that each child deserves a happy and healthy childhood, with opportunities to learn and grow via TYA’s value-driven activities, mentoring and academic coaching programmes at the children’s clubs in Singapore.
All proceeds raised from both the charity run and carnival will go to the young recipients of TYA, such as 11-year-old Fateha. From a shy and introverted child living in an overcrowded 3-room flat, Fateha has grown to become a bubbly, optimistic and confident girl after receiving help from TYA’s volunteers and has even achieved stellar results in her academics!
The Trifactor Swim was the first race I could enter after eight weeks laid up with a fractured ankle. I missed out on the Green Corridor and the Ultra Marathon but I was not going to miss out on the Trifactor Series.
The swim was the first race in the Trifactor Series and I was originally signed up for the 1500m swim. Two months out of training, I would have been foolish to tackle the distance. Luckily the Trifactor team helped me out by downgrading my distance to 500m. Still not fully recovered I figured with a firm ankle guard and minimum run/walk on sand I should be okay to swim provided that I didn’t need to kick.
With only six swim training sessions of which four were the week before the race, I hoped that I had enough fitness still left in me to see me through the race.
Come race day and I was a bundle of nerves. Scared about my leg, scared that I may not be fit enough and just about everything else I could conjure to mess up my head completely. What I didn’t anticipate of course were goggle problems. What could have been a terrific swim, since I thought the sheltered Tanjong Beach Sentosa was a great location, turned into a very frustrating swim. All because of leaky goggles.
I spent 80% of my race breaststroking and each time I tried to freestyle my goggles would just fill up with water. An extremely tiring way to swim for sure, towards the end I managed some version of freestyle without fully immersing my head into the water just so I could stretch my arms out and make some tracks in my swim.
Eventually I surfaced at 15:20 minutes which was incredibly disappointing given that I can usually knock it off in under 12 minutes. I’m reasonably new to swimming (about 12 months) so I am not fast but I am definitely better than 15+ minutes.
The humorous element in all this was that given my veteran category, I still managed to place second. But wait there were only three in my category so I would have placed regardless. It was quite a surprise and didn’t know till my girlfriend, Michelle who also swam the 500m in 13:46 minutes let me know a few days later.
Off I went to the Trifactor offices to collect another medal and a new pair of goggles.
The day was not a complete waste since I always enjoy the company of my fellow Team Costans. As mentioned above Michelle raced the same category as myself, hubby completed the men’s 500m category, Veronika tackled 1500m (with very little training) and Jeff challenged himself with 3000m.
The severe congestion of the longer distance meant that many of the swimmers were slowed in their pace trying to get around or over the top of others, lots of kicking in the face or body was taking place and made the race less pleasing. To reduce the congestion the women’s 500m category was delayed by 10min which made the swim for Michelle and myself a breeze and free of congestion.
With our kids in tow, cheering on we finished up the day at the Port of Lost Wonder. We had our race, and the kids had their fun.
Nila Swim for the 28th SEA Games
As part of the official South East Asian (SEA) Games, Singapore tacked on a swim race for the public in which Michelle and I participated. I was particularly interested in this race because it gave me another opportunity to race 500m and hopefully improve my timing and preferably avoid leaky goggles. Even better it was held in my backyard at Angsana Park on East Coast Park.
Approximately 35 participants entered the open all women’s category. Michelle was super excited whereas I was extremely nervous. I figured the nervousness was a result of little real competition experience and the constant adrenaline spikes were just simply uncomfortable and counter-productive.
Anyway, as we prepared to enter the racing pen one look over our shoulder at the four 16 year olds, in their swanky bathers and athletic builds we knew we were done for. A bit hard to be 30+ and 40+ mums trying to compete with teenagers. We were whipped by all of them.
The extremely low tide hindered our best timing given the nearly 70 meters we had to run/walk before we could reach deep enough water to swim. Since I’m still recovering and unable to run it was tough covering the distance by hobbling and landing on exposed rocks. I was tired before I even started.
