Light at the end of the tunnel?

I was at the URA Centre when I saw this exhibition. The first thing that strike me was this long long building model.

My immediate thought was shit, they gonna build buildings over the Green Corridor!

But on closer look, there was these small little signs place.

 Hmmm definitely something interesting here. So I took a closer look at the exhibition.

This is the Skyland for the Future Exhibition that is currently ongoing at the URA Buidling at Maxwell Road. Basically what this is about is building upwards and separating the living area from the "transport area" by building on top of roads and other open spaces. In another word, creating more land/space for the future. Maybe to meet the 6.9m population?

I don't know enough about architecture and buildings to comment more about this vision but I am excited that there is now some sort of official mention of biking/cycling. It will appear that the authorities have accept that there is space in Singapore for cycling and this is the blueprint for the future. Hopefully in a few years time when this pan out, Singapore can really be a cycling city.

So for my cycling friends, look like there is light at the end of the tunnel after all and one day, you might just be able to cycle all the way to work without having to brave the traffic.

IPPT

I find it weird that Mindef has seemed it fit to respond to all the cry father cry mother about the IPPT and after a review, took such a drastic step of dropping the standing board jump, shuttle run, pull up and replacing it with a push up. Only the sit up and 2.4km remain untouched.

I know many people cannot do the standing board jump (SBJ) and the pull up and that is the single biggest cause of the high rate of failure.  When I did my NS more than 30 years ago, I couldn't even do 1 single pull up. As a result, we had to do pull up before and after every meal. Over the course of the BMT, most of us eventually manage to do the minimum 6. SBJ was a different ball game altogether. It was not something that we could train for everyday. For me, I was lucky that I usually managed to scrap through. However, for many others, even though they excel in all the other stations, a failure at the SBJ means they failed the entire IPPT.

So after so many years, I guess Mindef has finally decided to listen to the complaints and did a review and removed the 2 biggest bugbear of the soldiers. Or maybe the current commanders cannot stomach a high failure rate and decided to get rid of the problem the easy way.

The IPPT was modelled after the international NAPFA test. Each station was supposed to test different aspect of one fitness like pull up for upper body strength, sit up for core muscle, SBJ for agility and so on. Personally I don't see the relevance of the SBJ for a soldier's fitness. Likewise, the shuttle run, the sit up and the 2.4km run. These are measures of a person fitness in a mainly sports environment. Not for a soldier and definitely not for a soldier engaged in a war. As it is, our soldiers are already quite a big softie with so much pampering compared to the bad old days. Probably the toughest test for the soldier right now is the route march but even then, the distance has been shorten considerably.

If Mindef is really serious about ensuring that its soldiers are combat fit, I would suggest that they seriously reconsider the whole idea of the IPPT. Why have a half pass 6 type of standards? Soldier don't just run 2.4 km in a war. Being able to run 2.4 km under 10 minutes is not going to make anybody a great soldier. Likewise being able to do 20 pull up or push up or 40 sit up. What has that got to do with one fitness?

To measure a soldier's true fitness, I will suggest that Mindef bring back the full battle order obstacle course test. That is definitely a more intense measure of a soldier's fitness and strength cum ability to manoeuvre, dodge and climb obstacles. But that is only for a short assault. To test a soldier's endurance during war, make every runner runs a half marathon in Standard Battle Order not PT kit. After all, when a soldier goes to war, he is not going to wear running attire and sport shoes. If a soldier can pass the obstacle course test and the SBO half marathon test, I believe he should be fit enough to fight a war even if he can't run 2.4 km in the required time or jump 251cm.

The Cyclist vs

Cyclists in Singapore have always been on the wrong side of the news. Either they are immortalised on youtube and stomp for their riding antics or they are making the headline as accident victim. Social media here (and I think in other countries as well) are full of complaints about cyclists.

Over in Singapore, one of the biggest pet peeve is cyclists who continues to cycle on pedestrian walkways, which except for Tampines town, is illegal in very other estates. Yet these cyclists ride like they own the pavements and expect pedestrian to jump out of their way when they zoomed by. On the road, the tables are turned on them when motorists forced them to the curb and in some extreme case, mow them down like bowling pins. Yet, despite these risks, the behaviour of cyclists on the roads seem to have gotten from bad to worse and worst still, even if they are the one in the wrong, they behave like they are not like this one here.

