Compressport Run 2016 is an inaugural road run organised by Compressport with the mission to create a touchpoint for the running community to gather and run together. Through this event, Compressport aspires to be more than a brand that provides runners with one of the world’s most popular compression wear. They want to fuel the running passion by building a strong running community.
For only $39 for the 5 km race and $59 for the 10 km race (early bird rates), you get a race pack with a finisher medal for both races. And for that price, to receive a free pair of socks (worth $29) or sleeves (worth $79) is definitely a steal.
A favourite among many runners, the Compressport Pro Racing Socks V2.1 and R2V2 Compressport Calf Sleevesare known to be very comfortable, providing ample support and ventilation during running. Join the race and get yourself a comfortable pair of socks and sleeves that can help you run better.
As the slogan goes, “wherever you race, we support you”.
Runners are as diverse as their goals. You might be running to get stronger, challenge yourself or lose weight. You might be just beginning a 5km fun run with the community centre or racing to enter the Boston Marathon.
Either way, you’ve a goal and seeing progress is one of the best ways to keep you motivated. When we ploughed online and offline for tools for local runners, we face annoyances such as having to convert miles to km and oz to exactly“Exactly how much carbohydrates are there this bowl of mee pok?!”
To take these inconveniences off the plates of our fellow Singaporean runners, let us tell you the 3 must have apps for us runners in Singapore.
#1 MapMyRun
Photo Credit: MayMyRun on iPhone
First and foremost, it tells you the basics of your run such as distance, time and pace. Then, it goes further to break down these data to include your split pace and uses the GPS to map out your route. This is especially so for endurance runners, you don’t want to be expending explosive power on the first half of your race and crashing into a wall of fatigue before you even near the finishing line. Knowing how to pace yourself well is an important skill. This App helps you reflect better on your workouts.
Taking the social aspect slightly ahead, this App allows you to source for nearby routes that have been tried-and-tested by fellow runners. They tell you the estimated distance of that route and how far it might be from your current location.I’ve done Sungei Pandan, Ghim Moh Park Connector A and B. Paying for a race means you get a guaranteed, undisturbed route; that’s not the case when you’re running on your own. When you’re training for a distance race, having a selection of another run route would make your training runs a lot more exciting.
#2 JustRaceLah!
Photo Credit: JustRunLah
From the time you invest in your first pair of $150 shoes to the time you step onto the starting line, you’re going to be riddled with doubt. Running is as much a mental as it is a physical challenge. So what you need is to tell yourself “don’t be scared, just run.” JustRaceLah! has a database of over 600 races in Singapore and Malaysia. You can read reviews of past races and select upcoming ones that are all listed by dates.
The coolest part: After every race, you can log your finishing time, record personal notes as well as upload photos, allowing you to track and monitor your progress race by race. Plus, it’s 100% free and you can even look for race discounts.
They are surprisingly localised with their database. Look at the impressive list of results for “Char Kway Tiao.” That’s the best thing about this App. You don’t need to select a kind-of similar meal or end up estimating the amount of macronutrients you’re actually intaking. Apart from this, this App gives you a very good visual overview of your macronutrient distribution. If you look at our tips on “Know Your Nutrition: How To Keep A Proper Food Log,” you’d know how helpful this would be.
There are honestly a ton of Apps out there that do that job but seriously not many are FOR SINGAPOREANS. If you know of any that we’ve missed, let us know in the comments!
The most anticipated, the most challenging, the most rewarding – Asia’s largest night marathon is back! Sundown Marathon is about inspiring runners to push limits, breaking boundaries to achieve greatness, and to be truly limitless.
“It is just different running at night. It’s quieter and you are able to clear your mind to focus on your run. I want to bring this experience to all runners. The experience of running at night. We train at night, why don’t we race at night?” Adrian Mok, endurance athlete
There’s a kind of magic that takes place when you run at night.
Race through the lights of the city while it sleeps. Hear your own footsteps and heartbeat without the hustle and bustle of the city. Smell the scent of the fresh night breeze and touch the coolness of the air. This is your race – bring on the night!
