Just Run Lah! - Singapore's online running community

Race Review: Runninghour 2015 (by Elf)

Elf

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March 31, 2015

Blind Man’s Buff?

Not Really. When registration started for RunningHour, I was in 2 minds as to whether to sign up. Honestly while it seemed a unique experience, I was not too sure running blindfolded. Hence when I was offer a slot, my question was whether I had to do the blind run. When it was confirmed that I didn’t have to, I sheepishly signed up for the 10km run.

Workshop and Race Pack Collection

I was also asked to attend the RunningHour workshop which I had blogged on previously. In short, it was great workshop which gave information on this great initiative as well as a hands-on session on guiding the disabled runners.

Race pack collection was at City Square Mall which was once again great for me. The contents of the race pack were simple but sufficient for the run. In addition, the t-shirt somehow beckon to me and perhaps with an intention to integrate with the other runners, I made the rare decision to put on the event t-shirt during the run (as per encouraged in the guidebook as well :p)

Simple race pack with the essential items

Race Day

Arrived at the start point about 10 minutes before the race started and was happy to note a rather good turnout for the event. As the participants for the blind run waited, the competitive runners went off at 0700hrs. All three groups of pacers(50 mins,1hr and 1hr+10mins)which included the visually challenged runners, went off at a rather fast pace. I chose to go at a slow pace as I ran along a familiar path along MBS. At the helix bridge I finally caught up with the 1hr 10mins pacers and even went past them as we proceeded to Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Barrage.

Failing to note the route prior to the run, I was abit surprised to have to go up to the top of the Marina Barrage. As always, I slowed down to a walk to catch my breath during the climb up 😛

As we went across the Marina Barrage, I resumed my jog till the u-turn point at the base of Benjamin Sheares Bridge where I took another break before resuming. On the way back, I noticed the blind run runners making their way to the u-turn point as well. I also noticed the RunningShots photographer with the squid hat – Sotong, who had previously allowed me use of his photos. As I saw how he encouraged runners as they ran past him, it made me appreciate these enthusiastic photographers even more.

The way back was basically the reverse of the first half of the run and as I neared the Helix Bridge, the same group of pacers caught up me. Along the short stretch along MBS, I could sense the camaraderie between the guides and the runners as they motivated each other and joked as they hit the final stretch. ‘Stealing energy’ from them, I managed to keep pace with them and crossed the finish line with them and was rewarded with a unique medal.

Small but unique reward at the end of the run

Later on while waiting for my friends to finish their 5km run, I realized that the Runninghour group which did the 10km actually did the 5km as well – someone should have told us we could do that! But seriously, it again shows the boundless energy this group of runners has.

It was a good workout along a comfortable route on a Sunday morning. I must say that it is also unique to be running alongside the special needs runners and you really could draw inspiration and energy from them – I had not done a 1hr 10min for 10km for awhile and not expecting one on a day where I only had 5hrs of sleep – but somehow I did it that morning. Should this run return next year, I promise – if am not a running guide by then – I will do the blindfold run.

Thank You, Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Befitting as I write this review of a run that promotes integration amongst runners with special needs, I like to do a simple thank you to a great man whose vision was an all-inclusive nation for all Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion. Honestly, this was never my plan when I started this review but as I wrote about the landmarks along the route – Benjamin Sheares Bridge, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage to name a few, I was reminded of our founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

It was heartening to know that like many of us, he was a runner too. But we all know he was more than that, for he was a leader that built a nation that we runners can safely go running late in the night or early in the morning without fearing for our safety, it is in this nation that we can find so many places to indulge in our activity. The next time I put on a bib with SIN or the Singapore flag while running overseas, I will be reminded of not just the fact that I am Singaporean but also to be grateful for this man who had made it all possible.

Thank you Sir, you will be missed.

Win an Oster® My Blend® Blender

Team JustRunLah!

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March 31, 2015

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Kick-start your mornings!

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Project Love Sneaker V

Team JustRunLah!

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March 31, 2015

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Shoes. When everything else is optional, they are the single, most important thing for running. Runners know this, and for this, we love our shoes. We buy multiple pairs, and rotate them according to the type of surface we intend to run on. We keep a close eye on the cushioning and the tread wearing thinner and thinner, and once we hit 800km on a pair, we wistfully retire them, knowing their best days are over.

Many of us love our shoes so much that even as we wisely re-invest in a new pair of runners to prevent injuries, we still hold on to our old pairs. Some hold precious memories like our “first race” shoes, while others, we keep them for practical purposes like for going out. But what if there is a better way to love your shoes? What if you gave them a second life, while improving the lives of those in need?

Project Love Sneakers V – Give Shoes. Give Love.

Project Love Sneaker is a shoe-donation drive organised by Running Lab to serve the running community’s desire to recycle their “retired” running shoes that are still in good condition. Started in 2010, this shoe-donation drive is now in its 5th year running and will be held from 1 to 30 April 2015 at all Running Lab stores.

Project Love Sneakers has increasingly gained traction and interest not only within the running communities but the general public over the years. Running Lab has been dedicated and committed to reaching out to a wider audience and spread the meaningful notion behind this campaign, and this year is no different.

Why We’re Doing This

Running Lab is a specialty running store retailing technically advanced running apparel, accessories and footwear. Staffed by sports trainers and experienced runners, customers are assured of the right expertise recommending the right pair of shoes for their foot types. The objective is simple – maximise performance, reduce the risks of injuries. More than just a business venture, Running Lab not only promotes fitness and a healthy lifestyle, it is also in the DNA of Running Lab to give back to the society.

It has been observed that regular runners replace their running shoes after clocking in certain mileage, typically 600 to 800km. Most of the time, these shoes are still in relatively good condition and it is wasteful to dispose them. That’s why in 2010, Running Lab decides to provide an avenue for runners to give a second life to these used running shoes. To donate the used shoes for a worthy cause and make a difference to the lives of the less fortunate.

