A Christmas experience at the First Hello Kitty Night Run in Singapore
Press Release, Singapore, 19 December 2015 – Hello Kitty Run Singapore 2015: Celebrates Christmas snowed on 11,000 participants as they completed the 5 kilometre route from Raffles Avenue, through Esplanade Drive and Marina Boulevard, to Bayfront Avenue, with the finale at the Christmas Carnival at The Float@Marina Bay.
(Video by JustRunLah!)
Iconic mascots Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel who were dressed in Christmas-themed outfits flagged off five waves of runners, entertaining them with selfies and air-kisses, drumming up excitement among the already-ecstatic crowd before the race began.
Participants were able to experience the joyous occasion of Christmas with their family and friends through four unique zones scattered along the race route – UV Zone, Starry Night, Jingles and Snow Zone. Each zone presented participants with photo opportunities, not only from the beautifully designed elements, but also from the evening Singapore city skyline with iconic landmarks set against the sunset.
The limited-edition Hello Kitty finisher medal was the grand prize that awaited participants as they completed the route, a medal that was specially designed for this race.
Families were able to enjoy carnival games, as well as food and beverages on sale at the Christmas Carnival on the Floating Platform.
“Our past years’ experiences in organising sporting and fun run events has contributed to the success of Hello Kitty Run Singapore 2015,” Mr James Koh, Director of Pink Apple, “we hope running enthusiasts and fans can look forward to our future events as we step into the brand new year of 2016.”
For more information about Pink Apple’s upcoming events and activities, please visit http://www.pinkapple.com.sg/, or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pinkapplesg/.
Years ago, I’ve been dreaming of running a marathon. But over the years, I have never make any actions to make it happen until this year, I took the courage to sign up for it to challenge myself.
I didn’t really do many long distance run before the marathon and I am under training and that results in me walking the most of the last 7km. My longest distance ran ever was the Newton 32km challenge two months ago and then last month, I went to Great Eastern Women’s run, running my first half marathon. Other than these 2 long distance running, I rarely run more than 10km.
I took 5 hours and 50 minutes to complete my first marathon, it isn’t too bad considering it as my first attempt but I’m not satified with the timing. Expectations increases. When I first signed up for the marathon, there was a question asking the estimated timing that I might take to complete the run, I thought that I may use more than 7 hours considering the worst scenarios such as what if I fainted half way or suffer from cramps or diarrhoea.
When I was at the starting line, I really regretted signing up. I asked myself what if I can’t complete the race within the cut off time? Then I heard that Mr Chan, 85 years old this year is at his 101st marathon. If an elderly uncle can do it, so can I!
At 9km mark, I realised the yellow portion on my race bib drop off and I really panic. And I thought ho seh liao, what if I couldn’t get my finisher medal and T-shirt? Who design the race bib like this? This is so important to me! My first marathon! So I approach one of the volunteer and I was assured that it dosen’t matter. I was really relieved.
At 14km mark, I cried when I saw the distance board, the motivational words is something like this: When you feel like giving up, remember why you started. Why I started, what am I proving by running regularly for the past year or so? Run for a reason? Run to heal a broken heart? Run for the endorphins? But I don’t think we need any reason to run! Just run! I love running! I love the scenery in my running routes! Just run!
After the 30km mark, it is really becoming a mental torture thing as I have never run more than 32km Just nice when I started to walk, the 5 hours 30 minutes pacers caught up. It is then one of the pacers keeps on encouraging us, assuring us and motivates us. He keeps on repeating: Go on a jog, follow us, we will bring you in 5 hours 30 minutes! I am sure many people is motivated by him! I am really thankful for him as I followed them till about the 35km point. Then I start to feel mild pain in my abdominal area which I think is because I drank too much water.
I was handed my finisher T-shirt and finisher medal, I thought I will cry or even feel touched but I didn’t. I just want to find a place to sit down and don’t move anymore. I miss my bed. I was so tired that I didn’t feel the even look at the medal and T-shirt until after I rest. But I know and I am sure, I will be back at standard chartered marathon again next year.
Over 27,000 entrants participated in the 2015 edition of the historic Gold Coast Airport Marathon on 4-5 July 2015, in Gold Coast, Australia. This IAAF Gold Label Race is widely known as “Australia’s premier road race” which attracted participants from all over the world. Amongst the 5,000 finishers in the full marathon category, a number of Singaporeans shined at the event, with some of them qualifying for the prestigious Boston Marathon 2016.
Why is the Gold Coast Marathon so popular among Singapore runners?
1. Boston Qualifying Race
The first and most important reason is that GC marathon is a full certified marathon that serves as a golden opportunity for runners to qualify for Boston Marathon if they achieve the Boston Qualifying standards. It is every runners’ dream and bucket list race to participate in the Boston Marathon because it is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events.
2. Fast and flat race course for PBs
In addition, the GC Marathon offers one of the fastest, flattest race course in the world, which is extremely ideal for runners to achieve their Personal Bests. July is also the time of the year in Gold Coast where the weather conditions are ideal for running: low humidity, little or no wind in the morning and mild temperatures.
3. Beautiful and scenic race route
Photo credits: Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Moreover, running next to the scenic Gold Coast surf beaches and broadwaters is definitely a breath-taking and unique race experience for all participants. Expect to run along the Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Miami and Burleigh Heads. Gold Coast is therefore not only a paradise for surfers and beach-goers, it is a paradise for all runners as well!
4. Festive atmosphere and good vibes
Photo credits: Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Be prepared to soak in the festive atmosphere created by the huge crowds, cheerleaders and local buskers cheering for you at the sides of the race route from the 5km mark onwards, which you will be bypassing the supporters seats 4 times throughout your race! You will be inspired and motivated by the Runspiration and get to the finish line with bursting enthusiasm and energy! Besides the spectator stands, The Motivators, a group of enthusiastic, energetic and positive runners will be located between the 32.5 kilometre mark and 41km mark to do everything they can – from running alongside you to providing reassuring advice, to get you across the finish line.