Ashley Liew’s sportsmanship was the talking point in 2015, when he waited for his rivals who had taken a wrong route during the SEA Games 2015 Marathon. His tremendous spirit for sportsmanship was applauded among the running community and athletes alike. Not only that, he used to be overweight, but is now one of the fastest runners in Singapore. Let Ashley share with us his story and inspire you to Transcend Yourself:
One thing we do not know about Ashley Liew?
My first school sports team was canoeing and dragonboat in Junior College. Those two tough years pushed my physical boundaries, but more importantly shaped my mental tenacity. Interestingly, I enjoyed the running aspect of the team warm-up. Together with some teammates, we ran our debut full marathons in 2004 as a challenge. In retrospect, we should have prepared a lot more for it!
Your transcend story.
It is a blessing to have transcended from 4h29m34s and 80kg runner trying to lose weight, to 2h32m12s and 56kg marathoner representing Singapore. There is nothing ordinary about the “everyday” athlete running for his or her own reasons, especially since I was one of them.
One friend with the greatest transcend in person through running.
Mr Rameshon Murugiah has been my coach and friend since 2008. Over the years he has inspired me to transcend the pain and challenges, just as he did on route to his 2h24m22s national marathon record in 1995.
The Performance Series (TPS) – Singapore, is a series of five races that brings runners through unique iconic landscapes of Singapore. The venues have been chosen so to comprise of oasis/island, lake, heartland, reservoir and farm settings.
Through the series, individuals, families and communities will have an opportunity to advance, excel and experience the joy of living better through running. With this series we aim to create a national movement for running and healthy lifestyle. Will you be part of it?
TPS consists of 2.5km, 5km and 10km races, as well as a stairs race.
Don’t get us wrong – we’re not suggesting you count your calories here. That would most certainly create an unhealthy relationship with food. What you should do is understand what you’re fueling your body with and when.
Source: Food for Thought RD
How much do we need?
As runners, we need more carbohydrates to replenish the depleted glycogen stores (especially after a harrowing half marathon or full marathon), both during your trainings and on run day itself. Matt Fitzgerald recommends, in his book, “The New Rules of Marathon and Half-Marathon Training”, that runners training approximately 60 minutes per day should intake 4-5g/kg body weight of carbohydrates.
Proteins are the masters of muscle repair. Their main work comes after the workout (only about 5% is actually needed during the workout) and that’s also when it’s ideal to intake more protein to aid in muscle growth. It could speed up recovery as well! Matt says that endurance athletes should intake 1-1.6g/kg of proteins.
When do you need them?
Before your runs, especially those longer ones lasting more than 60 minutes, you should have some simple, good carbs. This helps to stock up your muscle glycogen before you work it. Take them at least 30 minutes before the workout, for light meals, or 2-3 hours before for heavier ones like a plate of spaghetti.
After the workout, you should refuel within 45 minutes to 1 hour once your workout ends. The faster you do so the better because that’s when your muscles are most responsive to glucose intake. Because they are already starved for it! When you consume good carbs together with protein, glycogen replenishment occurs faster than when carbs are consumed alone, and muscle repair occurs faster than when protein is consumed alone.
Source: Redbook Mag
How do you keep track of everything?
There are all sorts of technology out there that can help you with tracking what you’re eating. For a start, it can help you get a quantitative sense of what and how much you’re intaking. If you’re more old-fashioned, a regular pen and paper is equally helpful. What you’d need to know is:
What you’ve eaten
Where it is from
How much nutrients are in there
The least intuitive might be “where it is from.” That piece of information gives you a hint on how it might be prepared, and that really changes the amount of nutrients that might be packed in it. For example, home-cooked grilled Dory fish would be a lot healthier than fried fish wedged between a Fillet-O-Fish from MacDonald’s.
This whole process can be tedious and really such a hassle, especially at the start. But if you get accustomed to it, the benefits will surprise you on your next race day. A proper nutrition will help you run strong, finish strong and stay strong long after the run is complete.
During Chinese New Year Eve, almost everyone in my family put a sky lantern for good blessings. I was thinking of what to write for quite a while and I guess that this just shows that I wanted to continue run happy, never get tired of running and have tireless runs more than to find a Husband.