[ot-video type=”youtube” url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL9evLVIn6I”]

What We Want

This year, we want to collect 2,000 pairs of shoes to help as many poverty and disaster-stricken people in the Philippines. Running Lab wants to inspire as many individuals this year to contribute.

Who Will Benefit?

Sagip Kapamilya is the emergency humanitarian assistance program of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc, which provides food and non-food relief to affected communities of disasters, as well as engage in rehabilitation and disaster risk reduction projects. Since 2004, Sagip Kapamilya (SK) has been very active in Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Operation (DRRO), serving those in local and remote communities. Since then, millions of families, particularly children, have benefited from these services. However, the mission does not cease after relief operation, and ongoing support is the essence to a lasting community rehabilitation effort. Your old pairs of shoes will make a world of difference to those in need.

What You Get

Donate your used running shoes in clean and re-usable condition during the donation drive and receive a $50 voucher which can be used to purchase a new pair of shoes.

Where to Go

RUNNING LAB, Funan
#02-31, Funan Digital Mall . Tel: +65 6336 6775

RUNNING LAB, Novena
#01-47, Velocity @ Novena Square . Tel: +65 6253 1998

RUNNING LAB, Westgate
#03-18, Westgate (Jurong East MRT) . Tel: +65 6465 9522

JustRunLah! is proud to be the Official Online Media

Runner’s Profile – The Running Husband

Team JustRunLah!

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March 31, 2015

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Busy work schedules full of deadlines to meet, family to spend time with and kids to take care of, social gatherings to attend and personal interests to pursue. When the list of things to do each week seems to be never-ending, and 24 hours in a day is simply not enough, running can quickly fall to the bottom of your priorities. However, as the English brewer, philanthropist, writer, and member of Parliament Charles Buxton famously said, “You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it.”

Instead of trying to find the time for running, the following are some suggestions on how it can be incorporated into your hectic lifestyle, by making some small but effective changes.

A Family Activity

Recall how once upon a time, running was all about having fun? With your children, you get to re-live this experience. When you choose to take your family running with you, remember that the ultimate aim is to simply sweat it out, de-stress and enjoy the quality time bonding with your loved ones. This is not the time to be working on negative splits, building your stamina and endurance. Save those for another time. Instead, look at this as a great opportunity for your children to gain exposure to the benefits and fun of sports from a young age, and adopt a healthy lifestyle as a family.

Increasingly, big races around Singapore are incorporating a category for children; these are usually short distance sprints and dashes. These are usually part of the race day activities designed to get the whole family involved, when only one member is racing. Alternatively, you can also sign up for various family-themed races organized in Singapore, such as the Cold Storage Kids Run or POSB Passion Run, and race together as a family. Thinking of signing your little ones up for a family running event? Take a look at our race calendar.

Boys’ Night Out

Instead of the weekly late night drinking sessions with your buddies, why not switch it up by making it a night run instead? For a start, pubs, clubs and bars are hardly health-promoting environments between the overly loud music and the smoke-filled atmosphere. Alcohol and bar snacks are loaded with empty calories and leave you feeling all bloated as you head home for the night, only to wake up the next morning with the size of a hangover directly proportional to your age.

Instead, start a running group with your buddies and colleagues at your workplace and organize weekly day and night runs to turn back the clock. There are many places around Singapore that have well-lit paths, making them suitable for running or jogging at night, along with picturesque night views and cooling weather.

If you intend to run in the dark, please be advised to dress appropriately; it is in your own best interests to increase your visibility to other road users. Some running apparel have built-in reflectors on them, but white or bright-coloured running attires will do just as well.

Skip the Petrol and Gas

If your workplace is within a reasonable distance from home, travelling to your office by foot can easily become your workout in the morning and/or evening. Not only is it multi-tasking, it also saves you time, be it finding a parking spot your car, wait for public transport or simply avoiding the morning crowd. And think about the savings on transportation costs! Given the climate in Singapore, you may wish to bring a change of clothes to your workplace, and take a quick shower before starting work.

Sometimes, you may also be able to literally “run” your errands. Quick trips to the bank, post office, coffee shop or supermarket for emergency purchases that can be carried by hand, are all little opportunities to squeeze running into your day.

“Nobody is too busy, it’s just a matter of priorities”. Regardless of how hectic your life is, with proper planning and prioritizing of what matters most to you, it is possible to fit running in.

Interview with Jenny Huang, Ultramarathoner and Super Mom

Team JustRunLah!

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March 30, 2015

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Interview with Jenny Huang, Ultramarathoner and Super Mom

As running grows increasingly popular, it becomes clear that the success of this sport lies in its accessibility to anyone and everyone. Age, gender, and one’s starting fitness level are no barriers to taking up running, nor are they predictors of one’s subsequent growth and performance as a runner. Sometimes, the most successful runners break all stereotypical notions of what a runner is. For instance, take our next interviewee Jenny Huang.

Mother of two, physiotherapist, and a “late bloomer” who’d only taken up running after her two children started in school. From her humbling beginnings of tackling small distances on Singapore’s Park Connector Network, she became the fastest woman in the 2013 Sundown Ultra Marathon, clocking an impressive 10:38 performance for her first 100km endurance race. In this interview, she shares with JustRunLah! her thoughts on training and racing, the ultramarathon experience, what inspires her, and some words of advice to runners contemplating an ultramarathon themselves.

Read on for more details…

JustRunLah!: We know that you are a chirpy and an inspiring runner. How will you introduce yourself to Singapore running community?

Jenny: I grew up in Texas, born in Taiwan; I am truly a ‘banana’. Basically, I’m a hybrid of being a loud Texan and a very studious Taiwanese. Here in Singapore, I’ve been called a ‘kantang’ (Hokkien for potato) – that nickname always makes me think of carb loading. I speak American English, Taiwanese, basic Mandarin and basic Spanish. I try not to tell others that I can understand Hokkien or Mandarin here in Singapore so I know what they really think about me! My life revolves around my two kids Zoe age 14 and Austin age 11; but I also make sure I find time for my own-self in running.

