A Letter to Nparks on MacRitchie Reservoir

Dear Nparks,

Thank you Nparks for thinking of our welfare and safety.

Thank you so much for putting in more fine gravels and providing such nice mini steps so that our precious feet in our expensive running shoes will not be dirty and we will not trip over those sharp ugly rocks and roots and injure ourselves.

Since Nparks place such premium on taking care of us who visit MacRitchie Reservoir park, can I request for more?

- How about providing a shelter throughout the whole trail. That way, rain or shine we can visit the beautiful park and be in tune with nature. And no need to worry about falling branches injuring anyone.

- Also our weather is rather hot most of the time and it can get pretty hot and stuffy under the trees. So maybe when building the shelter, Nparks, you can consider like put in air con. Maybe enclosed the whole shelter, put in air condition and while we at it, maybe a travelator like those at the SEA Aquarium. Then really, rain or shine we can visit the park. No need to get wet. Our expensive Nike shoes won't get dirty and best of all, the filthy monkey can't get our lobster roll.

- At every 500 metres, provide drink vending machine. As you know, it is rather hot in Singapore and I am sure you don't want us poor park visitor to get dehydrated. And of course I am sure you know that we Singaporeans are so gentle, we don't have strength to carry water bottles so a drink machine every 500 metres will help us fill our hydration needs.

And oh I noted that you are doing some major renovation works at the Male shower area for the past months. It looks like very major since it is taking so long. I am rather excited. I hope Nparks instead of having stupid open shower, can you provide jacuzzi and onsen instead. Those smelly fellas who want to bath can bath inside the shower stall. The rest of us after walking around the park, will surely enjoy a nice soak in the jacuzzi or onsen. So please do take your time to do up the place nicely. 

I am so looking forward to the air con sheltered trail walk, the jacuzzi and the onsen. Thank you in advance.

Your most loyal MacRitchie Reservoir visitor.

Sometimes we need to smell the flowers

I go to MacRitchie Reservoir pretty often. Most times to run. Very rarely for any other things. During a run, it is pretty difficult to spot anything except maybe the monkeys or occasional monitor lizards. Some people have spotted snakes but while I seen them, this was not during a run but a hike.

Recently I went with a group of students for a hike to the Tree Top Walk. And because we were not running, we spotted so many things that I never noticed in my run.

Like this patch of beautiful Tiger Orchids just outside the ranger station. Now I stopped at the Ranger Station on almost every run for the past 6 years and I swear I never knew there was a big clump of Tiger Orchids growing just outside it. 

Then there is this little mushroom on the floor. It was covered by the fallen leaves and a Nparks officer showed it to us. Apparently it can eject a puff of powder if disturbed hence it is called the powder puff mushroom.

And everybody who been to MacRitchie is familiar with the long tailed macaques or monkeys as we called them. Unfortunately most of the sightings are either of them around the Amenities Centre scrounging for human food or chasing visitors for more human food. But how often have we seen them in their natural habitat in the trees or eating fruits like what we saw when we on the tree top trail?

Last but not least, how many people have seen a flying fox in MacRitchie? This one we saw was so near I could almost touch it.

Isn't these sightings good enough reasons for us to slow down and smell the flowers and look at the rich wildlife that abounds in MacRitchie.

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". 

Never Stop Exploring - More than the usual MacRitchie Reservoir

I have been running at MacRitchie Reservoir for a number of years now and I like to think that I know the place pretty well. But last Vesak Day, we followed the runners of Trail Running Singapore for an exploratory run unto "unknown" territory.

We started off up to the usual Northern Trail. Somewhere inside the trail, we turned right onto a small trail and volia:

There was this long slanting grassy slope. It was slanting at about 30degree and kinda difficult to run on.

 There was even a small stream to add to the excitement.

Actually we were running behind the private estate along Thomson Road. The houses along the slopes are mainly bungalows and we were disturbing the dogs and causing them to bark non-stop. Luckily, they were inside the compound and we were outside.

 Eventually we came to this open patch with a gorgeous view of I presume, the Sin Ming housing estate.

It was also here that we have to turn back into the trails

And this trail leads to the Venus Drive carpark and SICC road which brought us back to the Ranger Station.

Quite interesting considering that we have never discovered this place after so many years of running in MacRitchie. Truly good to never stop exploring!

All photos courtesy of Trail Running Singapore

MacRitchie Jinx

So the MacRitchie jinx strike again! But this time round I was not the one to kena instead the poor kid was the victim.

We had made a last minute decision to go and run at MR in the evening so the 4 of us went.   All 4 of us started on the Northern Trail. I was supposed to do the 10km route with the kid while the Mrs went the 5km route with the Princess. The ladies were to turn back at the 2nd boardwalk entrance the Petai Trail and ran along the boardwalk while we go the usual route. Unfortunately, both runs got short circuited. The Princess got distanced by a snake on the boardwalk and thereafter they decided to walk from there. I was huffing and puffing when I saw the kid standing in the middle of the trail. Turned out he had tripped and got a bloody mess on his legs which was  fine but the ankle didn't look too good so we also turned and walked back.

This is my 11th time at MR this year. Compared this to 2006 - 7; 2007 - 1; 2008 - 2; 2009 - 6. Seems like I have been spending too much time there. Maybe I should switch over to Bukit Timah instead.

MacRitchie and Killer Hills

Have to clear last year's leave so took the day off.