A few days ago someone just tells me that women my age should be dating or clubbing than running, but why not? I think just let nature take its course and I am happy with running and enjoys running and I rather hang out in the park. I think I would also rather meet someone in the park than in a club. Somehow I have a logic that people who do enjoys running or do sports, loves nature and animals would not be bad people unless they have a fetish for that then it would be gross.
I hope I will never get tired of running so I always keep myself motivated, keeping myself comfortable and enjoying my runs.
I eat what I like to motivate myself to run, and tell myself I need to burn off what I eat by running. What’s life when you control yourself this cannot eat that cannot eat? I like to have stress free running, so I don’t stress myself with speed or distance anymore but I do want to make improvements with my speed but I don’t want to push myself too hard as I scared the like for running may just die off and I will stop running. I do worry a lot that I have no longer any motivation to participate in a full marathon again. 42km is no joke.
Although I have been running almost everyday, I like the feeling when I just happy happy put on my running shoes and head out to run. Will try to run a different route every time so I can never get bored enjoy the scenery while I run. I like to run in the night more, it’s more cooling and I can enjoy the moon, the stars, the clouds and get impress by nature. Life’s simple bliss.
I realised that depends on where I run I’ll run with or without music. I listen to music so I don’t focus myself on the noise from the busy traffic or think too much about my breathing and my heartbeats. But sometimes running on small pavements really cannot run in peace when I blast the music, I will always turn and look back and check whether and bicycles or faster runners want to overtake. Most of the songs in my list are actually technos that are popular like 15 years ago or songs with very fast and good beats to give me the momentum. It’s nice to run in a quiet place, listening to the nature, the insects or listening to the leaves on the trees and just sit down whenever I find a nice spot and relax. If traveling is free and I don’t need any money to survive and I can stay safe, I will use the rest of my life running and exploring the world.
What is a Virtual Run? A Virtual Run event is a distance run or a walking goal you wish to obtain. If you sign up for one, it usually comes with a very unique medal (sometimes a bib) and it almost always donate part or all of your registration fees to charity. A Virtual Run would give you much satisfaction for your training efforts while still doing a good cause for charity. Normally, a Virtual Run is priced at about USD$25 and international shipping charges for the medal applies. Very recommended for beginners (5k and 10k are the most common distances offered) or those who want some peaceful running by themselves.
With the limited time and date you have available, with your preferred choice of location, from trail/park connectors to treadmill, from running domestically to a foreign country, a Virtual Run is practically custom made to fit your own liking. Take me for example, I love running after midnight but there is only a Sundown running event in Singapore.
Photo Credit: fullmedalruns.com
Granted, while we get enjoyment from crossing the finish line with our photos taken, we have also reaped rewards/benefits from each and every hard earned km too. Running with the masses in an official non-virtual event with the roar of cheers from happy crowds as we finish is awesome and the feeling is indescribable. We also know that while it may not be cheap to participate in these events, there are extra expenses getting to the start line to think about. With such introduction to Virtual Runs, there would not be travel expenses, no hassle with parking, no long lines for race pack collection and certainly no crowded venue to battle with.
As runners, we have put in a lot of km preparing for such an event. We have hit great distances during our preparation runs, why not select a training run as a self-perceived race and reward yourself with a medal?
Photo Credit: goneforarun.com
Here is a quick look at how Virtual Run works.
Decide on a Virtual Run (you choose the distance) you would like to participate.
A downloadable bib (different website varies) will be sent to you via email.
There is a running period for you to complete the run in order to earn the medal.
This can coincide with whichever non-virtual race you might be participating during that period.
Any kind of distance capturing device / app that clearly states your completion distance and time will be suffice.
After the run, submit your run stats on your Facebook page.
Medal will be mailed to you.
I am going to have the pleasure of running one very soon as I have placed my order for a Virtual Run. The medal is very colourful and even has some “bling bling” on it. There is a whole list of websites that you can choose from online. Have a running good time!
We had 156 races in Singapore in 2015, with at least 1 race occurring almost every week – that shows how running is a popular culture in Singapore. While some may say that the races in Singapore are growing saturated, it is still no doubt that the local running community is still growing and more people are joining these races. And whether people are joining races or returning to races, are dependent on how well a race is organised. These are the 3 biggest running event organisers in Singapore, do you know them?