5. Affordable flight options and holiday destination
Many budget airlines flying from Singapore offers direct flights to Gold Coast. These affordable flight options make your travelling convenient and pocket-friendly as you enjoy a race and a vacation at one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. Gold Coast is known for its sunshine, golden surf beaches, beautiful broadwater, popular restaurants and cafes, exciting theme parks and accommodation for all budgets. Moreover, with the current favourable currency rates between Singapore Dollar and Australian Dollar, there is no reason why you should not consider this as your next vacation destination!
6. Attractive Runners’ entitlements
Photo credits: Gold Coast Airport Marathon
Finishers of the race will be rewarded with a beautifully-designed, commemorative medal, shirt and certificate. They have been collectors’ items for those who come back from year-to-year or travel to running events around the world. If you would like to personalise your medal, iTabs are also available for purchase where you can engrave your name and net time at the back of the finisher’s medal.
Teck Hua is a humble sprinter who represented Team Singapore at the 8th ASEAN Para Games (APG). The APG was held in Singapore from 3 – 9 December 2015. Teck Hua had been leading an active lifestyle. Due to a traffic accident in 2004, his right leg had to be amputated. However, his optimism and determination had brought him to even greater heights. He is now a happy father of two and is setting sights on the Paralympic Games. He credited these to his capable and understanding wife (and family).
JustRunLah!: How will you introduce yourself to Singapore running community?
Teck Hua: I don’t have much running achievements to boast about, I can’t run fast, neither can I run far, but one similarity that I can probably identify is that we all somehow found joy and purpose in running.
JustRunLah!: Being a sporty person before your unfortunate traffic accident in 2004, how did you overcome your disability and continued to do sports?
Teck Hua: I think leading an active life prior to accident is the reason why I am so keen to continue staying active. I won’t say I overcome disability to do sports, in fact sports contributed to my overcoming of my disability.
JustRunLah!: What inspired you to pick up swimming initially and impressively attained a bronze medal at the 1st Asia Swimming Championship held in Kuala Lumpur in the same year of your accident?
Teck Hua: Swimming doesn’t require equipment like prosthesis and it is the best alternative to Cardio exercise, hence I went into swimming despite not being a swimmer. The bronze medal came as a surprise as I wasn’t exactly very fast. I like to believe that the games at that time was new and hence less competitive.
JustRunLah!: What inspired you to pick up running eventually and also represented Singapore at the recent ASEAN Para Games?
Teck Hua: I used to run a lot during my army days, but that was the last thing I thought possible after my amputation. However, I was always hopeful and kept track of the advancement in prosthetic technology and eventually got myself a running leg a few years back. When tasked to participate in the games, I didn’t choose swimming as I have quit since 2009. I don’t feel good going back training just because of the games. Besides, athletics was underrepresented and I was picking up running, so I focus to train hard to sprint instead.
JustRunLah!: Being a father of two with a full-time job, how did you juggle your time between family/friends, work and training?
Teck Hua: I will say that you need a capable and understanding wife, period!
JustRunLah!: What advice would you give to someone who is going through a rehabilitation and feeling negative?
Teck Hua: In life, there are many things that are beyond us, but we can choose how we want to play the cards that we are dealt with. It wasn’t just for me too, I choose to put up a strong front so as not to put more pain and suffering for my parents and people who care about me. I am happy for who I am now and I wouldn’t trade my life for anyone else’s.
JustRunLah!: What are your future goals in running?
Teck Hua: I hope to qualify for Paralympics in Tokyo but many things have to come together to make it possible given that I am way past my prime and I can’t exactly follow a generic training program and hope to see drastic improvement. I need the elements of biomechanics along with input of good prosthetist and coach to make it happen.
JustRunLah!: What do you think makes a runner, especially someone who keeps at it, put feet to the ground day after day?
Teck Hua: I can’t comment as I am myself very amazed at people who can religiously run and run. Besides, running can be a very boring sports activity. I think people who can do that have ultra high discipline and crazy mental strength!
JustRunLah!: Finish this sentence: Running is…
Teck Hua: Running is a god’s gift, as I have been through the stage where being able to walk is already a blessing.
Crossing the 1st Ironman finishing line cannot be more meaningful and memorable than doing it with your loved one. Alan and Ginni, training/racing buddies/husband-and-wife, recently completed their first Ironman race together at Busselton, Western Australia. They believe that “The sport of running and triathlon completes their lives” and “Together, they are stronger”.
JustRunLah!: How would you introduce yourself to Singapore triathlon community?
Ginni: Hi, I’m Ginni and I’m vertically challenged at 1.5m tall. You will always see me racing with my husband, Alan. Alan: My name is Alan. Yes, most in the community would usually see the both of us race together.
JustRunLah!: When did you first pick up triathlon (what age) and what inspired you to do so? And even to go for your first Ironman race?
Ginni: I first picked up Triathlon in 2008 when I was 19. Alan was overseas in Australia back then and I wanted to do something and make him proud. So, I took a leap of faith and signed up for the mini distance in OSIM Triathlon and completed it on my own. We subsequently signed up for longer distance triathlon races, from the Mini category, Sprint, Standard (Olympic), Ironman 70.3 to our first-ever full Ironman. It was a great journey for both of us, and how we have come so far in this sport.
Alan: She (Ginni) was the reason I took up first triathlon, and that was when I returned to Singapore in 2010. At that point in time, our minds were only on completing mini/sprint triathlon events in Singapore. We did not even think about the endurance triathlon races outside of Singapore. The more local races we took part, the more like-minded triathletes we got to know, and it was eventually in 2014 where we signed up for our first-ever Ironman 70.3 race in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The relatively-low registration cost and the proximity to Singapore were the main factors for the Putrajaya race. And of course, the thought to ever complete a first Ironman 70.3 race. By the end of 2014, we sat down together with our triathlon buddies, Arthur, Elaine and Gary to decide which races we could participate in 2015. Then we targeted on completing our first-ever Ironman race in Busselton, Western Australia come December 2015. But we would at least need a lead-up Ironman 70.3 race, and we signed up for Ironman 70.3 in Danang, Vietnam in May 2015.
