Whee, I did 5km on the treadmill today. Had been sometime since I’ve ran. It’s good to see me back to incorporating runs in my schedule since my injury last year. But I’ve been maintaining my fitness over the last months since I am in UK- With lots of inevitable daily cycling as well as weekly swims at the local indoor pools. Swimming here in Cambridge can be rather expensive too, costing £3.50 per entry, I get £1 off with a student card discount, but it’s still a far cry from the $0.90 whole day admission charge back in Singapore, and oh yes, on peak periods, you can stay in the pool for a maximum of 2 hours here in Cambridge- Bummer!

Good that I am still exercising with the exams coming in a little more than a month’s time. After all, a healthy body is a healthy mind!

In the third year running, the highly successful Mizuno Mount Faber Run is back again, taking runners through the sights of the southern hills of Singapore.

Race Details

Venue: Open carpark space between Block 121 & 123 Bukit Merah View
(There will be multiple tents erected in the carpark itself)
Distance: 10km
Race Start Time: 0730hrs
(No reporting needed, just arrive on time with Bib)
Registration Closing Date: 24rd May 2009

Getting There
Based as of previous year events, baggage deposit is provided for all runners at the surrounding HDB void decks near the event main tent.
Otherwise you can leave your bags in your vehicles (if you are driving), there are ample HDB parking lots around the area.
Nearest MRT station: Tiong bahru (head into the mature HDB estate opposite Tiong bahru park)
Buses: 961, 855, 197, 147, 14, 196 (From Jalan Bukit Merah)

Race Route (See map image above)
Distance about 10km, but with relief feats. Similar to last year’s race:

• Henderson road up skipping the industrial distripark, across the AYE towards Pasir Panjang road, then turning up the Mt Faber hill from Pender Road.
• Passing round the route through Mount Faber landmarks such as the cable car station and comm tower.
• Down Mt Faber from Faber lodge towards CHIJ at Bukit Purmei towards Tiong Bahru park, then Delta House before circling Gan Eng Seng School and back up to Henderson road for the finish.

Modes of Registration

1. Online registration
You can register online. Registration page.
Online credit card payment (only VISA or MasterCard) is accepted.

Online only, World of Sports & PAssion card members’ Promotion!

• First 500 World of Sports or PAssion card members will receive a FREE pair of Mizuno running socks (worth $8.90) on the Race Pack Collection Day.
• Indicate and key in your World of Sports or PAssion card number during your registration.
• A separate email will be sent to you 1 week before the Race Pack Collection Day.
• Present your confirmation slip, promo email, together with your World of Sports or PAssion card on the Race Pack Collection Day

2. In person, walk-in registration venues:

• Mizuno VivoCity #02-16 Tel: 6377 0261
• World of Sports AMK Hub #B2-14 Tel: 6752 4267
• World of Sports Jurong Point #02-29 Tel: 6792 0547
• World of Sports Tampines 1 #03-14/15 Tel: 6786 6705
• World of Sports Paragon #04-29/30 Tel: 6735 4187
• World of Sports Velocity @ Novena Square #02-69/72 Tel: 6259 9656

3. Registration forms are also available at the selected community centres:

• Henderson Community Centre
• Cairnhill Community Centre
• Radin Mas Community Centre
• Bukit Merah Community Centre
• Queenstown Community Centre
• Leng Kee Community Centre
• Tanjong Pagar Community Centre
• Tiong Bahru Community Centre
• Tanglin Community Centre
• Pek Kio Community Centre

Race Pack contents:

• Running Tee
• Runner’s Tag
• iTag for Electronic Timing
• Mizuno Waist Pouch (worth $29.90)
• Mizuno Limited Edition Running Singlet (worth $32.90)
• Lucky Draw Entry
• 30% Discount on Mizuno regular-priced merchandise

Excludes selected nett priced items. Other terms & conditions apply.

IWD Fun Run/Walk 2009 Details
Date: 1st March, 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 3.30pm Registration; 4.30 flag-off time
Venue: Bedok Reservoir Park
GOH: Ms Jessica Tan, MP for East Coast GRC

Registrations
Closing date of registration: 27th Feb 12pm
Open to both men and women can apply!
Registration Website

As part of IWD (International Women’s Day) 2009, SCWO will also be organising a fun run/walk to bring celebrations of International Women’s Day to the masses in Singapore. The run will be held on 1st March, 2009, Sunday at Bedok Reservoir Park near the floating platform.

Open to all, yes, even men, run enthusiasts can take part in this 4.3km run around scenic Bedok Reservoir Park with their families and friends! As this is a fun event, grandparents can also take part and walk instead of run! Registration can be done individually, in pairs or in groups of 5. Participants of this run will be getting a goodie bag, a free tee shirt as well a free health screening. On top of that, they can stand to win 3 air tickets to any destination of their choice, courtesy of Jetstar Asia, when they cross the finishing line first!

Enquiries:
Singapore Council of Women’s Organisation
http://iwd.org.sg/index.html
or email us at iwdrun [at] scwo.org.sg

SOCG Team:
Siting 96538845
Siew Hoon 91123995
Elizabeth 91886635
socg.campaign [at] gmail.com

Managed to get a preliminary list of all the running and sport events to be held in Singapore for this year. For more comprehensive details such as venues, organizers and external links, check out the listing on my main page under “Events”. You will be able to get a bird-eye’s view of the lineup to date.

Hope this list will prove useful for anyone planning out your 2009 running event calendar or a training schedule to suit the events you are intending to run. Do note that I’ve omitted MR 25 trail runs, if you wish to view the MR25 runs, you can check out their calendar here.

In addition to these dates, I will be sourcing out details which I will feature as event info on my blog when I get the details. I will still be confirming few more details with the event organisers for this year, at the moment these dates are more or less confirmed to date.

Behold! the runs and such for 2009!

Note: This list is non-exhaustive and more events will be added/updated over time. If you spot an error, feel free to let me know. Cheers and keep running!

With 2009 drawing to a near, one cannot help but reflect on the year’s achievements and set targets on for the next. There is no surprise too that “keeping fit” or “losing weight” are one of the top 3 resolutions anyone can make, with almost everybody looking for a fitter and leaner lifestyle for the coming year. The bad is that, well, not everyone like us is disciplined enough to keep to our plans, but seems there is help.

Popping by Nike+, you will be greeted by an array of neat new features, it seems that the flash-laden site is now very much more community based and runner orientated now. A neat feature is the running resolution feature which you can tie down with a nike+ sportsband to track your runs and targets.

Tracking your runs is rather similar to what I see with the polar online trainer, only that you do not get advanced features such a altitude, location, fitness and heart performance. The Nike+ web running aid is a mores simpler athletic tool which can be used by anyone down to someone just picking up running for a start. The best thing is that the Nike service is free- anyone with a Nike+ account, Nike sportband and the mad urge to run can use the the site features to track your runs based on number of runs, or distance covered.

Set and track your running targets here

Besides personal targets, the distance logged in your runs can be used for placings on the running leaderboards on the site in a competitive, but friendly way. For me, well the image above shows how many runs I intend to run in a month (8 runs) so the meter will progress as you slowly reach your goal or distance. If you are up to it, you can even join or create individual or team running challenges, each with their own array of objectives (distance, pace, etc) talking about exhibitionism and keeping in shape at the same time!

To make things even more interesting, the site also allows you to create your own Nike Mini Avatar, which you can say is a “Mii-like” avatar-tic representation of your when post your running logs online or gives you an identity when you join any of the running groups on the site itself. There are still quite a little more areas I yet to explore on the site, such as map route planner powered by Tele Altas and running teams which I won’t cover in detail, maybe you can check them out on your visit.

Create your own Nike Mini Avatar

I had not been running very regularly now, particularly last year end, I hope that with this and some discipline, I can possibility regain back my marathon-ready running fitness just like what I did the year before. I will update more of my 2009 running resolutions in a separate following post.

Related: Nike+ SG website

Its time of the year again and Christmas is around the corner. Thank god I’ve managed to get all those gifts, chocolate and greeting cards sent already, so I can very much relax for the week towards Christmas and manage a blog entry here as well, man it had been ages!

Some of my little indulges I made before Christmas will have to be this revolutionary sports bands a few of my track mates recommended me to use. Based on what they claim, it genuinely help in the aiding of muscle recovery and blood circulation to injured areas through a titanium ion resonance theory which originated from Japan. So what other better way than to pamper myself than to get few myself to try out. Lol, even if all those health benefits claims are bullshit, after all these necklaces look damn freaking sleek by themselves as a fashion accessory.

These bands are cool man, it’s like a must have for any runner out there. The thing is that though Phiten have their branches here in Singapore, namely their boutiques in Changi General Hospital, Marina Square as well as Taka, the price of these babies is a major turn off for me, about $60 to $70 each for the high end X30 to X45 ranges. I’ve got my Rakuwa X30 Red checkered (a rather rare colour) as well as the limited X45 black necklace ordered through a store on Ebay (thanks for the tip Elrick!) at only half the price you can get them in Singapore including shipping! One week later it was delivered straight to my door step! Whoa! It’s the real deal, made in Japan and shipped from Hong Kong (that’s a hint for ya).

Man! I know buying books off Amazon is cheap, but these at half price woot!

It’s time of the year again- running season with the Singapore Marathon this coming Sunday. I won’t be running this year’s race, so I won’t be able to do much of a pep and review of the race. Nevertheless, here are some notables for this year’s race as well as some tips I have in pacing.

Looks like this year’s race will be rather interesting as well. For starter’s this year’s event is the largest to date. Singapore’s Muhammad Shad Feroz will be running tied as Kenya’s Henry Wanyoike’s running guide in this year’s race, as Joseph Kibunja is down with injuries. I remembered seeing them as they pass me on the return journey after marina bay on the esplanade bridge in last year’s race, in their relative speed, they were like almost literally sprinting throughout their half marathon. You can really see the bond, trust and soul in their run- and I guess that is what the race is all about.