Explomo
Mostly known for: Run For Hope
Explomo Consulting Pte Ltd offers a full range of sports events management and consultancy services. They conceptualize, plan and execute sports events across all levels with their strong industry knowledge and passion. These attributes tailored successes like MINDSET Challenge (Vertical Marathon), HomeTeamNS-New Balance REAL Run, tHe Spring Live Active Run in Sarawak, as well as the first ever Green Corridor Run back in 2013, which was Singapore’s first run along the preserved railway track. Their solutions are customized in accordance with customers’ business objectives, and delivered by a team of experienced event organisers, specialized in their own fields.
Infinitus
Mostly known for: Great Eastern Women’s Run
Infinitus is an event design house that specialises in challenging limits. They create events that help individuals push their own boundaries and discover a sense of infinity within themselves. Backed by theirr years of experience and technical expertise, Infinitus formulates large-scale activities that take participants on an exhilarating new journey everytime. Some events under their belt include the recent Illumi Run and the upcoming RUN 350.
Orange Room
Mostly known for: Tri-Factor Series
The Orange Room is a Singapore-Based events company set up in 2006 that was built upon the success of its sister company, The Swimming Room. The dynamic team comprises of energetic athletes & professionals that have combined expertise in the various event management sectors such as sports, Leisure, entertainment and media.
An acronym of their name also describes the services they offer:
O : Organized your scope and objectives
R : Realize the details and any potential impediment
A : Analyze the overall schedule, resources and scope
N : Negotiate for the absolute best cost for our clients
G : Galvanize the implementation plan with style timely
My valentine’s day morning is a run with fellow runners and making new friends. Singapore’s running community is nice, I think it is because Singapore is small, we always see many familiar faces at the running events and it is like every runner will know another runner somehow.
This was a running event organised by Gei Gei Running Club, and it is free. Running is free. You can run barefoot, and even naked but don’t say I never warn you that the police will catch you. ^^ It is a choice if you want to invest in a running gear. In life, everything is by choice. It is interesting when people say they have no choice, it is your choice to choose no choice as a choice, so no choice is your choice.
It was a 7.88km run for me starting from UOB plaza to Marina Barrage and then back. Respect the guy who cosplay himself as the Monkey King, wear so much for a run and can tahan the hotness. Just nice in evening I also went to watch the movie Monkey King, can say the cosplayer in the morning really got do homework, very good imitation of the Monkey King and super energetic.
I enjoyed myself as I got no expectation for this run because it is a fee-less run and I can just say that I’m grateful for the volunteers, photographers, organisers and the sponsors for the food and drinks. It take really a lot of effort.
It’s nice meeting runners all over Singapore. Can’t help but think that every runners have a reason to why they run. We run to lose weight, we run to keep fit, we run because of the endorphins, we run because we have time, we run because we want to run away from our problems, we run because we just simply love running.
It has been a week since we launched our new website. It comes with a modern and cleaner layout, more user-friendly tools and seamless browsing for our readers. We hope you like the new look as much as we do! Here are some features of the website which you may find useful:
We are adding the buzzing Indonesia, Japan and Hong Kong running scenes to your reach. Likewise, good news for all triathletes! Searching for Asia Pacific triathlon races has never been easier. We have listed 44 upcoming triathlon races in APAC, and there will be more to come.
Always wanted to join a running club but don’t know where to find a comprehensive list for all the running clubs in Singapore? Whether you are a Singaporean runner, or an expat who is looking for new running buddies, a running club is the perfect way to get those legs running! JustRunLah now has a detailed listing of all the 39 running clubs of Singapore. You may filter by location or type and explore your potentials.
A comprehensive listing of all the sports stores in Singapore. There are 157 of them to cater to your active needs and demands. You may filter through apparels, shoes, equipment and nutrition by the sports category and location to your preference.
A small tip for all our readers: Click on More on the toolbar above to gain full access to the functions of our website such as deals, training tips and race database! There is so much to offer on the new website – have fun exploring!
For the past two decades, HomeTeamNS REAL Run™ has been providing one of the best multi-terrain foot race experience for running enthusiasts all over the world. This year, the organising committee aims to enhance the experience with a new adrenaline-pumping Obstacle Challenge (Lifesavers Route), in addition to the multi-terrain run (Protectors Route).
