Run For Hope 2014 - Sign Up Now!

Source : http://www.runforhope.sg/

We first participated in Run For Hope in 2013, shortly after Rachel finished her chemotherapy and radio therapy treatments. 

This year, we have a more meaningful mission by running as one of the ambassadors for Run For Hope 2014. Rachel will be running as a cancer survivor while Simon, as supporting family member.

The Run For Hope (RFH) is an annual run organised to raise awareness and support for cancer research. 

RFH 2014 will be held on Sunday, 16 November 2014 at the Promontory @ Marina Bay. There will be 2 categories - 10km & 3.5km, that will be flagged off at 7am and 7:30am respectively.

RFH 2014 is hoping for 15,000 participants this year. We would like to appeal to those who are able - to run for a good cause. And if you have friends and loved ones who are suffering from cancer, your support for this event will be just as meaningful to the patients and their families as it is to us. You are bringing hopes!

Join us and the other ambassadors in this meaningful run. We certainly hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW!

Register Now! The first 10,000 runners to sign up before 31st Aug 2014 will get a chance to win a trip for two to Maldives (worth S$16,500)!

Simon prepares for his maiden Ultra-78km

I will be taking part in my maiden ultra run - in the 78 km category of "Craze Ultra 2014" on Saturday, 20 September 2014. 

I aim to complete this remarkable distance without setting any time goal in mind. After all, it is intended as a personal achievement (and my personal record) if I can complete the full distance.

The preparation for my maiden ultra-marathon has, thus far, been a torturous journey. Juggling between training time in addition to my routine work and family life have been extremely difficult. For instance, in many training sessions, i have to wake up at 2 ~ 3 am to commence my runs. Instead of running long distances to prepare myself, i choose to run several back-to-back distances to condition my legs.

My longest training distance clocked this month was 41km (on 23 August). I had initially targeted to complete 50km in this training session but gave up at the 41 km mark as I was mentally sleepy (as i started my training at 1:30am) and physically ill-prepared for it (ahem...didn't clear my bowel system; didn't carbo-load; only equipped myself with water bag and one  pack of energy chew for the entire distance). 

Now that I have less than 3 weeks before the actual race, I will have to concentrate on core strengthening and maintenance / conditioning runs. 

I am crossing my fingers that these training sessions would adequately prepare my body  for the actual day.

I most welcome any runners who'd experienced an ultra run to share with me better methods to prepare myself for this maiden attempt. Many thanks in advance.

Singapore Bay Run / Army Half Marathon 2014 Essential Race Information

Source : 

1. http://www.safra.sg/Participate/Singapore-Bay-Run.aspx

2. http://www.safra.sg/~/media/PDFs/SSBR%202014/EventBooklet2014.ashx

BACKGROUND

The Singapore Bay Run / Army Half Marathon 2014 will be Rachel's next 21km run. It will be held on Sunday, 31 August 2014. 

This is another half-marathon to prepare Rachel for her approaching Full Marathon in December. For some personal reasons, I am not participating this time round. My dear wife will be running her own race. 

ESSENTIAL RACE INFORMATION

RACE ENTRY PACK COLLECTION

Date: 22 - 24 August 2014 (Friday - Sunday)
Venue: The Float @ Marina Bay
Time: 11am - 8pm (Fri & Sat) | 11am - 7pm (Sun)

RACE DAY

Date: 31 August 2014 (Sunday)
Venue: Sheares Bridge, Esplanade & Padang Area
Flag Off Time: 5am (21km), 6am (10km), 8am(5km) and 9am (800m Father and Kids Dash)

RACE ROUTES

HYDRATION STATIONS

Yes but distance between water points are not specified.

• 11 Water Points along 21km route (about 2km per water point)
• 4 Waters Points along 10km route (about 2.5km per water point)
• 2 Water Points along 5km route (about 2.5km per water point)

PACERS

Not Specified

RACE VILLAGE

BUS

From SAFRA Clubs to Start Point (Click HERE to buy tickets online).