However, I was pleased there was no leaky goggles and the sea was reasonably pleasant in comparison to Tanjong Beach where we came out filthy.
I perhaps started out a bit too hard trying to make up lost time with walking but it was unsustainable. Michelle on the other hand took the chance to run in as fast as she could. She settled into the 6th position and held it all the way to the end. Towards the end she was competing against two other swimmers and with her toughness and competitive spirit she turned her legs into hyper-drive and powered through her swim leaving them behind.
Nila the Mascot
Whilst I managed to overtake five other women and caught up to Michelle, I overtook her a couple of times but just couldn’t hold the pace. When she went into hyper-drive her legs were like a motor in the sea. I got a good splashing in the face and she left me in the dust.
For the last 100m I had a swimmer behind me at only one arm’s length distance and I was determined not to be overtaken. So when I reached sand, I hobbled and hopped and moved as fast as I could as I wasn’t about to be overtaken in the last 20m. Needless to say when I crossed the finish line, I needed to lie down and catch my breath.
I have mixed emotions about this race from a personal achievement perspective. Having to walk so much reduced my swimming energy and again didn’t feel like it was my best performance but I guess there are no perfect situations so I’ll just have to keep doing the shorter swim races before I consider anything lengthier or more challenging.
The low tide
Swim area past orange marker
On a positive note, it was great to participate in a race that celebrated the spirit of the SEA Games that hasn’t been held in Singapore since 1983. An excellent time to be host to the games given Singapore’s 50th year of independence from Malaysia. I feel privileged to participate.
Many had witnessed the run by our only Singapore representative for the 2015 SEA Games 5000M women race, Qua Bi Qi (22), this Tuesday, 9th June 2015 and most would have wondered who, why and how did this petite iron lady battled her way through the race with her taped knee and achieved an admirable 10th placing and 19.42.50 timing.
JustRunLah! got in touch with Singapore athlete, Bi Qi, to tell us more:
JRL: Share with us about your long-distance running journey.
BQ: I started off as a canoeist back in college (still am), and running had always been part of my cross training. Besides being involved in an interval programme structured by my canoeing coach, I do long runs during the weekends on my own because I really enjoy hitting the roads.
JRL: When was the turning point that got you into training professionally?
BQ: About a year ago, I decided to try for ASEAN University Games qualification, and started undertaking proper run trainings under my mentor, Mr Steven Quek, and had been training under him ever since.
JRL: What exactly happened that led to your injured running form on the actual race day for the 5000M event?
BQ: My knee injury is probably an overuse injury; it has been affecting me for quite a long time but I pushed myself to train through it. However, my recurring injury worsened subsequently, to the extent that left me with no choice but to refrain from trainings slightly over more than a week. And that occurred approximately 1 month before the actual race day on 9th June.
JRL: How did you manage to complete running the 5000M event despite not being on your best physical form?/ What was going through your mind as you ran for Singapore for the 5000M event while coping with your injury?
BQ: Once I start any race, there’s no other way to end it than to finish it.
Photo Credit: David Ash.
JRL: Seems like you do indeed live up to what your friends affectionately call you as “Beast Qi”?
BQ: (giggles) I am pretty used to being called by that nickname but I am not as scary as it sounds!
JRL: I am sure your fighting spirit displayed during the SEA Games and trainings will inspired many. Beyond SEA Games, do you have races/ competitions scheduled for the future?
BQ: Tentatively I have no races in mind yet, but I will continue to train and build my base and foundation. I am definitely looking forward to taking part in more regional races when the opportunities come by!
JRL: Do you have any specific group of people or person whom you would like to mention for your journey thus far?
BQ: I would like to do a shoutout to my training partners! Thanks for always being there for me during and beyond trainings. I qualified for this SEA games not on my own but with all of your efforts. So I didn’t run my own race back there – I ran it for you guys and I hope I did you all proud! 🙂
Introducing Sony’s Smart B-Trainer, an all-in-one personal training device that is currently making waves in the wearable technology market where runners are able to regulate, monitor and improve their progress and performance. The device also includes application that motivates runners using intelligent music payback based on heart rate monitoring, various training plans and real time voice coaching.