Tips in pacing
The pacers to look out for this year will be the official Team Adidas pacers (in light blue Adidas wear) as well as Team Fatbird (in Nike dark blue running attire). Trifam is not the officially pacing this guess I believe. Remember, if you are sticking to pacers, try not to run in front of the pacing group and keep your pace constant (i.e don’t speed up or slow suddenly), this will be beneficial to all the runners within the group. If you have the capacity to jump a notch up in the pacing group (say from 5.30hrs to 5.00 and so on), break free from the group and run at a constant pace till you meet the other pacing group in front, then stick with them. Once you are accustomed, then go on for the 4.30 or 4.00 using the pacing groups as “slingshots”. Do note and make you have the capacity to do so before attempting the next bar as doing so will burn you out earlier in the marathon compared to sticking to a group.

Waterpoint tips
Stand Chart races are known for their excellent race management, not to mention waterpoints as well. A 100 plus umbrella at a waterpoint do really mean that there is 100 plus dispensed there and they are usually located at the front and end of the waterpoint, unless stated “water only”, so do make full use of the length of the waterpoints and take a cup near the end, where the crowd is usually thinner or even, non-existent. this will help in clearing the congestion, particularly from the 30km mark onwards, where many runners will start to “hit the wall”.

Also, take sips and watch for spills- a wet shoe accelerates abrasion in your shoe- it’s like asking for foot-full of blisters within 5km, so take precautions not to spill your drinks, particularly watching where you throw your cup as well, do you not want a cup full of 100 plus being splashed onto you as you are overtaking near the bins right?

Some other tips

• Deep heat is good, but don’t go for every opportunity there is. It more of a mental placebo after multiple applications as it won’t be effective then.
• Do not open and gobble up your power gel the moment you get your hands on one, only to have to deal with a sticky mouth and hands for the almost a few kilometers before the next water point. Instead grab one and only down it once you see a water point or those signs indicating one coming up.
• The dusk time is a popular time where “ninjas” will run into the bushes for business, especially round the popular marina bay area, despite portable potty stationed at water points (which usually have at least 3-4 people queuing at any given time). Instead, time your toilet urges properly, clear yourself before the start of the race at home (not at the event toilets) and time a break in between at toilets along the route (e.g petrol kiosks, etc), avoiding popular areas like the East Coast toilet unless you really need to. From experience unless you have a bad bowel urge, a pre-race toilet break will usually see you toilet-free even until the end of the marathon- you will sweat everything out and your urine will be dark and minimal post-race, which is completely normal.
• For clothing abrasions, Vaseline is far better than anything, including plasters. Look for the medical points and the staff there will be more than willing to supply you with some.
• You can take passive and active means to counter blisters. Besides taping up your blister prone areas before the race, if you feet is prone to blistering (or if you know it will after a certain distance). Tear off some spare duct tape (aka black tape) and row say a good 20cm of it into a small row and stow it say, in your running pocket or a running pouch. Make an impromptu pit stop (or when there is no medical point nearby) and wrap your toes up mid-race if need be, it’s a real life saver.

For those running your first marathon, it will be an eye opener for you, and a personal record in the making as well, remember- finishing it no matter what timing you have it what that matters.

Take care and have a great race come Sunday!

After more runs with my “marathon capable” Nike Lunar racer, here is the 2nd installment to my review of this fantastic pair of running shoes. I can’t deny that my following runs after my first with this pair were quite abrasively painful, particularly given my gait change to this new shoe, so I needed a longer resting time and rotating between shoes for the skin abrasions on the side of the big toe and the last toe to heal before giving the shoes another fair go.

I brought the shoes out for more short-middle distance long runs to test the cushioning, together with some track 400m speedwork to test the responsiveness and feedback.

With each passing run, I am glad to say that the shoe is more accustomed to fit my foot now and I am starting to see the potential of this pair of racers. Considering me myself being a long time Nike skeptic for their running shoes, this racer had quite a formidable task to proof itself worthy into my running arsenal mainly dominated by Asics, Mizuno and New Balance shoes for most of my active running period.

I will be breaking down my thoughts for this pair of shoes over few following areas. Though the shoe is not perfect, it’s combination of many performance factors coupled with it’s weight advantages which makes it really impressive for it’s class. Looks like we have a winner here.

Mid sole
The mid sole is shaped like an accordion, and acts like one too- returning energy after each running stride. It is also blessed with a rather broad waffle base which acts like a piston to push off the foot on each strike. Though this really made the mid sole stick out, that didn’t not bother me much at all. The shoes have a bouncy feel when you are jumping around stationary, almost too cushiony. The shoe still maintains this light bounciness on light jog, however, it turned firm and responsive when you start to pick up speed. Just like a performance car on sports mode, you can simply just feel the shoe stiffen up in response when running in them, and that really give me some good support and protection to your legs as a whole and a good stable and a responsive take-off when you are up for it. It’s amazing for a sole so minimal.

Upper
The body of the shoe is wrapped in a modified synthetic rubber compound we know as Nike Free, allowing for an anatomical fit over a gradual break in. This fit also allows the muscles in the foot to gain strength by providing less constriction, it will be advised to gradually break into the shoe rather than immediately running long distances as to prevent muscle cramps and other discomforts. This material also gives the shoe a rather waterproof amphibious feel typical in those worn by tri-athletes let be steeple chase runners themselves. Ventilation is adequate with a breathable mesh construction and my feet was relatively dry after a 10km run in plain cotton non-neoprene socks. There is quite a lack of internal padding inside the shoe- mostly made of the synthetic rubber, which do not look will expand very easily. I am wary whether this material will be able to expand over time, but my bet is, if you were to get this pair of racers, it’s wise to get 1/2 size wider than your usual sizing.

Road Performance
I can say, having ran with other lightweight racers before, this shoe is a serious competitor to other trainers in it’s class and surpasses them in terms of weight and cushioning.

Effective Cushioning
Time and again, running on urban surfaces in parks and around my park connector felt very comfortable in the racers, the Lunarlite foam material absorbed the landing of my feet rather well. I am impressed with its ability to absorb the impacts and shocks from the hard surfaces very well without sacrificing responsiveness as well. It’s so good, I can even tell the difference between park and traffic tarmac to the new or worn concrete pavements without looking at it! Moreover, Nike sports research lab studies claims that Lunarlite Foam spreads pressure loads across the whole foot, thus reducing impact on bones. I was able to verify with less leg fatigue after my runs on a fixed/known elapsed distance as verified on google earth on or my Polar RS400sd, which really makes it very tempting for me to run more than what I usually do.

However just like a all cushioning foam (like the Asics equivalent of lunarlite, Duomax, Mizuno’s Wave foam as well as the “energy returning” Adizeros) there is always is always a material threshold where the shoe will start to lose it’s cushioning effectiveness- where you have to rotate in another shoe for the other to recover it’s “springiness”. I’ve not ran a respectable distance to find out about this threshold (as a runner’s weight also plays a big role in this). But knowing that Jeanette Wang, the winner of sundown 84km used the lunar’s throughout her race, it’s safe to assume that cushioning will remain effective for most of the distances we can humanly run at a single go.

It is also a known fact the lunarlite foam can get rather unstable after being immersed in water. Though, the tough outer shell does a good job in protecting against causal puddles and splashes, it pays to keep out of running in the rain water (which you logically shouldn’t), deep puddles or mud floods during cross-country runs (particular in macritchie itself) to prolong your shoe’s active lifespan.

Outsole
The outsole is clad in the trademark lime green which is non-marking. The thing which strikes me quite a bit is the minimal yet strategic placement of carbon rubber outer sole pads only on the high wear areas of the shoe, makes you wonder of the desperate measures Nike is taking to cut weight here. The outsole seemed sturdy as post run checks yielded no noticeable wear.

How these outsole lugs are afixed dawns the question of durability, as the pads themselves, though essential are relatively thin and in no time I can see the black rubber wearing off and exposing the outsole itself, which can lead to traction problems. After clocking in about 100km with this pair of shoes so far, I am glad to report that the outsole cushion is still not fading and the footstep is just still as quiet and efficient as ever. My bet is that unless you really drag your feet, the shoes can still be able to hit and effective lifespan mileage of at least 500km, or even let be 800km. I will not recommend this shoe for wear down training or LSD as that is not a job for a racer, but rather for short runs and competitions, to even a timed casual 2.4km run for your IPPT where it will really serve you well.

Construction and Durability
I always like simple shoes and I particularly like the simple design of the racer. It is being built with as little parts and no fancy plastics “spoilers” here and there which can only come off after a while of running, painting “function over form” after all a running shoe have to perform, with the looks aside!

I took the shoe out for a speed training run, doing some speed work and timed dashes. The shoes perform really well on the track and the weight added to the and I was able to sustain my speed over a considerable longer period on my 400m rounds. Though timings are not drastically reduced, I could do more timed runs in a given window without feeling too beat up.

After repeated speed work, I can firmly say that that shoe can be said to be durable for the job but not recommended to be your primary training shoe- unless you want to put it on a premature self-destruction course. These shoes are not cheap. For wear down training, I will recommend a heavier, more structured shoe as few biomechanically efficient runners who can train in such a minimal, lightweight shoe and reap benefits from it, unless in races themselves. Though such a light shoe is very ideal on paper in most cases, I will not recommend it as a full fledged training shoe, unless if you are the few who can take on the shoes and still produce the results in your races.

Feedback
Got quite alot of feedback from many runners of the heel tab area being too high, often resulting in a heels and Achilles having been cut by the upper tongue resulting in redness, skin abrasion and blisters. Though this can be easily remedied by proper protective socks around the ankles or sticking blister pads, seems that there are too many complaints in this area to render it much of a runner’s fault but rather a possible design flaw.

I personally do not encounter this problem myself, but I think I can owe it to wearing well padded socks that protected my Achilles from the shoe.

Final thoughts
This shoe is like a gem on it’s own and will truly shine in short to medium competitive runs, whether it’s the function you are looking for this shoe is also quite a head turner as well.

There are 2 main shoes in the Lunar line at the moment, the LunarTrainer+ and LunaRacer+, from what I know, the racer is actually the softer and slightly more stable shoe, but the trainer is more substantial and will last longer (though I have not tested this claim yet). Overall, if you are looking for a pair of lightweight racers in your competitive runs or where the need for the weight advantage and cushioning will be effective, you can’t go wrong with the lunars. Nike press releases stated that the Racers will be available in 12 different colours of the Q1 season of 2009, maybe that is something to look forward too with the opening of Nike village at Orchard Wisma soon as well.

