Interview with Kate Gray

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October 18, 2015

Anybody can run as long as you have the determination and motivation to do so. Kate shows us that age is not a limiting factor to how strong and how fast we can run. Kate shares with JustRunLah! how she keeps this running spirit high for so many years and just run lah!

JustRunLah!: How will you introduce yourself to Singapore running community?

Kate: I love running! I’m a mother of three children under the age of 9 and I have lived in Singapore for 8 years. I’m 43 and I’m a stronger and faster runner now, than when I was in my 30’s. I have competed in many 5k-10k road races, triathlons and occasionally half marathons. It has only been in the past two years that I have started running Ultra’s and full marathons.

JustRunLah!: When did you first pick up running (what age) and what inspired you to do so?

Kate: I started running with Little Athletics in Australia as a young child and then came back to it in my late 20’s. I love the freedom, strength, and general enjoyment I feel when running. It’s very empowering. Running downhill fast is so much fun, it takes me back to being a child, like I could just take off and fly.

Travelling and running is a great combination. I’m so fortunate as running allows me to travel to spectacular parts of the world, places that I may never have thought to visit. I also find that running is a form of meditation, an escape from daily routines. I enjoy running on the road but there is nothing like running trails surrounded by nature, wildlife and open spaces.

JustRunLah!: Would you say that one needs to have a certain mindset to take up the challenge of Polar-Circle Marathon?

Kate: My running coach Lexxus Tan from F1 runners, sums this up with one word; dedication. I also believe it takes determination.

Dedication to your training plan
Dedication to ensure you maintain a balanced family and social life with training
Dedication to your coach and running friends
Dedication to yourself, look after your health, make sure you eat well, get enough sleep and listen to how your body is feeling.
Determination to do the very best you can and get to that finish line!

In 2013, I ran the Annapurna100 – 50k successfully. I loved this race. The training and event gave me insights into what my body is mentally and physically able to endure. In 2014, I competed in the Mt. Rinjani Ultra 52k, then the New York City Marathon and in 2015, the London Marathon.

When reflecting on my past races, some of my happiest memories are the races I shared running with friends and when I have taken the time to look around and enjoy my surroundings. I’m also so grateful for the support and love I have received from family and friends. I believe it takes more than one person to run a race.

When deciding what the next adventure will be, I wanted it to be a race that would challenge me again mentally, as well as physically and to be located in a place that isn’t a typical family holiday destination.

The Polar-Circle Marathon! “The coolest race on earth” I couldn’t think of anything more challenging than running a marathon in the complete opposite weather conditions of Singapore. The race is being held 24th Oct 2015 in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and they are expecting -10 to -20 degree temperatures. I’m nervous about the challenges the weather will bring and excited about running in such a beautiful remote place. I’m running with two wonderful friends and I know this race will be another amazing experience to treasure.

JustRunLah!: What advice would you give to all participants at any marathon?

Kate: The day before a race, I will visualize running the entire race in my mind. I always study the race route and work out my timing goals for the various distance points. When it comes to the race day, I will feel more relaxed, as I have a plan and I feel familiar with the race.

Stop and take a breath. I have learnt that it’s important to take it all in. You have worked so hard for this race and sometimes due to the nerves or just focusing too much on running a PB, you forget to enjoy the moment. Make sure to look up many times during a race and see your surroundings. It will go by very quickly and you want to remember more than looking at your watch to check your time.

JustRunLah!: What is your mantra for when the going gets tough in a race?

Kate: It comes back to your determination to get to the finish line. I find that after 30k, it’s mostly a mental race. I don’t let myself think about the total distance of a race when I’m running. I break the race down into shorter sections in my mind. If I’m hurting, I try to stop thinking about the distance and focus more on just finding a good steady rhythm.

JustRunLah!: Anybody to thank for this incredible journey?

Kate: Yes, everyone!