1. Music tempo that guides your speed
Music tempo analysis uses Sony’s 12 Tone Analysis technology to automatically select music for efficient training – When your heart rate is higher than targeted speed, a song with a slower song will be played to regulate your speed and vice versa when your heart rate is lower than your targeted speed. Also, the tempo can be changed according to your mood when running.
2. Smart B-Trainer for Running app and ASICS Training Plan
The Smart B-Trainer for Running app enables users to manage running logs on your smartphone with versatile selection of training plans to cater to your running goals; from marathon preparation to losing weight. 2 training plans (Basic and Premium) are available for users to customize their running goals and programme. In collaboration with ASICS, Smart B-Trainer users can also store and access their running logs created in MY ASICS Training Plan.
3. Hassle-free and freedom running
With neck-band style housing, waterproof and non-slip material, the Smart B-Trainer provides freedom and convenience for users running in all kinds of weather and training intensity.
4. Wide variety of sensors and running logs
This SSE-BTR1 headphone-integrated device is packed with 6 types of sensors: heart rate, acceleration, GPS, compass, gyro and barometer. In addition, it can record up to 11 types of running logs including heart rate, burned calories, time, distance, speed, pace, cadence, steps, stride, running route and elevation. These useful sports data analytics will hence enable to gather insights about their own sports performance.
5. Storage and communication device
With a built-in memory of 16GB, the Smart B-Trainer can store up to 3,900 songs and doubles up as a Bluetooth headset for hands-free communication.
The Smart B-Trainer comes in 5 colors (yellow, white, blue, pink and black) at all Sony Stores, Sony Centres and selected Sony authorized dealers from 11 June 2015, at a retail price of $399.
Last Sunday, our marathoner Ashley Liew finished the race with a time of 2hr 44min and got the 8th place in Men’s Marathon event at SEA Games 2015.
Today, JustRunLah! brings you 5 facts that you probably didn’t know about his race!
1. Ashley suffered a pull on both his hamstring at 2 separate times in the race so was forced to stop twice. He fought on to finish the race in 2hrs 44min 02secs.
Ashley at Iten, home of champions.
2. At one point during the race, Ashley found himself leading the field. His rivals had took the wrong route. But instead of taking advantage, Ashley decided to wait for them.
Ashley at SEA Games 2015.
3. Last Sunday would have been his mother’s 61st birthday who passed away in 2010 due to colon cancer.
Photo credit: Ashley Liew.
4. In his last lap around the practice track, he saluted to all supporters who have made it in the rain to support the runners.
100m: Bronze in Women’s, 4th and 6th in Men’s events
Both men’s and women’s finals took place today in front of an excited and supportive crowd. In men’s 100m event, US-based Philippino Eric Shauwn Cray won the Gold medal at 10:25, followed Indonesian Yaspi Boby.
Our own Calvin Kang finished 4th at 10.47 (a personal best!), while Jamal came in 6th at 10.55.
In the women’s event, Singapore bagged a Bronze medal with representative Shanti Pereira at 11.88s. Philippino Kayla Richardson won the Gold (11.76) followed by Thai athlete Tassaporn Wannakit.
“Coming here, I really wanted to get a medal in front of the home fans and I managed to get one in my 100m, which is really unexpected because there were many really good competitors with me and they had much better timings […] When I looked at the replay and saw that I got third, I literally jumped!” said Shanti after the race.
A strong field of 10 runners took to the start of men’s 5000m at Singapore national stadium today.
NGUYEN Van Lai of Vietnam came in first with a timing of 14:04.82. PRAYOGO Agus (Indonesia) and NAMKHET Sanchai (Thailand) shared the podium with Silver and Bronze, respectively.
Singapore’s Melvin Wong came in 7th with a time of 16:01.58 while compatriot Jeevaneesh S/O Soundararajah came in 8th with a time of 16:14.75.
