Yesterday was the inaugural run organised by Compressport – its main aim being to bring Singapore’s running community together.  I was excited to be part of this run, which started at Nicoll Highway, one of my favourite race routes.

I decided to sign up for the 10km category, while my husband opted for the 5km run. Participants in the 10km category received Compressport compression calf sleeves, which I was eager to try out.

Race pack collection was at City Square Mall and there were no queues when I went on the Saturday afternoon.  As well as the Compressport calf sleeves, the pack contained the race event singlet and some vouchers from the sponsors.  I must admit, I’ve had better swag in a race pack, but the calf sleeves won me over.

The 10km event flagged off on time at 6.30am.  This is my favourite time to race as it’s generally cooler and you get to see the sun rise as you run.  My husband and I got to the race village a little after 6am.  I headed straight to the pen to warm up and be part of the first wave of runners.  The route took us down Nicoll Highway, past the Singapore Sports Hub, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barrage and the Olympic Youth Park.

I thoroughly enjoyed the run as it’s a scenic route and some of it is familiar to me from previous races.  The route was generally flat but there were a few sharp bends and slopes along the way.  When the gun went off at start time, I made a conscious effort to hold back and not get swept along with the super-speedy runners, and in my case, be fit to collapse after 3km.  I tried to maintain a steady pace throughout, only starting to speed up when I hit 7km. There were 3 hydration points along the route, which I feel was ample for the run.

Delighted to see the finish line coming into view, I staggered over it just under 57 minutes (unofficial time) and although not a PB for me on this occasion, I was pleased with how I paced myself during the race.  After I’d caught my breath and collected my medal (yay!) and an ice-cold can of 100 Plus, I headed over to the start line where the 5km was about to be flagged off, to cheer on my husband.  While I waited for him, I had a wander around the race village chatting with some of the runners and chilled out at the stage area.

Overall, it was an enjoyable and well-organised race and I’d definitely sign up for next year’s event!

I signed up for the 10 Km race category with Compressport Run 2016 at the early stage. This is Compressport’s inaugural road run in Singapore.  Of course, Compressport is not new to most runners, I would think, and they organized the Compressport Rail Corridor Run (corridor run medal inset in featured photo) back in February which I also participated in.

I am fairly impressed by them and thought it is a more practical race pack that they did this round, though some may still complained of it being minimalist, compared to others. But in reality, you get much more value as you get a pair of calf sleeves which cost more than the early bird entry fees.

I was also early for the race pack collection and so I did get to choose the calf sleeves from at least 4 colors.  I took my favorite color blue.  I heard some friends who were there later didn’t get as many colors to choose, but to be fair, this limitation was stated clearly.  But since I had gotten a red pair of socks before, I was fine with different colors these days.  I could gift them to my sons or my brothers.  The red singlet was strikingly bright and vibrant in my opinion.

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The course was not unique to me though it was still a scenic route.  As my friend put it, if you start running more than 20 races per year, you may have come across most routes available in the city state of Singapore.  Though I was early, I ended up in wave 2 and was flagged off about 5 minutes after wave 1.  Completed the course in 1:09:53, not my best timing.  I guessed I might be suffering from some fatigue somehow.  Had been having a sore throat mid week.   I went right back after collection of the medal and the isotonic drinks and was able to join my family for breakfast even, near my home.  Still have not completely recovered from Plantar Fasciitis as the pain got worse the following day.  I had been following some stretching exercises recommended on youtube.

I’ll leave you with a final thought about running.  I find running or running found me two years ago.  Since then, I’ve run regularly, and signed up for races.  Like life, you can choose to run different races, be it just running races, halfs or marathons, obstacles courses, vertical marathons, aquathons and cycling as what I had done within two years.  But what’s more important is to enjoy the whole process – decision to sign up, train, prepare and race, recover, learn and repeat.  Sometimes you get your PB, sometimes you don’t.  Rare talents get their podium places but we all know that only it’s a handful or at most 10-30 persons who may be vying for podium finishes.   (In this specific race, 10 participants each in open and veteran categories could win prizes.)

But only if you enjoy the process, then you will enjoy running, you will learn to live well, and not merely survive.  On to the next race : The OCC Blueseventy Urban Aquathlon !

(Note : for those who are keen to catch their photos in the race, you could look at https://www.facebook.com/runningshots.sg/ where they have nice photos of races.  At time of release, I saw they have the 5 km race at their website.  More will probably be available over time by other photographers as well.  I’ve decided to skip the race photos for this round.)

Today, the 10th July 2016 is the first ever Compressport Run in Singapore. One of the main aims of the Compressport Run is for the running community to gather and run together and at the same time promote their brand as one of the world’s most popular compression wear. The starting point of the run is at Nicoll Highway. I joined the 10 KM category.