Photo credit: Arthur Tong
JustRunLah!: Both of you finished your first Ironman race side by side with a time of 13hr 11min. What were going through your minds throughout the race and all the way to the finishing point?
Ginni: Due to the course design, we managed to see each other u-turn points and we are about 5mins apart. So at the 2nd loop of the run, I asked him if we want to finish the race together. We finished our first 70.3 together back at Putrajaya 2 years ago and thought it would be great to have it ‘repeated’ for our first Ironman race. My motivation is getting through the aid stations. I told myself that I am only allowed to walk during the aid-station. Moreover, I didn’t want Alan to wait for me too long in the cold either.
Alan: To be honest, I targeted to complete this race in about 12hr 30min. I did not have a good race. I wasted a lot of time visiting the portable loo (at least four times) during the bike and run legs. On the swim, we had completed in about the same timing as I realised she ran pass me when I had came out from the poo. That was prior to transit to our bike leg. So we had the chance to start the bike leg together. I heard her saying, “You go first, good luck!” And luck indeed was not on my side, at least. I had to use the loo only about 67km into the bike leg. I could remember the chill was already biting me – something which was draining me physically. I realised I was still ahead of her at that point in time. It was only after my second loo visit when she was closing in on me. It was a huge relief when I completed the bike leg, and got onto the run. At least it was my most confident leg of the race. I started with a comfortable steady pace of about 4:56, only to be hit again by the chills. That was when I slowed down during my run leg (including two other loo visits), and I saw her closing in (probably about 5 to 7 mins behind). Like Ginni said, the course design of the run leg was great! I was able to spot her throughout the run, and I had signaled to her during the earlier part of the run that I was not feeling well. She then told me to hang on to complete the race together. That thought was running through my mind, and certainly a dream come true for us with the photo-finish, despite the setbacks.
JustRunLah!: What advice would you give to someone taking that Ironman race?
Ginni: The bike is longest part of the race hence it is important to have clocked at least a few long rides of about 160km. It gives you a mental preparation.
Alan: He or she needs to be prepared to race from sunrise to sunset. At least put in a lot of training hours to be mentally prepared. Swim long, bike long, and run long. He or she needs to understand his or her most comfortable pace to last a full Ironman race.
JustRunLah!: What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
Ginni: I told myself that I can’t give up so fast after all the efforts I put into training. And I didn’t want to disappoint the people around me.
Alan: To never give up till the finish line. I always believe in finishing any races strong.
Photo credit: Pictureart
JustRunLah!: How has training with JRL Academy’s F1 Runners been for you?
Ginni: Training has been great so far with all the different types of training session by Lexxus so I get to improve my running. It’s tough trying to juggle 3 sports and work together so I try to go for training as much as possible.
Alan: Coach Lexxus had put us through different training programmes since we are focused on completing our first-ever Ironman race. There was more emphasis on endurance and strength training, as well as several speed workouts to help better our run timings.
JustRunLah!: Now that both of you are also part of the JRL Academy’s Team bodyFUEL, how are you looking forward to be training under 2 of Singapore’s best coaches Lexxus Tan and Steven Chan?
Ginni: I look forward to more targeted training and definitely hope to be faster and more PBs!
Alan: Yes, hopefully more PBs, and to continue to enjoy the sport of running and triathlon under their tutelage.
JustRunLah!: What are your future goals, in running and in triathlon?
Ginni: I hope to be able to qualify for 70.3 World Championship and maybe getting Top 10 positions in running events.
Alan: I hope to be able to continue enjoying the sport of running and triathlon, and hopefully a breakthrough for triathlon, in terms of podium finish.
JustRunLah!: What do you think makes a runner/triathlete, especially someone who keeps at it day after day?
Ginni: I guess it is a passion for the sport. The daily training sessions then ‘turned’ into a habit, and part of our lives.
Alan: Yes, interest in the sport of running and triathlon keeps us going. Furthermore, working out together is as good as a movie date for us.
JustRunLah!: Finish these sentences:
– Running is…
– Triathlon is…
Ginni & Alan: Running is love. Triathlon is tough love. The sport of running and triathlon completes our lives. Together, we are stronger.
Joanne Mak (40), a mother of two, fulfilled her schoolgirl dream of doing an Ironman race recently at Western Australia. She started triathlon only 2 years ago.
JustRunLah!: How would you introduce yourself to Singapore triathlon community?
Joanne: A mother-of-two who started triathlon at the ripe old age of 38 and who went on to fulfill her schoolgirl dream of doing a full Ironman Triathlon at 40.
JustRunLah!: When did you first pick up triathlon (what age) and what inspired you to do so? And even to go for your first Ironman race?
Joanne: I did my 1st triathlon at 38 just 2 years ago as it has been my dream since I was 19. I remember watching Ironman and Eco Challenge on ESPN as a schoolgirl and being moved and inspired by the determination shown by these endurance and adventure racers. I wish I could have taken up triathlon when I was younger but I knew no friends who did triathlon then (the local triathlon scene was not very big in the early 1990s) and did not dare to ride on the roads on my own.
I only picked up cycling when I got injured with plantar fasciitis in my left foot in 2012 and was advised to lay off from running. By then I knew a colleague who was an experienced Ironman and with his guidance, I bought my first bicycle and picked up cycling to replace running and did my first Olympic Distance and 70.3 triathlon in 2013.
The Ironman Triathlon has always been my ultimate dream and goal. After I finished Tokyo Marathon this year without walking despite my ITB injury flaring up from 25km, I decided to take the plunge and registered for the Ironman to fulfill my 21-year dream as well as to mark my 4th decade significantly.