A big group of supporters turned up to cheer for our runners. Melvin was greeted with cheers every single round! Wonderful crowd, awesome support. What a great run!
This news leaves Melvin Wong Yao Han as Singapore’s representative for both 5,000m and 10,000m. Melvin won a Silver medal at 92nd Malaysia Open Athletics Championship 2015, for the 5000m and a Bronze for the 10000m, simultaneously bagging himself new PBs of 15:53.00 and 33:40.28 for the 5K and 10K respectively.
10000m Women’s
Ethel Lin Zhi Yun will be running in the 10000m event, with fellow representative Mok Ying Rong. Ying Rong, who had come in at first place for the half marathon distance at both the Sundown Marathon and Great Eastern Women’s Run last year, also won first place for her age category at the Taipei Standard Chartered Marathon 2015 earlier this February.
Supporters, Go Early!
Please note that both the 5000m and 10000m are non-ticketed events, and spectators will be admitted on a first-come first-served basis, subject to venue capacity. Admission opens one hour before the competition starts.
Route profiles, photos, maps and accessibility information
Do you want to add variety in your runs and explore new routes island-wide? Click here to access Singapore’s Running Routes, a unique resource built by runners, for runners. We have gathered all the vital information to plan your next run. Get information such as how to get there, when to get there and what to bring with you! You can also find out about availability of carparks, toilets, shower facilities, water coolers and public transportation. Plan your next reservoir run now!
Two weeks ago, out of desperation, I had snipped off all the yellowed leaves on a pepper plant after the last pest attack and left it barren with only a scrawny stem. I continue to water the leafless stem daily and secretly hoping it will persevere if I give it a fighting chance. Today, I witnessed a miracle: that same pot of pepper plant that was previously blighted by aphids is sprouting new leaves. It didn’t bolt and against all odds, it came back stronger than before.
That brings me to what I’m about to share – overuse injury. A few months ago, I was sidelined by runner’s knee, also known as Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. Weeks of pounding the pavement took a toll on the body, especially the knees. Without adequate conditioning, the body hinted at the impending threat, which in hindsight, I should not have ignored. Sometimes, try as one may, it’s hard to err on the side of caution. The overzealous part of me is bad at pacing, especially when I’m at the top of my game and clocking up good mileage.
For someone who loves to run and work out a sweat, sedentary is not an option. To assuage the dopamine deficient body, I sought solace, albeit short-lived, in cross training. After laying off running for a few days and incorporating strength training and Pilates, the running bug nudges me to find a middle ground where I could still run without exacerbating the injury. While searching the Internet for solutions and suggestions, I chanced upon Bauerfeind’s GenuTrain knee brace. The new ‘toy’ doesn’t come cheap but it sure works! Unlike other knee braces sold at pharmacies or sports retailers, Bauerfeind provides the right amount of stability with minimal movement restrictions. The fabric is also breathable and machine washable.
I ran my first couple of runs with equal parts apprehension and anticipation. There are different school of thoughts on active recovery – some experts suggest giving running muscles a rest and incorporating low intensity training before easing back into running. Then, there are others who believe that running doesn’t have to take a back seat. It could just be a matter of scaling back the mileage and opting for easy recovery runs until the injury heals. At the end of the day, what works for some might not work for others.
Like the pot of shriveled pepper plant, I was able to snap out of the inertia with the help of what I now affectionately labeled as ‘my savior’ knee brace. An injury can be both debilitating and frustrating. To keep it at bay, it’s also important to identify the cause and fine tune the training accordingly. Get your game on, but listen to your body and come back stronger. It is indeed a gentle reminder of how vulnerable yet resilient our body can be.
In the last 18 months Team Costa has participated in multiple running, cycling, swimming and multi-sport races. We enjoy the atmosphere, the challenges, the accomplishments and accolades from our friends and families.
Somewhere in the middle of 2014 the idea of exposing our kids to sports took hold and Little League was born. A parents organised sports games day held in our condo. At Little League the kids learn sportsmanship, winning, losing (although they struggle with the losing still), athletic skills whilst hanging out with their friends.
