Changi Point Boardwalk Run

This month Eastside Run was to start from Changi Village in line with the rotation policy of starting each run from a different location in the East. However, due to this being the eve of the Sundown marathon, it was only left to me, myself and I and of course the M to do this run.

We started from this point just in front of the Changi Point Ferry Terminal.

We can see the many ferries  witing to to bring passengers to Pulau Ubin

The run was mainly on pavements like this and

Wooden board or what is commonly termed boardwalk

Essentially, we were running on the Changi Point Boardwalk, a 2km long of walkway covering the Beach Walk, Sailing Point Walk, Kelong Walk, SunsetWalk and Cliff Walk

The sceneries along the route

The Aloha Bungalow for civil servants

Sailing boats 

Changi Sailing Club

Kelong Walk

Changi Beach Club

Rocky Outcrops

From the Changi Point Boardwalk, we went up to visit the most famous building in the area, the old Changi Hospital

A close up of one of the graffiti

There were many heritage trees along the way, this being just one of them

And finally, we ended at the Sundown Marathon Village but the place was still deserted

But of course that did not stop us from taking a pic or two

Cold Storage Kids Run 2009

Kids - aren't they cute. Nothing can be more enjoyable than watching kids enjoying themselves. Which was why I happily spent 3 weekends and sacrifice one race to take pictures. And here are just some of the cute little boys and girls.

Seriously, I love kids - just as long as they don't scream and behave like a spoilt brats.

More pictures of the Cold Storage Kids Run here

Brooks Axiom 3

My third 'new' pair of shoes this month and this one came courtesy of a friend.

Photo from T@z's collection at run-to-live

Traded my Nike Lunar for his Brooks Axiom 3 on Thursday evening at the Running Lab run. Both of us immediately took our respective 'new' shoe for the run.

Initially, probably because I didn't do any adjustment to the laces, the toe portion was too lose and the instep too tight and it didn't feel very comfortable. But because I was running at a very easy pace with 2 newcomers, I couldn't really tell how good the cushioning was blah blah blah.

Anyway, took it out for a longer run this morning and this time inserted my insole, wore a pair of Wright double layer socks and adjusted the laces and this time it gave no problem at all. However, it felt heavy (I think quite obvious) after being having worn lightweight shoes for the past few runs. But I reckon this shoe should be just nice for my long runs.

Coming back to the trade, I think it is a good idea for runners to trade shoes which for one reasons or another is not suitable like in our case although I think he got a raw deal. His Axiom is in much better condition than the Lunar and has less mileage too. But it is better to trade than to dump it or leave it to rot.

Here are the reviews did by the original owner. Read them. Definitely more informative and useful than my one-liner.

national-day-2008-surprise-gift
Brooks Axiom vs Nike Air Zoom Elite
And his goodbye

Races: Nil
Retired: 10.9.2010
Mileage  689km (post T@z)

Q&A on Exercise, Health and Nutrition

Some commonsense Q&A on exercise and food and nutrition which I hope everybody take heed of (with a bit of salt:))

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life; is this
true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!!.... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO ! Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets. And remember:

'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming'WOO HOO, What a Ride'

I like this - especially the last bit on Life. Actually quite true hor?

Adidas Exerta Trail

Was at the Adidas Factory outlet at Velocity and spotted three different trail shoes

The Kanadia was one of those I was considering to replace the North Face Arnuva 50 but when I saw the Response, all thoughts of the Kanadia was gone cause the Response came in the colour I wanted but it was going at $99 which was slightly more than the Kanadia at $89. After trying out the Response I was all but ready to buy it when M pull out a box and inside was a very similar looking shoe but retailing at $85. The Exerta

Honestly, I don't nuts or anything about these 2 shoes but what the heck, it was within my budget, in the brand that I wanted and most of all in the color that I want. So just went ahead and bought the Exerta.

Came back to google for some info on it. Nothing on the Adidas site which means it is really out of season although did got some generic info from one of those on line retail shops:

"Packed with adidas®'s signature technologies, the Exerta men's trail shoe ensures a smooth, powerful ride. It's crafted using lightweight air mesh, with adiPRENE®+ cushioning in place for optimal shock absorption on impact. The adiWEAR® outsole delivers dependable traction on tricky, uneven surfaces. "

Features		Benefits
Upper Material: Air Mesh		Ventilated mesh for breathability.
Midsole Material: Torsion® System		The Torsion® System creates stability and control and provides midfoot support.
Outsole: adiWEAR®		A non-marking rubber outsole compound offering abrasion-resistance and durability.
Cushioning Technology: adiPRENE®+		Cushioning material that retains natural propulsive forces for greater forefoot efficiency.
Heel Technology: adiPRENE®		Maximizes heel protection and stability; is located under the heel to provide extra protection from harmful impact forces.

So did I make a mistake in buying this obscure shoe? Wait until I go and try it at MR or TMB park soon.