I am glad to say that Nike had definitely hit the jackpot this time. It simply just brings the “spring” back in running again and you will be rest assured that I will be hungry for more. The Luna racer gets my recommendations as a runner’s must have for this season.

Nike Lunarlite Racer+

Lowdown
A combination of technology and function makes this an excellent “marathon capable” lightweight racer suited for anyone of all ages who simply desire one of the best in responsiveness and cushioning available on the market today.

I’ve got a new pair of Nike Lunar racers and promised to write a review of it. So here goes, the first part with my first impressions.

The first thing you can do is to pick up this pair of shoes and wonder what the? It weighs too light to feel real, it feels even lighter when worn. Just like a new subject of scrutiny in front of a panel, there are many perspective one can view the Lunar racer from. A conservative may call it “bombastic”, “shouty” or “bold” while accountants and economist can may remark that Nike had taken out all the equipment and jacked up the price. Either way, you can’t deny that the shoe is simply stunning at first glance, and that is not just the full story yet.

Flywire explained
So being an engineer myself, let take alook at it from an engineering point of view. The shoe is very solid built, yet very flexible. Employing Flywire technology in the shoe’s upper, one can simply go “Mmmm this looks just like a suspension bridge”. True enough the shoes does indeed works like cables on a suspension bridge, providing precisely engineered support for the foot. Just like the bare necessity of cables strung on a bridge, the Flywire filaments, made of a strong fibre called Vectram are placed only where support is required, anchoring the sole of the shoe to the lace hoops and a secondary Flywire for the runner’s heel area. This minimalist design does what a fully padded shoe is able to do, without the extra materials, allowing a great shedding of materials, which in turn equals reduction of overall weight.

Indeed, Flywire technology gained instant notoriety on the track scene during the Osaka 2007 World Track & Field Championships, where team USA middle distance runners, both medaled with Zoom Victory Spike. Thanks to this innovation, track spikes with Flywire now easily come in the under 100g category, a weight never before achieved by Nike without compromising durability, integrity or support. This racer is no different either.

Overview of the Nike lunarlite racer+

Bare necessities- Flywire construction on the inner side

Lunarlite cushioning foam base and sole

Applying the innovation to distance running was the next natural choice, giving birth to the lunar racer. This Lunar racer weighs in at about 160g per shoe for a US size 10, nearly 4 about 100g lighter than my current racer and I can say in it’s league, one of the lightest racer footwear available on the market today. If Nike is not breaking aiding the breaking of Olympics records, it’s engineering records they are breaking here as well.

Lunarlite, we’ve got cushioning!
Lightweight and very responsive are two qualities which usually never go on the same sentence. The same however, can be said for the Lunar Racer with respect to cushioning. This is largely attributed to the Lunarlite foam ported for footwear use which has it’s roots from NASA’s space shuttles.

Lunarlite foam distributes the pressure patterns and spreads pressure loads more evenly across the foot to help protect it from pain, injury and reducing impact on bones. Moreover Lunarlite foam’s “pillow-like” softness was claimed to reduce energy in the midsole, requiring lesser energy to take successive strides and allows the conservation of energy from pounding making runner’s feel less beat up- all important for distance events.

Left sole features a Nike+ sensor pocket for Nike+ sports band

In the belly of the beast

Time for a trail run!

The Lunarlite foam is said to be the next biggest achievement Nike had made since Bill Bowerman’s invention of the original Waffle sole, also know as the revolutionary “Moon Shoe” (which in turn gave birth to the “Waffle Racer”) in 1974. Designed by Nike’s Kevin Hoffer, this new cushioning system is a successor worthy to the waffle, yet faithful to it’s roots with a rather similar planetary naming convention to it’s older sibling.

Initial run impressions
So with all the hype lets, the real test is of course taking the shoe out into the wild for a short preliminary 10km run and see whether it lives up to it’s name. Though, yes, I can hear you say that this is a racer, not a trainer, but since the racer and trainer spot the same sole piece, only with a different upper, it’s a good way to test and gauge the effective cushioning it offers for longer runs.

My initial runs were rather enjoyable. Ventilation was sufficient and my feet didn’t stink nor sweaty even after the run with cotton socks. However, past the 7km mark, I can feel increasing soreness on the sides my big toe and my small toe. There are noticeable skin abrasions and soreness on these areas on my toes upon inspection after the run. I can give it that the shoes are not burnt in yet and gait changes for the new shoe. It will take sometime before I can come to a conclusion for the small toebox size.

My feet spots a normal (medium) arch with mild to neutral pronation. The shoe itself corrects the pronation so you can ensure even landing of your feet for optimal wearing and support. If your feet is really on the wide size, I will recommend getting half a size larger than your standard foot size. For now, knowing my threshold my in this setup, my guess is that if I were to take this out for a long run, from experiences, I believe my feet will start blistering past the 25km mark. But after all, yes this is a racer, so the optimal employment for this shoe will be short to middle distances, where the shoe can really shine without the frills.

Running over a varying degree of terrain such as concrete, tarmac and gravel. The shoe do take off quite alot of the pounding of my feet. Cushioning is good and relatively good and responsive, particularly the midsole. There is no fancy mix of sole parts here, just continuous piece of lunarlite foam from tip to heel, which is simply good in term of durability and I am glad Nike is pulling in this direction- from my experience with older Nike shoes, fancy sole parts always tend to tear off prematurely which severely impacts a shoe’s lifespan.

I am impressed that I do not fatigue as early as I expected to do on this pair of shoes. I will be also be very interested to find out how much mileage the shoe can take before the cushioning effectiveness starts to drop. Though I think it won’t hold (or fair enough to compare it) to my Mizuno Wave Creation 8, the Lunar racer does provide very good cushioning for a shoe in it’s class and weight category.

I will be putting the shoes for more test runs, particularly speed work tests round a track where I think this shoe will truly shine. That to, having to break in the shoe and eliminate all the other variables before putting a firm recommendation on the shoe. Stay tuned for the second part of this review.

Next page (page 2)

As the hot scorching sun dawns upon all runners in the early morning of Sunday, it simply just paints deja-vu of the race last year at the Changi Exhibition center. Was that a Mirage? I can say that is is almost like an exact duplicate of last year’s race, which I gave a rating of 8.5/10 for a highly satisfying race.

Terrain
The thing different for this year’s race is that the start and end line actually technically at the same point, but the place is open to an extent, allowing runners to join the race rather easily. The starting part of the race is new, going along side the chalets and open straight tarmac area before actually hitting the open trail, which is essential just an open field with a track around it. The relief is generally all flat throughout, except for some minor gradient visible on the runway straights, all other parts of the course are perfectly flat also considering the fact that almost the whole area was actually built on reclaimed land.

Race start.
The starting trail is still very much easy to run on, it’s so open and clear, offering views of the east coastal area. But the run there seemed much longer than what I expected it to be, maybe it could be the lack of shade which made it felt longer. Though the terrain there is nothing to what we can expect in a Macritchie trail, at least the shades in Macritche made it less of a torturing experience. Just as every trail run (just like the expected one at this year’s AHM), sand and rocky surface is an area simply asking for injuries and possible sprains so it pays to watch your stepping on uneven ground or as and when you are overtaking people as well. Good thing it was sunny though, so the trail remained exceptionally firm and solid, if it rains, then it will be likely to be a revisit of the Bedok “mud run” in the 2006 wave run where everything including shoes, shorts, shirts will be muddy or splattered.

Open top trail and road
And just when you thought that after 4km of the trail part, the thought continuing the race back into the main road run (aka the mirage area) is just a whole new experience with the sun again. This waterpoint is a favorite for many and glad they have lots of cool 100 plus ready on flow throughout the race. Possibly anticipating the possible heat problems faced by runners, there were also adequate number of first aid tents and marshals lined up along the route to cheer runners on, even in the heat. The marshals did quite a good job in motivating runner who simply just come and go, at the expense of themselves standing under the scorching sun throughout the whole period under the run. Commendable indeed.

Upon reaching Changi coast road, this is where the 15km runners go left, while the 10km runners to right, either way, runners will find themselves in the changi beach park area with the route heading to the beach. A main concern for this part of the race was the questioning of many runners have on the flag off times of 7.30am for the 10km & 7.45am for the 15km respectively, where the 15km runners merging with the 10km runners at Changi coast road will add to some considerable traffic. Though I personally didn’t see much change in traffic, it’s sometime worth rasing, particular for the slower 10km runners who suddenly become overwhelmed by all the front 15km runners.

The beach part is actually very much the same as it was last year, with a short nice shady road (well that is not exactly a trail as opposed to what it was last year) before hitting the rather short stretch of sand. For this part, there are 2 choices to go fast on the sand- stay at either ends of the width of the sand part- you just need to run near the sea coastal line where sand damp but firm sand resides or the upper part of the beach where with some rather inviting flat sandy areas on the bank tops. You have to watch out for uneven ground and tree roots sticking from the bank as these plant roots on the upper parts of the beach actually holds the soil firm, allowing it to the bear of weigh of runners without crumpling or sinking, that is provided if can get through the barriers on some areas of the course. The sand area is thankfully shaded by a large extent.

Home run
Here is now or never, the run end with the turn back into the exhibition center taxiway road with a short perimeter run along the coast before catching the finishing line in the distance. I remembered seeing quite a few student marshals all burnt out from their marshaling, man, the race must be hard on them! After crossing the line, the only thing on my mind was a cool drink and that very enjoyable air-con in the event area which I really enjoyed cooling down in last year.

The running route as follows:

10km – 4km Trail + 0.6km Sand + 5.4km Taxiway / Road
15km – 4km Trail + 0.6km Sand + 10.4km Taxiway / Road

Post-race management
The post race was excellent, air-conditioning was turned on all round which was a real welcome to runners looking to cool off after the hot race- coupled with a cool drink, doing cool downs in the big open areas of the exhibition center is something to look forward to after the race. There were lots of outdoor shelters and 100-plus umbrellas for those who wanted to acclimatise for awhile after finishing before entering the air-conditioned environment.