JustRunLah!: What inspired you to start running? And run so far?

Jenny: As most parents know, we live to serve our kids and when my kids were young, I had no time for myself until my youngest started at local preschool. And I chose running to lose the last 7 kg of the last pregnancy weight! That said, I have always loved the idea of running especially when my mom shared her stories of her competitive track days. I started with short distances but I ramped up the time when I needed the runner’s high to kick in. I started running farther and farther when my endorphins would kick in later. I suppose I’m an endorphin junkie.

JustRunLah!: What would you consider to be your biggest running achievement so far?

Jenny: My biggest achievement in running thus far is finding myself IN running. I suppose I can’t really put a measure on one race vs any other as I love every single one. And quite honestly, I love the whole journey in training that leads to each race. And from these races, I find myself, I find my focus, I find my body being pushed to what it has been trained to do on that day.

JustRunLah!: What is your favourite running route in Singapore?

Jenny: I love running MacRitchie Trails and I love the Singapore River-MBS-Gardens by the Bay route. I always feel ’reborn’/cleansed in sweat after finishing those runs.

JustRunLah!: You ran a very impressive 10:38 for the Sundown Ultramarathon, and were the only woman to crack the 11 hours mark! When and how did the idea coming into your mind to tackle a 100km race? And how long did it take you to prepare for that?

Jenny: The whole idea of doing an ultra came from Steven, my fiancé who wanted to conquer the 100km that year. So I decided I would take on that same challenge. When I signed up for that race, I didn’t know my dad was sick and by the time I did, my training days became my way to deal with my dad’s stage four liver cancer. It took me six months to train for the 100km ultra, but I started with an aerobic base to run a marathon.

JustRunLah!: In your opinion, what are the biggest differences between a marathon and an ultramarathon?

Jenny: Both distances are to be respected: a 42 km and a 100 km both have walls. But the biggest difference is the training and the mental focus. The strategy is the same: pace yourself. The ultra requires more focus to know both how the legs feel and how the mind will pull you through after the 50km mark.

JustRunLah!: What advice would you give to someone contemplating an ultramarathon? Just Run Lah?

Jenny: Train well. Train every day. Injuries will happen but keep the stamina up by cross training pain-free. Rotate 3 pairs of shoes. Use anti-chafing sticks every run. Run trails at least twice a month to challenge different running muscle groups and reduce injury risk.

Image credit: John Tan: Image JxRpress Productions (Facebook)

$5.00 Discount code for Real Run 2015

Team JustRunLah!

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March 30, 2015

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JustRunLah! is proud to be the Official Online Media of Real Run 2015 and bring you another exclusive discount!

Use promo code JRLRR2015 during registration and get a $5.00 discount from the public fee.

Special price after discount:

	10km	5km
Early Bird period	$ 50	$ 40
Normal Period	$ 55	$ 45

Register now at realrun.sg!

JustRunLah! is the Official Online Media for Real Run 2015

Heroes’ Run

Team JustRunLah!

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March 30, 2015

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Your breathing is laboured. You are drenched in sweat. You have lost all sense of time, but it feels as if you’ve been running for an eternity. The hard asphalt that jarred your joints, the inclines of the winding trail sucked your energy, and as you dig your heels into the shifting sands, your muscles start to cramp, and you wonder whose great idea it was to design such a punishing race route. You grit your teeth and repeat the mantra “one last km… one last km…”

But as you cross the finish line and embrace the sweet relief of taking a much-needed rest, consider this: there are those among you right now, whose responsibility require them to be ready at any moment to run as you just have with one big difference – there is no known finish line.

Singapore’s toughest 10KM race route was specially designed to evoke certain life values to recognise Home Team NSmen’s contributions to make Singapore safe and secure. Our NSmen work tirelessly to serve our community, day in, day out.

Each day may present an opportunity to run yet another “race” to safeguard the lives around them. A race against time to prevent a crime, or even saving a person’s life. The race has no pre-determined distance – it might simply be a 200m sprint, or a much longer chase. The race has no pre-planned route – they may have to run up flights of stairs, in the mud, and of course, the road, the trails, and even on the sand. The race has no “hydration points”, nor “fuel stations”, no supporters cheering them on, and no finish line in sight until the job is done and dusted.

So, as you revel in your performance at the 10^th edition of the HomeTeamNS REAL Run, take a moment to look around you, into the faces of the people who run a “daily race” in the name of serving our country and protecting us, as well as our loved ones. To the SPF & SCDF NSmen, we salute you!

Happy 20th anniversary HomeTeamNS REAL Run!…

Use promo code JRLRR2015 during registration and get a $5.00 discount from the public fee.

Special price after discount:

	10km	5km
Early Bird period	$ 50	$ 40
Normal Period	$ 55	$ 45

Find out more information about the race and register now at realrun.sg!

JustRunLah! is the Official Online Media for Real Run 2015

Runners’ tribute across Singapore to Mr Lee Kuan Yew (Photo Collage)

Editorials

Team JustRunLah!

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March 28, 2015

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Runners’ tribute across Singapore to Mr Lee Kuan Yew (Photo Collage)

JustRunLah! presents a collection of images contributed by various running groups and individuals around Singapore, paying tribute and choosing to remember our Founding Father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, in various ways. While we may be affiliated with different running clubs and societies, we stand united as one single running community – the Singapore running community.

23 Mar 2015 SGRunners: Our condolences. May he Rest in Peace.

23 Mar 2015 Queenstown Backyard: Farewell run to Our Country’s Founding Father.

27 Mar 2015 Dr Mok Ying Ren paying his respects and writing his tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew, founder of modern Singapore.