5KM/10KM Multi-terrain Run (Protectors Route)
Since its humble beginnings, the multi-terrain 5km and 10km routes has been a must-join for runners in Singapore. Dubbed as the “Ultimate Running Experience”, REAL Run’s combination of Road, Trail and Sand will excite runners who are looking for an extra challenge through winding trails, slopes, asphalt and energy-sapping sand. As you run through the different terrains, you can also expect to enjoy the different sights of Sentosa Island.
If you love new challenges and love obstacle races, you must join this year’s REAL Run! Traditionally, regulars, NSFs and NSmen will have to complete obstacle courses as part of their training before they take on roles such as Police officers, Firefighters or even Paramedics in the Home Team. This year, REAL Run brings to you first-of-its-kind modified obstacle challenge that gives you a taste of the HomeTeamNS experience.
Run With The Best Of Home Team
On top of the obstacles, you will get to join the ranks with some of Home Team’s elite forces. Run with the very best of Home Team to challenge yourself and have a taste of the power and strength of the people who protect our country everyday!
A professional physiotherapist, Jenny Huang is a mother of 2, and also an avid ultramarathoner who is fairly well-known in the running community in Singapore. She was a “late bloomer” who’d only taken up running after her two children started schooling, she became the fastest woman in the 2013 Sundown Ultra Marathon, clocking an impressive 10:38 performance for her first 100km endurance race. Watch the above interview where Jenny shares with us her interpretation of Transcend Yourself and some running advice, as an ambassador leading up to The Performance Series.
Know more about her story here:
Something you may not know about me
I grew up fully Taiwanese, rooted in Taoyuan, Taiwan, spoke fluent Mandarin and Taiwanese until age 7. I went to preschool and kindergarten and got my hand swatted for missing marks on exams (I hated exams). I watched Xiao Fei Xia almost every night. I had my first boy crush on a cartoon character number 1. LOL. He still is cute.
My transcend story
After moving to Singapore 13 years ago, I added running to my daily routine once kids went to school; it brought about this new level of understanding in pushing the body, the mind, and the heart. I love being able to go beyond what is considered ‘normal’ and knowing that whatever is worth your time does not come easy. And above all else, I love running alone. Transcendence to me is self-reliance and self-discovery.
“It is easy in the world to live after the world’s opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
One friend with the greatest transcend in person through running.
Claire Lacour, who was a client and now a friend. She is a beautiful 27 year old who inspires me with her commitment and focus for any upcoming marathon. She has control over her body, her pains, and plans on training through sheer determination, wit, and patience. She is the warmth and happiness of sunshine mixed in with a bit of hurricane.
The Performance Series (TPS) – Singapore, is a series of five races that brings runners through unique iconic landscapes of Singapore. The venues have been chosen so to comprise of oasis/island, lake, heartland, reservoir and farm settings.
Through the series, individuals, families and communities will have an opportunity to advance, excel and experience the joy of living better through running. With this series we aim to create a national movement for running and healthy lifestyle. Will you be part of it?
TPS consists of 2.5km, 5km and 10km races, as well as a stairs race.
MacRitchie Reservoir is one of the top and most well-known running routes in Singapore, ran by many running enthusiasts, trail runners, and nature lovers. But as the Land Transport Authority of Singapore (LTA) plans to enhance the connectivity of the public transport system in Singapore, it seems inevitable for this precious natural habitat to be involved in the development works.
What is The Cross Island MRT Line (CRL)?
The Cross Island MRT Line (CRL) will be the eighth Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line in Singapore. Spanning across Singapore, the CRL is approximately 50 km in length and is targeted to complete by around 2030. It is currently under planning and evaluation.
The line will begin from Changi, passing through Loyang, Pasir Ris, Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Timah, Clementi, West Coast before terminating at Jurong Industrial Estate.
It will provide commuters with another alternative for East-West travel to the current East-West Line, bringing greater comfort and significantly shorter journey times. The eastern leg of the CRL will also include a segment that extends into the centre of Punggol. Residents in Punggol will be able to travel to Pasir Ris – a popular and much demanded travel route – in only 10-15 minutes, compared to a 40 minute bus journey today.