Amazingly, there was no queue at the baggage collection and you can get your bag within minutes. You will be sure to catch the crowd if you leave on the peak period immediately after the race. Transport organization was rather good. love the adequate car park spaces, shuttle service to the remote area as well- The organizers have plenty to stick to their guns after last year’s successful transport management, so with that we see the same favorite free shuttle service out of the area as well to pasir-ris bus interchange as well a the morning paid shuttle service from 8 MRT stations all round Singapore. Though crowds are inevitable, the open large areas of the exhibition center gave runners lots of post race breathing space as well as much needed areas to relax. The best recommendation to beat the queues before and after the race is to arrive early and leave late, given that you will not experience much jam when arriving and leaving.

Other interesting points of note:

• Was there gold at the startline? Runners were sprinting from the startline! (Or were their feet on fire?)
• There were few student marshals who laid flat on the side of the road near the Changi coast road area, they are fine they are just overwhelmed by the heat, though many runners thought they were casualties!

Overall
From many feedback I’ve got, it seems the Home team did it again with a good race twice on the same venue this year again. The Realrun team never disappoint with this year’s run. There are of course areas beyond the organiser’s control such as weather, but at least it didn’t rain! Good race! I will recommend next year’s year to all.

Results:

Well, tonight (well technically, last night as it’s morning now) saw a visit to the Southern ridges park connector again, only that this time it’s held at night. So I was thinking hey why not have another visit to the place and possibility take some pictures of the place at night? It will be an interesting perspective in addition to the one I wrote about on my Southern Ridges Park connector article in the day.

Our small group of 6 started off at Harbour front MRT after a light dinner at Seah Inn Food Center. Eric was late, but watching him finish his chicken rice alone with everyone waiting/watching for him (and pinching food off this plate) was quite humorous by itself. We took the Marang trail up, by then it was already around 7pm + so it was getting dark- fast. Despite a fast 15 minutes slow climb, it was already night by the time we reached the top of Mount Faber.

Henderson Waves at Night

View of the Waves from MT Faber

Overall view from Telok Blangah hill from mid-span

The Henderson waves looks very different in the night, it’s like set in it’s own mood with dim lights lit all along the walkway of the bridge, outside, the bridge have more prominent spot-lighting for visibility at long distances. A trail of orange lights illuminate the perimeter of the waves as it peaks the above the walkway (which also serves as shaded spots), which gives the area a cool orange glow but not too creepy compared to that of the many kids around there tonight holding candle-lit lanterns and walking around in the dark. Much stronger under-rail lighting lines the open edge of the bridge.

We carried on along Telok Blangah hill toward the Forest walk, as roughly expected, the forest walk resembles much a lighted platform of floating lights at night. You can make out the walkway running into the jungle at night in the distance by the lights which goes on for the whole length of the walk.

Forest walk at night!

Then it started raining- heavy

Mad dash!

We were about 1/3 into the forest walk when it suddenly started raining- hard. It was like in the middle of no where as shelters are only located at both ends of the walk. So our walk turned much into a mad dash to the end. We were prepared to get wet anyway, and we anticipated the weather beforehand after the Henderson Waves bridge by packing all our belongings and placed them in waterproof bags.

Crossing the Alexandra Arch

Another view of the Alexandra Arch

Supper’s next!

I always heard many tales from friends and acquaintances alike who visited the Henderson waves, let be the forest walk and got drenched /set back by the rain as well. It seems that this is fast becoming much of a trend, including my visit today. We waited for a while at the Depot Road shelter of the forest walk (which didn’t do much of a shelter anyway). When the rain started to lighten, we waded across the Alexandra Arch over to Hort park to wash up. It was too dark and rainy to give Hort park a visit, so we ended our planned journey here, minus the visit to Hort’s.

On a side note, being cold and hungry thereafter, supper was back later after a short trip back to Harbour front, where we discovered Jonathan’s Zhong Yuan inner-self, and yes, we more of less ate back all the calories we burnt over char kuay teow, mee goreng, roti-john, spring chicken just to name a few, things our track coach we scream at us for.

Cheers to Leslie, the organiser for tonight’s walk and Eric, Jonathan, Kaiyin, Xiaoqiang for making the walk tonight.

It’s late now, time to get some rest.

The Nike Human Race was on yesterday, overall I can say it’s a rather pleasant race with a few exceptional quirks here and there. The Nike Human Race is one of Nike’s comeback races in Singapore after the long discontinued Nike Realrun previously, which was subsequently renamed to the Hometeam Newbalance Realrun from almost 4 years back. This one is particularly no exception, with a world record in mind and 26 countries participating at this event at a given one time no wonder this race was such a big hit.

Sorry I do not have much pictures of this post as I did not have my phone with me during this race.

Pre-race
I believe everyone have their own unique story of their feat in getting to the event. Let be commute by MRT, etc you should have more or less, be caught in the heavy traffic leading to the event area. This is unlike most races held early in the morning from 5.30am to even 7am where traffic is significantly lower, traffic around the area was a typical one you can expect form a weekend on Sunday afternoon, especially with the Comex IT show on it’s last day. No wonder the whole Marina Boulevard area was bumper to bumper during the event. The road closure at Chinatown was something to boot about as well so that added quite a fair bit of diversion if you are commuting there by bus from the west or south.

Passing by the area at 3.30pm, workers can still be seen rushing to set the area up, presumably with the tight road closure schedule. Carparks are all full in Marina square as well as Raffles City and Suntec, so commuting a very much a viable option unless you are prepared to park multiple blocks away. The large crowds at the event are expectant, not to mention the waves of similarly dressed participants adding to the whole authenticity and integrated feel of the race, just don’t tell anyone you are meeting at the event that you are “wearing red”.

There was a race pack collection point as well as a race band dispensing point for people who missed their collection on the race expo day itself. I did not get the race band, so a quick pop to the counter got a fresh band strapped on in less than a minute. Baggage deposit was crowded, but otherwise rather fast moving with all counters open.

As only half the esplanade bridge was open, runners have to make their way to the holding pens through the esplanade front entrance. Even the concrete barricades erected for the upcoming F1 race didn’t prove much of a challenge to the horde, who all easily pushed their way into the starting area like flood waters through a burst levee.

Holding pens
There were 2 flag offs, planned at 15mins apart, the 1st flag off took 8mins for all the red and blue tag runners to clear. I was told that even runners with green tags who made and squeezed their way to the front can start off in the 1st. To much of runners dismay, the 2nd flag off was thereafter extended to 30mins after the first wave, which thereafter was shortened to 25 minutes. At that given point, the running pens were all so full, the running crowd stretched all the way to the tip of the raffles-one cross junction. Security personnel were seen pulling people not dressed in red out of the pens.

I was in the 2nd wave, so that was quite a long wait after warming up for the 1st wave. It was quite a challenge to stop yourself from cooling down in the breezy weather, which threatened to rain at some point at the start of the race (there was a short drizzle). Many of us will choose to prefer to keep on stretching while waiting in the pens, but the space constraints there proved to be rather quite a challenge. Rod and the crew from class 91.3 were there as well, though you can only hear them and not see them, the chatters on the PA kept most of us sane in the human sardine tins, which made the wait more bearable.

Flag off
Despite being at the front third of the 2nd flag off, it took about 2-3minutes before we finally get to touch the start line. The crowds were horrible at the start, with the route so packed, speeds average about 7km/hr on the esplanade bridge leading to the DBS center. There were many runners running together in a group and some waiting by the side of the barricades waiting or looking for their lost group of friends which added more to the congestion. Things started to clear up alot by the Singapore Conference hall, where average speeds start to pick up to 10km/hr with an occasional ‘12km/hr burst and brake’ for overtaking slower runners given the opportunity. For this stretch from Collyer quay to Raffles quay, 2 lanes were only opened for traffic, I believe this is knowing that this stretch of road is notorious for double yellow line parking, it’s quite a fix to question why they should open more lanes for the event.

The race
The good thing was that the congestion problem was quite a thing of the past into the Marina bay area, one of the few better bands were playing there on their mobile truck stage which really kept runners going past the 2km mark. Strangely the organisers are already tearing down the start line and clearing up the bridge even when some late comers are just starting the race, that proved to be rather puzzling to look at. The first bridge of the route was the Cavenagh bridge leading to Boat Quay, the organizers were good in putting up blue rubber mats on parts of the route which runs over slippery drain covers and railings along the UOB building area. There, there was another band (percussion) on a floating stage. Running through boat quay with many dazzled tourists looking and cheering runners on was a rather unique experience by itself. Few particular choke points I noted for this part currently was the ramp part coming out of the tunnel from The Riverside towards Central mall.

The route was still largely a straightforward route until the central mall area where another Oriental stage performance event going on at the Central Mall, creating quite a crowd which proved to be quite a pedestrian hazard for runners. Runners will see themselves largely snaking in an out obstacles around the Swissotel Merchant Court area before passing The Riverside point (Orchestra stage band). Thankfully from the organizers, the strategically positioned bright orange cones not only clearly demarcated the boundaries of the route but were really good in helping running avoiding obstacles such as barriers, potted plants and lamppost, which all always seem to pop out of the sudden out of no where, well so as I thought.

Compulsory waterpoint stop at Liang Court?
This was one of the biggest no-nos of the race, a major choke point greeted runners opposite the liang court (near merchant loop) before the ord bridge. This was really a funnel of death- no runners can get out and marshals stationed at this area directed all runners (though there were some smart ones who sneaked behind the water points) into the pavement which leads straight on into a 2m wide space with half of it taken by runners drinking water and the Singapore river on the right, we all have no where to go! Here was a painful long stretch at 1.8km/hr for afew long minutes before picking up the pace again. Some runners going “off road” on the wet grass, coupled with the residual water after the waterpoint made the blue rubber mats running away from the area thereafter really slippery. And man was I flying thereafter.

The run to the finish
It was not long when the route saw a U-turn at the 7.2km mark at the Alkaff_Bridge, the second bridge to be crossed on the race, getting up and off the bridge saw runners through a little merry-go-round chokepoint at the bridge ramps, which will tempt any runners to jumpe the railings. Come to think about it, I have not seen any more distance markers after the 2km distance marker at the marina bay, if I didn’t have my watch to keep pace and distance, I do not know where and when to speed up. With less than 3km to go, it was a viable option.