Just this morning, I was running along Changi Beach Park when I came across an altercation between a group of cyclists and a runner. It appeared the cyclists were cycling on the pedestrian path and not on the empty cycling path. The runner apparently shoved one of the cyclist. Not too sure whether that was deliberate or accidental. What I gathered was the cyclists were angry he had pushed one of them down. He, the runner was angry the pack of cyclists were forcing him off the path onto the grass patch. There was loud voices raised and it looks like 2 of the cyclists was not going to let up. The runner stood his ground and insisted that the cyclists should have not been on the pedestrian path. They in turn retorted that there was a child on the cycling path and so they had detoured onto the pedestrian path. At one stage things got pretty heated up but eventually better senses prevail and everybody moved on.

I cannot judge who was right or who was wrong. A lot of us runners also run on the cycling path as it is made of asphalt which is kinder on the leg than the concrete on the pedestrian path. So to fault the cyclists for cycling on the pedestrian path can be hypocritical. But having said that, when a whole pack of cyclists rushed down a narrow path at speed of 35 to 40 km/hr, it can be quite scary for the pedestrian and is an accident waiting to happen. I go to the East Coast Park frequently and I am always shocked at the irresponsible attitude of pack (yes I will describe them as pack rather than train) of cyclists. Even though they are cycling on the cycling path, East Coast Park is not the place for competitive cycling. The cycling path is between the pedestrian path and the facilities on the other side and all park users has to cross the cycling path to get to the toilet, car park or the underground passage on their way to Marine Parade. There are pedestrian crossings at regular intervals but I have never seen a cyclist stop for anybody. With so many people including children and pets running across the cycling path, it is really scary to see pack after pack of cyclist charging down the path scattering everybody in the way.

It is the same situation on the road. At Upper Thomson Rd, I see pack of cyclists cycling together. Perhaps they think there is safety in number and they are more visible to motorists. But some part of the roads are single lane, like Old Upper Thomson Rd and motorists are forced to crawl behind them until the road widen enough or there is no oncoming vehicles and motorists then overtake them against the traffic flow. But of course the cyclists don't care because they expects motorists to give way to them just as they expect pedestrian to give way to them on the pavement.

Either way, cyclists are not endearing themselves to the general public with their blatant flouting of rules like riding across overhead bridges, failing to stop at pedestrian crossings and very rude and obnoxious shout at people or  the incessant ringing of the bell to clear the way for them. At the end of the day, it is a life at stake be it theirs (most of the time) or that of the pedestrian (very rare). If only they can realise that and rather than try to be king of the road, practice a little humility and patient and learn to co-exists with other road users without coming across as the villain in all the situation.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

The biggest news this week for runners; oh okay, for trail runners at least; this week is probably not the Sundown Marathon but the forthcoming closure of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. 

Like most of the trail running friends, I too will miss the place not that I like it very much. But for trail runners and mountain climbers, this is the only place where one can get a decent workout while training for overseas trail races like the multiple trail races in Hongkong, Sabah, Vietnam and other countries nearby. For climbers, this is the only place to train in Singapore, inadequate as it may be at 163 metres high. Most of us who trains there are attracted to the 2 long flights of rickety staircases from Dairy Farm to the Summit.

So everybody training plans will be rudely shattered. There is absolutely no other place in the whole of Singapore that is similar in nature or has the ascent, limited as Bukit Timah Hill is. The next highest peak in Singapore is the 105 metres high Mt Faber and there are no steps like what Bukit Timah has. Which bring me to my wish list and what I hope to see/not to see from the repair/upgrading of the place.

1. No concrete steps. The uneven crooked steps are the main draw of the place for all those training at the place. This is the closest we can get to climbing and is similar to the steps in the Hong Kong trails. What I hope is that Nparks do not replace them with concrete evenly spaced steps like those at Mt Faber. Sure, concrete steps will be easier to walk for the multitudes of park visitors but it will kill the whole ruggedness of the place. So my hope is that these steps will be repaired where necessary but will remain. 

