Eastside Deepavali Run

It has been a long time since we had an Eastside Run. The last one was in January this year on New Year Day. From time to time, friends have asked about it but with so many races throughout the year, there wasn't really any suitable weekend to do this and anyway, with so many more "official" group runs like IMD Running, Team Fatbird, I reckoned the interest in regional run has waned. And beside, it has not been easy to find interesting routes that will interest the runners.

But somehow, on Deepavali day itself, there opens a small window of opportunity. Most of the runners had started to taper for the coming marathon and it was a weekday and not a weekend so it will not clash with any races. So we ie TLR the big boss of Sgrunners and me decided it was as good as any to revive the Eastside Run.

And I am delighted at the response. I had hoped for no more than 30 runners but close to 70 turned up with some coming all the way from Yishun, Jurong and Punngol. 

As usual, we tried to incorporate some element of fun into the run by making the route more interesting and running into some "new territory". The only issue was the many semi-wild dogs which I had encountered previously but thankfully, with the big number of us, we vastly outnumbered the dogs and ran through without any incident.

A picture review of the run in this video


Hopefully we don't have to wait another 11 months for the next run.

Eastside Run 01012012

I can't believe the last time there was a Eastside Run was exactly 1 year ago. It used to be a once a month affairs but due to the packed race calendars the past year, somehow I have not been able to find a free day to slot this in on a more regular basis. 

Anyway, I decided since there was an extra long weekend and being its anniversary, it was a good time to hold one. This time round, the route picked was a part trail part route covering 3 separate trails in the East. Invitations were send out via the sgrunners forum and Facebook. I had expected in view of the many runs over the weekend to have at most 15 - 20 pax but  the numbers kept growing and growing and before I knew it, there were close to 50 respondents which was more than the 2 of us can handle. So last minutes I had to rope in buddies from Simei to help manage the group. Many thanks to Gary, Zco, Ming and AC. Especially the latter 2 as they still had a World Harmony Run to do in the afternoon.

We started off from Sun Plaza Park at about 7.20 am. The first trail was the "carpet" trail of Tampines Eco Green, in my opinion the best and most comfortable trail in Singapore, JB and some say Batam! Surprisingly, many of the runners have not been to this park even though a majority of them stay in the East.

Next trail was the Tampines Mountain Bike Park, a more familiar place for most of the runners. But of course they didn't bargain for a "water" obstacle. I had recced this place a few times prior to this and decided that the water course was more fun than the usual out and out trail. And it was hilarious to see the new runners to trails picking their way gingerly over the water. And some kind dude finally decided to help the ladies in distress and picked up some more rocks to help the ladies walk over the water. Who says chivalry is dead?

The final trail was the wild but scenic Tampines Quarry, a place that I believe was new to almost everybody.   We had a group photo taken at the most scenic park of the quarry before proceeding up to the wild trails.

And wild trails it was, with tall grasses, mud and 2 fallen trees which had everybody climbing and crawling all over. Surprisingly, it appears that Nparks or some kind soul had trimmed a bit off the 2nd tree on Saturday afternoon and we could easily walk across.

Finally, after a fun and exhilarating 12km, we reached back Sun Plaza Park for a final group photo.

And with that, it was the end of another Eastside Run. Hopefully, it will not be the last one for this year.  But whether there will be another this year will depend on the demand, the race schedule cos that will affect my ability to get pacers and whether I can hustle up new and interesting route instead of the usual Bedok Reservoir or East Coast Park. 

Team Fatbird Eastside Lunar New Year Run

Running along Changi Broadwalk

Once again, when I should be enjoying my sleep, I dragged my butt off the bed and headed out for a run. Sometime I wonder why I do this weekend in and weekend out especially as it was a glorious public holiday and time to relax. Nevertheless a commitment had been made and so we dutifully went up to Changi Beach to join a lot (I think there were over 70) of likewise crazy people who prefer running to feasting for the - by now the annual Team Fatbird CNY Run in the East.

We started off along the scenic Changi Boardwalk, a narrow 2.5km path parallel to the sea. The sights were great (there was the sea, the sun, fishermen and fish and birds) and I think everybody enjoyed themselves along this stretch of the run. The only sorry sight was the vast amount of litters left behind no doubt by the hordes of anglers over the long holiday.

From there, we proceeded along Cranwell Road to Loyang Ave. Too bad there wasn’t time to pay a visit to the Old Changi Hospital (this will have to do), a place that always give me the creep whenever I pass by. Down long boring Loyang Ave, and finally we reached the 2^nd highlight of the run – the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple.

Outside the Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple

The temple itself had relocated a few years ago from its original site at the end of Loyang to its more central location among the factories. Because it was the Chinese New Year, there were some festivities going on in the temple. There were huge paper mache figures of the 12 animals in the Zodiac; the usual deities and dragons and best of all, free soya milk and bee hoon! We spent I think an inordinately long time there with some runners enjoying the food, some praying for blessing and of course some looking for 4-D numbers!