The route snaked it’s way through many bridges and underpasses, but those expected tunnel congestion points do not proved to be expected choke points as the traffic through all of them was still smooth and steady. The one at the Liang court and Alkaff bridge were all completely unexpected ones though. Before I knew it, I was running right trough Clarke Quay and under the Coleman bridge and speeding to a big open area after the Parliament house right into the Padang area and past the finishing line. The race was over.

Post race and miscellaneous
The marshals were prompt on chasing lazy runners right into the concert area after the race, that helped in clearing rest benches and finish line hoggers who do not want to leave the runner’s exit pens or waiting for their friends to finish. Marshals were also there to direct runners to the first station they know will visit right after the race- Drinks and Massages. There were ample 100+ canned drinks as well as ice-mountain water to go around, not to mention mini bags of snacks offered outside the finisher’s bracelet collection point.

What I can say the race marshals for this race were really on the ball, presumably mostly volunteer student helpers and not “arrowed NSF” in AHM or less than enthusiastic employees of commercial races. This race is definitely set in a different light, almost like the organization of the Standard Charted marathon. Baggage collection (which also doubles are a drink point as well) was fast and smooth as well, waiting times are almost non existent. There were just than adequate toilets to go around, though I didn’t have a chance to use them, noteably are toilets lined along the route as well, though you won’t be needing them if you know of toilets already located in the buildings along the route.

The race is overall a rather pleasant and well organized race, also one which offers a constant nice nice view and scenic route along the Singapore river to boot- one we all know off but never really took the gesture to appreciate till now (well I know I did now). I have not much complains with the exception of the mentioned route congestion, but knowing all that for charity only makes it feels better after all- for the causes we all pledge our human race on the day 31.08.08.

The Singapore Sheares bridge/Singapore bay run/Army half marathon was on this morning. The promise of the new route across the Marina Barrage is well, promising as it sounds and I believe the key selling point of this year’s race. I believe with so many new developments sprouting up around the Marina bay area, it’s just pleasing to know that every annual race from now on will be bolstered with something new.

The race conduct
The race generally started smoothly, with the waiting pens dedicated to their respective categories. In other words, only after the 21km runners are off, the place is not swarming with the 10km participants, allowing the 21km latecomers to join the race fast and smoothly. So as I come to know after starting the race late myself. Though the staggered race timings have something to do about it, I remembered a different situation last year, with many runners from other categories taking up the waiting pen area. I started off slowly at about 8km/hr on my calibrated watch (update: this is on a Polar RS400SD, thanks Sean for the heads-up I missed on this part) as I felt a stitch from breakfast not too long ago and bumped by to 10km/hr when it cleared upon touching the ECP.

The starting at esplande bridge

The open lanes of Sheares bridge

Check!- Distinctive circular object

First time ever, with the new widened ECP highway, especially the stretch by the Sands resort, it’s now it’s possible to have up to 3 lanes opened up for runners, with up two 2 lanes only opened to traffic. The result? A large and open overtaking area for runners alike and there was no crowd of choke zones even leading up towards the Sheares bridge, with 2 lanes open to last year’s one.

Things are not so picture-perfect given the confines of the east coast park, especially when runners start walking on the pavement, that proved to be quite of an obstacle for many runners- you can often see the whole group of runners slow to a jogging crawl especially on the return stretch after the U-turn. Runners have to squeeze through the walking pavement or go on the muddy grass to overtake, orange barricaded lined along the 2-way route evident near the U-turn point made overtaking harder in the crowd. On the contrary, the street side festivals were nice, I think CSSOM has the nicest booth, with the MPs taking the next best. Interesting to see many units using pressurized water jet guns set on sprinkle who serve as shower/mist points now, beats the used of the pump action bottle canisters many times over.

Is that an off-road trail I see?
Fort road will usually greet you again after east coast park, thereafter comes the route pointing into the usual “out of bounds” construction area which was opened for the event. This route is a gravel laid service road which serves as an entry point for construction vehicles serving the barrage construction and future developments. The trail area was very unexpected though, I saw the combat engineer’s banner on the top stating about a challenge route, but never know the trail conditions would be so bad- it was uneven and muddy, especially from the rain the night before.

The unexpected trail areas

The marina barrage

The barrage main complex and visitor center

There were many puddles and caked mud (which reminds you much of the Mizuno wave run at Bedok Reservoir). You can almost call it will a prelude’s prelude of the NBRR (New balance real run) trail run! Apart from the new route, what I can say is that overcoming this trail area would be the deciding factor for those looking to beat their 21km PB, especially if you are looking for a clean level race throughout, you will be quite out of luck with this new route.

Noticeable were the many marshals stationed on many points throughout the route, not to mention demarcated meeting points for casualty extrication, even on hard to reach areas like the Sheares bridge and the trail route, this is definitely an improvement of safety coverage from the organizers this year.

A brief highlight of the race was the run on the marina barrage which not only links the reclaimed lands of marina east and marina south, but damming it and turning the Marina Bay and Kallang Basin into a new downtown freshwater reservoir. The Marina barrage goes very much in line that anything we built here in Singapore as an icon should have it’s own building and visitor center attached to it. The barrage is no option either is a the plaza area is huge- a perfect place to complement the upcoming gardens by the bay attraction.

Photo happy
In all the race went on rather well for me, I finished on an estimate of about 2hr 40mins for this year’s race, (about 40mins longer than last year) with a bulk of the time on the barrage itself. Anyway I was not running for a PB this year and was shutter happy on the barrage. Nevertheless, took some good pictures on the views from the barrage, I even got a photostitich treat (and possibility a first) of the barrage, check it out!

A 360 degree paranomic photo was shot at mid-span of the pedestrian bridge which sits ontop of the barrage itself, showing the view of the central business district and the out lying open waters of the southern straits. Note that the ends of the picture overlap by a little.

So far the race had been quite flawless, with regular water points and no considerable shortage of water or 100 plus (unless if you are a runner who started late). Striking distance markers are evidently at placed at 1km intervals throughout the route, with the last km split into 2×500m intervals towards the finish.

Post race
Contrary to many, the event do not end after you’ve crossed the line, there is still alot to do before you are done with he event. Noticeably is the ramp at the finishing line, because of the concrete F1 barriers in place, a ramp platform have to be erected to bring runners over it into the padang which is sadly very much a mud bath itself, but that’s something beyond the organizer’s control either. Maybe getting the various NSFs to gather out of the Padang will help much in the crowd management. There were ample drinks to go around, even after all the 100 plus were exhausted. There were plenty of seating areas within the runner’s pens for de-chipping, though many of use would have already got it off right after the finishing line.

This year, there are no tents stating clearly the baggage points as well as the runner’s post race admin and medal collection area, you will be quite lost if you do not know the padang floor plan of the event beforehand, but there were many army helpers you can always reach out for queries.

Inside the plaza area of the main complex

The run finishing crowds

Speedy baggage collection

Speedy baggage collection
An army-manned locker area is a new introduction this year, but I went for the baggage deposit as such services usually come standard and can either make or break a runner’s race experience. Even when I knew where the baggage collection was, I actually spent sometime getting to it from the padang- the 21km competitive collection points are located far right on one end of Connaught Drive, which not only made my deposit quite a pain to walk from the Padang entry point where everyone came from, but after the race through the mud pool as well.

Thankfully when you finally reach the point, baggage service was a breeze, not only there was no queue, I got both my bag deposited and retrieved in less than a minute. Jokingly, I remembered asking the baggage handler before the race what are their plans when it rains (as there is also no visible shelter over the baggage area besides the locker area), they said “just let it rain” (presumably as the items are already all cable-tied and water tight, or say, ground sheets will do the trick as well).

The only area for baggage I see can be improved is the location but nevertheless still a good thumbs up for the organization, this definitely beats the “dump in tonner” baggage collection back in the 2005 race. I can’t deny that AHM baggage collection are getting better and better each year.

Met up with SGrunners, saw Sotong, IMD, brokenrunner (brokie) and few new faces, as usual for the 2nd year running, I missed the photo taking again haha. Didn’t know it was so long till we last met, even brokie mentioned that it was a long time since she met Sotong, for me, it was even longer! Elrick my SP track and field senior who was in the Commando’s half-marathon team ran about 1 hours 40mins for his race, with his team coming in champions with their fastest runner at clocking in at about 1 hour 20mins.

Sorry for my dated entry. Been rather caught up with work back to back projects. Nevertheless found time to update this very much dated entry which I should last week.

The Poly 50 was on, well last week, the 6th August 2008. This year’s race was my third one in the running in SP and it was infact the only one I didn’t get prepared or actually seriously trained for. Neverthess, all our teams did very well- Our current student team came in both champions as well as third placing. My team participated in the alumni category and given on our side, all we know running the race this year from track and field are our 3 active student teams together with 2 teams from the alumni side. Later do I know that our even more senior track and field alumni elder were in as well, coming in 2nd on our category with my Alakazoom team on third placing, so technically you can say that all top 3 places of the Alumni category are from the track and field! And we have the Challenge shield for Track and Field to keep for another whole year!

Poly 50 Track and Alumni

The Champion student team

Another Group shot!

The race have it’s both ups and downs for me. I’ve not trained specifically for the event, which I pretty much still set in LSD mode, and not the sprint-stop sprint-stop demands for this type of race. Moreover, neither did I actually did a full dry run for this year’s event, as opposed to my previous year’s race in the active team. No wonder I felt rather light-headed midway in the race- No wonder one of my team helpers notice I was rather pale at one time- I ran myself out during the first half of the race. Then for the 2nd half, I was not panting crazy like what I did initially- a bad sign that my lactic is building up and my muscular endurance cannot meet the demands of my Cadrio- no wonder I started finishing my laps rather relaxed, but heavy footed. Constant stretching before and during the race kept any potential cramps and pulls in check. As usual David Goh was around with his hailer shouting at anything that moves. Our Principal, Mr tan was on the field himself as well, cheering runners along, never saw a principal so down to earth before remarkable!