28 Mar 2015: Gei Gei Running Club’s Run for LKY, 7:15-8:15am @ Esplanade

28 Mar 2015 Pierce Reservoir Runners: Special Tribute Run In Honour Of Our Founding Nation Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Mar 28-29 91km @ Twilight Ultra: In honor of Mr Lee Kuan Yew 91km, 31.8km, 9.1km, 7:20 pm @ F2 East Coast

29 Mar 2015 The Morning Greeters: A tribute run for a special someone, 7:15am @ Raffles Statue

Mr Lee Kuan Yew has run the marathon of his life. He had run it strong, he had run it well, and he has earned a much-deserved podium finish. Fellow runners, the race is not over. The baton is being passed over to us – we, the fortunate ones, who continue to reap what he has sown. We have inherited the legacy, and it is our privilege and our responsibility to continue marching forward, as one united people.

Thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

– Singapore’s united running community

Cover image source: MacRitchie Runners 25

LOVE… What It Meant This Week

Peter Tan

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March 27, 2015

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It has been close to a week of massive outpourings of appreciation and gratitude for our beloved founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The extensive love and respect for him vividly displayed by Singaporeans is evident.

Love. What is that?

Buddies, look, hear and feel all that had happened over the past few days. That is LOVE. A genuine one. Others say we like to complain, but, we certainly know how to LOVE.

Sir,

You have made me realise that if you are passionate about a certain thing, you go all out to make sure everything falls in place accordingly. You do not stop till objectives and results are achieved. Love your passion and you won’t have to spend another day in the office.

You have made me realise that community is universal, and everyone deserves rightful respect, regardless of race, language or religion. Love your community and they will appreciate the work you have constantly put in for them.

Love you spouse. Love your family. They are your pillars of strength. They will be there for you in times of need. They will be there for you when you are lost. They will be there for you when you are down.

Today, I thank you for my wife and two kids living in a beautiful and secure country. Today, I thank you for a group of running community with the same interest, enjoying their passion. Today, I thank you for showing us what is LOVE.

Appreciate this unique bonding among Singaporeans. Appreciate the chance to show ourselves as one united nation. Appreciate the chance to call ourselves Singaporeans.

Love, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation.

Peter

Co-Founder, JustRunLah!

“At the end of the day, what I cherish most are the human relationships… It is the friendship I made and the close family ties I nurtured that has provided me with that sense of satisfaction at a life well lived, and have made me what I am.” Lee Kuan Yew

From A Runner, Thank You Mr Lee Kuan Yew For…

Peter Tan

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March 27, 2015

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From A Runner, Thank You Mr Lee Kuan Yew For…

As a runner, an active athlete, I have been thinking for days what should be the appropriate tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. A lot has been said on other social media platforms on his achievement covering almost every areas on his abilities, foresight and leadership.

In my opinion, in a runner’s context, Mr Lee ran the best ultra marathon ever, never a simple road ultra, but a trail ultra marathon with the steepest of gradients, faced with the most challenging of circumstances.

Today, I wish to share what runners have benefited from all his abilities, foresight and leadership. Therefore, instead of lessons learned, I wish to share my appreciation for what I have been enjoying as a runner.

Sir,

Thank you for the beautiful parks we enjoy as runners.
Thank you for the freedom of being able to run freely and securely at all hours of the day/night.
Thank you for the clean drinking water from water fountains, during our water breaks.
Thank you for the clean toilets which are free of charge, during our toilet breaks.
Thank you for the variety of running routes.
Thank you for greenifying our city, providing unpolluted air for us to enjoy during our runs.
Thank you for the social cohesion and harmony, that we can have multi-racial running buddies.
Thank you for the financial stability, so that we can enjoy global sports products and services at ease.
Thank you for showing us that determination and hard work will pay off!
Today, as a runner, I say thank you for allowing me to find my passion in running.

Peter

Co-Founder JustRunLah!

Tribute Run for Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Singapore

Team JustRunLah!

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March 24, 2015

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As we all mourn the passing of the man who built the Singapore that we know and love today, the endless tributes flow in from all around the world, paying homage and sharing memories of our late first prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

But how can we properly thank someone who has dedicated his whole life to creating a country?

How can we express gratitude to someone who has led us from poverty to prosperity, from yet another post-war-torn, post-colonial island with slim chance of survival, to a country of international renown, from its education quality to its cuisine and gastronomy to its high standards of governance?

How can we pay due respects to someone who, when the rest of the world had given up on us, took on the challenge to unite a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural mixed bag and forged a single national identity?

Sometimes, we can’t.

When words can only go so far, runners like ourselves find solace in running. We run to escape our grief, but we run also to express our grief. Sometimes, we run to share our grief, and it is in this spirit of bonding in our nation’s dark hour that a running club in Singapore has organized the Run for LKY.

Run for LKY, 28 March 2015

Announcement from Gei Gei Running Club – 25 March

Dear fellow runners,We are extremely touched by the immense support shown by fellow runners for “Run for LKY” this coming Saturday. The strong support we have received shows that there are many Singaporeans who are extremely grateful to what our founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew has done for the nation. The overwhelming response (as of now, the number of runners is almost 500) is not something that we have anticipated. Due to the large number of turn-ups for this run plus saftey concerns from fellow runners, we have decided to change our plans for the run.For safety and security reasons, we will no longer be meeting at 7.15am and running together as a group. Runners are free to do your own runs between 7.15am to 8.15am from Esplanade towards Parliament House (Route to be confirmed tomorrow) on Saturday morning. You can run/walk in small groups, either with your friends, family members or with your running club. You can observe 91 seconds of silence before the run and bow 3 times near Parliament House (we will no longer run pass Parliament House as that area is cordoned) and u-turn back towards Esplanade. Runners are encouraged to dress in black as a form of mourning and respect for Mr Lee. Please maintain low noise and decorum and respect when you are near the Parliament House.We are doing this purely to remember Mr Lee’s contribution to the nation and out of our deep love for him. We hope all runners feel the same and do the same too. We apologise for the changes and we hope for your understanding in this. It’s the thought that counts.