As time passed greater challenges were needed for some of the older ones and in came the racing world. A recurring contingency of five Little Leaguers have tackled running races, obstacle races and swimming races.
The distances are increasing. Where once they raced in 750m dashes some of them have already worked up to 6km races.
Here are some highlights of our Little Leaguers’ journey in the world of racing for the last 12 months.
Cold Storage
An annual race completely geared towards children only, it is a sell out within weeks and much anticipated by children, especially those who have done it in previous years.
Besides a race pack full of goodies it is also a timed race for the individual category with prizes awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
2012 – Justins 1st race
2013 – Leos debut
2014 – Rain or shine they ran
2015 – Little League representatives
Jurong Lake Run (JLR)
The largest running event in the western region of Singapore, JLR’s running route is nothing short of spectacular. The 2.4km winding path whilst often narrow is easily overcome with the fun and non-chalant spirit of a child. Running through Japanese and Chinese inspired gardens, past pagodas and across arched bridges is a visual feast to any participant.
SAFRA Run
Where else can you join the armed forces as a foreigner other than on a running field. How about a bonding session in the Father and Child 800m category with matching tees.
My daughter often requests her daddy to wear the SAFRA Superdad tee whilst she’s wearing her Superkid tee when participating in Little League.
Superdad and Supergirl
Superdad and Superboy
Standard & Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS)
An event of gigantic proportions it drew more than 53,000 participants in 2014. Adults aside, the 800m kids dash (which is actually closer to 950m) is a one way smash from the Esplanade Bridge via the Fullerton Hotel and all the way to the Padang.
Unless the parent is joining the child in the run it gets a bit dicey to manoeuvre the kids to the start line and get to the finish line before the kids do in order to collect them. Due to the size of the race extra alertness is necessary to ensure the child does not get lost or separated from the parent. Part of it can be mitigated by giving the child tips on what to do should they end up lost.
No better place than dads shoulders to rest
Regular running buddies.
Safari Zoo Run
A massive 6km run for any young child (most of our Little Leaguers are under 8) but the opportunity to run through the Night Safari during the day, followed by the Singapore Zoo is a chance not to be missed.
A super cool finisher medal, tee, zoo towel and free entry into the River Zoo on the day makes the trip to Mandai and the registration cost value for money.
We packed in animal observation in all three zoos, waterplay and the race of course into one day. Who says kids aren’t tough enough to survive an action-packed day.
Race first
Waterplay next to cool off
Finish w River Safari after we know how to get around
Marina Party Dash
A great afternoon out. Bring a picnic to enjoy the surroundings and family focused carnival. Lots of prizes can be won at the carnival games and the water pistols are part of the race pack.
Wind your way through the garden paths and fire your water pistol on unsuspecting pistol bearers. Hide behind trees and spring out shooting with all your might. Stealthily sneak up and fire at close range all the while making sure you’re getting wet whilst pretending otherwise.
Energizer Obstacle Race
A 3km race interspersed with nine obstacles on trail grounds. Since the Little Leaguers were ready for something more, this race gave them: hurdles to jump, tyres to hop through, angled ropes to climb through, a grid of ropes for prone position crawling, a mighty slide to tackle and finish off with a high net crawl. This is like the kids version of the Urbanathlon.
Filled with multiple physical challenges it would have been easy to choose not to complete an obstacle. With patience and perseverance however, each completed obstacle was a notch on the confidence belt. Watch the child shine from within when he/she knows what has been accomplished during that time.
The only disappointment is to the spectator. Given it’s trail location in Mandai, the spectator doesn’t see any part of the race including the finish line as the rail guards are fixed too far away from the Start/Finish line. Lucky hubby had the camera with him to capture all the great shots I was able to share in after the race.
ISCA Run
A 750m kids dash, the race was the first opportunity where my daughter (6) and her friend Justin (7) were running their first race completely solo. Given that it was at Big Splash it was basically our backyard and familiar territory for the kids.