2. Minimum boardwalk. I know boardwalk protect the creatures and the on the ground but what we want is a rugged trail, soil mud and dirt. Install boardwalk only at the most vulnerable areas. Keep the place as natural as possible. If there is really a need to keep people off the side of the trail, perhaps having railings made of natural recycled wood and plants along the side of the trail might do the trick of preventing users from encroaching into the forest.

3. A proper toilet and a small cafe. Something like the Amenities Centre at MacRitchie Reservoir. Toilet should be big enough to accommodate the increased number of visitors that is expected to throng the place after the re-opening. It should also come with shower facilities for visitor to bath and change after trekking. A small cafe will be great for visitors to rest, have a drink and some refreshment. Oh a water cooler at the summit might be nice too.

4. Better accessibility. Currently there is no public transport to the place. Perhaps introduce a paid shuttle bus service from either Clementi or Bukit Batok MRT station on weekends. That will hopefully reduce the number of people who drives there and clogging up the roads and polluting the air.

5. Not a sanitized park. Last but not least, not another Bishan Park, Sengkang Riverside Park or Admiralty Park where everything is nicely cultivated and demarcated. No nice paved walkways, no granite chip trails and no cement stairs what is slowly happening at MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Minimum changes from current  and keep the place as natural as possible. Retain its ruggedness. After all that is what endeared most people to Bukit Timah Hill.

Vibram Five Fingers

The biggest running news this past week must be the news of Vibram  Five Fingers being ordered by an American Court to pay $3.75m in a class action suit filed by a disgruntled lady who claimed that the VFF did not live up to its claim of improving foot health namely:

(1) Strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs 

(2) Improve range of motion in the ankles, feet, and toes

(3) Stimulate neural function important to balance and agility

(4) Eliminate heel lift to align the spine and improve posture

(5) Allow the foot and body to move naturally

Of course the ruling has got people on both side of the camp arguing their point with those anti-VFF and anti-barefoot lambasting the VFF and barefoot camp. The VFF and barefoot camp naturally is arguing that wearer of VFF has to phase in the running gradually and not jump straight into it.

I have not worn a pair of VFF before. The only reason is because I don't like the design but I have dabbled in barefoot running and minimalist running. I got injured as a result but I don't blame the barefoot running. Me think there is a place for everything and every type of foot wear. The suit in US was not so much about the effectiveness of the shoe but more about the stupidness of the US law system and its jury system and also the stupidness of VFF to make claims in their sales pitch without doing the very necessary research to substantiate their claims.

I have a number of runner friends who swear by their VFF. The only runner I knew who complained about his VFF was a guy who bought in online at a dirt cheap price and which even he suspected is an imitation. Anyway I like to think that the VFF and the minimalist/barefoot movement is here to stay and will be an integrated part of the running scene together with the traditional running shoes from the mainstream companies like Nike, Adidas, New Balance and the Reebok etc

Whither the Sponsorship?

I was reading the papers when I came across this big advertisement. It caught my attention immediately. One because I always looking at airlines ads for special offer and two, because it has our national marathon runner photo in it.  Turned out it was an announcement by Air Asia that they are supporting Mok Yin Ren in his Olympic quest.

I am happy for Mok that he now has one less worries and can concentrate fully on his training. But at the same time I could not help but note that the sponsor, Air Asia is a Malaysian company. And it makes me sad that none of our local companies are sponsoring him or for that matter, any other local sports athlete. 

I posed this question on my Facebook and I got comments such as no budget, no synergy and already sponsoring other. In a way that is true. SIA has just announced a million dollar sponsorship deal for the F1, OCBC is already sponsoring cycling and even has a Team OCBC which ironically comprises riders of several nationalities. DBS has the river regatta etc. So the sponsorship is mainly for an event or a sports and not an individual per see.