After the race, we celebrated for the night with a planned steam boat dinner at Bugis’s popular street of Steamboat restaurants. It’s at this restaurant called Xian de lai (which laughingly reads “lazy to come” in Chinese). Reservations were made courtesy of track mate KC (whom I always share his police stories on my blog), so we were already more of less prepared to party for the night, whether we win or not. So it turned out to be a bonus celebrations for us. Together with big Leslie, we kinda raided the joint with continuous orders of seafood and meats. The placed remained open even till late 11pm+, so there was not issue of being chased out.

Ah Xian de lai!

Celebration steamboat!

Pile the plates!

Looking back at how this rag and bone team emerged champions- my team was formed under the leadership of Eric, who is also my fellow DSTA scholar. I was the team captain for my last few year’s of poly 50 races, but so given my lack of time and commitment I have last month, Eric was the best person fit and experienced enough to take on the role of captain for this year and he did a rather good job in getting all us ex-trackers back together whether it’s email, msn or cold calling.

I went with the follow as a member as good to be a follower once and get together for this “leisure race”, little do I expect anything but a finish, but there’s more.

And so my team “Alakazoom” was formed, well if that didn’t strike any bells of it’s similarly to a harry potter spell call, this name actually dates back to even way before the potter frenzy took place together with the other team name “Zoom” which track and field always used.

The team was not totally the best of a team you can expect, comprising of a mixed set of trackers with some serving national service, some working and we were not always all present for training on the weekends. But I can say, the thing evident in each and every one of us is the bond and spirit for running which we all shared during our active student days, flourished over countless races all together.

I guess that’s what made us run, and win the alumni third place. Go Trackers! Go Runners2

Met up with my coach today while training for the Poly 50 today, he invited me to join him and a friend to witness the Olympics this year. But sadly, I was not able to make it due to the short notice given work and study commitments on my side, nevertheless he did have quite a few pairs of spare tickets which he is looking for takers if may. I usually do not use my blog to advertise stuff, but I am posting this in case any of my visitors here are interested in attending it at such short notice.

The asking price is $450SGD per pair, price is not inclusive of airfare and accommodation.The tickets have mainly front row stadium seating, so you can get up and close to your favorite Olympic stars including witnessing the breath-taking 100m, 200m and 400m final events just to name afew. From what I see, it will be a lifetime experience you will get to enjoy, even I won’t if given a choice. Tickets are indeed rare and very limited sets available, if you are interested in purchasing a pair for you and your friend, kindly reach me using my contact page on the left or emailing me at shaunchng [at] gmail.com.

Detailed event listing with multiple entry dates for the tickets:

THE NORTH FACE 100® REGIONAL SERIES MAKES ITS WAY TO SINGAPORE! – CAN YOU ENDURE?

This event is not like your average typical marathon along red-carpet tarmac or pavements, but for those who desire the thrill or trail and off-road running. Being a cross country runner myself before hoping on as a road runner, I cannot deny that this run will be easily be twice the difficulty to complete given off-road and terrain- a real challenge for those who want to test their limits of what they can achieve and desire to live the marathon life further on the edge and wilderness.

More on the official excerpt:

The North Face 100® Singapore Schedule

Event date: October 4 2008
Race pack collection: Sept 27 2008
Closing date (Early bird): 15th August 2008
Closing date: 12th September 2008.

Race Category
MENS DUO (2x 50km)
WOMENS DUO (2x 50km)

There will not be a solo category this year. Only a team category is available. Each team will be made up of 2 members of the same gender. Each member will complete approximately 50km. Team members may run individually and need not cross the finish line together. The finish time of each member will be total final finish time of the team.

Registrations
Registration forms and Race Rules can be downloaded here. All completed forms must be accompanied with payment and submitted at The North Face Shop or Running Lab outlets by 12th September 2008. Closing date for early bird registration is on 15th August 2008.

Course Map
The route will be around the central catchment area, Singapore. To keep runners on their toes, the exact run route will only be revealed 1 week prior to race day on Saturday, Sept 27 2008 at the race kit collection. The race kit collection will be held at The North Face Shop.

Participant’s Promotion
- 30% off all products at The North Face shop (The North Face products only).
- 10% off for SALE items (The North Face products only)
- Valid for 1 time purchase for each participant.
- This offer expires on 11th October 2008

And just as I thought last year’s was the last year Standard Chartered will be organising and title sponsor for the Singapore Marathon, being rumored to be their last, well, last year. Apparently, not so for time to come as well. This year will be a big bump in budget for the professional breaking annual event- up by almost twice of that of last year, with a new expanded Team category!

I however, will not be running this year’s race and the Sheares’s bridge half-marathon will be my last race for this season before flying abroad. Nevertheless, given what Stand Chart had achieved last year and the year’s races before as a participant myself, I believe you won’t be disappointed in this year’s race.

For those who participated in their races before, you should have received discounted early bird mailer by last week. Simply login at the registration website and sign up with your details saved in their database.

Event Information

Event Date: Sunday, 7 December 2008
Closing date: 15 October 2008
Start Point: Esplanade Drive, The Esplanade Bridge
End Point: St Andrew’s Road, The Padang

Enquiries: + 65 6248 6033

Only one parent/guardian issued with an identification tag will be allowed to accompany any child 6 years old & below.

Team Categories (& their respective start times)

• Team – Men: 7.30 am
• Team – Women: 8.15 am
• Team – Mixed – Men: 7.30 am
• Team – Mixed- Women: 8.15 am

(At least 1 member of the opposite sex)

All men participating in the 10km-Men, Team-Men and Team-Mixed categories will commence their race at 7:30 am.
All women participating in the 10km-Women, Team-Women and Team-Mixed categories will commence their race at
8:15 am.

Registration Closing Dates

• Direct Mailer (aka Loyal Runners Discount): 21 July- 31 July (Starts 10 days later than last year)
• Normal Early Bird: 1 July- 11 August
• Promo Period: 12 August- 31 August (1 month earlier than last year)
• Normal Period: 1th September- 15 October

Running Route
I cannot deny there are very much more to see this year, in addition to running past the flyer with the lack of construction around the area, runners get to run past the new F1 pits area as well. Marathon runners will do an additional U-turn loop towards Suntec City this year, before turning back towards the national stadium and towards fort road for the east coast route segment. More on the route below (click for lightbox popup).

Price and Event Details
Generally, the late comer’s prices still remain the same at $85 for the full marathon. Early prices are up $1 – $2 this year from the last. The biggest jump will be about $5 – $10 for the Aug 1st to 11th period.

Online Registration
Register Here
Online credit card payment (ONLY VISA or MasterCard) is accepted.

In-person Registration
(Strictly limited to Individual or Team (max. 6 runners) registrations only)

Sign up in-person (ONLY cash) at;
Singapore Athletics Association (Head Office)
15 Stadium Road, Room1,
National Stadium, South Entrance,
Singapore 397718
Operating Hours: 10:00 to 17:30
Monday to Friday

Singapore Athletics Association’s Centre of Excellence
Bukit Gombak Stadium
800 Bukit Batok West Ave 5
Singapore 659081
Operating Hours: 10:00 to 17:30
Lunch Hour: 13:00 to 14:00
Monday to Friday

Important: There will be NO registration at Standard Chartered branches this year.
Payment must be made upon registration. Terms and conditions apply.

Upon completion of the race, all runners will also receive:

• Finisher’s Medal specific to their Race category
• Full marathon Finisher’s tee (Marathon Only)
• Personalized Finisher’s race certificate

Well with some time aside, I will talk about running and running related events as of again.

Currently I have no planned races for July, just mostly preparations for university admissions as well as doing up interviews for my NYAA gold. I will be participating in 3 races coming Auguest though, namely the Nike+ run which I will be running for the Wildlife Fund for nature (nice to see Nike make a come back since the Nike Realrun), the Singapore Polytechnic Poly 50 as well as the Army Half Marathon 2008 with a new 21km route across the new marina bridge as a highlight.

The SP alumni will be sending in 2 teams for Poly 50 this year, held smack on early august, that was the bane to many of our runners enlisting in the Army this month. We did lose few good runners in the team because of that and our teams are still kinda shuffled and lacking a full team. I can run for both the team or I can help out as a helper as well.

However, I am hesitant to run for them despite their need for runners, as over my last 2-3 years running the Poly 50, the team helpers actually play close to half the efforts required for a running team to win and be successful, let be managing the runners, on the spot assessment of problems as well as keeping them hydrated and taken care of throughout the whole run. It’s not an easy task either. I wonder if forgoing my place in the running team this year will help much given the opportunity costs involved as we need few veterans to keep the race administrations and plans in place for all the runners. If so I am think I will be a good candidate to keep all the helpers fired up to help.

Oh yes, got my fat butt out for a nice run in last evening (Sunday), and look another run log!

04/08/08 Hot off the oven! Race Pack Collection Details!

Questions and Answers:

Race Route
It will be largely a round the Singapore river race, very typical of the city races around the area. (Click for map lightbox popup)

Registrations are closed!

Original blog post:
Well it had been few weeks since I’ve updated on racing news, I think you won’t miss the Nike Human Race adverts running all around Singapore (and if them covering up queensway shopping isn’t loud enough). Nike+HumanRace is largely a charitable race with a good intentions, something I will greatly personally recommend to run at $25 per entry for a good cause- You can choose to run for UN Refugee Agency, Lance Armstrong Foundation or the World Wildlife fund for nature for the Singapore league and beats any overpriced $35 Mizuno Wave Run anytime.

This race gets my recommendation mainly for the price, charity part (not any commercial orientated run) and the very exceptional goodie bag items. There’s even an incentive for being the 1st 200 runners!

Without further ado, the details:

Entry Fee (Not including GST)
24 years and below as of 1st September 2008 – $25
25 years and above as of 1st September 2008 – $45

• Runners will receive a Nike Race tee with pre-printed number bib + other goodies
• Virtual runners can choose to buy a Nike Race tee with pre-printed number bib as well at S$35
• 7% GST applies in all prices listed.

Do note that with regards to road and marshaling capacities, places are limited, so do register early!

Registration (online only)

• Global registration site (click on “Join Race” then select country, join race in this country).
• Alternatively, jump straight to the Singapore payment portal by DigiLab here.
• Check your registration confirmation here (Using your IC number).