Construction through the MacRitchie Forest
Since LTA announced the plans for CRL in 2013, several nature groups have stepped up to express concern about the environmental impact of the line possibly being built through the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
The reserve, which encompasses the MacRitchie, Upper and Lower Peirce and Upper Seletar reservoirs has about 400 species of trees, 200 species of birds, 400 species of insects and 150 species of mammals and amphibians, according to a 2014 report released by some of the nature groups.
Straw-headed Bulbul | Photo credits: Love Our Macritchie Forest
Nature Society (Singapore) council member Tony O’dempsey said: “We have a zero-impact policy as a starting point. The reason why we have this policy is that every time we do something in a nature reserve, you create an impact that is long-lasting.”
“We can’t always measure what those impacts are accurately, and we don’t like to take the risks. So every impact that occurs, no matter where in the nature reserve, different projects, different times, will accumulate.”
Alternative to Alignment of the MRT Line
Pending more baseline information on ground conditions near the reserve, LTA is open to both of two possible alignments for the part of the MRT line around the area of the reserve – one cutting straight through the reserve and the other skirting around it as recommended by nature groups.
The final alignment of the MRT line will be decided, taking into consideration the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), along with factors such as connectivity, travel time, cost and impact on home- or land-owners in the area.
Ex-Conservation Manager of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Joey Gan, “the impact of noise and smell on forest inhabitants can never be fully understood or quantified in an EIA. Even with mitigation measures in place, it is a nearly impossible task to enforce these measures on a daily basis. Furthermore, works are required to be done around the clock, and this only exacerbates the situation.
Impact on Wildlife
There is a high number of animal species near the alignment option that cuts beneath the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Most animals will be able to move far away enough from the noise generated by drilling rigs and other machines, but concerns remain over some creatures such as the lesser mousedeer, slow loris, colugo and pangolin.
Lesser Mousedeer | Photo credits: Love Our Macritchie Forest
Critically endangered Pangolin | Photo credits: Straits Times
The mousedeer, slow loris and critically endangered Sunda pangolin have distinct home ranges, and movement away from the noise or human activities “may potentially bring such fauna into territorial conflict such as increased competition for food and shelter, particularly in a highly fragmented habitat”, stated the EIA (Phase One).
A Natural Heritage, A National Treasure
Photo credits: Singapore Slinging
The CRL will definitely enhance the connectivity of our local transport system. But is the improved accessibility within this island significant enough to compromise on the limited natural green space we have left? Macritchie is home to one of the largest patches of primary rainforest and lowland swamp forest. Environmentalists would agree it is best to keep a zero impact on the natural habitat, and allow the nature reserve to fulfill its purpose for the conservation of wildlife.
While the CRL will increase the accessibility and convenience of Singapore’s public transport system, the realisation of its plans should take into consideration the impacts on the natural landscape. What are your takes on this?
We had 156 races in Singapore in 2015, with at least 1 race occurring almost every week – that shows how running is a popular culture in Singapore. While some may say that the races in Singapore are growing saturated, it is still no doubt that the local running community is still growing and more people are joining these races. And whether people are joining races or returning to races, are dependent on how well a race is organised. These are the 3 biggest running event organisers in Singapore, do you know them?
Hivelocity
Mostly known for: Sundown Marathon
Hivelocity is run by a group of people who are passionate about inspiring athletic lifestyles and inspirational sporting experiences. From their years of experience organising sports events, they offer deep expertise in sports event planning, management and execution. They have a platform – 1XCESS – for online mass registration and payment, race timing and results hosting. On the other hand, they also have Black Dot, another subsidiary that takes care of event marketing and public relations, sponsorship management.
Pink Apple
Mostly known for: 2XU Compression Run
Pink Apple is passionate about bringing ideas together and conceptualizing them to outdo all expectations. They believe in amplifying the experience of the event to everyone else involved – be it as a partner or as a participant. Their experience in races varies among different concepts, including novelty races such as Hello Kitty Run, and the gruelling Asia’s largest trail running series The North Face 100.