As I pondered over why there are no sponsorship of individuals, I realised that it is not about budget. The cost of sponsorship does not amounts to much, not if the companies are big companies like the telcos, glcs, transport or even property companies. The real reason I guess is that these companies do not see any benefits arising from these sponsorship. To be honest, while I have never been approached to sponsor any athlete, my company have been approached by many organisation to sponsor all sort of projects. Recently, we were asked to sponsor a local national sports event. The cost does not amount to much but after I sat down and work out the sums, I have to regretfully recommend to my Management to not go ahead because I could not justify the investment. I guess most people in charge of such sponsorship approach the situation the same way I does. The first thing we ask ourselves is "What is the benefit to the Company?" and next "What is the return on Investment?". Even if it  is to be treated as a CSR project, we have to look at the intangibles benefits - like the publicity and goodwill from being associated with the program and maybe in the worse case, the tax benefits. And the hard truth is that while there are a lot of benefits being associated with a big project like the F1 or even OCBC Cycle or SCMS like the advertisement and branding, sponsoring an individual or a small event has absolutely no tangible or intangible benefit other than a "feel good, pat on the back" feeling which I can never justify to the board. So sadly even if my company were to be approached to sponsor Mok or Tao Li or other promising local athletes, we will have to turn it down but because there is no way to justify the expenditure.

So is there no hope for our local athletes? In the immediate future, I think no. But hopefully one day, our companies especially the GLCs can take it upon themselves as a "National Service" to sponsor promising local athletes under a special program.  Other way that local companies can support is to employ these athletes and allow them to train full time much like the now defunct SPH program for ex-National footballers. And the government can help by giving tax allowances for such sponsorship. The question is - will we ever see such a day?

Patching Up MacRitchie Reservoir

Sometime ago, a fella fell while running at MacRitchie Reservoir. Subsequently, he wrote a letter of complaint to the press asking for the rocks and roots to be removed to make it safer for runners. Read about his complaint here. Of course, he got a whole lot of ridicule from the public and a lot of indignant trail runners. Then Nparks came out with a reply which got everybody cheering. So everybody thought that was the end of the silly complaint. Or is it?

This is one part of the trail in MacRitchie Reservoir now. Gone is the dirt track and in its place a nice silvery grey layer of granite chips.

Picture by Kelly Lim

Apparently, Nparks has decided to do something and this section of the trail has been paved over with crushers. I don't know whether it is in response to the complaint or what but trail runners are pretty upset. But I suppose for other regular park users who just want a nice place to walk, this is definitely an improvement over the previous wild tangle of roots and rocks and uneven ground.

I have mixed feeling about this. On the one hand, I must admit that I do not like the particular section parallel to the SICC leading to Lornie Road. It is uneven, full of rocks and roots and I never ever run this section for fear of falling and injuring myself. So having all this even out, will allow me to run this section. But on the other hand, I hate to see nature being replace by man made things. The trails in the reserves should be left as it is. We do not need nice walking path. If we want them, we could always go to Sengkang Riverside Park, Admiralty Park or even the Pasir Ris Park. 

But having said that, MacRitchie Reservoir is in a rather unique position. It caters not only to trail runners but many many other visitors most of whom are there just for fresh air or some light exercise. So the tracks have to cater to a wide segment of visitors and I suppose this is a good compromise. After all, its not like this is the first time Nparks have done something to improve the trails there. I am sure everybody who runs to Rifle Range Road from MacRitchie appreciates the concrete steps that were created next to the stream. Prior to that, there was a big mound which could become muddy and slippery when wet. Several of the more muddy sections have also been filled in with rocks and stumps and even the section immediately after the Ranger Station; that was also filled in with crushers after the track was reopened after the landslide.

Hopefully, these will be all that Nparks will do to the trails. What I could hate to see will be those tiles which Nparks loves to lay in the parks and then call it a "trail". 

The Sad Saga of USADA vs Lance Armstrong

From bullying countries like all the rest of the world, to organisation like Standchart Bank, to individual, the bullying from the biggest hypocrite in the world never seems to amaze me. I don't know from where the United States of America think that they can can impose their will and decision on everybody.

They loves to talk about justice, equality and yet in this sad shameful case of Lance Armstrong, it seems that the rules doesn't apply. No positive doping test after hundred of in competition, out competition tests?  No problem. Guilty as charged! Limitation period expired? No problem. Just extend at will!