Best Regards
Gei Gei Running Club.

Let’s come together as ONE running community, regardless of race, language or religion and pay our respect to OUR Mr Lee Kuan Yew. You are invited to join in the tribute run this Saturday – organised by Gei Gei Running Club – with fellow runners who wish to keep Mr Lee Kuan Yew in memoriam. The details are as follows:

Estimated distance: 3.18 km
Meeting Place: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Time: 7.15 am
Dress Code: Black
Bib: You can download your bib at this link: http://www.gei-gei-running-club.com/bib/lky/bib-lky.pdf

We will run from Esplanade Outdoor Theatre to Parliament House. We will observe 1 min of silence there and bow 3 times to pay our respect. We will then continue towards Clarke Quay and U-Turn back upon seeing the first bridge. There will not be any refreshments for this run. We are also not sure if the security will allow us to pass through Parliament. If not, we will just play by ear on the actual day. Runners who wish to run longer can continue their run on their own.

Running at this point may seem completely trite. Running will certainly not bring back this great man, but neither will words, nor tears. We run instead, to celebrate the life and the achievements of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and we run to honour the lessons and wisdom he has instilled and imparted to us.

Thank you, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, for all you have given us. You live on in the hearts of Singaporeans, who will strive to continue your life’s work in creating and maintaining the Singapore of your – and our – dreams.

Race Review: Green Corridor Run 2015 (by Elf)

Elf

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March 22, 2015

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Race Review: Green Corridor Run 2015 (by Elf)

Challenge Accepted

When I was first offered a slot for the Green Corridor Run I was slightly hesitant as I was not really a fan of trail running. Not that I didn’t like it but my previous experiences which included 2 NorthFace 100 25km runs, taught me to never underestimate the challenge of trail running. But since it had been awhile since I did a trail run, I decided to take on the challenge.

Race Pack

Race pack collection was at City Square Mall was a breeze. Collection basically took less than 5 minutes and add in a 15 minutes walk to and from the Mall, I was back in the comfort of my place with my race pack in under 45minutes. The race pack content was quite standard – bib, running top, vouchers and reusable bag as well as a Green Rail Corridor map which gave a glimpse of the route.

Race Day

One of the few runs in Singapore in which I was able to wake up at 7 and happily hop onto a bus to the Tanjong Pagar railway station. As I approached the railway station, I recollected the few times as a boy my father bringing me to the station to pick up my grandauntie whenever she came to Singapore as well as the last time I took a train out from here as I made my way with my uncle to witness Singapore winning the Malaysia Cup for the last time in 1994. I believe many who join the race for the first time not only wanted to run along the green corridor but also to visit the station which has a rich history behind it. I found a spot to fiddle with my hydration pack(dug out from the storeroom after a few years of ‘cold storage) which I hoped could counter the effects of the potential heat.

Uncaged...from the storeroom — Uncaged… from the storeroom

As I heard the first wave flag off, I slowly made my way to the starting line. Unfortunately, the flag-off for the next wave was delayed for safety reasons as it seemed that the last runner from the first wave was taking longer than expected to reach one of the checkpoint – hence the 2^nd wave was made to wait under the sun on the remnants of the railway track at the station. Eventually after a 20 minute wait, the 2^nd wave got flagged off 0940hrs. The starting pace was relatively slow and I thought that it was the gravel and pebbles which was causing it. But as I near the 1^st kilometer mark, my concerns of the late start flag-off were confirmed as the heat got to me, as well as some of the other fellow runners. I could see some of them already walking(although it could also have been what they already doing from the start, ie treat this a Sunday stroll) and I myself already required a drink which was earlier than what I usually do. While my pace remained slow, I was able to make my way pass ‘the walking contingent’ along the way. Now most people who know me will know that I am never critical about slower runners or joggers – I myself being one of them, but my tolerance level for people who intend to walk for the whole distance is practically non-existent. While I applaud their intent to participate – they could either start at the back of the wave or rightfully start in the next wave. By choosing not to do so, they tend to make the run slightly more tedious and rather unpleasant.

Back to the run, the heat was not making it any easier and by the time I reach the 1^st water-point, I didn’t just had a couple of cups of water but also a longer than usual break before continuing. I pretty much did the same at the 2^nd water point and the effect of the heat was taking its toll as a handful of runners basically headed to the exit point where it seems that bus(es) were waiting to ferry them. It is never easy to drop out of a race but it is something which is prudent, especially when the risk of heat-stroke is there.

As the route ‘neared civilization’ around Commonwealth Drive and Tanglin Halt, you could basically see more people who probably use the Green Corridor for their weekly exercise, trekking by as well as on their bikes. At the 3^rd water-point at North Buona Vista, which was a vehicle overpass or rather previously a underpass for the trains, quite a few runners stop to take in ‘Street Art’(which you don’t normally see), which is probably one of the interesting aspect of this route.

As I left this last water-point, I was slightly apprehensive about whether I had enough water to beat the heat. Fortunately, it got slightly cloudier and this last stretch of the route was ‘greener’ with more vegetation and also ‘friendlier’ terrain. The fact that it was the last 2.5km probably helped and I was honestly quite thankful to cross the finish line intact. 😛

Points To Ponder

While I was making my way to the bus-stop (another rare occasion which I could also take a bus back home), I had a short conversation with a Irish runner. He also observed the walkers (I was not not the only one!) and in addition to what I mentioned he also brought up the point of safety – of runners being blocked. He also remarked that there seem a lack of running etiquette when it came to overtaking, walking and even stopping(don’t do it suddenly). But we both agreed that the width of this route (versus a roadrace) probably made the problems more obvious.

On the overall, this event is worth a try if you want to experience this unique route. But do note the heat that comes along with the late start time and hopefully organizers can do more to separate those who wish to do a Sunday leisure stroll in another category as well as remind participants on some of the etiquette to make this run a safer and more enjoyable event.