Changi Museum & Chapel

Next we went to Tanah Merah Besar via Old Tampines Road where the runners gathered to gawk at the airplanes taking off. An u-turn later, we found ourselves at our 3^rd highlight – the Changi Museum and Chapel where we took a moment to remember the war heroes who perished in the Changi Prison. Of course, there was the usual madcap photo before we move off. 9km done!

Back to Loyang Ave but enroute, some runners took an unofficial detour to look at the Johore Battery. I stayed with the few stragglers; had been staying with them since the start of the runs and we went straight but still, the detoured runners soon caught up and dashed off back to Changi Beach while we continued our stroll back.

Total distance taken: app 15km. Total time taken: 3 hours 3………. So did I regret getting out of bed for this so short and yet so long run? Well, it was kinda tiring to take so much time to do this distance but on the other hand, I have to admit I did have some fun so it wasn’ really too bad after all.

Look at the sights here.

Eastside Run 01012011

After a long break, finally managed to get a Eastside Run going. Good start for the new year?

The turnout was better than expected. Almost 25 persons turned up including a big group from the CrazyBonkersDeranged Running group. [No offence guys]. We met up at Bedok Reservoir Park and ran to East Coast Park. But everyone was still enjoining the festive holidays and wasn't really in the mood for a long run and nobody took the long route. Some turned back at Kembangan MRT and the rest continuing on to East Coast Park.

The runners doing what they do best

The obligatory group photo at the end of the run.

 What's that behind the runners? Some graffiti? Isn't that a no no here? Find out what it is here.

Team Fatbird Eastside Run

The folks in Tampines must have thought a big group of loonies were on the loose. Decked mainly in red and sprewing Hokkien (thankfully not profanities) every now and then, it was the occasion of the Team Fatbird Eastside Chinese New Year Fa Cai Run.

One of the few rare occasion when I joined Team Fatbird for the run, this was a special run as we the Eastsider hosted the Team Fatbird for a run in the East. Thanks mainly to ACLeong for organizing the run, tirelessly co-ordinating, the run went off smoothly despite a last minute hiccup when our original plan to go through the Tampines Mountain Bike Park was curtailed as it was closed in preparation for the YOG.

I think the Taichi practitioner must have been pretty pissed that we took over their spot at Sun Plaza Park,

close to 70 of us went off first towards Pasir Ris Park,

then a run through the mangrove with a stopover at the watchtower and a fishing platform and annoying the hell out of the photographer waiting there patiently to photograph the birds. I think we scare the birds away. ha ha ha

Another stopover at the Gallop stable. Unfortunately, it was still early and there was only 1 white horse in sight. Never mind, after a run through the park, it was up a gentle slope along Pasir Ris Height

before we went up a trail to the Mainland Tropical Fish Farm. Enroute,

there was obstacle to cross

and a nice wide trail for the speed king to chiong.

Another stopover at the Farm for a drink and to gape at the giant arapaima,

before heading down Pasir Ris Drive 3 and the crocodile infested Sungei Api Api. Too bad we didn't see any crocs.

But we had the run, we had the trail, we had the obstacle, the fish, the horse and

most of all we had fun!

I survived Eastside Run

Hmmm when was the last time I ran more than 10km? 14 December and that was 10.5km so no count. Have to go even further to mid November when I did around 14km at East Coast Park.

So what the heck was I doing this morning running 16km?

Well to begin with, it was the first Sgrunners' 1st Eastside Run of the year so must support a bit. Turnout wasn't too bad - there were 11 of us starting the run from Sun Plaza park to Pasir Ris via the Tampines Mountain Bike park, Tampines Ave 9, 10 and finally Pasir Ris through the Farmways

.

Photo courtesy of AC Leong. More photos here

The TMBP was difficult to run as usual but luckily like most Eastside run, this was what I call a sightseeing run with many stops to take pictures so that sort of make it easier because there was plenty of rest stop. It was a hot morning and with the numerous stops to take picture, eventually we took almost 2 and a half hour to complete 16km.

Suffice to say, since I am writing this, it must mean I survived the heat and the run. Thank God!

Eastside Run

The state of my fitness is terrible. This morning struggled to finish a 12km run during this month Eastside Run. AC Leong was kind and patient enough to be our guide and pacer as me and M and Dewi struggled to keep up with his 'jogging' pace.

My uncalibrated Sportsband showed a whopping 14:45km and a pace of 6.15min per km but actually based on the mapmyrun,



the distance is probably closer to 12km which means even after minusing the walking along the more muddy part of the trail, the traffic light and toilet break, we were still running at about 7.45min pace. Very slow hor?

Think I better find some time to calibrate the darned thing.

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

Eastside Run

The 2nd Eastside Run for this year and the 3rd one organised by this old man. Someone asked me while on the way to the meeting place why I bothered to organise group run. Very simple answer - if not, I probably sleep in since not training for any serious race. Why wake up so early on a nice glorious morning when you can laze around in bed doing...... But when there are other people running together, the obligation is there so no choice got to drag the lazy butt outta the bed and out for the run.