What happened to human rights that they are always proclaiming about and telling the rest of the world to observe? The rule doesn't apply to them at all.

Everybody agree that Armstrong's victories were nothing short of miraculous. My friend and many others are convinced that he must be doping or doing something to his blood. But like the man himself pointed out, after so many tests, nothing has been detected. One can have their suspicion but without any evidence, surely he cannot be assumed to be guilty. Did I hear somebody said Landis and some other are accusing Armstrong and will come forward to testify against him. Hello, there is such a thing as hearsay in law and framing another person out of spite and jealousy is not unheard of in the cycling world. 

I know Armstrong's refusal to stand before the USADA doesn't look good for him. But I can understand his frustration and where he coming from. Read his full statement here.

Many people out there believe Armstrong is guilty. Some think he is doing some sort of blood recycling. They can think what they they want. I think Santa Claus is real. I also think Elvis is still alive. But do I have the evidence to back up what I believe in?

We will probably never know whether Armstrong is guilty or not. But until real evidence like positive blood test is produced and not because somebody said he did, we have to give him the benefit of the doubt. Remember - innocent until proven guilty. 

Some interesting reports on this saga:

Washington Post 1
Washington Past 2
Daily Mail
Fox News
Guardian

Micah True aka Caballo Blanco

Micah True, ultra-marathoner extraordinaire. 10 November 1953 - March 2012. God bless his soul.

For someone who loves running so much, it must be the ultimate way to go. Doing something he loves. But to die alone and in the wild for so many days before he is found. Not a very nice way to go in the end. 

How did someone who run so much just drop dead from running? The autopsy said he died of cardiomyopathy or an enlarged heart. Should runners be scared? The Runners World has a explanation for the condition here

Read the account of how he died and how he was found here

For us mortals, run easy, run sensibly. Run with a friend especially in the wild away from civilisation. To the naysayers, it is still safer to run than be a maid or a cyclist!

Another One Bite The Dust

The over-saturated race scene has claimed another victim - this time the Sundown Ultra-Marathon. The organiser decided to cancel this year edition because it suffered a $250,000.00 loss for last year edition. That it suffered a loss, I am not surprise. Splitting up the event over 2 weekends was pure madness. Fact is there simply isn't enough ultra runners and holding an Ultra event of such a magnitude is bound to fail.

In the same newspaper report of the cancellation of the Sundown Ultra, the TNF Singapore was also reported as being in the red for the TNF 100 Solo. So will we also be looking at a cancellation of that event as well?

One thing is certain.With practically a race very other weekend, the race calendar is so crowded that it has forced the 100 Plus Passion Run to postpone its race in May to a later date. The same thing happened to the North East Run last year. Who else will be next?

Word has it that a certain major women race has also been cancelled. But there will be many more new races to replace it - like the Sculpt Run for Women, the Pocari Sweat and maybe a K-Swiss Run and for the Ultra junkie who miss the Sundown Ultra - a brand new "Crazy Ultra"!

With spmany more races to choose from and limited pocket, runners are spoilt for choice. Runners should collectively assert their power and vote with their pocket - take part only in races that are well organised and do not shortchanged the runners. Boycott the badly organised races and hopefully we will not see races such as the Marina 21 or the Tri-Factor Run anymore. Organiser should also refrain from organising the usual 10k race at the East Coast Park or Marina Bay but come out with creative races much like the Energiser Night Trail or the Nike Goddess Run or the Tiong Bahru Trail Run.

Found a Dog - A Pomeranian

The Princess found a Pomeranian on her way to school.

Anybody know of anybody living who lives in Pasir Ris and has lost his/her dog, give me a buzz or email me here.

If no claimant within 2 days, unfortunately will have to hand the dog over to SPCA or whichever organisation willing it take it in since we can't keep 2 dogs.

Project Love Sneaker

Running Lab Project Love Sneaker is back.

The life of a running shoe isn't necessarily over after 800km... There are literally millions of people that could really use your shoes. 

Donate your pair of previously loved running shoes (adult sizes in cleaned and reusable condition) at any Running Lab store in Singapore from 30 September to 30 October 2011 and receive a S$50 Running Lab shoe voucher*! The collected footwear will be transported by Jet Airways to be donated to needy communities in rural India.