The race organisers started off well directing the kids, dividing them in appropriate age groups and directing them who to follow during the race. Expecting a looped race so that they may cross the finish line and return to their parents we were somewhat surprised and disappointed to find out that the route was in one direction and ending at Parkland Green (the route was not mapped on their website nor in the paper leaflet and no indication was given that the children would be having a one way race). When I asked how are parents supposed to collect the kids and do they all know, the volunteer just shrugged his shoulders. My husband along with our other participating kids’ parents had to run the race as well.
By not looping them back to the finish line the timing chips on their bibs were never activated. This could easily have been a timed race for the kids and a successful event had they considered all the elements of the children’s safety. Justin who came in first could have been a recipient of a first place prize just like the adults. If children are to be the next generation of runners then they should be treated in the same manner as adult races. They learn by example then we should lead by example.
Given that the kids ran back and the finisher medal was their target to keep them going they ended up completing 1.5km instead of the official 750m. Thankfully, they had a ball and mostly unaware of the disorganisation.
I wouldn’t write this race off. It is a great location and it’s small which is nice when compared to some of the behemoths out there. However, I would hope the organisers find a way to ensure the children’s route is better laid out.
Finisher’s Medals
Whilst the display cabinets, hooks or drawers are filling up with finisher’s medals and the cupboards with tees, the highlight for these kids are the shiny, gorgeously designed medals they proudly wear after each race. One day the children will move elsewhere or return to their home country and may never participate in races in the way they do here but the memories will remain in the medals they treasure and the photos that are taken.
So to wrap it up here are the highlights of medals so far proudly worn.
Men’s Individual Triathlon took place today, Sunday the 7th of June at East Coast Park, Singapore. The race concluded with an amazing run in the last lap!
Gold medal went to Nikko Huelgas, representing The Philippines, who finished with a top time of 2:04:32. Singapore’s own athletes Chuan Rong Loo and Sheng Ren Chow came in the 3rd and 4th place, respectively, behind Rikigoro Shinozuka of Malaysia who was awarded the Silver medal.
Chuan Rong (Singapore), Bronze medalist of SEA Games 2015 Men’s Ind. Triathlon.
Official results:
#Triathlon winners Huelgas (#PHI/Gold), Shinozuka (#MAS/Silver) & Loo (#SIN/Bronze) Photo by Francis Chia/Sport SG pic.twitter.com/4P4YLIN30H
Nila Run: A race that meant to offer runners once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the 28th SEA Games 2015 activities. Participating runners were expected to experience thrill and excitement of running part of the route of SEA Games elite marathoner.
[ot-video type=”youtube” url=”ncd9k_FPYF0″]
Receiving More Than Expected
The running community turned up in full force. The route was new and interesting. The road was slippery at some points and that got me thinking about our marathoners. There were ample water stations throughout the route. Running along Tanjong Rhu, I foresee this has to be one of the coolest 10km race for 2015. The rain started pouring 40 minutes after the start. And it gave me a time to reflect on the run. Nila Run, in my opinion, represented each athlete’s hard work and sweat training and qualifying to compete in the SEA Games. Not just the marathoners. Nila Run 2015 provides the perfect opportunity to go through each athlete’s struggle and daily temptations. One can stop or to push on. Today, the running community pushed on.
Singapore runners in Nila Run 2015 under heavy rain!
The spirits of the Sea Games
Encouraging the runners in the rain; Sportsmanship at its best!
When most would dug for shelter due to the heavy downpour. This man stood at the side of the road cheering and encouraging every runner on. Sportsmanship at its best. Thank you Mr.
Congratulations to all participants at Nila Run. Great effort by the running community in the rain.
It was a wet morning. But the rain did not stop Rui Yong from bringing home Singapore’s first athletics gold medal. Rui Yong came in with a time of 2hr 34min. Only his second attempt at the distance, he managed to past Thailand’s Boonthung Sirsung 200m away from the finishing line.