All fees are paid through Visa, MasterCard or at our SISTIC authorized agents (Cash/Nets).

Race Event Excerpt:

Categories

• School Team Challenge Cat. A (Secondary + Junior Colleges)
• School Team Challenge Cat. B (ITE + Polytechnic + Universities)
• Men’s & Women’s Under 25
• Men’s & Women’s Open category

On top of these individual race categories, participants can also choose to select to represent their school in the School Team Challenge. The school in each category (School Team Challenge Cat. A or Cat. B) that has the most number of registered runners completing the Nike+ Human Race 10K under 90 minutes will win the School Team Challenge.

Group Registration
Please email nikeplushumanrace [at] nikeupdates.com.sg if you are interested to sign up, and you will get a reply within three working days.

*A minimum number of 25 people will be required
**Payment for group registration will be by cheque, payable to ‘Nike Singapore Pte Ltd’

Administration Contact Information
Registration Technical Enquiries (Singapore only)
Registration Partner:
DigiLab Singapore Pte Ltd
2 Soon Wing Road #08-14
Singapore 347893

Tel: +65 6291 2019 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri)
Email: humanrace [at] digilab.com.sg
Nike+ Human Race 10K Event Enquires (Singapore only)
Email: nikeplushumanrace [at] nikeupdates.com.sg

I can’t help noticing some new advertisements we are seeing around our bus stops lately, particularly those typically up on signboards by JC decaux which seems to litter all round the areas where I do my evening runs. It’s seems that the health promotion board is selling sports as a great way for both young and old to get their assess off the couches and workstations and out there to sweat it out, so as to interact and relieve stress as sated.

Speaking from my experiences, running is a indeed very good way to relieve work after a hard day, not to mention a good time to reflect on the day and prepare for the next. Nothing can beat a short 10km one after work and back home in time for Dinner. Well I guess it’s time people here discover the healthy way to end the work day as well.

Currently my runs planned for the year so far will be the New Balance Realrun 2008, Safra Sheares Bridge Run 2008 and nope me ain’t running the Wave run this year. I am sure there are quite a few runners out there I know who are planning on boycotting the wave run this year, and we saw that with the low attendance for this year’s Mt Faber run as well. But on the contrary, the recent Mt Faber run is a good one by VGO (so with the last), so we can take the Mt Faber and Wave run are independent events, despite being jointly organized by the same company. So do go ahead and participate in the Wave Run if you are intending to give them a second chance.

Been sticking to runs at most 12km for awhile, besides gym sessions. I will give the Singapore marathon this year a miss in preparation for next year’s London Marathon when I am up in the UK, thats where I will start bumping my my distances and hitting 1000km/year like what I did for 2007.

I read with great interest in today’s front page article on the Straits Time on poorly organised races in Singapore. With runner’s experiences and the bad of the runs exposed. While the OSIM triathlon and SCM taking the few “must run” and better organised events of the annual runner’s calender.

The interesting thing is the Passion run and City Duathlon took center stage with their respective longer and shorter distances (people just complain over anything right?), the best overal “winner” will have the 3 paragraphs about the failed Mizuno Wave run last year at Bedok reservoir, hahah eat that VGO!

With that, I hope that this will maintain a minimum standard in all races to come, as such races always all seem to be too commericialsed that it dulites the sporting spirit of the runs.

The article failed to give honorable mention to races such as the Safra Army Half Marathon and Swissotel Vertical Marathon usually held year end, which are also excellent races year after year from my experiences. In all, it’s the newer and smaller races which usually give runners the fits, either by worst organization year after year and unjustifiable higher registration costs, like the upcoming Mizuno Wave Run 2008.

Boycott the shitty races! After all you runners have the final say.

The Mizuno Mt Faber race was this morning, I did not run the event but based on feedback and word of mouth together with my own observations, the race went on very well and as satisfying as last year’s race, with few improvements here and there. There were very much fewer runners this year too, presumably form the boycott from last year’s Wave run- the roads are all relatively clear for all runners which brings about a rather nice “closed” run feel very much to that of smaller X-country runs like the Wings Athletics ones in Macritchie reservoir.

You also definitely can’t miss the call from the MC for all SGrunners to fall in for a photo taking at the end of the runs and look at the group! Will update more later.

Area’s for improvement for next year:

• Better goodie bag items for price
• Lower participant fees ($25-$30 max)
• New route through the Henderson Waves

Recommended run next year- Yes of course, don’t think of this race like the Wave run, it’s very different.

The Trilympics 2008 is a collaborative effort between Singapore Management University (SMU), Student Volunteer Corps (SVC) and Jurong Junior College (JJC), as a tribute to youth volunteerism and support for disability sports in Singapore. Inaugurated in 2006 as part of the Olympic Dream Series, it aims to reach a climax in September 2008 as part of a send-off party for Singapore Disability Sports athletes heading to compete in the 2008 Paralympics, Beijing.

Objectives
• To raise funds for SVC and Singapore Disability Sport Council (SDSC).
• To promote volunteerism among students and to bring awareness to disability sports.
• To show our support and a send off for our disabled athletes to the 2008 Beijing Paralympics.

“Around the World in Just 1 Day”
Trilympics 2008 will see participants attempting to go “Around the World in Just 1 Day”, without leaving Singapore. The distance of 40,000 km will be clocked as participants run, jog, walk, and spin on stationary bicycles.

Event Details
Date: 19th to 20th July
Time: 1pm (19th) to 1pm (20th)
Venue: Toa Payoh Stadium
Address: 297 Lor 6 Toa Payoh (319389)

The organizers truly hope to build on this event platform to provide future endeavours aimed at championing social causes. In the likes of the New Paper Big Walk and various mass events, the organizers hope to spin off a series of related events on the national calendar, to be eagerly anticipated by both the able-bodied and disabled in Singapore.

Be a part of Trilympics 2008
You can help us make Trilympics 2008 a success in either of the two ways or both:
• By going “Around the World in Just 1 Day” with us,
• Pledging your support by selling our $2 pledge cards

Contact Information:

Registration
Help out for a mission and cause! Register online now.

There we have it, the return of the Mizuno Wave Run 2008. The first few races from 2004-2005 were great, but last year’s one was really terrible. Looks like it’s deja-vu again this year as the 2008 run will take place exactly at the same venue and route. Here are some off-hand details of the Mizuno Wave Run 2008

Race Date: Sunday 27nd July 2008
Venue (Start/End Point): Temasek Poly (TP) Sports Stadium
Distance: 10km
Reporting Time: 0630hrs
Race Start Time: 0730 hrs

Categories and Pricing
(Prices are up from $20 last year)
Mens open
Womens open
Mens veteran
Womens veteran
(All Categories rates $30 before 6 June 2008, $35 thereafter)
There will be no on-Competitive Fun run this year
Part of proceeds will be donated to selected charities

Runner Entitlements
(For all categories)

• Runners Bib
• iTags for Electronic Timing (we have timings this year!)
• Mizuno Shoe Bag (Worth $35.90)
• Mizuno Event Running Jerey (Sizes S to XL, worth $32.90)
• Lucky draw coupon
• 30% discount on all regular Mizuno items (from the listed stores above) from point of registration

Race Route
Similar to last year’s race, distance about 10km, mostly flat terrain, trail and road. But expect very muddy routes on the Trail loop if it rained beforehand, so prepared to get dirty and wear shoes and running attire you don’t mind getting muddy in.

Route Explanation: TP Stadium – Out TP East Road Gate (To main road) – Bedok Reservoir Loop – North along TP Main Road – TP Stadium (Yellow Line)

Registration Details
Registration closing date: Sunday 6th july 2008
Register personally at the following Mizuno & World of Sports outlets (VGO Corp):

• Mizuno Paragon
• Mizuno Marina Square
• Mizuno AMK Hub
• Mizuno Vivocity
• WOS Plaza Singapura
• WOS Jurong Point
• WOS Toa Payoh
• WOS Heartland Mall
• WOS Takashimaya
• WOS Velocity @ Novena Square
• WOS Parkway Parade
• Feder Sports
• N-zone @ Queensway Shopping Center
• Running Lab at Funan IT Mall
• Running Lab at Velocity

Race day conduct
Reporting time: 0630
(Recommended time for ample warm up time, there is no need for pre-race registrations)
Race start: 0730
There is baggage deposit at the stadium itself, be sure to come really as the stadium will be very packed and will be hard to find your way around.

Getting there

Other nice to know stuff
Guest of honour (flag off): George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Official drink: H-Two-O
Official timer: Sunnto

Run at your own risk and be prepared for the finishing line appearing how of nowhere! LOL! See you at the Race!

Last year’s race was great! And after last year’s success, VGO will be having their 2nd annual regular go at the Mount Faber run again. For those who are familiar with the brief history is line of Mt Faber races are a resurrection of the annual race many years ago. Just hope the previous experiences of badly organised wave run last year do not spill into this run, considering ironically they are all organised similarly by VGO themselves.

Pluses for this year’s race will be a the availability of individual runner timings on top of getting more than a dark blue shirt, but at the expense of $10 more than last year’s fee and almost more than 2 times the runners to put up with.

Thanks to Claudio for the tip and heads up!

Event Details
Capacity: Limited to 3500 runners (From 1600 last year)
Event Date: Sunday, 15 June 2008
Venue: Open space between Blk 121 and 123 Bukit Merah View
(Not from and having to walk from Henderson Community Club as like last year)

Registrations
Closing date: 2 June 2008
Please register personally for your bibs aka “on-the spot 4D” numbers at the following locations:

Eligibility
No qualifying times required. Everyone is welcome!