Updated : Bus Ticketing Status correct as at 26 August 2014 

RUNNERS ENTITLEMENT

Finisher Tee

Army Singlet

Event Tee

I hope SAFRA and ARMY have resolved the issue of human jams throughout the running route this time (as I still remember last year's narrowing of running routes and the dreadful "Army Human Wall" walking).

Simon Shops for New Running Shoes

I read somewhere that the lifespan of any running shoes to be estimated at +/-800 km. My hardworking pair of Newton Gravity has achieved 900 km in the last 8 months. I was hoping for it to clock another 200 km in the next 4 months (i.e. participate in a 78 km run and a 21 km run in September, a 32 km run in October and another 42 km run in December). My wife, however, thought otherwise. She insisted that I standby another pair of running shoes.

Wifey : "What if your only pair of running shoes give way during your ultra? You running barefoot?"

Me : "Err....Yes, Ma'am!"

And thus! I went shopping for a new pair of shoes! 

At first, I thought it would be an easy process as I intended to buy back the exact model or the upgraded model. I was so disappointed to find out that both the old Newton Gravity and the new Gravity III have been out of stocks for a while and the new stocks would only be available from October 14 onwards. That's too long a wait as I need to run-in my new shoes!

As I have running events in August and September, I have no choice but to shop for other brands that could meet my cardinal requirements. 

My requirements for the new running shoes were actually fairly simple : 

1. must be reasonably light weight (<10 oz), 
2. reasonably cushioned and comfortable to wear, 
3. not too loud so that other runners would not stare at my shoes (or me) for no reasons.

During my window shopping trip at Shop #1, the first pair that met my requirements was the SKECHER GoRun Ultra. The pair looked really pretty. With much reluctance, I rejected it as i found the mid-foot strike to be awkward and uncomfortable when I did a test run in it. It's a good pair of shoes. Very light weight, nicely design and trendy colours. Just unsuitable for my running style. 

At shop #2, I asked the sales assistant to recommend me a pair of shoes that's light weight and to be used for long distance run. She immediately told me that there is no such thing as light weight shoes for long distance runs. I was astounded by her immediate response. I pointed to my Newton Gravity and told her that mine's light and I did a few long distance runs in it. She was dumbfounded. After some thinking through, she recommended me their lightest pair of running shoes in the shop - the Saucony Virrata 2 (See Runners World Review).  I test-fitted the shoes and found it to be rather light weight and comfortable. It somehow fitted my running style too. Plus, the shoes design and choices of colours were great. I was happy. 

In the end, I told the sales assistant that  I would be buying 2 pairs of the same shoes in 2 different sizes (a pair of size 9 and another pair of size 9.5). She was taken aback by my intent again and gave me a "Are you sure?" look. 

I do not blame her. She was oblivious about me preparing for my first ultra (which I think i should standby a  pair that's a size bigger just in case my feet swell during the later stage of the run). Nevertheless, I went home happily with my new conquests - the 2 pairs of Saucony Virrata 2. With a total damage of S$209 for 2 pairs of running shoes, I thought that was a fairly good deal.

I have yet to try the new running shoes in my runs. I will probably start running-in the first pair this weekend. 

Let's hope these 2 pairs of running shoes can last me for a long time before I have to crack my brain for the next purchase again.

Grousing Shape Run 2014 (Singapore)

After my very enjoyable experience with the Great Eastern Women's run and X-Bionic Venus Run, I was excited about this race. I was really looking forward to it. The new medications for my cancer treatment have been making me unwell since 3 days ago as my body is still  reacting and making adjustments. Yet, I didn't give up! I woke up at 4 a.m. to take part in the run.

To certain extent, I was a little disappointed after making all the efforts.

Grouse No. 1 : Inaccurate Race Information

Simon was worried about the race cut-off time for my 10 km run after he read the race event website a week ago. It stated that all race participants must complete their respective races within 1.5 hour.  He did not think I could make it. 

This information remained inaccurate until an amendment was finally made just before the race. It was a relief to learn that the actual cut-off time was 2.5 hours for the 10 km category.

Grouse No. 2 : Actual Start Point Venue Not Specifed / Inaccurate Car Parking Information

The route map provided in the Race Guide and event website did not specify the exact Start Point location. We had to make our own guesses from the vague route map that was provided. 