Big thank you to Kirsty Smith and Sarah Galvin, my running friends who I’m sharing this adventure with. I can’t wait to experience this journey with you. It’s nice to know I have friends with me and I won’t be the only one freezing!

Thank you to my beautiful family! My kids and amazing husband David, they are my biggest fan club. I couldn’t have done it without their support, patience, encouragement and love. Also, my Mum and Erich who travel here from Australia to help with the kids every time I take off to another part of the world.

My wonderful coach Lexxus Tan from F1 Runners and the F1 running members. Thank you Lexxus! He never (only sometimes) laughs when I turn up to training announcing what my next crazy adventure will be. He helped me achieve an incredible PB this year, shaving 34mins from my finish time in the London Marathon. I have learnt so much from Lexxus about running techniques and how to train effectively. My number one learning point has been how important quality training is versus quantity in effectiveness.

JustRunLah!: Finish this sentence: Running has……

Kate: made me a happier person.

Race Review: Commando Challenge 6km Obstacle Race 2015 [by ‘red3’]

By

red3

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October 18, 2015

Icy baths, electric shocks, vertical climbs and prone crawls… why wouldn’t you want to compete in the Commando Challenge obstacle race? The 13 military style obstacles were interspersed within a 6km run along the beaches, tracks, and jungle of Sentosa Island.

A stinking hot day at 33 degrees celsius, perhaps for the first time I was grateful for the haze that obscured the sun from pelting down on us as we tackled the obstacles on the beach, particularly when we were prone crawling on sand (not pleasant if the sand was hot).

Lacking regular training in recent weeks due to high PSI levels, we certainly weren’t prepared for the run so instead of berating ourselves for our slackness we chose to focus on having fun with the obstacles and walk or jog in-between.

Since pictures say a thousand words, here’s a photographic round-up of our experience:

Obstacle 1: The A-Frame Slide

Hmmm first obstacle and already trying to figure out how I was going to pull myself up on a frame that requires upper body strength and a good dose of triceps. Hubby boosted me up on the first frame and then we found a way to make our way across the sliding part and onto the next A-frame fairly seamlessly. I even managed to give the nearby photographer a big grin.

Obstacle 2: Tyre Power

A collection of tyres spaced closely together ideally tackled by running through it quickly.

Obstacle 3: Barrel Climb

Pretty easy climb across four levels of barrels tied together. Using the yellow ties made it easier to stabilize and pull ourselves over.

Obstacle 4: Vertical Wall

A bit tricky for me. I’m still recovering from an ankle injury during the last obstacle race in March so I can’t run hard nor fly up the vertical wall but the organisers were kind enough to add a horizontal plank and a bunch of rivets that held the wall to the steel frames. That was all I required to get me on top of the wall but needed some help to come down the other end so I wouldn’t land on my sore foot.

On the other hand, John spectacularly hiked himself up the wall and onto the other side like a smooth operator.

Obstacle 5: Curved Ramp

A sprint run-up technique was needed to make it up the 4m curved ramp onto a wide platform. Performed swiftly and easily by John, this was the only obstacle I skipped due to my injured ankle.

Obstacle 6: Larger A-Frame

A singular but much larger A-frame obstacle with a wide platform at the top. This was quite easy as the horizontal planks were spaced in a way that minimised exertion during the climb.

Obstacle 7&8: Over and Under

This was essentially a hurdle jump followed by prone crawl twice over. Some knee abrasions ensued on the rough sand but otherwise not too taxing.

Obstacle 9: Balance Beam

A narrow ramp leading up to a balance beam approximately 1.5m off the ground and 15m in length. Never a fan of heights I was sweating it a little.

Obstacle 10: Ice Bath

Oh my this is a shock to anyone’s system. At least 7m long, waist deep, the ice pool will surely be a forever after moment burnt into my memory. I couldn’t have anticipated the feeling and shock when I ended up submerged into this freezing pool that was somewhere around 4 degrees celsius. The long string of curses that followed were of no surprise to any of the volunteers and perhaps we provided them with some very cheap entertainment.

Wading through the pool, aching for the end, pushing the ice out of my way with my bare hands, I couldn’t even string two thoughts together other than the notion that I wanted out of this pool.

I perhaps got some of my own cheap entertainment when hubby hopped in and had the same reaction followed by his own string of curses.

Perhaps one moment of sanity was when we took our runners off before we entered the pool to try and keep them dry a little longer. Sloshing about in wet runners for another 2kms was just not very appealing.

Obstacle 11: Black Netting Tunnel

Not too sure about the objective of this obstacle. It was somewhat wasted. This could have been lower and created the prone crawl obstacle. That would have felt much more authentic.

Obstacle 12: Icy Spider Web

Another icy submersion except this time it was only calf deep but we had to prone crawl in order to get under the spider web rope above the head. Another shocking experience where I literally slithered out of the inflatable pool. This time John and I entered shoes and all. They’ll be getting a good washing machine wash at home for sure.

Seriously, you want me to do this again?

Obstacle 13: The Electro-Shock

This has got to be the weirdest, scariest experience. Getting small jolts of electric shocks. As one participant put it “last obstacle was electrifying”. We had some heads up on this obstacle from participants who finished before we started and all we remembered is “just run”. Each time I got electrified, I thought I was going to fall and it sure felt like it would never end. Can’t say I enjoyed this one.

To give a better perspective this next series of photos shows two groups of people holding each other through the obstacle and it just falls apart. Divide and conquer and it worked.

Some running was part of this course but certainly not a highlight just part and parcel of the race. However, we did explore trails and jungle areas that were off the beaten track and quite a lot of beach running as expected.

All in all whilst not an overly difficult race, we had the ice shockers and the electro shocker but we had fun and something we hadn’t done before. It felt like a big kids playground. Would certainly consider coming back next year.

Cheers.

REPC day: Great Eastern Women’s Run 2015

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 18, 2015

This year marks Great Eastern’s 10th year of unifying women in health and life. Asia’s largest women-only race – Great Eastern Women’s Run – is a run for ladies from all walks of lives. Featuring the 5km, 10km and 21.1km race distances, Great Eastern aims to make the run accessible to female runners of all levels. This year, the race introduces a new category – the Princess Dash – allowing kids as young as three years old to be part of the race!

JustRunLah! was at Suntec City for the race pack collection this weekend, here is a short video of what went down!

Click here to see more photos of the entitlement and race information.

The race will flag off at The Float@Marina Bay. All participants can enjoy an array of activities with their family and friends at the race village upon completion of their race. The Great Eastern Women’s Run is commissioned by Great Eastern and organised by Infinitus Productions.

Ladies, all the best for your race; see you at the finish line!

Race Day: Newton Challenge 2015

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 18, 2015

Under clear skies, Newton Challenge 2015 took part earlier today at East Coast Park. A popular event with Singapore runners, the race offers 32 km and 18 km categories on a flat, fast route. With it’s unique distance categories and early flag-off times, this is a race that challenges you to conquer your mind!

Start & End Point: East Coast Park, Playground @ Big Splash
5.00am – 32km Men’s & Women’s Competitive
5.45am – 18km Men’s & Women’s Competitive

Race Day: PUMA Night Run Singapore 2015

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 17, 2015

Making its debut in Sentosa last year, the PUMA Night Run is back again this year at Marina Barrage. Runners were blessed with a good weather of low PSI-82 today and brought their full enthusiasm to the race. Local celebrities and performers were also invited to participate in the race, which helped boost the morale of many runners who were also fans. While the event began with a high energy level among the runners and supporters, it also ended on a high note with photobooth taking and performances for everyone.

Check out our youtube channel for more running and race videos!

Race Day: Commando Challenge 2015

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 17, 2015

The Commando Challenge 2015 was held today from 9am at Sentosa. Besides the previous favourites Electric Shock and Ice Crawl, this year’s trail race has 4 new obstacles: The A-Frame Slide, Torture Crawl, two Over-Under obstacles and the Spider Web. While the challenging obstacles were a test to the participants’ all round fitness and determination, the enthusiastic participants were true commandos as they displayed teamwork and sportsmanship to complete the race together.

More Singapore running and race videos at our Youtube.

JustRunLah! is the Official Running Portal.

Top 5 Reasons Singaporeans Love to Run In Kota Kinabalu

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 16, 2015

Are you bogged down by work and commitments, unable to take a break for a holiday trip? Why not consider a short getaway to Kota Kinabalu? Home to the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago, Kota Kinabalu has much more to offer as a destination beyond the heights of its mountains. Kota Kinabalu is a ‘Nature Resort City’ with long sandy beaches, paradise islands, virgin coral reefs, tropical rain forests; with the mighty Mount Kinabalu only 90 minutes away from the city. Here are the top 5 reasons for why us Singaporeans love (or are going to love) to run in Kota Kinabalu:

Travel made easy

With only a 2.5 hours flight, flying in to Kota Kinabalu is a breeze. Arrive at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal, hop onto a taxi and you’ll be in the city centre within 15 minutes. You will also be surprised at how accessible it is to travel within the city itself; in fact, most destinations in the city are within walking distance. This makes Kota Kinabalu ideal for a short holiday trip as you get to make full use of your time visiting the various destinations. Or even better, you can plan a running route to visit and admire the various places of interests around the city such as the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque or Atkinson Clock Tower.

For flights, both Silkair and Air Asia fly direct from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu daily with a total of 14 flights per week. You may head over to www.silkair.com and www.airasia.com for more information.

Nice and cozy at any price

There is a wide variety of accommodations in Kota Kinabalu, with a wide price range for you to choose from. While there are the two luxury 5-star hotels – the Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa and Sutera Harbour Resort – which are within 10 minutes drive from the airport and in the city centre, you also have your pick of B&Bs, motels and hotels to suit any budget. Travelling with a large group? It is not a problem either; there are service apartments with huge living room space to bunk in the whole troop.

For a cosier and more intimate stay, the Shangri-la’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa and Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai are great options for accommodation too. For runners who are thinking of participating in a race in Kota Kinabalu, why not put this into your itinerary and reward yourself with a post-event treat with some serious pampering and relaxation.

Power up your appetite

The city streets are a haven for foodies with local specialties to make your carbo loading experience truly delectable. As a state with 30 different ethnic groups, Kota Kinabalu has a unique cultural mix of people and cuisines. You can expect to find plenty mouth-watering delights such as ngiu chap (beef noodle), bak kut teh (pork ribs in herbal soup), spicy laksa, Sabah-styled tom yam, Tuaran noodles (home-made egg noodles), sizzling satay, and even glorious seafood. The western and fusion fare at trendy cafes and franchise eateries are not to be missed too. You will be surrounded by so much good food in the city you may have to run more to burn off those extra calories!

Kota Kinabalu Night Market | Photo credits: notesofnomads.com

Warm up workouts

As the big race approaches, you might want to go for a short run to limber up those muscles. Here is a list of the city’s most popular tracks for a quick run:

Likas Bay running and cycling path stretching about 5km from the port to Tun Mustapha Tower with excellent sea views and evening sunsets.
Perdana Park and the beach at Tanjung Aru are great for soft-surface track and beachfront running. Evening runs are best for the spectacular Tanjung Aru sunset.
Tun Fuad Stephens Park or more popularly known as Bukit Padang has short hill trails which are perfect for trail runners to get in a bit of off-road action before the real race.

The Big Events

Trail running in KK has a growing community, and some must-do races which will challenge you physically and mentally. The incredible landscapes and warm hospitality of the locals are what I love about racing in KK.” – Jeri Chua, super serious ultra trail runner and member of the Hammer Nutrition Singapore team

Kota Kinabalu is a waterfront city with fantastic views of the sea, sunsets and islands. And just at its doorstep is the Crocker Range providing plenty of rolling hills, ridges, valleys, and rivers to keep you on your toes as you traipse through its untamed wilderness. It is therefore no surprise Kota Kinabalu has its own share of major running events that should not be missed:

Beaufort 60k Ultra Marathon – A super hot run from Beaufort to the beautiful beach of Kuala Penyu. Beaufort is about 1.5 hours south of the city in the Klias floodplain where the midday heat can go up to 40°C. You’ll be bouncing off the track like a cat on a hot tin roof before getting a chance to cool off your feet with a dip in the ocean at the end of the race.
Borneo International Marathon – This is the city’s biggest annual road race that starts and ends at the Likas Sports Stadium. The route heads north of the city along the scenic coastal road, passing by Likas City Mosque, Tun Mustapha Tower and Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Look out for Mt Kinabalu as it comes into view at sunrise alongside the gorgeous sea views.
The Most Beautiful Thing (TMBT) Ultra Trail Marathon – Distances range from 12km to 100km, offering opportunities for both novices and seasoned runners to experience the adventure and excitement of trail running. The terrain varies from easy to extremely challenging with steep climbs and descents, punctuated by scenic sections of farmland, rustic villages and curious villagers going about their daily routine. This is perhaps the most difficult yet most beautiful ultra run in Malaysia.

Come and Run Sabah!

The popularity of road and trail races in Kota Kinabalu has seen the introduction of new events in various districts in Sabah. From the rocking hills of Kokol to the lush paddy fields of Tambunan, running events are getting more interesting with different backdrops to add colour, culture and nature to a run.

Located only within 1-2 hours from the city, not only are the race venues easy to get to, most importantly they offer us runners the opportunity to experience the best of Sabah’s natural landscapes and warm hospitality of its people.

Stay tuned for the latest event updates to make 2016 your year to Run Sabah!

Having run every edition of the Borneo International Marathon since 2008, I have come to realise that KK has so many shorter fun runs to offer as well. The warm reception at races so unmistakably reflects the friendliness of Sabahans. Runners are so friendly and fun, and it’s such a pleasant recharge for me! My friends who have run the trails in KK, tell me that its paradise, but for me, I shall stick to the road runs that give me enough time to eat and shop ….and plan my return trip to KK.” – Mohanadas Kandiah or more popularly known as Mohan Marathon, the man with the whistle!

Ups & Downs of Haze For Runners

By

Shu

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October 16, 2015

This year 2015 we saw one of the worst cases of haze in the Southeast Asia region. PSI levels rose to a record high level of 341, schools were closed, events were cancelled and Singaporeans were recommended to stay indoors most of the time. Even though things are turning for the better now, we hope that the haze will stay away from Singapore for good. Below is an infographic summarising what haze has been like for us runners the past few months:

Quick links:

Which New Challenge Will You Take Up?

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 15, 2015

You’re a runner, you love to run. You know your fartleks from your tempos, you’ve memorised your VO2 Max and you can recite your PBs for all distances from the 100m sprint to the marathon. You are more likely to recall your first race than your parents’ wedding anniversary.

In short, you eat, sleep, and breathe running.

Yet, sometimes, it feels like running is not quite cutting it anymore. You don’t wish to give up running, but you’re ready for something else. Something to add on to your running: a new challenge.

Aquathlon or Modern Biathlon: Run Swim Run

An aquathlon – or aquathon in the USA – is an offshoot of the triathlon, where the use of the term “aquathlon” is governed by the International Triathlon Union (ITU). A biathle, also known as the modern biathlon, is an off-shoot of the modern day pentathlon and although not recognized as an Olympic sport, it has its own annual World Championships.

The races generally present either as a two-stage continuous event of swimming and running, or a three-stage run-swim-run race format. The standards of distances for aquathlons and biathles may sometimes vary depending on the temperatures of the water.

While winter variations of the sports may include indoor swimming, the swimming leg is often conducted in open waters and you will have to swim in lakes and oceans. Due to the challenges in outdoor elements, it is recommended that you are a confident swimmer to take part in this.

Check out Singapore’s Run + Swim Event Calendar

Duathlon: Run Bike Run

Prefer staying on dry land? Why not try a duathlon? Cycling is a complementary sport to running, and this is the favourite option for many runners who are transitioning into multi-disciplinary sports. In fact, cycling is arguably the best cross-training exercise for us runners as it strengthens our outer hips and quadriceps.

This is a run-bike-run race that is also an offshoot of the triathlon governed by the ITU. Distances may vary among different event organisers. The world’s premier duathlon is the Powerman Zofingen, held annually in Switzerland, and features a hilly 10km run, 150km of mountain biking, finishing with 30km of hilly trail running.

For runners who love to have a little bit of adventure in their running, there is an emerging trend in duathlons known as the “Dirty Du”. “Dirty Du” has exciting race routes, which often includes running off-roads or on trails and mountain biking before finishing with another trail or off-road run.

Check out Singapore’s Run + Bike Event Calendar

Triathlon: Swim Bike Run

If you have are confident with open water swimming, no issues with cycling and still love running, why not try a triathlon? The race tests your ability in all three endurance sports, and your transitions from swimming to biking (T1) and biking to running (T2) are also timed.

The three main distances, as outlined by the ITU, are the Sprint Distance (also known as the Olympic Distance), the Long Course, and the Ultra Distance. You may already be familiar with the Ultra Distance of the triathlon via the IronMan. The race involves a 3.8km swim component, 180.2km cycling, and finishes with a full marathon (42.2km).

Developing as an athlete means branching out from the usual marathons, trails, or even ultramarathons. Which of these options will be your next challenge to become a stronger athlete?

Read articles about Triathlon

All image credits: www.123rf.com

Conquer flat feet fumbles!

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 15, 2015

Shoes-for-Flat-Feet-Featured-Image — Image credit: http://ireas.from-ct.com/

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, is a physical condition where the foot does not have a normal arched shape when one is standing. It can be commonly found in children during their early childhood stages and in adults during their normal ageing process or prolonged pressure on the foot. Before you jump onto the conclusion that being flat footed equates to an end to your running dreams, read on to find out why you can run fast, free and happy like everyone else!

Flat Feet Facts

Your fellow flat feet friends suffer from zero excessive pain or discomfort but there is an apparent lack of flexibility and shock-absorption of the feet, which result in higher risks to injuries. Back problems, shin splints and overpronation are just some of the many side effects from having feet with reduced flexibility and protection. As such, flat foot runners experience more challenges in attaining optimal performances.

However, this should not stop you or your fellow flat foot pals from pursuing your goals because there are many self-help and painless ways to cope with the inconveniences your feet bring, besides going through corrective medical treatment.

Wear running shoes with Balance, Cushion and Secure-fit

Balance, shoes that contain stretchable and flexible material such as mesh, foam and gel are highly recommended. These material serve to adapt to the shape of your foot and can better prevent your foot from feeling rigid or uncomfortable when you run.

Cushioning is most evident in shoes that contain extra-padding where shock-absorption from pressure place on the foot can take place more efficiently compared to the average running shoes.

Shoes that enable your foot and shoe move together as one results in secure-fitting. Also, note that over-lacing of your running shoes can injure the nerves of your feet. The loop-lacing lock has been recommended by many as the most secure-fit lacing method for most running shoes.

Run safe and right

Since flat feet runners already experience more pressure on their feet compared to non-flat footers, it is advisable to choose routes that have fewer road obstacles such as rocky paths and concrete pavements. The treadmill machine would be a viable option for resistance running, running tracks in campuses or sports centers are great for running as well. As such, by reducing the risks of injuries or over-exhaustion of feet from running, you can run at ease and possibly achieve greater personal bests.

Also, it is recommended for flat footers to maintain an upright running posture to keep a balance while running so as to avoid placing excessive pressure on your feet from leaning forward to cope with your stride.

Stretch Your Feet!

Massaging and stretching foot using a tennis ball, Image credit: Popsugar.com

Many runners often underestimate this simple yet important routine and simply stop after they have cooled down. Especially for flat footers, stretching of the arches of your feet besides the hamstrings and quadriceps is essential in maintaining the flexibility of your feet. It would ease the pressure and stress your feet experienced during the run and reduce post-run discomfort, which will likely affect your subsequent runs.

Keeping these suggestions in mind, no one should be excluded from the joy and excitement derived from running, regardless of the shape of your feet you have.

What Are Our Singapore Runners Wishing For Christmas This Year?

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 14, 2015

Previously, we asked you to share with us your christmas wishes as part of our contest for Santa Run For Wishes 2015. Many had wished for world peace, harmony, happiness and health, while some had also wished for a haze-free white christmas. We have received many interesting well wishes, and have picked out some of our favourites, check them out below:

Thank you all runners who had shared your christmas wishes with us, we hope you had fun for this mini contest too! Winners for the free race slots have been notified via email. We hope to see you there at the Santa Run For Wishes 2015!

Click here to register for Santa Run For Wishes 2015!

OCC 3 Ten Run Clinic 2015 – A day at Orchid Country Club

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 14, 2015

On the Monday evening of 12 October 2015, we headed down to Orchid Country Club with some runners to have a preview of running at the golf course. Led by JRL Academy’s Head Coach Lexxus Tan, we cruised through the golf course, enjoying the breeze as we admire the beautiful scenery at the golf course. The run clinic ended off successfully with an active discussion about running over some 100Plus isotonic drinks.

We are looking forward to the OCC 3 Ten Run on 19th December 2015. Hope to see you there!

[MesaStila Challenge 21km Trail] Travel, Relax and Race – Day 3

By

Zhiyong

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October 13, 2015

Waking up rejuvenised for race day, runners for the 21km/13km events were ferried to the start point at Ambarawa Railway Museum, located about 30 minutes bus ride from the resort. Runners were to start at the railway station, running along the heritage railway for most part of the course and passing through coffee plantations, rice padi fields and villages. The most gruelling part of the route was the 1st 9km as one needed to run on the uphill railway track. Weather was pretty cooling in the morning but it got very hot into the race. Fortunately, water stations were adequately placed along the route.

Runners then had to run through coffee plantations which were relatively flat, before scaling the gradual up-slopes across the rice padi fields. It was then a roller coaster run through the villages with very steep up and down slopes. Eventually, I finished the 21km race behind an Indonesian and 2 Caucasians, just shy of getting into the top 3 positions. The plaques for the top 3 winners of each category were in the shape of coffee beans as MesaStila Hotel & Resort Magelang is actually famous for its 11 hectare coffee plantation.

Overall, it was a pleasant 1st-time experience at an overseas trail run. From what I know, the longer distances events will consist of much more scenic routes as compared to the 21km event.

For those who are into ultra-trail races series, you may also want to note that the 100km and 65km events at the MesaStila Challenge & Ultra are qualified for the Asia Trail Master points while the 100km, 65km and 42km events qualify for The North Face® Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® points.

Read [Part 1] / [Part 2]

[MesaStila Challenge 21km Trail] Travel, Relax and Race – Day 2

By

Zhiyong

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October 13, 2015

The 2nd day of the 3D2N travel and run trip was spent doing an easy run, exploring the resort while checking out the activities available. There is a 4.8km designated route around the resort for guests to walk/run. The route brought me through the rustic villages. I also saw a group of school kids running (some of them without shoes!) very fast.

After the morning workout, there are plenty of facilities and activities available for the resort guests to spend the day on. First thing we did was to fill our stomachs. The breakfast area is nicely set up with traditional Javanese feel and located by the infinity pool. Variety of food served was also sufficient to satisfy any guest.