How running changes my life

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sgfever

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March 21, 2015

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HI to all JRL readers, I am You Liang, 23 this year. Before I start off with the normal race review entries, I would like to talk more about how running changes my life. Maybe after reading my stories, some of you are able to tell more of your non-runner friends,to motivate them to make their first step.

Since young, I did not really enjoyed running, in fact, I hate running. Running to me is a torture, I always ask myself, why did we had to run? Why are we being force to take the 2.4km run? This mindset of mine does had a impact of how I looked like back then.

See, this was my size during 2012 May, 95kg. Actually, all along I was always around this size. This size makes me very difficult whenever it comes to choose clothes, maneuver in crowded places, and many many more. To be honest, during those period of time, despite having quite a few disadvantages, I was comfortable with my size. Until one day, while I was sitting along Bedok Reservoir looking at groups and groups of people running past me, a few questions flash through my mind. Why am I satisfy with my size? Why must I stay in this size? Why have I not done anything to lose weight? So later on that evening, I decided to make a change in my life. I decided to go for my “first run”. The reason I choose to run is because that I don’t know what else can I do to lose weight beside running, and running is the only sports that I could do with just a running shoes and no other equipment. So I did my first 5km run around my house area, and I spend 40 over minute to complete the run. It was very tiring and I still don’t like running, but I felt a kind of satisfaction when I completed it. At least, I felt that I had contributed to my weight losing plan. So the following day, I forced myself out of the house to do the same thing again. I told myself that I had to at least run 6 times a week. Of course beside running, I had to watch over my diet as well.

Around july 2012, I manage to see a little bit to hard work being paid off. I loss around 9kg from the day I started running.

The next few month after this weight loss was tough. I had to manage between studies,work,runs. So if I had to study on work very early in the morning,I had to wake up earlier to do my runs as by the time I reach home at night is always close to mid night.No one actually expected my determination to last so long, not even myself.

Jan 2013,7 months after I started running, I shocked everyone around me. When I posted my picture up to social media, question starts to come in. “IS THAT YOU?” “WHAT HAPPEN?” “ARE YOU IN THE ARMY?” lots of question all around.

See the difference? From 95kg all the way to 64kg, my effort for the past few months paid off. Also until then, I found my passion in running. Running no longer is a torture to me, it became part of my life, and I enjoy doing it. I did my first race in Feb 2013, the URUN 15km + OMB challenge. Subsequently, I did my first half marathon(2xu compression run) in march 2013,and my first full marathon(sundown marathon) in may 2013. I also achieved my personal best of 3hr 53min for full marathon duing that first FM I joined.

Now, 2015 March, I had glad that I still maintain the weight, completed 5 Full Marathon and quite a few other races. Along this 2 years, I met quite a few great running friends as well. I am happy that my determination was right, if not all these would not had happen to me.

So I hope to use to opportunity to share my stories with all the JRL readers. Runners, keep up your this running passion. As for non running, a lot of things can be done, it all depends on how much efforts you are willing to put in. This is how running changes my life,I hope after today, it change yours too. So what are you waiting for? JUST RUN LAH!

Interview with Soh Hua Qun, SEA Games 800m and 1500m representative

Team JustRunLah!

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March 20, 2015

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Interview with Soh Hua Qun, SEA Games 800m and 1500m representative

As the SEA Games 2015 draws ever closer and Singapore is stepping up its preparations to host the 28th edition of the events, its representative athletes are working just as hard to ready themselves for June. In this interview, JustRunLah! catches up with middle distance runner, Soh Hua Qun. Despite the 24-year-old’s recent struggle with injuries, he ran the 1500m in 4:06.02 and 800m in 1:58.79 at the recent Inter-Varsity Polytechnic (IVP) Championships, earning first and second place in the respective events. With his ability to perform in the face of adversity, he’s dubbed Singapore’s best hope in the 800m and 1500m events.

Read on for more details…

JustRunLah!: What’s your running story? Who/what got you running?

Hua Qun: I’ve loved playing sports since I was young. I relished the adrenaline rush whenever I played catching or blind mice with friends, when I could inject quick bursts of speed at will and escaped the clutches of my friends. It was only at the age of 10 when I started taking part in a proper track race and won all the races (200m, 400m and 800m and 4x100m) with school shoes. Mr Affendy, the track coach of Townsville Primary (my primary school), spotted me and wanted me to join their track team. My mother was strongly against it due to my commitments to studies and CCAs – I was already involved in badminton, robotics, swimming and art and craft classes but I managed to convince her by working harder in my studies.

My love story with running began with this track team when I started working on the specific areas of sprints such as drills and accelerations. I enjoyed the camaraderie with my team-mates as we worked on every aspect of baton-passing and accelerations, practising our passing more efficiently. It was hard work but it paid off when my 4x100m team managed to emerge champion in the Nationals in 2002. I also attempted many events but the 800m seemed to intrigue me most, especially the part when it comes to fighting the lactic rush. Even though I came in 7^th for 800m during Nationals in 2003, I was hungrier for more.

When I enrolled in Catholic High, I embarked on distance running as my coach felt that I have more potential in longer distances. My endurance has enabled me to sustain a fast pace for long distances and coupled with my passion for speed workouts, I came to enjoy tactical races such as 800m and 1500m. My breakthrough in 1500m came in 2005 when my coach Mr Alan Koh worked greatly on my running economy to enable me to run more efficently and fast even under great training load. This enabled me to emerge champion and 1^st runner-up in 1500m during Nationals in 2005 and 2007 respectively.

It was in Raffles Junior College when I got to dabble with my favourite events, the 800m and 1500m. Mr Steven Quek (JC coach and current coach) incorporated sports science and pace management in his training. Furthermore, he made me realise the importance of taking care of one’s lifestyle habits, taking note of the rest, diet and training to maximise the benefits of training. His program that he planned for us in Raffles had enabled us to juggle studies and training well. Taking note of these distinctions had also aided me greatly to bring my middle-distance running to greater heights.