Date of Purchase: 17 May 2009

Cost: $85.00

Purchased from: Adidas Factory Outlet

Worn in races: 


18 Nov 2009 Salomon X-Trail Run
25 Apr 2010 F1 EQ Nature Run
9 Oct 2010 TNF 50km Duo


Retired: 9 July 2011
Total Mileage:  529km

A lethargic run

Ever had one of those days when you don't feel like running? Well today was such a day for me. We were at East Coast Park as usual. It was a great morning with rolling clouds, no bright glaring sunlight but somehow, despite the great weather, I couldn't get the engine going.

Within 5 mins of starting, I lost sight of M. I was so lethargic I couldn't summon any energy at all to chase after M. So in order not to lose face, I decided to do something different and that is to run on trail. Now where in EC park can one find trail? Not difficult it seems. Ever run in EC park and get legs and shoes all muddy? Well I surprised myself cos it happened to me while I do my 'trail' run - all 15km of it. From F2 to the end of the road till the KPE before turning back ran along the side of the pedestrian path or on the sand or grass patch. I estimated I did at least 90% of the run on these type of surfaces. Part of the grass were wet and muddy and I had a nice time slogging through it hence getting the shoes all muddy. Despite the flat ground, I ran slowly watching out for roots, portholes and dog shits! And that gave me a good excuse to tell M why I was so much slower than her:)

Anyway, while crossing the green metal bridge, saw this guy running out from the construction site. Bumped into him again at the end of the track at the KPE and asked him where he came from. Was very happy when he mentioned that he ran from Marina Barrage. Which means there is finally a clear path from the Barrage to EC Park. Hmm now to find some time to run it.

Raining Days and Weekends Make Me Happy

To me, the most difficult thing about running is not the running but the waking up in the morning. I am a 'sleeper'. I love to sleep. I can sleep standing up, anywhere and anytime. I have slept standing up in the train, sitting down by the roadside in the rain and even after 5 cups of tea between 9pm to 11pm, the minutes my head hit the pillow, I’m out like a dead duck. So I find it extremely extremely difficult to wake up in the morning for a run but if I don’t, I know I will regret it for the rest of the day so most weekends, I sort of dragged myself up, pop myself into the shower and force myself to get out and run.

This is why I admire my friends who can wake up at ungodly hours not just during the weekends but everyday to go running, cycling or swimming and then go to work after that. My 100% salute to you guys.

But for once, this just past weekend (and I talking about both Saturday and Sunday), I managed to sleep in without feeling guilty because it pours on both morning! Hurray. Now if every weekend will be like that:)

Saucony Fastwitch 3

Ha ha got my first replacement shoes. But not any one of those in my list though.

Went down to the Saucony warehouse sale over the weekend to look look see see. Have went twice previously and came away disappointed with zilch so did not expect to get anything. First spotted a pair of Triumph which came in my colour. Looked okay but was disappointed when they didn't have it in my size. Only size 14 left! Hmm wonder how many people in Sg actually wear size 14 shoes?

Was kapoing around looking at the boxes and not the shoes on display and spotted a word that caught my attention. Pulled out the box (luckily the whole row didn't collapse) and whoa there it was - a bright orange shoe! Ha ha this was it. Not switching to yellow anymore. Die die this year continue with orange shoe.

The box said it was the Saucony Fastwitch 3 which I know was a racer. Now I never have a racer before but why not? This will be a perfect replacement for the Saucony Phoenix 3. And it cost only $79!

Anyway, to cut a long story short, took it out for a run on Tuesday night. It felt thin at the sole. I am so used to shoes with thick sole but this one I can feel the ground, the road markings, the small little stones and every bit and bump. But what the heck I ain't wearing this for any long race so I don't really care. The intention is to wear this for distance up to 10k.

Anyway, to cut a long story even shorter, and because I am hopeless with all the technical stuff, I am not going to review the shoes. Anybody who is really interested can read an excellent review from a fellow runner in M'sia(i think) here.

Date of Purchase: 2 May 2009

Cost: $79.00

Purchased from: Saucony Warehouse Sale

Worn in races:

Mizuno Mt Faber Run 14 June 2009

Yellow Ribbon Prison Run 6 September 2009

North East Run 14 March 2010
Passion Run 22 May 2010
Timex Tri-Run 11 Jul 2010

Retired: 26 Dec 2010

Total Mileage: 398.24km

New Pain

Woke up in the middle of Saturday's night to a sharp pain in the right knee. Was horrified when I found that the pain came whenever I bend the knee. The pain is localised in one exact spot on the inside of the right knee. Did some icing and later applied some ointment. So that means no run for Sunday. Did a complete rest and carried it through to Monday.

Seems okay now. What the hell is it?

A Very Special Run

Yesterday was a special day for 2 very special persons, Ronnie & Bee from the sgrunners forum. These 2 young persons are tying the knot next month and in the fine tradition of sgrunners, there was a very special run organised for them. Actually it was kinda of 'tekan' run but the very sporting couple went along with the whole thing and from the look of it seemed to enjoy it very much.

I was there to kayoh a bit and here are some of the special moments:

More pictures here:

To Ronnie and Bee, may I take this opportunity to wish you both all the very best as you run the biggest race of your life together.