We then went for a coffee plantation tour led by one of the friendly staff, after a warm shower. The staff was very knowledgeable and spoke fluent English. It was an informational tour around the plantations which ended with some coffee and tea tasting.

The exploration around the resort continued as we checked out the “Jungle Gym”. As the name suggests, it is a place where we can workout, the primitive way.

After some gym session, it is then time for some relaxation for the body and the soul at the massage spa.

Finally, to end off the day, I spent some time at the day bed surfing the internet, chilling at the lounge where we had afternoon tea and enjoyed the sunset. It was a great day getting myself physically and mentally prepared for the race the next day.

Read [Part 1] / [Part 3]

[MesaStila Challenge 21km Trail] Travel, Relax and Race – Day 1

By

Zhiyong

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October 13, 2015

MesaStila Hotel & Resort Magelang is located in Central Java, Indonesia, which is only 3.5 hours’ away from Singapore (2 hours direct flight to Semarang Airport + 1.5 hours land transfer). Before my departure, everyone was worried that the haze condition will be bad. However, Java is actually located to the South of Sumatra where all the forest fires are and the wind had been blowing northwards. Instead, I was greeted with fresh air, friendly staff from reception to housekeeping and the very well maintained resort amidst the lush greenery. The resort apartment which we stayed in could house up to 4 persons with a basement level, attached toilets and bathtubs at each floor. There is also a small private garden for each apartment.

As the sun set at about 5.30pm, we did not have the time to explore much of the resort. We proceeded for dinner at the Java Red Restaurant situated within the resort where they served nice Indonesian cuisine. As we wanted to witness the flag-off of the 100km race the next morning, we rested soon after dinner on the very comfortable bed!

Read [Part 2] / [Part 3]

Coney Island Park: The Newest Nature Running Destination

By

Team JustRunLah!

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October 13, 2015

Singapore has a new running destination – the Coney Island Park – which is now made open to public for recreational use. Once known as Pulau Serangoon, The park was bought over by an Indian businessman with the intentions to turn the island into a resort. Luckily for us runners, plans never fell through and the park has been left the way it was since 50 years ago, now redeveloped as a park connector from Punggol to Pasir Ris.

Race in Coney Island

Coney Island is part of The Performance Series route, a race which takes place on 1st May 2016. Click here to visit the official site of the event for more information!

Run & cycle at the Coney Island Park

Instead of your usual running route around the Punggol area, you can now make a detour to the Coney Island Park which its rustic charms and nature environment make a unique and interesting running route for runners. You can access the park easily via the two bridges on its western and eastern ends to Punggol Promenade and Pasir Ris Coast Industrial Park 6. Enjoy the green scenery along the 2.4 km-long park connector route, or you can also go for a different terrain along the 2 km-long beach. But you have to be careful of the sandflies; do wear long bottoms and covered shoes if you are heading to the beach!

Graphical map of Coney Island Park | Photo credits: The Straits Times

Get intimate with nature

The island’s original lush vegetation has been preserved by intentionally leaving the beaches uncleared and allowing greenery to grow in its natural environment. Adding on to the rustic vibes of the island, there is also no electricity or piped water on the island. There is, however, solar power to generate electricity for toilet pumps, while rainwater is harvested to use for flushing and hand washing. As a result, the island is able to retain its original natural habitat and we get to enjoy and experience the pure beauty of flora and fauna on the island.

Run and spot the cow!

As you bask yourself in the island’s wide biodiversity, try your luck at looking out for nationally threatened species such as the spotted wood owl and rusty-breasted cuckoo. If you are lucky enough, you may even get to see the single Brahman bull that has made the island its home. The presence of the cow appears to be a mystery as many has tried looking for it, but to no avail. Do note that it is strictly prohibited to feed the cow, try to keep your cool while running and not provoke the cow.