SCSM Official photo

This year official photos came out fast.



This captures my relief on finishing better than the normal smile........I looked spent.

Photo

This photo courtesy of kayano, 200m from the finish line. The smile does not tell of the pain I was feeling up and down the outer part of my left knee.....

Notice how many 10km runners around me were walking........

SCSM 2008 official results

It's out.

My 10km time: 1h:26m:29s (gun) / 1h:22m:46s (net). Men's average was 1:21:32
Avg Speed: 7.2kph/ 4.2mph; 8min 17 sec/km

Mrs 10km time: 1h:39m:23s (gun) / 1h:38m:14s (net). Ladies average was 1:33:10.
Avg Speed: 6.1kph/ 3.8mph; 9min 49sec/ km.

Considering she walked 95% or 9.5km and I walked 60% - 70% of the 10km route both due to injuries, the times are non-representative of our abilities.

+++++++
Slow_runner's 1st Marathon times: 5h:29m:21s (gun) / 5h:21m:24s (net)
My ex-boss' TY Marathon time: 4h:42m:12s (gun) / 4h:40m:18s (net)
Ex-partner OKG Marathon time: 4h:37m:32s (gun) / 4h:36m:21s (net)
Half-timer's Marathon time: 5h:14m:27s (gun) / 5h:14m:2s (net)
Terrance Liew Marathon time: 5h:32m:19s (gun) / 5h:30m:46s (net)
Gary's son, Daryl marathon time: 7h:44m:47s (gun) / 7h:43m:51s (net)

Ken Loei's 21km: 2h:33m:30s (gun) / 2h:28m:57s (net)

See Chuan Tan 10km Men's: 1h:12m:37s (gun) / 1h:9m:1s (net)
Ex-colleague Derick 10km Men's: 1h:27m:57s (gun) / 1h:26m:10s (net)

Singapore Chartered Singapore 10km

What a terrible experience for me today.

Going into today, I had not run 2 weeks since Bangkok 10.55km on 23/11/08. I was hoping the knee would have recovered but it wasn't to be.

At the start, I went slow. At the turn to Prince Edwards Road, many 10km runners do a short cut and ran across the car park. The poor volunteer marshal had to use loud hailer and plead with runners to go straight on Raffles Quay and not cut into the car park. So much for runners' integrity. At least 30 runners when I was going through.

I skipped the 1st water station at 1.5km mark. Shortly after that, I felt the discomfort on my left knee. Slowed down my pace but partly also because people were walking. Marina Station Road to ECP, down to Rochor Road, all were up and down. This year route was really not as flat as last year's. The up and down roads + curving left and right was bad news for people like me with knee problem.

Somewhere along ECP around the 4km mark, I had to walk. The pain was really painful. I walked probably a km along ECP, some jogging and overtaking. Many, many walkers this year (including me unfortunately). But I tried to walk behind another walker or slow jogger. Still when I wanted to restart jogging, it was siam left and right. The mass of participants is good for Singapore but bad for people who want to achieve a certain finishing time.

I skipped the first two water stations and drank from the third which was around the 6km mark. The bad thing was I did not see any distance markers though my wife who walked most of the 10km saw the 1km, 2km and 6km. I only hear 2 volunteers who shouted "you're past the 5km mark" and "Reaching 6km" and that's it.

I know I could not run much after 4km. I stopped for Deep Heat cream 2x, most ever. Bangkok I stopped once. Still the pain persisted and I couldn't run after the second time for Deep Heat just before the F1 pits. I had to walk. It was not a nice or enjoyable experience walking for many kilometers. And I was probably in someone's way.

The last 2km were excruciating. Every time I jogged a bit, a winced in pain. I saw cameramen on both sides of the route outside the floating platform but when I jogged, the pain was shooting. The last km was so painful I was greeting my teeth and controlled my tears from falling (while walking some more). I jogged the last 100m just for show. The Gun clock was 1:26:47. Considering I started when it was more than almost 4mins after the horn blast, I probably completed in 1:23 which is terrible as last year, my first SCSM, my time was 1:18. But last year the route was flat and I had no knee or ankle injuries. Will update my official time when it is up.