I took a break from competitive running during my National Service but decided to try out middle-distance events again, as I missed the adrenaline rush of sprinting. Furthermore, it was my dream to qualify for the SEA Games and win a medal for Singapore. Mr Steven Quek has aided in the planning of my training program and I managed to have the opportunity to work with many passionate athletes along the way to push our limits. Besides improving the timings of my races, I came to enjoy running much more in university when I got to meet like-minded peers who shared the same passion and joy for running. My breakthrough came when I managed to hit sub 4 for 1500m and 800m in 2012, but I failed to meet the qualifying mark for the 2013 SEA Games squad. It was then I set my sights on 2015 SEA Games.

I endured a setback in late 2013 when I had an accident during a fall and tore my patella tendon. I had surgery and I was wheelchair-bound for quite a while. I worked really hard during my rehabilitation as I had the desire to prove to other people that it’s possible to pursue their dreams despite the circumstances, as long as one doesn’t give up. Thankfully I am recovering well and currently working hard for my SEA Games dream and hoping to make my breakthrough soon.

JustRunLah!: You are currently a student at the National University of Singapore. What are you studying, and how do you balance your academic and athletic commitments?

Hua Qun: I’m currently studying Accountancy in NUS. I try my best to do away with any time-wasting activities during training to shorten the training hours. I also make sure that I sleep early and have adequate rest so that I can make the best use of the time in the day. I try to read up before and after lectures and tutorials to understand the materials faster.

JustRunLah!: You recently participated at the Institute-Varsity-Polytechnic (IVP) Championships, and bagged several impressive wins, placing 1^st for the 1500m, 2^nd for the 800m and 2^nd for the 4x400m events. Congratulations! Can you share with JustRunLah! readers, what has been the highlights of your running career/journey?

Hua Qun: My breakthrough came when I managed to run 1:55min in 800m and 4:03min in 1500m during Singapore Open 2012. I managed to perform well under race conditions in ASEAN University Games 2012 when I emerged 4^th in both 800m and 1500m, losing the bronze medal by about half a second.

JustRunLah!: And now you’ve made it onto the Singapore Athletics Association SEA Games 2015 training squad, and have been dubbed Singapore’s best hope in the 800m and 1500m events.

Hua Qun: Yes, I’ve been striving to excel in 800m and 1500m events ever since I returned back from my patella tendon injury. I hope to win a medal in these events at SEA Games on home ground. I have only attempted 5km and 10km events to evaluate my aerobic fitness from time to time.

JustRunLah!: How are you currently training and preparing for the SEA Games? You ran the ASEAN University Games with an ankle injury, is it better now?

Hua Qun: I have recovered from my ankle injury. My coach and I have raised the intensity and frequency of trainings to prepare for the upcoming SEA Games. I had also been working on more speed workouts as I foresee strong finishes by the foreign competitors.

JustRunLah!: What do you anticipate to be your biggest challenges at this event?

Hua Qun: I hope to win a medal for Singapore on home ground but a win is never predictable due to the tactics involved during a race. One of the challenges I will face would be to match up to the strong finishing kick that will be put up by the Vietnamese and Filipino competitors as they have great speed.

JustRunLah!: Conversely, do you feel there are any home-ground advantages to the SEA Games being held in Singapore?

Hua Qun: It would be the acclimatisation to the humidity and hot weather in Singapore, especially in the afternoon.

JustRunLah!: Who or what is your source of inspiration?

Hua Qun: David Rudisha, who continues to step up his game even when he met with countless setbacks.

JustRunLah!: Any advice for aspiring young athletes out there?

Hua Qun: Give your best in everything you do and be daring to pursue your dreams. Leave no regrets.

JustRunLah!: Any message(s) you’d like to share?

Hua Qun: I would like to thank my NUS cross country team, my coach, my training partners and my close friends who have gone through this arduous yet fulfilling journey with me. Also, I would like to thank my sponsors ASICS for the training gear-shoes and apparel that had allowed me to run at my best and USANA for the health supplements that had kept me in the pink of health.

JustRunLah!: Finish this sentence: Running is…

Hua Qun: Running is… symbolic of life; to push yourself to overcome the obstacles and when you feel you can’t, search deep within for inner strength to realise that you are stronger than you thought.

Corrections: In an earlier version of this article it was stated that Hua Qun ran a sub-4 timing for the 1500m at the Singapore Opens 2012. The official time recorded for his performance at the event was 4:03.06.

Race Review: North East Compressport Run 2015 (by MJ)

MJ

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March 19, 2015

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Race Review: North East Compressport Run 2015 (by MJ)

The Race Day

Ring….ring….my trusty alarm clock rang at 4am. Jumped out of my bed and started preparing to move out.. Had my breakfast consisting of two pieces of bread and peanut butter. Changed into my race attire and did some light stretching before leaving quietly at 4.45am. Don’t want to wake up my wife and kids….

It was a long drive to Punggol Waterway Park, an unfamiliar place to me. Reached around 5.20am and managed to grab a parking lot at the nearby multi-storey carpark. Wow… a lot of race participants had reached there as well, all decked in the familiar neon orange t-shirt.

Made my way to the holding area and aimed for the mobile toilet. This is a must do pre-race routine, if not it would be extremely disruptive having to hunt for a toilet half way into a race…lol. There were ample toilet facilities but queues were already building up. After my toilet break, I moved to the start point and started my warm up exercises.

By 6.20am, the crowd had already built up all ready to start. The DJ had to speak to us in a low voice as we were near a cluster of flats. I find this amusing as we had to strain our ears to hear what he was trying to tell us. Around 6.25am, the pacers with their blue balloons started to stream in. Wah….. they have pacers for 2.30 hrs as well. I made a mental note to follow them and see if I could break my training time records of 2.35 hrs.

Soon, we were flagged off at 6.30am silently….lol…no horns..no loud music….ha ha…..So we started running ‘silently’. This was the first time I am running at Punggol Waterway Park. There were some construction going on next to the park connectors that were running on. But on a whole, it was a rather easy and flat route the runners.