*Terms and conditions apply. Please refer to in-store for details.

Jogger Rage?

Now this is a first.

Letter to Today Online 06062011

http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC110606-0000013/And-then-there-is-jogger-rage-,,,

Seriously, I doubt the version of the cyclist's story. Certainly, I think he didn't list out all the facts. And if you kena punch in the face, you stop and "politely chastised" the fella? I would have smash my helmet into him if someone punch me for no good reasons especially if he is the one in the wrong.

What did the cyclist do to get the guy to get so pissed off, that he punched the cyclist?

The Runner's Guide to Surviving the Haze

The haze is back and the streets are noticeably emptier with less runners. Er what happened? Scare of a little smog? Like a friend loves to quote.. ''what don't kill you makes you stronger". So for those who still want to run in the haze here is the ultimate survival guide to running in the haze.




1. Don't want to breathe in the air? Wear a mask. But not any mask. Studies have been made that show that the ordinary masks you get from the local pharmacy is not good enough to block out the little bits of pollutants. Get this instead.

2. Can't stand the smoke in your eyes? Wear a goggle. Not any pair of goggle but one that cover the 2 eyes and the side of the eyes. Swim goggles will do just find but for a better and more comfortable fit, try the bigger half face type.



3. Got asthma or some respiratory problems? Hello, why are you thinking of running in the first place? But if you die die (touch wood) must run, don't breathe. No air intake = no problem. Oh right, sorry just realise only 1 type of people don't breathe i.e. dead people so if you not dead and seriously die die (pun intended) wants to run, carry an oxygen tank. You know like those divers. And carry it often enough, and next year TNF comes around, you won't have any problem with a teeny weeny 2 litres hydration bag!

4. Allergy to the millions of rubbish floating around in the smog? Wear a wet suit (the one that comes with the oxygen tank will do just fine) or better still, wear a anti-contaminant suit. Cover up from head to top and guarantee no problem.


And there you have it. 4 set of gear to run through the haze - actually can probably run through a gas attack as well.  And just for a limited period only - this special design running suit at a special prize for my friends. Place your order now!

Used Shoes Wanted

A common problem that the more ‘pro’ runners face is what to do with used running shoes. Typically, for this group of runners, they usually wear their shoes up to 600km or 8 – 12 months after which going by the manufacturer’s recommendation the shoes has to be  replaced as the cushioning would have break down etc etc. However, most times the shoes still look relatively new and certainly in very wearable condition. Throwing them is a big waste especially considering that there are so many people in other countries who don’t have shoes.

But now or at least for the time being, there is not 1, not 2, not 3 but 4 lobangs to trade in or give away your used running shoes.

1. Running Lab is offering a $50.00 voucher for each running shoe traded in. The shoes must be clean and in reasonably good conditions. The trade in period starts from 1 November and runs till 30 November but the offer is valid until 31 January 2011. Other terms and conditions apply, of course.

2. Royal Sporting House is offering 25% off a new pair of shoes (house brand only) 15% for others, when you trade in your used shoes. Offer valid until 17 October 2010.

3. Adidas. Understand that Adidas Singapore is also offering some sort of discount for trade in although can’t seem to find the information and details anywhere.

 By the way, this ad is for the Adidas Philipines trade in but I like it so much, I can't resist posting it here

4. Athlete’s Circle is collecting used shoes to be sent to Nepal for the needy people there. The collection will be on until 27 November 2010. Please note there is no discount or trade in for this. This is purely a charity project.

 So if you got some old but fairly good condition running shoes lying around, why not consider trading it in or donating it. It’s for a good cause.

Awed and Inspired?

There are world class, world famous athletes like Dean Kamazes, Lance Armstrong and even Oscar Pistorius but here in our tiny little dot of a garden paradise, we too have maybe not world class or world famous but nevertheless athletes who are right up there with the great names.