JustRunLah!: You completed your first Ironman race with an impressive 12hr 44min. What was going through your mind throughout the race and all the way to the finishing point?
Joanne: Honestly, I did not feel confident about this race because I lacked mileage for the swim and run as I have been injured with plantar fasciitis on my right foot since mid May. I was also having sore throat and running nose a few days before I departed for Western Australia. I’m the sort who never feels I have prepared enough for a race.
Swim
The swim was tough and the test swim 2 days before race day would never have prepared us for the race day conditions where the sea was choppy and waves were high. I took forever at the U-turn point and return 1.9km back to shore! In fact I started feeling nauseous and my only wish was to finish the swim, even though I knew that I would be off my target time of under 1hr 30min for the swim. When I finally reached the shore, I walked instead of jogged to transition to walk the nausea off. It was quite demoralising to see that 80% or so of the bikes were gone and I was among the bottom 20% left.
Bike
I was afraid of the bike leg as I got blown off the road during my test ride on Friday. My plan was to go steady and I did, but at a slower than planned pace due to the crosswinds and headwind. The crosswinds were scary and I gripped my aerobars for dear life and told myself to pedal harder and get out of the open area. However, I lost control of my bike due to the winds near the 90km mark and hit the left side of my head pretty hard as well as scraped my left elbow, thigh and knees. The fall caused my chain to drop as well as my brakes to rub against my front wheel but after adjusting, the bike was good to go. As I picked myself up and carried on, supporters on both sides of the road who witnessed my crash applauded…lol 😉
Due to the knock on my head, I felt discomfort opening my mouth to even drink from my bottle and even now, 1 week after the race, I cannot open my mouth too big to even brush my teeth properly as the left side of my face is swollen and I look like I have blue-grey eye shadow on the side of my left eye!
The second loop was even tougher than the first loop as fatigue set in and my aim was just to finish the bike and head in to T2. By the time I got into T2, I could see that MAJORITY of the bikes were back…& thought I was way off target.
Run
I started the run feeling good as there were so many supporters at the start of the run route. However, after going at 5:25min/km pace for the first 6km, I decided to slow down to 6min/km pace as I did not think I could sustain 5:30min/km pace over 42km, especially when I did not clock enough mileage for my run due to my PF injury. Alas, cramps set in my quads and my ITB flared up from the 25km mark. I stopped at the water stations asking for cold spray/deep heat but the volunteers did not have any or only had BUG spray! Thus, I was suffering for the last 17km and my pace slowed down drastically. When I finally collected my last rubber band, adrenaline just led me to step up my pace and sprint to the finish which was about 200m away. I was elated to be able to finish under 13 hours as I thought I did a bad swim and bike.
JustRunLah!: What advice would you give to someone taking that Ironman race, especially as a mother of 2 young kids with a full time job?
Joanne: YOLO and live a full life without regrets. I finally took the big step of doing the Ironman when my children are older (10 and 12 years old) and are more independent. There will be sacrifices to be made but I am glad that my daughters are still close to me despite being seen as the absent and neglectful mother by my parents and husband.
JustRunLah!: What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
Joanne: Just keep going. When my ITB flared up at 25km at Tokyo Marathon this February and at Ironman Western Australia, I told myself that I didn’t fly all the way to Tokyo and Western Australia just to walk the race. And I better finish the race otherwise all the sacrifices (& displeasure incurred) would be in vain. I was also singing Rachel Platten’s “Fightsong” in my head during the bike leg for IMWA to keep myself going. ;P.
JustRunLah!: How has training with JRL Academy’s F1 Runners been for you?
Joanne: It has definitely been beneficial to me! I’m already middle-aged at 40 and yet, I managed a personal best for 5km (I’m no sprinter & despite riding 84km the day before) at the Venus Run this year. I owe my improvement to Lexxus, who’s always pushing me and for his belief in me.
JustRunLah!: Now that you are also part of the JRL Academy’s Team bodyFUEL, how are you looking forward to be training under 2 of Singapore’s best coaches Lexxus Tan and Steven Chan?
Joanne: I definitely look forward to seeing improvement in my run and triathlon times.
JustRunLah!: What are your future goals, in running and in triathlon?
Joanne: I just hope to get new personal bests, despite an ageing and injury-prone body in the following years, till my “window” closes and I have no choice but to retire from sports.
JustRunLah!: What do you think makes a runner/triathlete, especially someone who keeps at it day after day?
Joanne: I think in any sport, if you want to do it well especially, you have to be committed to your sport and be disciplined in your training to achieve your target. After I got to know a few really hardcore folks from August this year who ride EVERYDAY, I got more motivated to ride because they not just made me feel like a slacker in comparison, but also were good company to ride with. :).
It is also easier if exercise is already a part of your lifestyle and forms part of your daily routine. In my case, it is and it helps to have good company to ride, run and race with.
JustRunLah!: Finish this sentence: Triathlon is…
Joanne: my passion and part of my life. Triathlon has taken me to new countries, enabled me to gain new experiences, established new friendship and led me to keep growing and learning.
Safari Zoo Run is back, wilder & better than before! The one and only chance you get to run through the zoo every year, Safari Zoo Run was conceived to commemorate Singapore Zoo’s famous matriarch and one of Singapore’s most loved animal personalities — Ah Meng the Sumatran orang utan. If you love animals and wildlife, or have a deep connection with the Singapore Zoo, this is the race for you!
All JRL readers get to enjoy a 5% discount during Early bird rates and 10% discount during Normal rates. Enter promo Code: SZR16JRLPROMO during checkout to redeem.