MetaSport
Mostly known for: MetaSprints Series
MetaSport has its roots in triathlon, providing expert coaching to individuals and groups of all levels, from absolute beginners to high performance athletes competing at world championship events. It has since expanded to event management with the launch of the first Bintan Triathlon, which has since become one of Asia’s iconic triathlon events. In fact, MetaSport is now a leading sport management company in Asia with its head office in Singapore and operations in Singapore, Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Worthy of the claim Singapore’s top long distance runner, Soh Rui Yong had impressed us time and again with his accomplishments the past 2 years.
He has taken on the role as an ambassador for OSIM Sundown Marathon 2016, and is using this platform to inspire the local running community that running is limitless. JustRunLah! had the opportunity to sit down with Soh as he shared with us about running.
One problem you find in most runners?
One solution you suggest?
“Over-training. To address the issue, try to speak to a coach or advisor to get an input from an external party. Because as runners, it is in our nature to push past our boundaries. I always want to do more – if I ran 24K today, I want to run 26K the next week. If I ran a 160K this week, I want to run a 180K next week.”
“It is very easy for us to cross the red line between hard training and overtraining. And that’s why a coach is needed to push what you need to push and hold back what you need to hold back. As runners, we often go past that red line, and that’s what makes us marathoners. We do something the human body is not naturally inclined to do.”
Gosh how unprepared were we for a real messy and muddy trail run, but how much fun was it to get messy and muddy just like kids.
I’ve been wanting to explore the Green Corridor with my 7 years old girl for some time and Compressport’s trail run gave us the incentive by organising a 5km category. Perfect length for my girl with double the benefits. She got to experience the ruggedness of the Green Corridor whilst receiving a finisher medal to remember the event.
With a reasonable flag-off at 9.30am for us non-morning people, we huddled into the starting pen just in time to see the first 10km racers passing through their halfway mark.
Fourth runner crossing the halfway mark.
Taking off 5 minutes earlier than the scheduled time we shuffled our way through the starting line and merged with the 10km participants. It was a little tight on such a narrow route given the thousands of participants making it a little difficult to start running immediately.
Funneling our way through the Start line.
Just as we were able to get ourselves going, within a kilometer we passed beneath one of the overhead bridges to find ourselves stuck behind numerous runners just standing still, unsure of what was happening ahead. We didn’t account for the mini-pond that was as wide as the running path and possibly as long as 15m (I could be dreaming this but I don’t think so). Ah what to do? We wore old runners but we weren’t particularly prepared to get wet, muddy and squishy shoes so early in the race and the look of horror on Trinity’s face was the deciding factor to attempt to circle the pond on the minuscule amount of surface left to tread. Just like everyone else except for the 10km gung ho runners who’ve been dealing with this surface for 6km already and just no longer cared about how filthy they were going to get. They barreled their way through the pond splashing everyone in sight.
What’s the hold up?
Ah yep got it. A pond.
Skirting the pond with Trini.
I spent most of the race telling Trini it’s okay to get muddy, don’t worry about your runners getting dirty, enjoy the messiness of this race, have fun with this experience. Phew, on and on it went. John and I enjoyed it but we’re not convinced that Trini did the same. She did however, enjoy the Green Corridor and kept asking about the old railway bridge which unfortunately, I had to tell her it was in the opposite direction. Looks like we might have to go out another time before the Corridor closes mid-year so she can experience the railway bridge across Bukit Timah Road.
We spent pretty much the entire race dodging puddles, turned up mud piles or getting around runners who were trying to keep their runners as reasonably clean as possible (good luck to that).
Tackling the muddy route.
A much needed rest.
Respite from mud.
Trini found this race very tiring when compared to the road races she’s used to. So much weaving and dodging, trail route instead of road route and of course the distance was wearing on her legs and cardio fitness. However as we were nearing the end we took her by her hands and sprinted our way to the finish line.
Looking for green dry land.
Family click.
With all the dried up mud on our clothes, legs and feet we figured we’d be better off getting on a bus home instead of a taxi. We didn’t think any taxi driver would appreciate dry mud in his car. Along with fellow filthy racers we boarded Bus 10 and made our way home, looking forward to a long hot shower and scrubbing ourselves clean.
It was a fun event. I wouldn’t intentionally seek out muddy races but if the situation presents itself unbeknownst to me, I’m always happy to embrace the experience and just roll with the punches. Just like we did with this race.
Finisher medals make everything so much better.Historic Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.