#6 SEE Boon Lay Rachel 3:18:14
#8 NEO Jie Shi 3:35:54
Photos
Ashley finished the race with a time of 2hr 44min
Ashley finished the race with a time of 2hr 44min
Rachel finished the race with a time of 3hr 18min
Rachel finished the race with a time of 3hr 18min
Jieshi finished the race with a time of 3hr 35min
Don’t worry, you are home! I got you.
Singapore running community was out in full force. Some were stationed at East Coast cheering our marathoners on. Some made their way to Kallang Practice Track waiting anxiously in the rain for the arrival of our runners. Great effort from the marathon team. Great effort from the running community.
It was raining at my area when I woke up at 3am. The first thought that came to my mind was “Oh please don’t rain later. The ground is going to be wet and hard to run.” After freshening up and preparing all my stuff, I headed down to the designated bus-stop to wait for my shuttle bus. There were a total of 14 routes, with each route stopping at 2 to 3 places on average to ferry runners from various parts of Singapore to the venue. I would say that the $6 shuttle bus is a good move as it prevents the hassle of one having to arrange for their own transport and also allow runners to reach the race area spending less(as compared to taking a cab). The buses (2 of them) for my route arrived at my place punctually, and was rather full.
The journey was very smooth as there was not much traffic in the wee hours. My bus reached the area outside National Stadium rather early. Spent some time to walk around before bag deposit and proceeding to the Starting Point. There was already a light drizzle at this point of time. The walk from baggage area to the Starting Point was rather long though.
Touch outside National Stadium for 28th SEA Games
Fast-forward to the time at Starting Point, which is somewhere near the OCBC Aquatic Centre. Race was slight delayed due to some reasons. The marathon athletes were flagged off about 10 to 15 minutes before us. After a long wait, finally we were flagged off! Most people were wearing the Nila Run tee, or something red to show their support for Team Singapore.
The route was slightly slippery and wet, probably due to the drizzle or rain earlier. It is generally well-lit and gradient was smooth. Dark clouds seem to gather when I was on my route back to the National Stadium.
The lightning alert was activated when I crossed the 7km mark, and it began pouring when I hit the 8km mark. The last time I ran in such heavy downpour was during the full marathon at Sundown Marathon last year. Despite the rain, everyone continued running. Sea of red running in the rain. Everybody did their best to cross the finishing line. I couldn’t really figure out where I was running, as the rain just blurred my vision. But not long after I finally saw the Finishing Line! 😀 Crossed it, took water and my medal, and proceed to Kallang Wave Mall to seek shelter.
There was still not much when I reached the mall, but runners that completed the run soon began to fill up the place. Everyone was saying that it was a unique experience to be able to run in the heavy run. Haha.
Nila Run Medal
On a last note, congrats to Soh Rui Yong for winning the gold medal for Singapore at today’s marathon event! It is a pity that we can get to see you during the run, but you did Singapore proud despite the rain! Congrats once again!
To improve performance, a runner has to incorporate easy, moderate to hard runs into the running routine. Equally important is recovery time for repair, rebuild and strengthen.
Often, as a runner and a working adult, we neglect to set aside time for the body to rest and recuperate. Time-strapped, we are always in a hurry, a generation running against the clock, gravitating towards time saving tools; fastest internet speed, quick fix, one-stop solution and ways to cut short time. Filled to the brim with a never ending list of to-dos, emails to answer and places to get to, we over schedule and under commit. Constantly on the move, we are discontent, unhappy, and most likely highly strung. We whine, lament and refuse to settle for less. But nothing seems to be good enough. A conundrum.
We have the means to acquire, to travel and no time to pause, smell the proverbial roses or enjoy the fruits of our success. Case in point, have you ever noticed how pools at apartment complexes are always empty and balconies with fancy lounger sets are never occupied?
As crazy as it sounds, make time for down time. It’s perfectly fine to set goals and aspire for the highest peak. But in order to get there, we need to pause. Leave behind expectation. Cut yourself some slack. Be mindful. Focus on the now and the journey. Don’t be in a hurry to get to the finish line.