First and foremost is our very own ‘Oscar Pistorius’ – Mr Mohamed Shariff Abdullah. Someone who is a common sight at races here and in the region, his determination and courage knows no bound. He is aiming to ascent Mt Everest! Along with him is Mr Adam Khamis, who lost his arms in a traffic accident and is now training diligently for the Paralympics. Both these young man can be seen running together frequently and put people like us to shame with their dedications to training. Then there is of course the more famous Dr William Tan who despite being physically challenged and relying on a wheel chair to move around has managed to complete many marathons and even one across the Antarctica and tirelessly raised funds for many charities.

Not handicapped but just as determined are our ever growing pool of Ultra marathoners and adventurers. There is good friend, Major Kelly Lim, who runs ultra marathons like it is a weekend trip to the parks; and single handedly raised closed to $50,000.00 for the President Challenge by running 30 hours non-stop. There is Mdm Sophia Pang, who skied 900km in 38 days to reach the South Pole and of course the many crazy people each year who attempts the 4 Desert Races. One such person whom I met recently who will be doing her maiden Sahara Desert Race is Jane Peng, a business analyst who just took up running in February this year!

Hearing and reading their accounts, sometime I wonder whether I am made of the same stuff and able to accomplish what these people can do. But I know deep down, I am awed by them but inspired? Nah… I think I am better off supporting them from the side line.

Water

Water has been occupying the mind of many people. Be it lack of water in some countries or too much water in another; or a frustrated runner; an exasperated businessman in Lucky Plaza (not very lucky after all eh?) or an angry homeowner in Tessarina, everybody has been affected by the lack of or deluge of water.

In the forum, somebody said he will be training his body to run on less liquid. Somebody posted a reply with a link that revealed years ago, runners do not deem it useful and even consider it harmful to drink water during a race! Interestingly, 2 years ago at a talk held by CSMC, somebody asked how he can train his body to do long runs without water. That question had the speakers scratching their heads trying to come out with an answer. And of course, some runners cannot do without water and even for short runs, they carry hydration bag; fuel belts and what’s not just to make sure they don’t run out of water.

So the question then as now is – how much water is enough? Not just for us runners but for the world too? Too much water, get flood, too little water, get drought, too much water, get water intoxication and hyponatremia; too little, get dehydrated. Ah water – love it or hate it – you gonna need it!

Personally, as a runner in hot sunny Singapore, unless one is a camel, water is essential during a run. Just a personal rule of thumb that I follow: Short run (up to 10km), a small glass or cup of water before run and one can of isotonic drink after. Long run up to 20km - drink before and thereafter every 5 – 7 km 1 cup of water or 12 hand scoops (if drinking straight from tap) and one nice cold isotonic drink at the end. And if it is extremely hot and I am running for more than 2 hours, I drink as and when I feel like it. Unless it freezes over in Singapore or somebody drinks like 1.5l every 5km, I don’t think it is possible to get hyponatremia in Singapore so there is really no need to exercise too much caution when it comes to hydration during a run.

Finally, to end this rambling, something that I received from a friend just yesterday:

• 2 glasses of water after waking up helps activate internal organs
• 1 glass of water 30 minutes before a meal - helps digestion
• 1 glass of water before taking a bath - helps lower blood pressure
• 1 glass of water before going to bed - avoids stroke or heart attack

One Stop Shop?????

I opened the newspaper this morning and almost choked on my roti.

The SAA is proposing that it be made the sanctioning body for all road races here in Singapore. This came about after complaints were made about the poor organisation of the Sundown Marathon and other races. Steven Yeo, the CEO “believes that if this is done, policies to ensure a runner has a reasonably good race experience would be set in place”. 

Yah like real! Mr Loh Lin Kok, the President of the SAA has previously been reported as calling all the other races here “Mickey mouse races”. So why will the SAA wants to get involved in “Mickey mouse race”?

The only reason I can think of is that the SAA is dead broke or going to be soon with the continued withholding of funds from the SSC and this is a good ploy to suck money from the race organizers. Other than enriching the coffers of the SAA, I don’t think anybody else will benefit from it.

If this happens, race organizers will have to pay a sanction fee which I can guarantee won’t be cheap. Consequently, this will translate into higher registration fees. Also, the red tapes associated with getting the approval will increase and some of the smaller races like the Mizuno Wave, the Newton etc will probably stop doing it depriving runners of more choices.