After a successful event last year, the Safari Zoo Run is back, wilder & better than before! The one and only chance you get to run through the zoo every year, Safari Zoo Run was conceived to commemorate Singapore Zoo’s famous matriarch and one of Singapore’s most loved animal personalities — Ah Meng the Sumatran orang utan. If you love animals and wildlife, or have a deep connection with the Singapore Zoo, this is the race for you! Here are 3 reasons why you should not miss the Safari Zoo Run 2016, happening on the 27th and 28th February:
1. A Fun And Educational Race
The Singapore Zoo is known for one of the most excellent zoos in the world – having among the most beautiful wildlife park settings in the world, where animals roam freely in open and naturalistic habitats. Running along the race route, you will not only get to experience the beautiful wildlife park settings, but you will possibly get to interact with the animals too. With categories that open up to participants from 4 years old and above, you can bring your family along to have a fun and enriching day out. Take part in the Safari Zoo Run to get up close and personal with the animals!
Photo credits: Singapore Tourism Board
2. Race For Wildlife
An active advocate for preserving biodiversity and endangered species, the Singapore Zoo places a strong emphasis on wildlife conservation. While you run along the race route in the zoo and learn more about the wildlife animals, also take your time to appreciate the importance of conserving animals and the beauty of nature. This year, a portion of the proceeds from the race will go towards aiding the conservation efforts of Singapore Zoo and Wildlife Reserves Singapore. Have fun at the race, educate yourself and your family members about wildlife conservation, and leave a positive impact on the future of wildlife animals.
Enjoy 5% discount during Early bird rates and 10% discount during Normal rates by using promo Code: SZR16JRLPROMO during registration!
3. Runners’ Entitlement
Be the proud owners of these cute race medals, or even better, let them mark the start of your child’s interest in running and wildlife. On top of race apparel and race medal, all participants are also entitled to receive free admission to Singapore Zoo and River Safari on the registered race day itself. A full day for family outing all planned out – how does that sound? Other entitlements include 50% discount vouchers for Jurong Bird Park Admission and Night Safari Admission, free 3-month digital subscription of Young Parents magazine (worth $15), and exclusive F&B and retail offers.
Hydration has always been one of the most important yet overlooked issues in races and especially in marathons. Our body produces sweat to lose the heat produced by our muscles during running, and it is important to make sure that the water loss is replenished to ensure our body is functioning properly. As a marathon exists in a compressed time period, our body’s heavy sweating rate makes it possible to get dehydrated quicker than usual. This causes our blood to grow thicker and the heart has to pump harder to push it around, which can cause several problems.
Check out the infographic below to learn more about dehydration, and remember to bookmark it for future references when you are preparing for a race!
Looking back, it seemed like it has been a very long year. I’ve just started running regularly at the park featured above, in late 2014. But I had surprised even myself as I looked at the box of medals I’ve collected for the past 12 months or so.
I counted and there were about 23 distinct days of challenges (races/runs/rides etc) in 2015:
1. Six 10 km races inclusive of one which I ran on my own though it was cancelled due to the haze (Race Against Cancer).
2. Three 5 km races
3. Three half marathons
4. Two full marathons (Sundown Marathon and Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore)
5. One vertical marathon (OCBC’s National Vertical Marathon)
6. Two 15 km races
7. One 18.45 km race
8. One Aquathlon (Nila Aquathlon 500 m swim, 2.5 km run)
9. One Sportive Ride (Cycling 42 km)
10. Spartan Sprint
11. Swimming Marathon (280 x 50 m) – Swim for Hope (over 2 days)
The running passion started more seriously with a 10 km race that I took with my younger son in the ST Run 2014. Before that, I had done a 8 km race early that year but didn’t do anything much for the next 6 months or so. Then I started to think perhaps I should now attempt my dream of running a marathon in 2015.
And things started to roll then as I signed up for races to goad myself to keep going.
Here’s how I did what I did for 2015 so far :
1. To start on anything, take the first step, and one small step at a time.
So maybe start with a dream, a wish or simply a resolution. I’ve wanted to experience a marathon for a long time but didn’t think I could do it in the past 2 decades or more. I told myself to run a marathon by this year. Then I just went and signed up for a ‘small’ race. Well, I signed up for a few races later to keep myself going forward.
2. Always challenge yourself.
Put the bar a bit higher each time so you can improve. So I did a few 10 km races and then signed up for my first half marathon (Brooks Marina Run) in Feb next which almost ‘killed’ me. I ran with very few stops at the hydration and didn’t consume anything throughout the distance, not even energy gel because I had not done my research. My mind was just focused on finishing. I finished feeling very hungry and tired but with a sense of achievement in finishing first half marathon in 2:43:18. About a month after, I ran my best 10 km, 1:01:16:9 in the Running Hour 2015.
3. So don’t say ‘you can’t’ till you try it.
I have never run more than 5 km race at a stretch my whole entire life before last year. And those 5 km are ‘forced’ cross country events I took that can be counted on one hand in the past in my teens and early 20s. Soon I managed to complete 3 half marathons, best timing was 2:27:23.93.
4. Put a variation to your running, 10 km, 11 plus, 15 or 5 or half.
I tried a Vertical Marathon (OCBC 63 storeys, 18:47:69.7), wanting to accompany my younger son again. Then, I thought I would try swimming with running, and Nila Aquathlon (intermediate) came along. But I still took small steps – it was an intermediate race, so it was only 500 m swimming, but in the open sea (so my first race in open sea), and 2.5 km. Then I went for OCBC’s Sportive Ride which was 42 km cycling. I had my big fall on the bike (first injury) but picked myself up and then went on – never worn a helmet while cycling but the helmet saved my head as I hit the ground hard.
5. I also learnt that ignorance can be blissful too.
In the midst of all the signing up and novelty of ‘new stuff’, I ended up a challenge of a different kind as I had to complete 4 challenges in a span of two weeks between 24th May and 7th June at one stage. Fortunately I completed all 4: Vertical Marathon, PCCW Global Run (5k), Nila Aquathlon and Nila Run, the latter two taking place on consecutive days, without much mishap.
6. And then Spartan Sprint caught my attention.
I thought why not, at most I would try to do the burpees. Still, I found the burpees more tiring than anything at my age. I must say I enjoyed the Spartan Sprint though I completed in 2 hours 13 minutes and couldn’t complete 4 obstacles including the spear throwing. So I had to do the 120 burpees but cleared all the other obstacles. It was an exhilarating race which requires all parts of your body to be in synch !
7. Marathon is an interesting ‘beast’.
You conquer one, it doesn’t really mean you can conquer the next one in the same way. I learnt that with Sundown and Standard Chartered Marathon. I thought I had learnt my lessons in Sundown, my first full marathon 6 months too early. It was the first time when I witnessed all runners of different shape and age, finished and took the well deserved rest but all with that smile of achievement at end of the day or break of the dawn that morning. I had to learn new lessons actually in the Standard Chartered Marathon and even went beyond my 6 hrs 13 min which I thought was a long time already. This time round, I wasn’t prepared for the unforgiving sun and my not so seasoned shoes. Still that sense of achievement is there as you covered the last few metres to the finishing line.
8. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.
Often said in sports world, made famous by Haruki Murakami. You have to pay a price for each race. The price is usually the efforts you spent on ‘training’, preparing for the run. The less you prepare, usually, the higher opportunity cost you give, ie you took longer time to complete the race or your muscles or parts of your anatomy will knock on your consciousness. And so I thought I’ll give myself a well-deserved rest, recovering from 3 black toe nails. But I’ve decided to go one more 10 km this coming Saturday.
And so, with the combination of the naivete of a first timer with not as much time to go at this age, I had done a whole lot of activities than the rest of the previous 5 decades put together. Carpe Diem ! Where there is a will, there is a Way.
You would have thought I smashed my PBs this year. But nope. I missed all the four races I signed up for; a bout of ITBS and an ankle sprain wiped out the season. I started this year optimistic, hoping to bring my 10km PB to sub 50 minutes and build up my weekly mileage to a consistent 50km to prepare for a half marathon next year. Now I look back at my online training log and see the gap between the dates and mileage. One entry, a 9.5km run, and the next entry three months later, a 2km run. One entry, a 5km run, and the next a month later, a 3km run.
Why the perfect ten then?
Reading between the lines of entries in units of km, km/hour and spm (steps/minute), I see something else: a runner’s heartbreak at starting from zero twice and quiet fortitude in building up mileage again, and again. I read an eagerness to hit a 60-minute long run, a cautiousness in testing running after long breaks, and a more confident buildup each time.
Through navigating the injuries, I feel more in touch with my body. I developed a rough sense of my cadence even before I check my Garmin watch. I also learn the early warning signs of ITBS in a way that disrupts my well-oiled self-denial machine. I call it the limp. If I Limp to shift weight while walking ever so slightly after the run, that’s an early sign of trouble. I have a better sense of my weakest link; I always thought it’s only my glutes, which is still true, but I now know it’s also my adductors and calves. I used to be quite complacent about my balance, but until my physio gave me very challenging rehab exercises for the ankle sprain, I had no idea I could take my balance to another level. I developed a postrun strengthening routine where I work on my weak links after each run, so I would never neglect them.
2015 was nothing I imagined, but I am grateful to still have about three months of uninterrupted training, to have an excellent physiotherapist, and to better manage my emotions in the face of injuries. I used to have an emotional meltdown when my season fell to bits, but this year, I kept my head and explored new ways of keeping fit. The disappointment is there, of course, but it no longer consumes me.
Above and beyond these reasons for my perfect scorecard is this: everything belongs, and I am exactly where I should be. Sometimes I forget that the plan in my head is not the ‘plan’, if there ever is one. Life will throw lemons; my job is to make the best lemonade I can. And I think I’ve made a darn tasty one this year.
While some people have been running for the whole of their lives, there are others who started later and always experience difficulties as a beginner runner. Whether you are a beginner runner, someone who used to be a beginner runner, or you have friends who just began running, take a few moments to relate to these 20 things, have a good laugh at them and appreciate these little experiences in your running journey:
1. “Wait, it has only been five minutes? I feel like I’ve been running for at least an hour.”
2. Running earphones? Running watches? Those gadgets look cool. Investing in a running device can probably motivate you to run more, but you would rather stick to your mobile phone for now.
Image credit: 123RF
3. Your own timings each run can surprise you, whether they are good or bad.
4. Being out of breath is your new comfort zone.
5. You have a recurring nightmare of being last to finish the 5k you’re aiming for.
6. When a friend asked to run together with you, but you are slowing them down…
7. When you realise you are running not much faster than the old aunties and uncles.
8. The muscle aches are too much pain and taking too long to recover.
9. You are still chasing the illusive fantasy of “runner’s high.” Is there really such a thing?
10. 5 km is considered a short distance run??
11. Walk/run game STRONG.
Image credit: 123RF
12. How do people even go for a recovery run after that 5 km when you are exhausted already?
13. You do not have enough running clothes.
14. You can’t tell whether your running shoes are too heavy or that your ankles are too weak.
15. You’ve learned a new definition for “dirty” laundry. #whyiseverythingsowet
16. You can’t count the number of times you wanted to give up.
17. You can’t touch your toes… but dream of one day doing so.
18. Fartleks? Glycogen? Over-pronation and supination? You never knew there is so much to learn about running.
19. You really want to learn more about running, but sometimes you feel like you are asking too many questions in your running group.
20. Regardless of the challenges, you still pushed yourself and try to improve every single time you run. And you are proud of it.
Image credit: 123RF
The struggle is the greatest at the beginning – to train your mind and body to overcome the mental and physical challenges and become a better runner. For the beginner runners who have stuck it out and made the decision to continue running, you deserve a pat on the back and just run lah! Do you have an unique experience as a beginner runner that is not listed here? Do share with us!
Kota Kinabalu is a beautiful city with amazing people. While it is common to associate Sabah with the rest of Malaysia and Sarawak, the city of Kota Kinabalu has its own unique beauty and charm that one may not find in other parts of Malaysia. In fact, the city is a true testament to Asia’s diversity in culture and people – Malaysia, Truly Asia – they are definitely doing it right in Kota Kinabalu. The breathtaking sceneries of the sunsets and Mt. Kinabalu, the many exciting adventures and the sincerity of its people – these are truly what makes Kota Kinabalu such a beautiful place.
You may be able to admire the beauty of the place through our videos, but you will have to experience Kota Kinabalu yourself to truly appreciate the culture and its people. Watch the video for highlights of our 5 days Discover, Play, Makan journey in this beautiful city:
Ian Lye is the other half of the Singaporean duo (together with Chin Wei Chong) that completed the “toughest footrace on Earth” Marathon Des Sables for charity last year. He has an admirable passion for nature and running, and is an active trail runner. We had a quick chat with Ian as he shared with us tips for trail running and some advice for runners joining the Compressport Rail Corridor Run 2016.
JustRunLah!: How will you introduce yourself to Singapore running community?
Ian: I’m first and foremost an explorer at heart who loves the outdoors, and trail running and ultra races have become a means for me to discover new places and races, and seek out new experiences around the world. In order to feed my hobby, I hold a regular job as a compliance manager in an investment bank.
JustRunLah!: When did you first pick up running (what age) and what inspired you to do so?
Ian: My first taste of running competitively came when I was in National Service and I represented my squadron and the Fleet in various middle distance events such as the 1,500m, the 5000m and the 10,000m. Back then, I was really inspired by the likes of Moroccan Hicham el-Guerrouj and Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie. While I did enjoy some success, I stopped running regularly to focus on my university studies, and it was only a few years ago that I rediscovered my love for running and took it up seriously again. These days though, I’ve switched to trail running and ultramarathons, as I no longer have the raw foot speed to keep up with all the young bucks out there!
JustRunLah!: Would you say that one needs to have a certain mindset to take up running as a sport/exercise activity?
Ian: Because running is a solitary sport in many ways, you really need a certain level of mental toughness and the resilience to push through the difficult patches even when there’s no one watching or cheering you on. Most runners also tend to enjoy, or are at least comfortable, with solitude, which is important to be able to cope with the loneliness of the long-distance runner.
JustRunLah!: What would you consider to be your biggest running achievement so far?
Ian: That would definitely be completing the Marathon des Sables last year, a 240 km multi-stage race in the Sahara desert. It was and still is the biggest test I’ve ever faced in running!
JustRunLah!: How has Compressport products assist in your training/achievements?
Ian: I’ve been a big fan of Compressport’s products for a long time now, and I have to say the R2 Calf Sleeves and the Trail Shorts are probably my favourite pieces of gear. The Calf Sleeves are fantastic for recovery after a hard training session or a long race, and I usually put them on just before I go to bed and let them do their magic. The highly compressive material just squeezes out all the soreness and toxins from my muscles, and voila, my legs feel a lot better and lighter the next day!
The trail shorts are also one of my essential pieces of running gear and work really well in reducing muscle vibrations and delaying fatigue over a long race. For travelling on flights, my go-to travel socks are the Full Socks, which stimulate blood flow and prevent fluid from accumulating in the foot. The colourful and eye-catching designs, which really help Compressport products stand out compared to the other brands out there, are a definite bonus!
JustRunLah!: What are your future goals?
Ian: I’ve not had the chance to race much outside of Asia yet, so running some of the iconic trail races in Europe and the US is something I really want to do in the near future. Beyond running, I’ll definitely continue to do what I love and just enjoy being outside and in the mountains, whether that’s through hiking or biking. Never stop exploring, those are words I try to live by.
JustRunLah!: One reason why runners should join Compressport Rail Corridor Run 2016?
Ian: It’s probably going to be the last chance to run this historic and beautiful stretch of Singapore before it gets closed for the construction of a pipeline, so runners should definitely not miss this race! On top of that, the runners’ entitlements in the race pack look amazing with fantastic Compressport goodies, and who doesn’t love a great bargain?
JustRunLah!: What advice would you give to all participants at Compressport Rail Corridor Run 2016?
Ian: Be specific in your training. Aim for a few long runs with similar terrain and weather conditions as the race to get used to running on uneven ground during the heat of the day. It will be important to stay hydrated because the race course is pretty exposed, and the sun can be pretty merciless. But most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience of running this beautiful course one last time before it gets closed down.
JustRunLah!: What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?
Ian: That would be a quote from ultrarunning legend Dean Karnazes:
“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.”
While it’s a simple philosophy, repeating those words in my mind has definitely gotten me through a few rough spots in races. It’s a reminder that relentless forward progress, no matter how slow, is always faster than staying still.
It also helps to break the race down into manageable chunks. No matter how tired I get, or how bad it hurts, I just focus on making it to the next aid station, and not let my mind defeat itself by dwelling on how many more kilometres there are to the end.
JustRunLah!: Finish this sentence: Running is…
Ian: a gift that has continued to bless me with opportunities to travel and see some amazing places, make some great friends and fulfill dreams that I never thought were possible before. On a daily level, running is my personal therapy that mentally recharges me and lets me enter that elusive zen zone.
Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) has always been the marquee running event in Singapore, and being held in the first week of December, the event has been regarded by many runners as a grand finale to the year. This year, it was held on the 6 December 2015, with registration opening as early as July. Similar to last year, Kelsey and I decided to resister for the half marathon.
Race day:
Flag off time was 6.30am at sentosa gateway. We arrived at Vivocity with 45 minutes to spare and it was already so crowded! 😮 Even so, bag deposit was smooth and quick, queuing time at the portaloos was faster than we expected. 15 minutes before flag off, we were already at the start pen with many other runners, sadly stuck in the second wave. The sun was already rising by then and we predicted that we were in for a long hot run.
Kelsey and I had agreed to go out and enjoy today’s race, putting timing aside. We took off at a comfortable pace, soaking in the amazing atmosphere with thousands of runners along us. Some wonder why do we pay to join running events when we could run for free. It’s because of the experience and atmosphere, the feeling of so many like minded enthusiastic people running together. It’s a stark difference from running alone.
With countless slopes and numerous turns early in the route, there were quite a number of walkers early in this stage already. We were still handling things fairly well because of the pace we were doing.
We finally entered the highly anticipated USS at the 5th km and ran one loop inside before exiting Sentosa. That was the highlight of the whole route because USS is just so beautiful. Running pass castles, seeing cartoon mascots around such as Elmo and Madagascar, it felt like a fairy tale run. Many runners were stopping to take photos with the mascots, but we didn’t want to disrupt our momentum so early in the race. After completing the loop in USS, we exited Sentosa through the stuffy and dark carpark onto the main island.
The 10th km to the 18th km was spent on West Coast Highway AKA the highway of HELL! I guess fairytales don’t always end with a happily ever after. We had already mentally prepared ourselves for the highway because the route was similar to last year. We filled our bottles to the fullest at the water station before entering the highway as we get ready to take it on.
It was a 2 way traffic for 3 quarters of the highway so we were anticipating a u-turn point up ahead. Medics were stationed every few hundred meters with muscle cream for the runners and there was only 1 water station around the 12km mark. The sun was already out in full force as we finally crossed the U-turn point. This made it even harder for us to run because the gravel on the road was radiating the heat and the sun was shining directly at our faces! The heat was extremely intense and even though the next water point was only 4km away, we had already emptied our running bottles long before we reached there. Highway of hell was indeed living up to its name.
We eventually crashed out and gave in to the heat at the 16km point. Even with our water belt and hand held bottle, we were still feeling dehydrated. We were just thinking about those without a bottle and how much worse they were feeling. There had been several ambulances that went pass us with some heat exhaustion casualties and we decided that it wasn’t worth risking it. We slowed down to a walk as we dragged ourselves on for the rest of the highway. To be honest, I felt pretty disappointed that we had to walk in a race because we never had to before. Boy was I glad when we finally exited it and entered the city area.
The highway had us all exposed openly to the scorching sun so running pass the high rise buildings alongside Robinson Road was a great change. It was way more cooling and with the shelter from the buildings, so we decided to push ourselves a little and finish the race strongly. This was Kelsey’s favourite part of the race.
Feeling tired at the 19km mark but pressing on! Photo credits: Running shots
We managed to complete our 4th Half Marathon together in a timing of 2 hours 39 minutes, certainly not the best, but it was decent enough for us. We surely enjoyed each other’s companion throughout the entire race. We were encouraging each other at times when we were reluctant to start running again. It had made the tough journey much more bearable. This was probably the toughest HM that we had done together so far, and we are proud to have survived it!
‘You never know how strong you are… until being strong is the only choice you have.’ – Cayla Mills
We are so happy we finished the race !SCMS medal 2015
The Performance Series (TPS) is a series of 5 races that promotes an active lifestyle by journeying through various unique landscapes. They are inviting runners of all levels to join in this national movement of running, to enhance the running culture in Singapore and to empower individuals to take ownership of their health. If you have friends and family members who do not run often, this is the race that you want them to join together with you! Here are 5 reasons to convince you and them for why you should join this race series:
1. Unique landmarks
Have you run in the other different parts of Singapore before? TPS is a series of 5 races that brings runners across five unique landscapes of Singapore. The 5 landscapes comprise of island, lake, heartland, reservoir and farm, bringing you a different and unique running experience each time. It can also be a great opportunity for you to bring your friends and family, and foreign friends, to explore the other running routes and sceneries around Singapore.
2. Sustained motivation to run (1 race every 2 months)
With a race happening almost every two months from May to December, you have no excuses for slacking off and not running at all. After you complete the first race, you will have another one to look forward to. Can you imagine any other more fulfilling way as a runner, to fill your calendar up with races? Sign up for the full series to ensure an active year ahead in 2016, keeping yourself a healthy, fit and strong runner.
3. #TranscendYourself (From a non-runner to runner, runner to racer!)
Never run a race before? This series is the perfect opportunity for you to give it a try. If you don’t usually run, you can start from the 2.5 km category, or challenge yourself to the 5 km. There is no such thing as a bad runner – in the running world, everyone started from somewhere low and is constantly improving themselves. Having run a short distance is better than not running at all. So push yourself, start somewhere, and perhaps you will be able to run a marathon one day! The series aims to inspire anyone to reach their own personal goal and is focused on supporting participants on every step of their running journey.
“TPS consists of 2.5km, 5km and 10km. You define your own performance. Just walk lah, or just jog lah, then just run lah to just race lah! You decide.”
4. Singapore’s first running series
Running series have been successful in other countries like UK and USA, it is time for us Singaporeans to have our very own one too! The purpose of having a running series is to maintain an active engagement with runners, to keep them motivated in running throughout the year. It is also to provide a different running experience for runners, to run around the different parts of Singapore and keep running interesting.
5. Map of Singapore medal collection – first time ever!
Most important of all, the medals for TPS will make up the outline of the respective regions of the race on the Singapore map. This means that if you are able to finish all 5 races of the series, you will get 5 medals that you can piece together to form a Singapore map. This makes an interesting and commemorative collectible and is not like any other race medals you (probably) have already collected.
“To go beyond the limits of oneself. Our desire is for each runner to find improvement, whether you are a non-runner, a beginner, or a seasoned runner. The Performance Series hopes to provide the opportunity for all runners to transcend themselves – to break the mould of what was previously thought as impossible. To all participants who are about to embark on a yearlong journey with TPS, remember it’s the journey that really matters.”