REASON FOR SIGNING UP

What attracted me to sign up for this run event was that the 10KM Run participants were entitled to one of Comperessport latest products, the Compressport Compression Calf Sleeves R2V2 which was worth S$79.00 and comes inbuilt with the latest Knee Support Technology. I thought it was a real steal and without hesitation, I decided to fill up and complete my registration!!

RACE PACK COLLECTION

Race pack collection was held at City Square Mall, Fountain Square from the 1st to 3rd July 2016. I went on a Sunday to collect around 16:30hrs. There wasn’t a queue at all and the collection process was really smooth and quick.

Though the collection was efficient, I was really disappointed when I went to collect my Compressport Compression Calf Sleeves R2V2. I only had 2 colours to choose from which was Black or White for my selected sizing. I chose the White colour.

[Top Pic: Some shots taken at the REPC]

What I thought could have been done better was to give participants an option to choose during registration what colour they would have preferred regardless their race category. This would give us a stronger reason to sign up because we know we would be getting something we want and at the same time, there won’t be any let down when race pack collection comes. It would be much easier for the organiser so that they can cater to everyone needs.

The race pack was a standard Compressport Tote bag, with some sponsors vouchers, Compressport Compression Calf Sleeves R2V2 (10KM) and the race event tee. I would have loved to see some samples or drinks inside but there weren’t any.

RACE DAY & ROUTE

The flag-off for the 10km was 06:30 hrs. Starting a run event earlier is a good idea as it’s much cooler running at that timing but there wasn’t any public transport available so my friend and I decided to take a cab down to the race site. We would have preferred for the organiser to have planned for shuttle buses so we didn’t need to spend an exorbitant taxi fax to the race site. A lot of the other runners were also requesting for shuttle services but there wasn’t that option given.

We arrived at the race site around 05:40 hrs and headed straight for the bag deposit area. Bag deposit service was smooth but a little slow and took up a bit of time. We then headed across the dark field towards the toilets which were near the stage. Thankfully the field was not muddy!! If not I think I would be squealing and trying so hard not to get my shoe dirty! More lighting around that area would have been a welcome because it was so dark. Queues at the toilets were long and we had to wait an estimate of 10 mins before it was our turn. After all the queuing and waiting, we made it to the START pen but not early enough to be in the first wave.

[Top Pic: A pre-race shot before heading to the START pen. Check out our tired faces. Imagine we had to wake up at 04:30 hrs in order to reach there on time.]

[Top Pic: My view of the START Line from where I was standing in the START pen]

The 2nd wave which as flagged off 5 mins after the 1st wave had gone. The route was a really scenic one!! One of my favourites so far among all the races I’ve participated in this year. The race took us from Nicoll Highway –> Singapore Sports Hub –> Tanjong Rhu –> Gardens By The Bay (East) –> Marina Barrage –>Gardens By The Bay (South) –> Over the bridge beside the Double Helix Bridge –> Olympic Youth Park –> F1 Pit Building –> Nicoll Highway (End). Never a dull moment!

[Route Map from Compressport Website]

Though the route was generally flat, there were small slopes that required quite a bit of effort. I felt the strain after the 6km mark and decided to slow down a bit and take some photos of the awesome sunrise that was happening in the distance.

[Top Pic: Me at the 6km mark just slowing down for a short break before continuing on.
Bottom Pic: The gorgeous sunrise along the route. ]

There were altogether 3 water points which were placed at various parts of the routes, mainly the 2, 5 & 7km marks. Though sufficient hydration points were planned but not all of them had isotonic drinks. Only the last one had 100 plus. Maybe the organisers could plan to supply isotonic drinks at all hydration points as this would really benefit the participants.

[Top Pic: Finally completed my workout!]

I completed my run with an unofficial time of 1 hr 13 mins. It was a good run and I’m glad that I got my weekend workout in! Overall the Compressport Run is a good run event but there’s definitely room for improvement which I’ve highlighted in this write-up! Till my next write-up, let’s all stay #LeanStrongAgeDefiant!

[Top & Bottom Pics: Post race wefies with friends]

— All photos by me unless specified —

The good deal about this run is that the race pack comes along with calves sleeves for the runners that signed up for the 10km category, that’s great because usually if you are to buy the calves sleeves it cost as much as the race fee already so signing up and get the calves sleeves free is one of the reason that I signed up for the run. I see it as a free run for buying the calve sleeves ? Thank you July for collecting the race pack for me! ?

Congratulations to many of my friends getting their PB and I finally got my PB too! Woohoo! ? Although I took 1 Hour 10 mins which is considered slow to fast runners but it is fast to slow runners ? I’m happy with my timing, it’s what that matters most right ?