But if the SAA really gets it wish and is the sanctioning body for all races, I am sure the current slew of runs will come to a abrupt stop as frankly, I don't think SAA is capable of doing any thing right and all the applications will be stuck in somebody office waiting for a rubber stamp that may never come.

A better Marathon or 2 Marathons?

I guess the whole running community in Singapore is waiting with bated breathe to see how the tussle between the SAA and SSC turns out.

To recap, the SSC has fired the first salvo by announcing its own marathon on the first Sunday of December, a slot that has traditionally been reserved for the SAA organised marathon. SAA triumph card is of course its affliation to the IAA and without the sanction of SAA, the SSC organised marathon will fall flat on its face as no international elite runners will be allowed to take part. Does SSC has something up its sleeve? It has engaged a son of the IAA President as its consultant so does it mean that eventually IAA will grant its consent direct to SSC instead of going through SAA? So who will triumph? Or will we have 2 day marathons this year?

Let me try to be a bit kapoh and analyse the news announced so far.

Firstly, the SSC has announced that its marathon will be held on 5 December 2010 and SC Bank has jumped over to its side. The SSC promised a bigger capacity. new route, new events and most important of all a better race experience.

3 a crowd. With 50000 people last 2 years, the congestion at the end point was horrifying for most of the full marathon runners. With 60000 people how do the SSC hopes to solve the problem. I doubt they can. Why?

All roads lead to Rome. The ending point will be at the Padang (note that they did not say it will start from the Padang). There is only so many way to go into the Padang, via Esplanade Bridge, Connaught Drive and St Andrew's Road. Traditionally, the end gantry is along St Andrew's Road. I doubt for cost and logistic reasons, they will have different ending point for all the different categories and events. So the runners may come from different directions but eventually all will converge on to St Andrew's Road and the nightmare will continue for the runners.

The early bird catches the worm. Start the race earlier? I doubt. They need all the spectators they can get and there must be public transport to transport them there. And that is not possible with the current apathetic attitude of our public transport companies.

Have a break. Split the race into 2 days? Nah - it will be difficult for the organiser to claim that it is one of the biggest race in the world if it were to do so so quite sure the 1 day format will stay.

So it will be a big race but better experience? I seriously doubt.

How about the new route? That sounds promising with all the talks of Orchard Road. Fat chance. Remember the furious honking during the 2007 AHM when it went through Middle Road and Clemenceau Road? Can the authorities afford to close Orchard Road for 5 - 6 hours? I don't think so. My guess for the new route will be Padang or FI Pit stop to Sands IR via the new bridge and through Marina South, Marina Barrage and East Coast Park again! Why? Because most major marathon involves a coastline run and so die die we must have a coastline run as well and beside - no road closure required!

How about 2 marathons. Nah I don't think it is possible. The SSC has already confirmed early December which means no sane organiser will do another full marathon in the 2 preceding months unless it is an informal one like the MR Ultramarathon. And the SAA will definitely not do one like that.

So the most idea date will be in June but that is a mere 4 months away and too close to the Sundown marathon so I don't think that is a possibility which leaves September. Can the SAA pull it off? Without a doubt with its experience but with the SSC controlling the purse string and most probably all potential sponsors too scared or bemused to get involved..nah it will not happen.

My take on the eventual ending? There will be one marathon and it will be co-organised by the SAA and SSC as usual. Yes they will kiss and make up. And how is that going to happen? Remember Aware and a certain EGM? Well the same thing will happen. The clubs will be coaxed or 'persuaded' by some unseen forces to call an EGM and Mr SAA will be voted out and the newly appointed head honcho? What of him? No prize for guessing!

Tai Chi anyone?

Researcher from Tufts University of Medicine have discovered that people who practice Tai Chi regularly experience less pain in the knee. Read more here

Hurray, good news for runners. Now can practice Chi running, learn a martial art, run faster and experience less pain.

What are you waiting for? Go to your nearest Community Club now to sign up.

But oh wait a minute... before you do that, read this and this.

Sigh... back to square one.