Anyway, back to the run. This time round, met more new faces, Neyton, Lovelle21 and Simon. The others are User1101, Jeremy, mercifulfate and Earth who have migrated to the East from the West. Special appearance by Lionel who came all the way just to tell us he not running and Zco who dropped by to say hello. Found out later, Kelly came late and went for her own run.

The route for the day run was slightly different in that it was not a loop where the start and end are the same. Instead, from Simei we went along the Eastern Park Connectors starting with the Simei PCN then on to Bedok PCN before hitting East Coast Park and finally on to the Siglap PCN and stopping at Kembangan MRT station where we took a train back to Simei for breakfast.

Weather was fair. The pace was a bit slower than normally with most of us not having done long distance for some time. Earth had not run since the SCSM, Jeremy had not run longer than 10k since SCSM as well, Neyton was nursing a knee injury and me still cautious on the left foot. Also quite impressed by the devotion (?) of Simon who came down all the way from Woodland to run and keep Lovelle company. Bravo!

One thing though. I think everybody miss Brokie or more precisely, her camera.

Start to the Year

Quite lazy to run. So far for the past weeks in fact for the month of December,  been slacking.

Week following the marathon: 18km

Week ending 21/12:      10km 

Weeking ending 28/12: 31km (not too bad)

Week ending 4/1/09:    27km

Hmm seem like if got no goals to run for, the body and mind just go blank and refuse to run.

Maybe should start signing up for some races....

Anyway, dragged my butt off the sofa at 5 yesterday and went for a run. M was also slacking and didn't even bother to follow me. 

Decided to run or should I used the word; jog to Tampines Mountain Bike Park. Ran along the main road to Tampines before turning to Tampines Ave 9. 

Once inside the park, took the opportunity to recce it for this month end Eastside Run. First, started with what I called the covered trail. This is roughly about 1 km long and sheltered on both side of the path by trees. Spotted this weird and looked like going to collapse anytime tree house. 

Back on the main trail, decided to do the full loop following the perimeter of the park. There were fallen trees, obstacles courses and a jungle trail along the trail! The latter was interesting.  There was an almost 1 meter bund to clear, shallow puddle of mud where NPark has put some rustic looking planks to form some sort of bridges, a slanting 'boardwalk', a bridge with gaps that can trap shoes, and narrow trails. Shiok although very short - about 800metres only. 

Back out in the open trail, and back to the start, this time went up the big knoll. The table at the top is now missing but I love the view from up there. Coming down, was unsure whether to go up the second knoll which is grassy. That place always remind me of the grassland in Jurassic Park with the little critters hiding inside and waiting to snare passerby. In the end decided to give it a miss but this is definitely one of the highlight of the park.

All in, include stopping to check directions, look at flowers, walk up the knoll, it took me 43 minutes to complete the 6km or so park. 

Ran back via the Tampines Park Connector all the way back to Simei. I quite enjoy the run, wrong - should be jog since I was doing something like 7.30 pace so probably will go there again, that is if I can drag myself up from the sofa or bed:)

1st Eastside Run

Finally managed to get the 1st Eastside Run on yesterday evening. On Tues, Novaflux and myself were sceptical that anybody will join. It just seem so hard to get the 1st run off but finally it happened.

A total of 5 runners came - Bee (the only belle), Cosmic Wind, Vorx, Novaflux, myself and my coach/mentor/running buddy Sebas. We were supposed to run off at 7.00 but Novaflux was late and eventually we set off at 7.30 pm.

We started at Simei St 3, up Simei Ave passed by ITE Simei (where everybody unaminously wished the sports complex could be opened to public); Xilin Ave past Schneker (where Bee works); and turned into Changi South Ave 3, 2, Street 1 back to Ave 3 where a big bunch of workers cheered us on (almost like running the marathon) down to Changi Business Park (next to the PIE going to Pasir Ris and SLE). Part of the path was flooded so we had to walk a bit and then back to Ave 1 and Expo Road. Then we saw the supposingly haunted Pulai tree. The tree is supposed to be 'uncutable' but it is dying. The fig tree growing on it is choking it. As it is, the top that stands out in the past is already gone. Stopped at Expo 7-11 for Novaflux to get a drink and as usual, Sebas to go for his toilet break! Turned into Simei Road and finally through Sunbird Road, Harvey Road before reaching back to Eastpoint. Time taken app 1.18hrs including traffic light, toilet break, walking over water....

Vorx saids he run only once a week but you really couldn't tell cos he was always running way ahead. Very fast. Sebas and Novaflux spent half the run figuring out how to calibrate their polar heart rate monitor/watch. Bee claimed she can't run fast but she also good. I think no problem for her running the half marathon. Cosmic is a strong runner and I think the pace was a bit too slow for him.

Now that the 1st Eastside Run is over - maybe can get the 1st CBD run off the ground as well.