This is my 3rd 10km race and my first two 10kms race I did really super terrible timing ? My first 10km race was Compressport run in green corridor during January, how I run 10km in 1 hr 40 mins is over here https://www.justrunlah.com/2016/01/31/race-review-compressport-rail-corridor-run-2016-10km-by-lingderella/ and I used 1 hr 20 mins in Home TeamNS Real Run over here https://www.justrunlah.com/2016/05/16/race-review-hometeamns-real-run-2016-10km-by-lingderella/ ?

So my friends and I reached the race village around 5.30am although the flag off time is 6.30am. It is actually not that early to consider that we want to go around chit chatting and taking photos and wefies ?

When July and I proceed to the start pen we were like OMG, it’s quite sad we can’t get into the first wave because we went queuing for the toilet. Something should be improvised for the toilet queueing especially every toilet cubicle have their own queue. And if you queue at the wrong queue because you are not that lucky, imagine how long you have to wait if the people on your queue is taking longer time inside ? Best is to make sure you have enough toilets so that the runners no need to queue ?

Actually, for those runners who wish to run in the first wave, is aiming of getting PB or getting podium should really be early. Or the organiser can let the runners know before hand that there will be a couple of waves to be flag off. I really pity those securities or if they are volunteers, their job is really not easy. July and I were in the second wave being separated from the first wave. Some runners are not very happy about it and argued with the securities/volunteer wanting to cut into the first wave. It’s really not very nice. No matter what, minutes later, we were also let into the first wave zone ?

I didn’t stop at any of the water points to take water because I don’t really drink much water usually when I run and I would only stop for water at longer distance runs. My friends are not really happy that the water at the water points are not cold at all but I’m satisfied with the cold can of 100 Plus given to us at the end of the run ?

Although the baggage deposit didn’t have queue when I went to deposit my bag as maybe I was still early, but the queue to collect my bag is very long ? To queue to collect our bags after a 10km run and under the sun is not shiok at all ?

The run is good. Enjoyed the route and scenery. Though the flag off time is 6.30am which is really not a good time and many runners have to take a taxi to the venue if they want to be flag off in the first wave and some of the public transport couldn’t get us there on time and shuttle bus services is not being provided.

Overall, I am happy to get a new medal to my collection of blings ?

After the Performance Series II at Jurong Lake I was signed up my 14th race of this year, the Singtel-Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer (RAC).   The event held at Angsana Green (East Coast Park) was in its 8th year, consisting of 5, 10 and 15 km races.  RAC is a race to save lives, aiming to raise funds for cancer treatment subsidies, welfare assistance, cancer rehabilitation, hospice care, free cancer screenings, research and public education initiatives.

No one should fight cancer alone – this event invites people of all walks of life to join in the fight and run alongside those who are impacted by cancer.  In some ways, this was a special run to me, as I believe in this fight against cancer.  Last year’s race was cancelled due to haze, but I donned the Tee-shirt and logged 15 km at the park nearby (the purple shirt). I am sure like myself, many do have friends or dear ones who had suffered or fighting against cancer somehow.   After collecting the race pack, I also wrote a small note of encouragement to the folks and family of patients to be pasted on the board provided.  ‘Carry on fighting, never give up, you are not alone.’

I reached Angsana Green early.  The race started a couple of minutes after 7.15 am.  I was in wave 1.  Minister Grace Fu again graced the occasion (as in previous week’s) but this time round she didn’t join in the race.  Some little superheroes were also on stage to start off the wave.  The route was straight forward and volunteers were enthusiastic.  There was only a minor mishap when a cyclist rode fast into the wave of runners from the opposite direction, tyres screeching to a halt.  I was close by and like others paused to check and then carried on when we saw no one was hurt.

Hydration points were spaced about 2 km apart and both water and energy drinks were provided.  I stopped only at a couple of them, trying to test my limits in hydration frequency.  I did consume an energy gel at mid point as I knew I would be running for more than an hour under the hot weather.   The weather was hot but everyone in first wave was fairly energetic.  But probably none beat Ah Siao (Gerrard Lin) who was running again with his tire.

I didn’t experience any pain in my feet during the run itself.   The condition of Plantar Fasciitis still haunted me as I woke up with slightly more pain this morning (day after), but pain was manageable still.

At finishing point, the finisher medal was given with a friendship bracelet made by patients/friends, water, energy drink and Yakult too.

Race results were released early this morning, and I was pleasantly surprised that I achieved my PB in 15 km this round (1:50:28), beating last year’s by about 10 minutes.  This was not fast by any standards but encouraging for an amateur ‘old’ runner.

Overall, another nice run, one for the Cancer patients, fighters and hope to run many more to come.  For improvements, I only wish that the race will start earlier given the hot weather we have in Singapore this time of the year, in future.  The other distances were flagged off after this, so you could imagine the heat of the sun as they finished the races.  Anyway, I’ll be doing another 10 km next Sunday – don’t know when I can recover enough to achieve my PB in 10 km.  Stay tuned…

Photo Credits are due to Tony Ton Ton Fun Shots for the nice race photos.