Categories
Mens Open
Womens Open
Mens Veteran (Aged 40 and above)
Womens Veteran (Aged 40 and above)
Corporate groups (20 participants or more, send your details to email:mizunorun@vgocorp.com)

Entry Fees/Prices
Early bird (2nd May to 19May) – $30/runner
Normal period (20th May to 2nd June) – $35/runner
Part of proceeds will be donated to selected charities

Runner Entitlements

• Runners Bib
• iTags for Electronic Timing (we have timings this year!)
• Mizuno Shoe Bag (Worth $29.90)
• Mizuno Event Running Jerey (Sizes S to XL, worth $29.90)
• Lucky draw coupon
• 30% discount on all regular Mizuno items (from the listed stores above) from point of registration

Race day conduct
Reporting time: 0630
(Recommended time for ample warm up time, there is no need for pre-race registrations)
Race start: 0730
There is baggage deposit at the surrounding HDB void decks, as similar from last year’s race.
Otherwise you can leave your bags in your vehicles (if you are driving), there are ample HDB parking lots around the area.
Nearest MRT station: Tiong bahru (head into the mature HDB estate opposite Tiong bahru park)
Buses: 961, 855, 197, 147, 14, 196 (From Jalan Bukit Merah)

Other nice to know stuff
Guest of honour (flag off): MP Tanjong Pagar GRC, Ms Indranee Thurai Rajah
Official drink: H-Two-O
Official timer: Sunnto

Race Route
Distance about 10km, but with relief feats. Similar to last year’s race:

• Henderson road up towards the industrial distripark, across the AYE towards Pasir Panjang road, then turning up the Mt Faber hill from Pender Road.
• Passing round the route through Mount Faber landmarks such as the cable car station and comm tower.
• Down Mt Faber from Faber lodge towards CHIJ at Bukit Purmei towards Tiong Bahru park, then Delta House before circling Gan Eng Seng School and back up to Henderson road for the finish.

Camera phone shot from map from last year’s race: (please mind the quality!)

This race is also known as the Singapore Bay Run as well.

Well just as always, the Army Half Marathon (AHM) aka Singapore Bay Run aka Sheares Bridge Run 2008, held around the third quarter of the year.

Date: 24 August 2008
Start Point: Esplanade Drive (One fullerton area)
End Point: Padang
Distance: 21km / 10km / 6km

This year’s event is rather similar to last year’s the Singapore Bay Run – SAFRA Sheares Bridge Run & Army Half Marathon, to reflect the Marina Bay flavour as participants run through iconic landmarks, such as the Esplanade.

Running Route
(To be confirmed, but will be similar to 2007 route with endpoint at Padang and some detours at the Singapore Flyer area, given F1 Pit Construction and road widening in progress)
Click here for image of the running route (opens in new window)

21km Army Half Marathon
The route starts from the Esplanade Drive and heads to Collyer Quay, Marina Boulevard, ECP, Benjamin Sheares Bridge, Fort Road, East Coast Park Service Road, Marina East Garden, Marina Barrage, Central Boulevard, Collyer Quay, St Andrews and ends of at Padang

10 km SAFRA Singapore Bay Run
The route starts from Esplanade Drive and heads to Collyer Quay, Marina Boulevard, ECP, Benjamin Sheares Bridge, Rochor Exit, Fountain of Wealth, Temasek Avenue, Republic Boulevard, Raffles Avenue, Connaught Drive, St Andrews Road and ends at the Padang.

6km SAFRA Singapore Bay Run
The route starts from Esplanade Drive and heads to Collyer Quay, Marina Boulevard, ECP, Sheares Bridge, Rochor Exit, Fountain of Wealth, Temasek Avenue, Republic Boulevard, Raffles Avenue, Connaught Drive, St Andrew’s Road and ends at the Padang.

Registration
Registration begins Monday, 24 March 2008

Register Online by logging into Safra Online or personally (Better) at the following Safra Clubs:

• Safra Mount Faber
• Safra Toa Payoh
• Safra Tampines
• Safra Town Club
• Safra Yishun

Race Categories

* Registration fees are inclusive of GST

I just hope this year’s run won’t meet up with so much vehicular traffic as last year’s!

Bag desposit
More details soon!

Race Expo
Safra TohPayoh (More details available soon)

Ok here the event info for ya people to row da recycled boats in the Singapore River which we will (ironically) be drinking recycled water from. This is also in response to few inquiries I’ve received on it as well, so here it goes.

The 20th Anniversary Singapore River Raft Race will be held around mid year this 2008, contrary to early of the year as with previous years. The theme for this year’s race is “The amazing raft race”. Here are the first hand details.

Event details
Event date: 24-25th May 2008
Closing date: 9th May 2008
Organiser: Singapore Polytechnic
Venue:Clarke Quay
Managed by: Capital Land

Rafts are to be transported to event venue before the first day of race for public judging for best/most attractive raft awards, etc.. for the raft viewing/display and exhibitions.

Race
400-500m raft to the finish from start to finish in batches. In process of elimination, fastest raft wins the fastest raft category.
There are several other categories to be won as well (Please enquire for details).
Per raft Maximum 5 persons
Raft must be completely made out of recycled/reused materials (Sticking to the 3Rs)

Event contact details:
Line: 67721147
Fax:67721960
Website: www.sp.edu.sg

Entry Form download

Got this lying on my harddisk for sometime, but hey why not get this up as it simply beats those commercial photographers who simply can’t take anything for crap on our running events. This photo is sent by courtesy from my track and field junior captain who got few photos from few buddies in redsports.sg (you can visit their website here) as shot on a Nikon D300:

Photo credit going to Alvin and Redsports.sg

The 2008 National Vertical Marathon is on at the Republic Plaza, having just came back from the event, so here are the highlights and happenings of the event.

Race conduct
It’s quite understandable the organizers decided to take on the largest category head on first thing in the morning- the Mens open, which is the category I was registered for too, together with few of my classmates Andre and Danson, less this friend who broke his leg just a few days ago. The others in the track team are in for the competitive team event in the afternoon, wish them luck! Given the 6.30am reporting time, queues grew to a maximum of about 50 meters at it’s peak but was managed rather quickly by the 8-10 counter staff.

Participants are detailed based on a first come first served basis with the first detail firing off at about 7am and subsequent ones at 2 minute intervals. My detail, 23 was scheduled for a 7.42am run which gave me about 30 minutes, which is not too long to be annoyingly boring and not too short either to prepare ourselves and warm up adequately before being called into the holding tent for dispatch.

The start line

And the finish!

So… Timex sponsors the cardboard cover?

Route and Finish
The route is largely monotonous continuous anti-clockwise climb to the top, 2 flights per floor with one having an even number and the other flight with an odd number of steps. I noticed it myself, but confirmed it with other runners that the air is rather stuffy and unventilated from the 40th floors up, making some runners rather light and dizzy from the lack of fresh air, it won’t be a matter of time when someone throws up around there. I took about 12 minutes to clear the building, overtaking about a handful of 4-5 people from the previous detail. There is however, an adequate amount of water points and marshal stationed every 3-4 floors from what I recalled. The finish showered finishers with an even choice of ice cold water or Berocca effervescent drink. Strangely, there is no distinct water point on the ground floor at all. Though some Berocca staff where distributing them personally by the cup.

The A maze event
As misleading as it may read- Where is the maze? It’s supposed to be pronounced Amaze from the word Amazing and is part of the efforts made to improve the event and make it better than of last years. What it comprises are 5 events typical of that in a carnival, namely- 1) Holla-hoop for 15 rounds or chatek 5 times 2)Playing twister standing up 3) Navigate a zig zag after 15 head spins to make you dizzy 4) Memory game 5) Math toss game. The fastest one through all the stations will stand to win a digital camera. Otherwise you get to spin a wheel to win a prize allowing you to win accessory items such as clear files, coasters and notepads. I got a metallic tin coaster set called the “mystery prize”.

Quite an impressive goodie bag
Goodie bag items are quite generous this year and I thought Swissotel VM was generous. But for a $20 registration free, we have tons of little items, vouchers and coupons from skateline, apparel sponsor TYR, Eng wah cinemas, fitness first and some food vouchers just to name a few. There are quite alot of facial and toiletry items such as cleaners, sample deodorant and strangely even a lipstick just to name afew! Theres a Dec 07 Mens health magazine. The event shirt is a dry fit by TYR, not like FBT as last year, but the print quality is lower.

Instant Photos
Lastly, the “on the spot” shoot and print for the finishing certificate is very nice touch. And simply beats the heck out of the “fill in your own name- blank cheque style” A5 cardboard we got in last year’s event. Very commendable on that part, especially using instant photo printers to churn out all the photos taken, it takes less than 5 minutes to get your photo on the certificate, only that there is no official timing written like that of swissotel.

Ok thats all I have so far on the event feel free to share yours if you have any.

Have not really been running alot lately, not to mention even varying my areas of runs this month even if I tried putting myself on the tarmac too. But nevertheless got up my lazy bum for to get some runs done during this hectic period of Chinese new year, not to mention all the calories and fast food taken in from the various tidbits and goodies on top of the chalets I’ve been attending over the past week.

So it’s good to get back in the run, especially to many who raised their concerns whether am I still doing the running event list again for this year, fret not, the front page running events list has been updated as well, with almost all the major running events in Singapore all listed till end of this year. I only could not get confirmed details for the following events: NewBalance real run and Mizuno wave run, but based on the experience with their past 3-4 races, the dates stated there are rough estimates for the event during that quarter of the year, and it always on a Sunday! No word whether is there a Mizuno Mount Faber run this year as well.

As you may know I am a frequent visitor to the Alexandra Park Connector Running Route, with the route spanning from the Queenstown Extension all the way to Zion road. It’s amazing how interlinked and close our routes are- a 15mins drive from Bukit Merah to Great world (excluding parking time) can be done in a 25mins walk if you know the route. Today I will be covering the River valley extension of the Park connector with few more photos added to this wonderful city running route

River valley connector from Domain21

View from Zion road

The few nice views of the area

This part branches out an additional 600m of running flat track from the River Vallery end of the park connector, bringing us around the backyards of most HDB and condo suites littered all along the canal area. The thing about this extension is the lack of children playgrounds as mentioned in my queenstown review, but the route is definitely more shaded and covered with trees than most other part of the park connector route itself. There are not many man-made hut shelters lined along the route- only stone benches, though you can always seek shelter at the nearby HDB void decks in case of inclement weather.

The tarmac terminates at the Singapore boys brigade HQ and Great world city, where you can always make a U-turn or chow to your heart’s content at the Zion Road hawker food center whiel you are still there.

And now to update my untouched accumulative mileage listed, from 33.62km last month: