My Running Video - Vacation Running @ Sydney 2014

I tried capturing this running video with my POV camera while running from Four Seasons Hotel to the famous Sydney Opera House and back.

Sydney 5km Run from Simon Leng on Vimeo.

Note: The video is not fantastic and I had issues with stabilisation as this was the first time I recorded a first person video during a run. If you have any knowledge or recommendations to help me improve my running motion recordings, do feel free to comment in this post. Your help will be very much appreciated. :)

Science of Marathon Running by Dr. Joe Hanson

This is an informational running video 101 that explains the origin of marathon running, how our body works  and the experiences of running a marathon. Enjoy!

Analysing U-Run Packages

Source : http://www.usports.com.sg/events/u-run-all-access-2015/

I chanced upon this "value-for-money" package in a recent race expo. I was attracted as it could mean substantial savings for my runs in 2015. Tempted as I was, I did not commit immediately. Instead, I did my homework. Here I am sharing my comparisons and analysis.

Herewith few assumptions I made when making comparisons :

1. Registration fees mentioned in this post are based on past years' published fees for respective races. I am assuming that there is no increase in registration fees.
2. I am assuming that I am a NTUC/nEbO member or member-to-be in order to enjoy the privileges. Do take note that not everyone can sign up as NTUC (National Trade Union Congress) member (e.g. civil servants are not eligible).
3. I have further categorised the events for 3 groups of runners :
• Long Distance - 21km and above
• Mid Distance - 16 to 21km
• Short Distance - 5 to 12 km
4. Packages are compared against Early Bird Offers and Loyalty Programs as majority of registrants would sign up as Early Birds or Loyal runners to enjoy cheaper registration fees.

 With the above assumptions, here are my comments (in my personal opinion) :

1. Signing up for U-Run is economic (with substantial cost-savings) only if you take part in the longer distance events. If your intention is to run in events lesser than 12 km, this package may not entail substantial cost savings and justifications for the outfront cash commitment.
2. If one is already a regular participant in specific runs or events, he/she is most likely entitled to certain "loyalty" registration discounts. In this instance, the savings may not be significant in comparison to the loyalty/past-participants' rates.
3. There is almost no saving if one is signing up to participate in short distance events.
4. See below tables for comparisons. Alternatively, you could add up you savings and see it for yourself.

Comparison : U-Run Packages vs Early Bird Offers

Comparison : U-Run Packages vs Loyalty Program + Early Bird

I have no qualms in signing up for the U-Run package if I can ascertain my running schedule and races to participate in 2015. It would give me substantial cost savings as I normally sign up for longer distances. Otherwise, I do have to be mindful about the early cash out front commitment.

Final Run Event for 2014 - Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS)

Photo Credit : Running Shots

I participated in the Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2014 (SCMS 2014) that was held on 7 December 2014 (Sunday). On top of the challenging terrain and weather, the organiser had definitely made it more challenging by failing to provide bananas and giving out 'limited' energy gels during the marathon. 

Although Rachel had intended to make a debut in the 42km run, I barred her to participate as she had been ordered for medical tests and bone scan on the following day. As such, she became my supporter once more. It turned out to be a wise decision as the test result showed that there is lesion on her left knee bone (that could potentially be a stress injury/bone crack or tumour). Hence, no running for her until further advisory from the doctors.

The Run

For me, there was no big surprises in this race as I had experienced 'repeated surprises' in the past 8 marathons that I participated. I am not a gifted runner. I often rely on careful and deliberate planning so that I could complete each race intact. The terrain and weather challenges arose in SCMS had been carefully analysed and mentally rehearsed (see link) prior the race. Therefore, no major upsets for me. The logistics saga by the organisers were uncalled for but I kinda expected such things to happen (i.e. no bananas and no gels), thus, it did not affect me greatly as I brought my own gels for the entire race. 

This year, the only significant challenge I had to overcome during my run was the annoying backache (that I caught after a hard fall at our car park 2 days before the race). I was following the 5hr pacer group closely until my back strain/pain aggravated at the 5km mark. Knowing the high possibility for further aggravation and risking a potential DNF if I were to continue at the same pace, I had to change my running strategy. Instead, I adjusted my running to a 'run on the spot' style' to reduce the stress on my back. This change affected my pace and the 5hr pacers were drifting away :(.  This was demoralising. I was about to give up when my mantra, 'Complete, NOT Compete' suddenly appeared in my mind!

I persisted to complete my 9th marathon but changed my expected completion time (from 5:00hr to 5:30hr). For the next 30 km, I adopted a jog-walk strategy to avoid unnecessary stress on my back. 

Nearing the finishing line, I was delighted to be greeted by the loud and crazy cheer from my wife, whom had 'camped' 100m before the finishing point since 7.15 a.m. 

I am glad that I did not give up and managed to complete the race at 5:23:19h, a minute faster than my local Personal Best. 

Equipment Check 1 Night before the Race

In the morning before we moved out to Orchard Road

At the Start Point

The Start Point

At the 'DESERT' before Marina Barrage
(Photo Credit : Running Shots )

100m before Finishing Point

Stepping out of the Welfare Tentage after collecting my medal, finisher tee and refreshments

Personal Race Data

Conclusion

There were no big surprises in SCMS 14 and I was satisfied to complete the marathon. I would rate the logistic support as one of the below average event at the national level. It puts me in a dilemma as I am beginning to hesitate my participation for subsequent Singapore Marathons. 

Maybe I am just finding reasons and excuses to participate in more overseas runs?!

(Unofficial) Analysing Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore (SCMS) 2014

Sources:
- http://www.marathonsingapore.com/
- http://www.multisportaustralia.com.au/

Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 14 Unofficial Statistics

13,451 runners registered for the marathon but only 10,317 completed the marathon (76.70%).

The DNF/DNS/DQ rate is 23.30% (22.36% for male & 27.90% for female). Of which, 340 runners (260 male and 80 female) were Disqualified after the organiser finalised the results (either they were rerouted at the 13km mark or they took the sweeper bus at the 35km mark).

The average timing for male complete the marathon is about 6 to 6:30h. While the average timing for female was 6:30h. There were no change to the statistics compare to the previous marathons.  (See Sundown Marathon 2014 Statistics).

* Data used for the computations were from SCMS Results dtd 9 Dec 14

I hope this simple analysis gives runners a good understanding on where they stand in the race.

Inspirational Running Movie : Running to the Limits

Source: http://www.runningtothelimits.com/

The journey of an obese, heavy-drinking man attempting to become a semi-pro marathoner to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Marathon.