As I was nearing the 5km mark, I saw the first runner streaking down the opposite side of the park connector, with a cyclist pedaling furiously to lead to the way…wow….(I understand that the winner of the half marathon came in at 68 minutes). Seeing him, I started to increase my pace, but soon dropped to my usual training pace. I completed the 1st loop of 10.5km at around 1:10hrs, and bump into the 10k runners who were just released from the start point. So it was rather squeezy from the 11km to the 15km mark, which slowed down my pace considerably. The 2nd loop also means a boring same route for the next 10.5 km. Some where around this distance, I passed by the energy gel point and grabbed a packet of GU energy gel (mandarin orange). I had never tried energy gel before and I was tempted to tear the pack open and glup the contents. But I decided otherwise, as it meant that I would need to start walking to do that, which would break my momentum.

I also started taking the isotonic drinks from the water points from the 11km mark onwards.. The isotonic drinks came in orange (or yellow?) and green and tasted rather saltish and made me thirstier. I decided to stop taking them after the 1st two cups and relied on my own supplies (100 Plus Edge) and the plain water from the water points. Luckily I had my trusty Redbull (in my waist belt bottles) and had sipped on them for every 2 km after the 11 km mark as well. It boosted my energy levels and make the race more enjoyable.

The crowd started to thin out after the 15km mark, and I picked up my pace. As I was coming on to the final km, I realised the finishing point was at the top of a low hill. To get there, I had to run up a rather steep slope which snaked around the low hilltop, and had to dodge the walker who were jamming up the route. As I crossed the finishing point, I glanced at my watch and realized that I had achieved a timing of 2.23 hrs!! A good 10 mins plus shaved off from my training best timings. I was very pleased with myself as I made my way to collect the banana, the 2nd half of the medal and the 1.5 litre of mineral water.

End of Race

Asked a fellow runner to help take the usual ‘victory’ post race photo, then did some warm down before heading home. It was a good 1st half marathon for myself. Thumbs up to the organizing committee as well for the smooth race, given the fact the they were volunteers.

Medal

The medal is a very unique design in that it had two pieces. You get the first one during the race pack collection and the other half only after you complete the race.

You can read more details on how I prepared for this race in my blog at runningat39.blogspot.com.

Cover photo: North East Compressport Run Facebook page

Rochor Canal – Great place for an evening romantic stroll

Personal

SG Unfit Runners

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March 17, 2015

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Rochor Canal – Great place for an evening romantic stroll

Running Date: 08/03/2015

“Transformed Rochor canal a hit with resident” screams the headlines on straits times. It was practically an open invitation for SG Unfit Runners to swing by the canal to check it out. So on that very Sunday, we gathered at Lavender MRT station and easily found a dolled up Rochor canal, just behind the immigration & checkpoint authority building. We had a special guest who joined us today, Ms S J, the cute daughter of Fang Tai who insisted on tagging along.

As soon as we had gathered, S J bolted off like an excited puppy with the poor mum chasing after her. We started a slow jog towards Bugis and we were obstructed by a two segment pedestrian crossing along Kallang road. It took us 5 mins to navigate that stretch and resume along the canal. A few hundred meters later, we came across another traffic junction along Syed Alwi Rd where we have to jog on the spot for a few minutes again.

Other than the 2 traffic junction, the entire route is a picturesque path with a lot of curvy wooden seats and glass barriers. The Rochor Canal used to be famous for being smelly and full of rubbish, but this has changed with the revitalization. I can imagine this to be a top notch evening romantic walking spot for couples with seats to cuddle up under the warm orange glow of the lamp post.This is a great route for evening strolls but not fanatic for a running routes with two major traffic junctions.

The 2 leg pedestrian crossing at Kallang Road

A vegetable garden at the nearby HDB estate

On the hand, if you want to have a smooth running path without any traffic junction, you can head east wards towards Kallang River whereby you have the choice to head towards Kallang Riverside park or along the south bank where it will take you to Singapore Flyer and if you feel like it, a victory run around Marina Bay.

There is an underground pass linking the new Rochor Canal to the Kallang River route and underpass acts like a time traveling tunnel. On one end, the sparkling new Rochor Canal and the old rusty Kallang River route.

The older looking Kallang stretch after the tunnel

I will strongly recommend that you try out that tunnel. It is somewhat magical!

We ended the run at the very nearby North Bridge Road Food Center. There are another 3 coffee shop around the region and there are tons of famous hawker food around the area.

Overall, I will say that starting the run at Lavender MRT station offers a bit of something for every runner. A short scenic route through a revitalized canal in one of the oldest HDB housing at the heart of Singapore or a long scenic route along the beautiful Kallang River. Throw in one of the best food center in Singapore and you have one of those perfect early morning running route suitable for both Fit and Unfit runners.

One of the famous store in the food center

Visit SG Unfit Runners for more routes for absolutely unfit people. Don’t visit us if you are very fit and do ultramarathons without breaking a sweat! SG Unfit Runners is a finalist at the Singapore Blog Awards.

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Sir,

Thank you for the beautiful parks we enjoy as runners.

Thank you for the freedom of being able to run freely and securely at all hours of the day/night.

Thank you for the clean drinking water from water fountains, during our water breaks.

Thank you for the clean toilets which are free of charge, during our toilet breaks.

Thank you for the variety of running routes.

Thank you for greenifying our city, providing unpolluted air for us to enjoy during our runs.

Thank you for the social cohesion and harmony, that we can have multi-racial running buddies.

Thank you for the financial stability, so that we can enjoy global sports products and services at ease.

Thank you for showing us that determination and hard work will pay off!

Today, as a runner, I say thank you for allowing me to find my passion in running.

Run for LKY, 28 March 2015

Challenge Accepted

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Medal

Cover photo: North East Compressport Run Facebook page