Conclusion: With the mass crowds, I might not take part next year though I will encourage the kids to do the Kids Dash. Whether my wife wants to run is debatable since she did not have a good experience at the race expo being told that the selected size 'S' was not available on last day and to choose 'XS' or 'XL'.

Some SC BKK 2008 photos

42km, 10.5km and 5km finishers' medals

The Standard Chartered Bangkok Marathon 2008 event tee

(New Balance Lightning Dry)


Water points - all plain ice water from Pepsi and served by army boys (no 100Plus)

Me in front of the Grand Palance and in front of the start line.

Every finisher collected a medal and then given 2 MacDonald's burgers (2 fish fillets)

Shouting from BKK

It's 11:44am Spore time but 10:44 BKK time.

Run is over. Completed the 10.5km in 1:18:26 my watch time. The gun time was 48secs later at 1:19:06. Pretty good time but injuries all over both legs. Ha ha ha.

Pre-race, I noticed that people bring their dogs - and each dog got their own bib with number. Wah...ha...ha...ha. Won't see that happening in Singapore since the rules usually forbid it. Quite a number of expatriates working in BKK, Asians and Europeans were also at the start line for the 10.5km. One 'farang' guy even had a camel-bak for the 10.5km - serious stuff.

Ran up and down highways and bridges, some were quite steep. Saw a mobile toilet (where the piss came through the floorboards of the bus) onto the road. So spoilt in Singapore with energy drinks. The route had 4-5 water points and it's just ice water by Pepsi. End of race had MacDonalds 2 burgers from choice of 3 (pepper chicken/ beef hamburger which many locals rejected and fish fillet), iced (thick but very sweet) ovaltine and more ice water courtesy of Pepsi.

Saw quite a lot of Singaporeans just from the way they speak English, SCSM 06 vest, GE Women 10k 2008 red vest, Spore Nike Runaholics, Sundown Marathon and even Saucony PAssion Run 08 green vest. Am surprised so many Singaporeans ran 10km in BKK.

Not many photos and I wished I knew where I ran so I can mapped but I think with all the twists and turns, that's quite an impossible task.

Now waiting for my 150BHT 1 hr bus ride to airport at 11:10am Thai time. Will pass the internet session to my room mate slow_runner.

SC BKK 08

Just to keep a record before I forget. I'll be going BKK with slow_runner from 21 - 23 November 08. We're flying Airasia and staying in Royal Hotel. We're doing the 10k for the experience of it. We're sharing the costs which should all come below our estimated $500 budget.

Thus far:
Hotel (2 nights, twin share): THB 2480 (S$105.88)
Airasia return: S$544.00
Race Fee (10km) for foreigners: THB 1400 (S$59.80).

Thus far, total cost per person is $$384.74.

Race Pack collection is near the hotel and we'll collect on Saturday morning at 10am and then head to the shoppping district where MBK and Paragon is. Hope it is a nice time of relaxing, fellowship, shop and makan.

My NB Real Run 2008 Official photos

At Aviation Road, the last 2km of road, under the HOT sun towards the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC)




The last few metres to the finishing line.






Crossing the finishing mats! Looking better than I was feeling in the photo (the teeth was showing!). At that point, ankle and knee pain was getting real bad (it would get worse later that day).

Official Result for NBRR 2008

Whoopee. A record time for 10km on 4km trail (sand, stones and clay) + 0.6km of beach sand and 5.4km of road/taxiway.

MENS OPEN 10KM Position: 988
Chk Pt 1 [4km]: 00:27:33
Chk Pt 2 [7km]: 00:48:41
Total Chip Time: 01:13:17
Total Gun Time: 01:14:20
Position: 988 out of 1602


NBRR 2007 Result:
MENS OPEN 10KM Position: 1060
Chk Pt 1 [4km]: 00:31:15
Chk Pt 2 [7km]: 00:55:55
Total Chip Time: 01:28:52
Total Gun Time: 01:30:35
Position: 1060 out of 1156

New Balance Real Run 2008

Wah, how to start? I know I ended the run with a painful left knee (from left side to right side). It is so bad, I can't walk properly and the pain is really agonising when I have to go dwn the steps on a bus or staircase.