As we drove, we were unable to verify the accuracy of the public transport information. We, however, noticed the inaccurate car park information that were published in the Race Guide. 

We parked our car at Golden Mile Complex/Golden Mile Centre as instructed. Only to find out that the nearer car park would be Concourse - at least  350 metres nearer to the start point and with many more available parking lots. 

In an event of such scale (estimated 9,000 runners), we do expect due diligence to be conducted before information are published in the Race Guides and event website. 

Grouse No. 3 : Inadequate Hydration!

I think most people agree that the biggest sin in a road run/race is for the organiser/sponsor to provide inadequate hydration. Read (here) about the consequences of dehydration. Race organisers, especially those organising women's races, need to understand that most participants are not elite runners. We are more likely beginners/amateurs or leisure runners. Most of us have limited knowledge and experience in strategising a  proper hydration plan for our runs. Due to our ignorance, we are prone to hazards in a case of inadequate hydration. 

There were supposedly 4 hydration points in today's race :

1. Water Point 1 - 1.5 km mark 
2. Water Point 2 - 5.5 km mark
3. Water Point 3 - 8 km mark
4. Water Point 4 - Finishing Point

Water Point 1 (1.5 km mark)

In my humble opinion, this water point would be more appropriate at the 2 or 2.5 km mark. Unlike other races, there was only one small table with few paper cups by the roadside as we approached. Runners were made to collect a paper cup from this table before joining the long queue/crowd behind it to have our drinks poured in. I was running at a 7.5 - 8 min/km pace in the first few kilometres. I was certain that I was in the middle of the pack. They should not be running out of water at this early stage? After beating the long queue, all I had in my paper cup was slightly more than a sip. Truly my mistake. I should have remembered to drink water before I left home this morning! 

Water Point 2 (5.5 km mark)

We might have been spared from the hot sun in today's run, but the high level of humidity posed a challenge for us to reach the second water point (about 4 km away). By the time I arrived, there was not a single paper cup in sight. Instead, a 1.5 litre H*O bottle was chucked to me. Don't be happy. They were passing the 1.5 litre bottles around. We were to drink after other runners from the same bottle. And the bottle was immediately snatched away for the runner behind me before I could even take a full sip.

Hygiene standards - Hmmmm....

Water Point 3 (8 km mark)

Under normal circumstances, it is not a major issue for me to go without water for at least 10 km. It was different today as I was already not in the normal form to begin with. With the lack of hydration from the first 2 water points, I was aware of its impact on my body. I was starting to have cramps, both at my abdomen and my legs. I began to feel nauseated. It was horrifying and I gave up running totally. I decided to slow walk from 6 km onwards...and was elated when I arrived at Water Point 3 - the only station that had adequate water supplies.

Water Point 4 (Finishing Line) 

I dared not risk running again for the rest of my race and walked through the finishing line. Like many other runners, I was desperately looking for water. There were no directional signage and no marshals to guide us. After much scurrying like a lost soul, I was directed to a queue that was forming outside Nicole Highway MRT station by fellow runners. Having waited in the queue for 10 to 15 minutes, the queue suddenly dispersed and everybody was crossing to the other side of the road. I had no choice but to re-queue all over. 

By then, many runners from all the 3 categories (10 km/5 km/Me & Mini Me 1.8 km) were  back. As there were no directional signage, one could imagine the chaos. Everybody was queuing and cut-queing everywhere as  some realised they were in the wrong queue (for wrong sized finisher t-shirts). One desperate security officer was yelling at the top of her voice in an attempt to direct runners to the right line. Unfortunately, she gave the wrong instruction too. I was supposedly getting a M-size shirt but ended up in a L-size queue.

I finally got my water in a paper cup after staying in line for almost an hour. Few ladies jokingly commented that they could just faint in the queue than in the run. 

Can anything be more sinful than depriving runners of water after their runs?! 

I have not even mentioned that the water/medal/finisher t-shirt queues were intercepting the portable toilet queues in the same area. It was also unfair to the sponsors at the race village as many chose to leave as they were already exhausted after the long wait in the queue. 

The ambience and vibes were a little dull. There were almost nobody to cheer the runners on except our own husbands, boyfriends and the fantastic Holly. The race organising was amateurish. Their inexperience apparent. 

Honestly, we do not need the celebrity hunks as pacers. We do not need a frivolous race pack. What we need are just the fundamentals : 

• A nice and comfortable race jersey (the Skechers jersey was great!)
• A nice and safe running route
• Adequate hydration
• Sound planning and sufficient manpower support so that we are not made to queue too long for everything!

Lastly, I must praise all the women participants/runners for being most patient and tolerant despite the odds. They were simply awesome!

There are not many women races in Singapore. I certainly hope for the Shape Run to continue. This may not be a good race experience for me, but I am still optimistic about their improvements in future. 

Shape Run 2014 Race Pack Collection and Essential Race Information

Source : http://shaperun.shape.com.sg/

This is the next running event for me! I always enjoy an all-girls' event. Why? Surely, we almost always get nicer jerseys compared to unisex events. Yes! We exercise hard to be healthy and in better shapes. And we certainly want to look good in whatever we workout in! I must say that the Skechers jersey for this Shape Run has not disappointed us.

The race pack collection was scheduled from 1 to 3 August (Friday to Sunday) at Suntec City. I had many bad experiences with chaotic first day race pack collections and decided to do it only on the second day. True enough, Day 2 was quite a breeze. I did not have to wait in the queue at all. This aside, I found the space to be claustrophobic. There were too many sponsors being cramped into the limited atrium space. I could imagine how chaotic it must be when there was a long waiting queue. Perhaps, race event organisers could consider venues that are more spacious if they have to accommodate many sponsors. Simon and I had planned to buy some items initially. We eventually passed by most of them as we could not squeeze through the booths, especially those that were facing the inner walkways. It was a pity as there were many interesting vendors. We only managed to buy a Re Fa Active Massager (we hope this gadget helps to improve the lymphedema issues that were bothering me since my surgery) amongst all interesting products.

As usual, the race pack for an all women race was full of goodies. Notably, there were also many interesting discount vouchers in this race pack. It would help if the organisers could list the discounts/freebies on a display board such that the good deals would not be missed out. I reckon that not many participants would dig through their race packs on the spot (except to check on their jersey sizes). By the time we scavenge through the race pack when we reach home, it will be difficult to reach out to us again (especially for those good deals/discounts that must be redeemed on same day)! 

Rachel happily waiting for her race pack.

Very generous race pack. Thumbs up!

ESSENTIAL RACE INFORMATION

RACE ENTRY PACK COLLECT (REPC)
Dates: 1 – 3 August 2014 (Friday to Sunday)
Venue: Suntec City Mall, East Atrium (near Promenade Station and Millenia Walk)
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983
Time: 11 am – 8 pm

RACE DAY

Date: 17 August 2014 (Sunday)
Venue: Nicole Highway
Flag Off: 6:30am (10km competitive), 7am (5km competitive) and 7:45am (1.8km Fun Run)
Cut Off Time :  Participants will need to finish the race within one and a half hours from the flag-off time (I wonder if this apply to 10km race...a bit stringent isn't it?). Participants who fail to meet this cut-off time are NOT entitled to receive the finisher’s entitlement.


EVENT VILLAGE

RACE ROUTES

1.8 km running route

5 km running route

10 km running route

HYDRATION STATIONS

Isotonic drinks and Water provided at the Hydration Stations.

PACERS

Yes.

RUNNERS ENTITLEMENT

Finishers' Entitlement for participants who complete the Race successfully include :

• e-Certificate 
• Finisher’s tee
• Finisher’s Medal

TRANSPORTATION

Shuttle bus service (one-way) to the race site is available for purchase at a nominal fee of $6 per person. You may purchase the shuttle bus voucher during the Race Entry Pack Collection at the Shape Run Carnival from 1 – 3 August 2014.

Last year's run was postponed (for a few months) due to the haze advisory in Singapore. This will be my first time participating in the Shape Run and I am looking forward to it. I am hoping for a good weather. Powerpuff power awaits once more!