I woke up real early, before 3am when I set my phone alarm to go off at 4:30am. Dunno know why, but it means I got up real early. Did do my QT though. :)
With sun block, my shades, my cap and arm pouch with Nokia Hp, left house at 5:20am. Spencer picked me from Compass Point taxi stand around 5:35am. Reached the car park real early, still dark. But the car park filled up fast. I saw Terry for a short while. When Spencer went to meet Terry and the others, I walked to the starting place. I first went into the Exhibition Hall to use the toilet. The queue took over 10mins (some wanted to use the stalls instead of urinal).
Then I walked around before going out. I grabbed a cup of ice mountain mineral water. Then I did my leg and shoulder stretches/ I went to start line at 7am. Ripley came by with Renoh in the 15km line and took a photo of me. After that, I lost track since most sgRunners were doing 15km.







The announcer and the banners keep reminding us what REAL stands for.
R - Regular
E - Exercise
A - Active
L - Lifestyle

Assoc Prof Ho Peng Kee flaged off the 10km runners at 7:30am. I ran under the Start Arch at the 40sec mark.

The run was interesting. The trail was uneven and sandy. I was really concerned about getting my ankle sprain, esp the right ankle. So I kept my eyes on the ground and watched where I placed my foot. But I was doing pretty well. There were distance markers every km.

4km of trail, some of which was quite sandy, some of which were hard but dry with lots of uneven ground and holes. This alarmed me as I was afraid of spraining my ankle.

After the trail it was back to the road. It is great to get primary/secondary students to be marshaller however there was a stretch just after the trail where there is a student every 10-15metres in the middle of the road... I am not sure what they are there for...look more like a middle divider between on-going and returning runners. I can see that these students are not enjoying themselves.... under the hot sun without a cap or something and they literally sat on the road, not knowing what to do. The other students at other locations are well-placed and they cheered the runners on. So I think the organisers really need to think through where to 'deploy' the student marshaller.

This year, I ran on the beach. Near the water edge and the samd was firm enough. Good experience. :)

The last 2 km was like last year - HOT, VERY HOT. Good thing I had my cap, shades and sun block in place. I just kept my eye on the road and continued running.

I finished with Gun clock time of 1:14:10. If I minus the 40secs, my timing will be 1:13:30 which is so much better than last years 1:29.

Happy. But my left knee still hurts at this moment. I have a headache and I need to sleep early tonight. Tomorrow there is a management mtg. I better leave home early.

Singapore Bay Run 2008 10km - Cert

Just got my Certificate of Participation today.

Just realised that the chip finishing time of 1:12:48 is my best official finishing time for 10km to-date. :)

Singapore Bay Run 2008 10km

My first 10km Singapore Bay Run (2007 was 6km Fun Run).

It was a painful experience. Had not run for 2 weeks before due to foot and ankle injury. This blog post is 1 week post-event so won't write too much.

It was a cool and overcast day. Started 5 mins early. Flagged off by Minister Teo Chee Hean. A lot of people. The route was very crowded. A lot of not so fast joggers in front of me, some fast army guys behind me overtaking and elbowing me and others whilst overtaking.

It was tough, running up the Marina Boulevard, onto ECP then going down Rochor Road, making the U-turn. At 5km I felt out of breathe (lack of fitness due to no running for 2 weeks). The last 3km was a bit mental endurance to finish. The good thing was that there were route markers at every km from KM 1 to Km 9.

First time I crossed the finish line I retched and felt like vomitting. Even after bending down, I felt the taste of 100Plus coming up. Nothing to vomit as my light cereal breakfast was at 5:20am. It was horrid experience. PLus the pain at my inner right ankle. My calves felt stiff, my thighs above both knees felt tight. Bending down to untie the champion chip also not easy. Then had to climb up wooden platform and down a wooden ramp into the muddy padang to return champion chip for the finishers' medal.

I was so occupied with my horrible retching and untying the chip, I didn't stop my watch. By the time I did, it was 1:14+.

The official chip time was 1:12:48 (about 7.3min/km). Officially my best 10km finishing time (apart from Mizuno Wave Run where I clocked 1:12 also but for 10.3km). Considering my lack of run fitness and pain to my legs, it was an extremely good time.

The finishers' medal is nice, better looking tan the SCSM 07 one. The Tee shirt design better than the cartoonish ones in previous 2 years.

Post event, managed to joined the sgRunners for a group photo, thanks to terry who pointed me to the right place as I was previously waiting at the monument opposite Raffles City. Was introduced to quincymx. Spoke to Acleong, cokiee, terry.

Mizuno Wave Run 2008

Very exhausting for me but I have a PB. Completed the 'announced' 10.3km in 1:12 (6.99min.km, an avg sub-7min/km pace). AM very happy though I'm quite sure I cheong too must cause I had a nap, ate a lot when I came back and still feel not so well.

I was with Kayano's bro-in-law and I met Jodan at Bedok Reservoir as well as in the stands after the event. I thought saw TLR wearing the white sgRunners tee before the event. I wasn't looking out for sgRunners and after reading the earlier posts, I thought most would give it a miss. I left by 9:20am. Did not bring any spare change of clothes or any bag. I think I got chilled by the wind and in the air-cond taxi.

I think Mizuno (VGO) have redeemed themselves well. Can see there is lots of improvements and the effort has paid off. Distance markers (I only saw the 4km, 6km, 7km, 9km signs) I think are fairly accurate based on my 7min/km pace. I have very little complains. The route was fine. I am used to running on pavements (even Sundown and Real Run had pavements), the gravel at Bedok Reservoir was kind on the legs, the weather held up (despite threatening earlier on), the less than 8,000 participants means not that many people (this morning they annouced 5,000+ and they still accepted on the spot registration), 2 water stops along the 10km route and I like the running vest (better than the Adidas SCSM 07 vest that gives me nipple abrasions).

As of posting now, I had napped twice, morning and afternoon. But, now, I still have headache :(

1st Punggol Central Run - 22 June 2008

Woke up late at 7:10am. My dad called and spoke on the phone about 10mins. It was raining, people at traffic lights were using umbrella and could hear some thunder. Looking out the window, I saw lightning flashes too. Was debating whether to go to Punggol or not since 1st wave supposed to start 7:30am. Figured the rain will stop and it may continue or to just go collect the goodie bag. On the way out of the door, wife asked, "Raining still going?". Replied, that I go to collect the goodie bag (but I brought my Nike cap along and changed from vest to the NBRR 07 tee.

Took the MRT to Punggol. By the time I was queuing for my bib, it was 7:35am. There was still light rain and lightning flashes. While queuing, I saw DO (one of the sweepers) with Brokie and told myself, I wasn't late. In the queue, I heard an announcement that due to Cat 3 weather, the run is delayed. Got my bib: Yellow 116 (Men's Open).

Heard the run moved back to 8am. Was near the START with kayano, DO, DreamRunner, Brokie (& family of husband and 2 boys, all running 5 km), IMD & YeeHua and jodan. Spent some time chatting with jodan.

Minister Teo Chee Hean, MP Charles Chong, MP Teo Ser Luck came at 8am+. We were flagged off around 8:15am+. The pavement was wet and narrow. Walked till past the bus shelter and covered walkway before starting the jog. Decided to maintain my pace behind jodan. It was drizzling and was glad I brought the Nike cap along. At the 1km mark, shouted to jodan just in front of me asking what is the distance. He replied "850m" which told me my 4min+ time was fast rather than super fast. *Phew*

Saw sgRunners' Fennel and Sxuangjing along the route with their DSLR cameras. Surprised to see Fennel kneeling in the middle of the road with a blue raincoat taking photos of the runners in the rain. Good thing that road was deserted of cars.

Tried to run under the LRT tracks to get shelter from the ran. Thereafter, I generally maintained my pace and overtook jodan and a few runners cause my nose was runny a little and I felt my socks getting really wet. I walked a bit the last 1.5km as it was wet and tiring. I saw some of these youth, super fast man. Along the route was overtaken by Yee Hua and Brokie. Both ladies steady and fast. Nearing the Finsih, saw Ripley with a large haversack and her cam.

I finished the 5km run in 31:11. Happy with the time.

Finished, straightaway went to queue for my goodie bag with my coupon which was damp as it was in my shorts pocket. A little chaos as some didn't queue and dashed to the goodie bag counter. I lined up in the XL/L queue and had to re-queue for the S/XS queue but it was a short wait. I got my XS white Punggol Central Run 08 vest. Made my way to the Finish line. Did not look inside my goodie bag. Was wondering where to get drinks. Got a cup of 'warm' Berocca (not sure if the orange drink was Berocca but tasted a bit like it). Feeling better made my way to the Start line and saw the Milo truck. Still had lots of empty cups. Took one and got my 1st cup of cold Milo. Delicious.

Stood around. Waiting. Finally, looked through my goodie bag. The vest, a blue PAYM friendship band, Hp pouch sponsored by NEA, A Key chain, A water bottle with Pasir-Ris Punggol GRC logo, a few vouchers. Not bad for $8.

Met up with the sgRunners near the Start line. Chatted with Kayano and jodan. IMD, Yee Hua, Brokie (with family), Ripley, Gentle, Sassy Runner, DO, Dream Runner and wife Bev, Fennel, Sxuanjing, Happie (14 year old who did the 5km in 19mins), were some of the sgRunners I recognised. Some others I don't know.

We all waited for the lucky, hopeful that with so many having left, we had better chance. My lucky draw number 8585. A nice number. Unfortunately, with so many sgRunners there, none of us got any of the lucky draw prizes. :(

Overall, nice run. Good to have one event so near to home. Weather and my running nose is no fault of the organiser. Next time, they must forget about pavement running in Punggol due to the hanging branches. Reason why people all abandoned the pavement for the road after the 500m mark.

PAssion Run 2008

Well, my 1st Saucony PAssion Run at ECP. Weather was great. No sun and it wasn't raining. 1st 10km run and event for my wife and she did so well.

The start was uneventful. Less than 200m from the START, saw slow_runner on opposite side, Wave 1, 15km runner. Finished 1st km and 2nd km in 7 mins, which I was a bit worried as a bit faster than I wanted. But 3km mark sign board, took me 10 mins, which is clearly wrong. Almost same pace, surely it would not have taken 3 more minutes. After 4km, took 2 sips of plain water. Walked a bit. By the 5km mark, knew I was pushing the 8min/km mark too closely. But, was feeling tired, not breathless. Saw my wife on the opposite side at my 44min mark. She's doing well and at steady pace.

The 5km U-turn was a pain for slower 10km runners like me. There was some bottle neck. Faster 5km runners and fast 10km runners who started late just bashed through the crowd of 5km and 10km runners. Over-taking and swerving, they elbow some runners jogging slowly. (How these people drive and over-take when people cut-in before checking they won't knock into the person/car they over-take???). These are the ugly kiasu runners, who are inconsiderate and never even apologise to the runners they elbowed. Terrible.

Last 2 km was feeling really tired. Ran too fast in first 3km and after the 7km mark. Wanted to quickly get back to collect bag from baggage deposit and to snap photos. After final u-turn, 100m from Finish felt my left calf cramped. Really upset. I thought the cramp 1.5km from end of Sundown was isolated. Now, about 500m from finish I felt it coming. Same calf and same place. 100m from finish saw sgRunners', IMD and his wife YeeHua.

I finished per my watch 1:22:55 (1:23) a really slow time. SunDown 10.5km I finished in 1:24. Got to see the Chip time when it is officially released. But presently not pleased with my time and cramp. Slow time probably due to the traffic when the 5km runners did their U-turn. Sudden braking and over-taking does take a toll.

After finish line, saw DreamRunner and DO, they have finished their 15km and were wearing their 84km SunDown Finisher Tees. Thereafter, untied my Champion Chip, walked to change for the Finishers medal and goody bag. Then went to Recovery Area to get my 100Plus (wasn't ice-cold like SD) and then to Baggage Deposit. Baggage Collection was smooth.

Then went through the START line, positioned myself and waited for my wife with the camera. Finally saw her. Snapped a few pictures. Still smiling and running at a very steady pace. Ran to the finish line but missed snapping her just in front of the FINISH.

After she went through, we both took pictures in front of the FINISH and then took her to collect the medal and Goody bag. Then brought her to get 100Plus.

After that called slow_runner. We met slow_runner who was with my marathoner ex-boss, TY. She was with her mountain climbing team mate. Called my ex-colleague KenL who did 15km but he had left ECP and was on the way home.

After that, went to sgRunners booth. Saw they had broadband on mobile and people could sign up as forum members on the spot. [Cool]. Met Ripley, TLR, Terry, Kayano, Brokie, HoHoRunner, Philip, Bee, Alvo, Meteor, Vincent (Brokie's husband), zco, etc. . . .saw many forgot already. Took group photos with the sgRunners.

Then went off with Kayano who offered to send us back. We took a picture at the FINISH arch :)

Sundown 10.5km Team Challenge

It was exciting to be part of Singapore's first large scale night race. Was there to do the 10.5 1/4 marathon team challenge. Me and team mates were at Tampines MRT at around 5:30pm. (There is SBS Bus 29 from Tampines Interchange to Changi Village). It was raining then in Tampines.

Had dinner at Food Junction. At the Tampines Bus Interchange, met 2 guys from KL, Malaysia, Steven and Victor. They are both taking part in the Ultra. Steven said his furthest run was 140km+ in 26hrs+. Wah. . . . Steven said Singapore runs are much better organised than Msia ones (even the KL Marathon is not well organised) and Victor added that here, the finishers' tee and medals are nice. Steven said quite a number of M'sians are taking part in the Ultra and 42km Marathon.

Took the Bus 29 from Tampines. Ride was longer than the 30mins stated on the SD website. Reached Changi Village Bus Terminal at 7:25pm. Walking around the hawker centre not knowing where is the bridge that crosses over to the start point. Dark. Somemore, asked 3 different groups and they also don't know. Finally found someone unknown to us that did (and his friend was in a good mood to say, 'shouldn't be telling our competitors the way to the start line'). Me *blur* *blur*

Finally found the very narrow bridge. We deposited the bags at baggage deposit. Went to the porta-loos. Got a green light stick. Then headed over to the open field. Had a cup of 100Plus at the water point tent. Did a little stretching. Met an ex-colleague LHX who is running in the team category for PwC. Nice black PwC running vest. Met Kayano, Sealboon and said hello to Ripley who called out to me.

Run started at 8:23pm per my watch (most likely my watch is slow). Initially, at the start line, didn't realise the wire stretching overhead after the Start arch was the RFID reader. (Sotong, in the past only use Champion chip). Wah, most people start off at fast pace. But then again, see people start walking before the 1km mark. One camper shouted "1km to go" and I muttered, "ya, right". Saw planes landing up close. I enjoy looking at planes and it was nice. Reminded me of the 2007 Real Run which also passed by the Changi airport. I saw the ultra runners too. Some chose to brisk walk, some jogged with a haversack. Awesome, seeing those who are attempting 2x the marathon! The run from Start to midway point along the road was okay. 1st water point was at 4km mark (there was only 1 distance marker along the entire 10.5km route??). Plain Ice Mountain water only. After U-turn there were the wires to read the time at the 5.25km mark.

On the return, we ran along the park connector. This part later was not a good experience. I know I was the last 15% of runners, but don't understand why some girls (sorry, it was at least 3 pairs of girls along the route) like to run together at the same pace on the narrow path and block the whole pavement. Sigh. But some runners came from behind and squeezed through between them and I just followed suit. Unfortunately, my left calf (just below the back of my left knee starting feeling the onset of cramp from Changi Beach). The last 1-1.5km was strange. We walk & ran on the park connector and saw people fishing, having BBQ (aiyo, the smell of BBQ meat + otah). But some of the public were great, they called out encouragement to runners. Looking at my watch, I knew I had passed the 1:20 time. Was wondering how much further to go. I wanted to complete 10.5km within 1:25 (personal target) and time was moving on. Suddenly, there were girls in red SD tees, shouting and whistling. Shouting 'almost there' and then saw the Finish arch. Wanted to chiong the arch but my left calf cramped and I had to cross the finish at a very slow jog. Should have photos at finish line as there were a few camera flashes and no one was blocking me.

Result: End Timing: 01:24:18. 5.25km Timing: 42:34. Pace was avg 8min/km (84mins/10.5km) My team total time was 04:56:54. I was the slowest runner (as expected). And slow_runner was the fastest team runner :D

After crossing the line, walked with cramps on my left calf. Grabbed a can of 100Plus and a bottle of Ice Mountain water. Someone passed me a finishers' medal after marking and dirtying my Bib with a black marker. Drank a mouthful of water, and then downed the whole can of cold 100Plus. Ahhhh......feels good.

Went to collect my finishers' tee. Wah piang. No more XS or S. Only M. Someone took down my Bib number and my request for size 's' and said it will be mailed to my home (should I be upset at the delay getting my Finishers' Tee or be pleased they will mail me my choice of size?) Walked out and saw the sgRunners booth. Saw philip at the laptop and introduced myself. He was alone. Took my leave to look for slow_runner. Didn't see slow_runner and so went for my free ice-cream cone. Nice.

Me and slow_runner

Later met slow_runner who had collected my bag for me. Walked to Bus terminal. Caught the 109 bus back to Sengkang. 34mins later, I got out of the bus opposite my flat. After settling down, I ate a bowl of cornflakes with milk. Just felt like eating something.

Now, it is 12:35am. The 42km marathoners are on their way. It was a nice experience personally, running in the cool of the night. There was no rain during the run and no puddles of water on the route. I'd say I had a good experience. Would probably do it again next year, if race is around. Time to sleep as my hair has dried and got to wake up to bring the kids for their Kids Run at the Padang - less than 7 hours to go.

Singapore Bay Run

OK, me crazy. But I signed up for Singapore Bay Run at 12:03am, 24 March 2008. 10km. :))

Received the email from them for the payment already.

31 Jan 2008 - Saucony - PAssion Run

The 2nd Saucony-100 Plus PAssion Run 2008 organized by Geylang Serai Community Club and Geylang Serai 3i Enterprise Club, will be held on 8 June 2008 at 6.30 am.
The venue for the event is at East Coast Park open space E2-Angsana Green.

The objective of this event is to promote healthy lifestyle among Singaporeans and to enhance family bonding and friendship through running. The event's Guest-of-Honour is our advisor, Dr Fatimah Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC & Advisor to Marine Parade GRC GROs and the special guest our Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

We invite you to particpate in the run which will attract about 6000 participants from different age groups ranging between 5 to 60 years old. Registration will be open from 18 Feb 08 onwards. All runners who sign up for the run will receive a goody bag worth more than $50, consisting of our sponsor's products - a running tee, two unique gifts, a unique finisher medal & personalised magazine.

The following are the race category & registration fees:
Race Categories
Men's Open - 15 km - Btw $18 to 24
Women's Open - 15 km - Btw $18 to 24
Men's Open - 10 km - Btw $18 to 24
Women's Open - 10 km - Btw $18 to 24
Men's veteran - 10km - Btw $18 to 24
Women's veteran 10km - Btw $18 to 24
Men's Junior - 10 km - Btw $12 to $16
Women's Junior - 10 km -Btw $12 to $16
Fun Run - 5km - Btw $14 to $16

*Non-PAssion card member will get a free 3-year membership upon sign up.

We look forward to your support. More information will be released to you soon.

Cheers !
JAMES KOH
Chief Coordinator
SAUCONY 100PLUS PAssion Run 2008


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Forwarded to above to TY and JL. JL said he is running 15km. TY said she feel like giving it a miss; but will sign for the 15km if both JL and me signed for the 15km.

Told TY I am thinking of going but whether 10km or 15km will depend on my current running mileage. Will let her know later date.

sgRunners 1st Banana Relay 2008

See the sgRunners' forum post on http://sgrunners.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5900

Signed up some time back because kayano's prodding. Finally met walfisch, my team mate in person. I also met SlingRunner, Leem, doraemon_red, tktan, bee, AlecChua, Mizoono, stardust, TLR, FD, kayano, Prata, TarePanda and chatted with SlingRunner, Roonz & SealBoon

Our 2nd runner never showed up. Super siong for me. I had to do 3 rounds of 3km instead of 2 rounds of 3km. I don't know how to described the pain. ah . . .

1st 3km: Last runner for 90% of the way. Behind a group of 5 ladies who were doing a pace nearer to 7.5min/km instead of my 8min/km ~ 8.5min/km. But the 2 of the ladies went slower come to the last 300m and I overtook them to come in 3rd last. I saw the time for the 3km: 19:20, which is crazy lor: around 6.5min/km. Really tired.

Walfisch dashed off. I went for a cup of plain water.

2nd 3km: Went off at at a leisure pace. After 900km, had to walk. Walked to the U-turn (1.5m mark) and continued walking. Told the 3 officials there I have to walk. One of the officials, Sxuanjing was kind enough to tell me it's okay to walk as long as I'm ok. Start jogging only at the 2km mark or thereabouts. TLR so good, asked me, "it's you again! Your team need another runner?". Told him yes (of course la!). But TLR went on jogging, not sure how many rounds of 3km he did on his own. TLR is a real ultra runner. Reached finish line asked brokie if got spare runner as I really can't take it. Exceeded my normal weekly mileage. Plus my calf muscles felt tight. She asked around, but seems like no spare runners. Officials cannot run. I went to stretch my calf muscles and took plain water mixed with 100+. 2 cups.

3rd 3km: Took the banana from walfisch and walked. At least 800m I walked. Saw Dream Runner, Roonz, Prata all sprinting past me. No choice, jogged a little, right calf just below the knee start vibrating and stiffening. Since didn't want to really "crawl" back another 2km, decided to just keep walking. Super Ultra Marathoner Tey from Msia PaceSetters who was taking photos saw me asked me to run. Replied I can't. He shouted, just 6km only. Told him, this is my 7th. Didn't tell him about my calf. Anyway, just pushed on walking. [Roonz passed me on her return leg and called out to me, "having a nice morning stroll"]. Can only smile. Wanted to tell her the slight twitch and pain was so 'nice'. Reached the U-turn point. Told them I have to walk. Asked if any of the 3 officials had 'Deep Heat' and SxuanJing passed me a tube of Counterpain. Took some, rubbed on to my right calf and the remainder on my left calf. First time use this stuff since I never had calf cramps since Secondary school days. [Next time I will bring 2 sachets of Deep Heat in my arm pouch!!]. Walked on. Stretch a bit. More sgRunners passed me. Really feel horrible though nothing I could do about it. Last 600m, I decided to do a slow jog. Think the counterpain did it's job, calf felt weary but no cramping pain. Finally, the sgRunners banner over the finish line and there was walfisch. Passed it to him and muttered "sorry". He replied "No worries" and dashed off. He's really fast.

Went to a light pole. Stretched both leg calves. I was amazed I could complete 9km after so much running this week (Monday 7km, Thurs 6 km). Covered 22km in 6 days. That's an ultra distance for me. Ha Ha Ha

Well, despite what I thought, my team of 2 runners didn't come in last. We were 3rd or 4th last. Don't understand why not last when I walked so much.

DreamRunner's blog has a nice field report: http://thedreamrunner.blogspot.com/2008/01/sgrunners-banana-relay.html

Not bad. Got a nice medal, a Nike Towel, Nike bottle and won a lucky draw prize.

Lucky draw, I got a Ocra race belt sponsored by Roonz. Ha ha ha ha. Pai-seh to use next time. Low mileage jogger with a race belt given out to Tri participants. Might be too pai-seh to use it for next event. Ha ha ha ha

Tired now. Will continue with this post another time. Not enough sleep. . . .

Update 1:

Results out on Post 1: http://sgrunners.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=5900&hl=

Team L was third last. 2 runners only with a slow jogger came ahead of 2 other teams with 3 runners each. So must pay respects to the pace of my team mate, walfisch.

Update 2:

Wah. . . Uncle tey's Multiply album caught so many pictures of me from the Start line, while jogging along and even at the finish line. That's what happen when you have to run 3 laps instead of 2 laps! See http://pmtey.multiply.com/photos/album/253/BANANA_relay_260108

Update 3:

Sunday night and my calf muscles still not recovered and my buttocks still hurt. One problem with wearing Control shoes is the insufficient cushioning. Should have worn the NB stability shoes but then again, never expected to do 9km!