Decided to pop in to MR again. The last time I ran the full loop there was in June last year. My, how time flies. MR has always been a jinx place for me and I approached today run with a little apprehension since I was running alone. What if something sway happen to me again and nobody around to help? Neh.. I wasn't going to let a small little thing like that stop me so .

Reached there around 7.40am. The new car park has been up and running for some time and can park in the shade. Good - no more hot car after run. I was also glad to see the construction of the new plaza in full progress. Hopefully, it will include a toilet with shower facilities.

Went up via the Little Sister way or what is known as the Northern Trail. The ground was a bit wet. Did it rained last night? I remembered my first time running there so many years ago with Uncle Sebas. I was huffing and puffing as I tried to negotiate the rocky trails with it many up and down while he was sprinting away. 4 years later, I am still huffing and puffing my way up the rocky trails. Sighed.. something never change.

Anyway, it was not supposed to be a chiong run - just a remembrance run and I took my time soaking in the peaceful surrounding. There was few walkers (mostly aunties and uncles) and runners (mostly Caucasians) and most time I had the trail all to myself. I enjoyed the solitude run, feeling the cool morning mist around me, with the occasional peek of the sunlight through the trees; listening to the canopy of sound from the cicadas and birds. That is something you won't hear if you run in a group as all you will be doing is concentrating on catching up with the runner in front or not fall too far back.

Out on to Venus Drive, saw a security guard standing guard at the start of what I called 'Killer Hills' and I felt sad that the route is now closed to us runners. This was one of my fave route. I loved to run from Upp Pierce to MR and back challenging myself on the slope. This I rate as my most difficult route even more shiong than Mt Faber! The first time I ran there was also with Uncle Sebas and I had to walk the hill a few times. I don't run there that often nowadays as it is too tough but I do enjoy a good challenge every now and then. Hopefully SICC, PUB can come to some sort of compromise for us runners?

My suggestion for what it is worth is:

• Relocate the hole just before the dam so that the golfers tee off after the dam and not before it so that runners are not in the fly zone of the golf balls
  
• No running on top of the dam. Build a broadwalk on the outer part of the dam at Upp Pierce just above the water level and below the top of the dam for runners to run on. Fit it with a sloping roof just in case any kayu golfer's shot goes astray.
  
• Construct or just demarcate a path at the end of the dam to Venus Drive skirting the green for runners to run on.
• Finally, along the road itself, clear the vegetation on the side of the road (say about 1 m wide) and let the runners run on it.

That way runners don't get hit by cars and golf balls; golfers can tee off without waiting for runners to clear the dam. Of course, SICC or PUB will have to come up with some money for this but surely a little CSR will go a long way.... hopefuly somebody there is reading this.

Back on to MR, the ground after the wooden walkway was very soggy especially just before the golf course. Damn there goes my shoes as it sucks in the mud. Out of the golf course, the ground gave way to wet clayy surfaces and in order to avoid slipping I cautiously picked my way through even walking through the entire section of the slope just before the fitness corner. Even then with every twist and turn of the foot, my heart jumped waiting for that awful crack sound that will signify my ankle giving way. It came once when I landed on a rather big uneven rock and I yell (heh heh nobody around to be paiseh about) but fortunately in the end emerged from the whole experience without a scratch.

So have I overcome my MR jinx?

Short Run at MR

Went MR. Have not run there for a long long time. Did a short little run with Alicia and M. Took the MR25 route starting from the zigzag bridge till the 2nd fitness corner and back. Distance should be around 4.8km to 5km. Time taken 32:02mins which I think is rather good. Last week run was at Bedok Reservoir and it took Alicia around 31mins so this is a big improvement considering the terrain.

Anybody can confirm what is the exact distance from zigzag bridge to fitness corner and back?

MR again

Since I started running, MacRitchie Reservoir has been one of my favourite place to run because of its shade and circular route. Unfortunately, it is also a sort of nemesis of a route for me. I have tripped, had branches crashed down on me and injured my knees there and the last fall I ended up with a broken specs and stitches on my face. Despite that, I was still determined not to allow the place to conquer me so I am back for another bash at it.

This time round, I brought along 3 young(??) ladies. As usual, I choose to start from Upp Pierce (park there more easy) and run to MR. Roo has never been there before and she sure kena caught by surprise by the number of slopes. But she gamely hung on and finished well in the end. This time round the run was unevent full although it took a tad too long with the toilet and many water breaks. I think overall for the 16 or so KM we took 2 hours plus although based on my Nike+ SportsBand, the running time taken was only 1:48:15. (I paused it everytime I stopped for water/toilet breaks).

Oh yah, the Nike+ (u think I forgot about that?), the hairdryer treatment doesn't work. Probably only for Alex Ferguson:) It still ticking though. Distance is still out by about 1km + and the Nathan Shoe Pouch is a breeze to use. Anybody know any other useful way to get rid of the water vapour from the glass surface?

Trail Shoe Comparo

Went to MacRitchie for a run. Teelee, Trencen and Ayin came along. The objective was to tty out my North Face Arnuva 50 Boa with T@z. The plan was for us to ran half the distance and exchange shoes - my TNF Arnuva 50 Boa with his Salomon XA Pro 3D. The idea was hatched in an earlier blog when I just bought the NFA50B.

As expected, like the comments from friends who had worn the TNFA50B, the shoe was very slippery on the wet ground even though the surface was pretty rough. Otherwise, the shoe was fairly responsive on the uneven terrain. T@z pointed out that unlike most trail shoe, it lack a toe protector. I think it is more suitable for road running which is where I intend to run most of the time. No more MR!

We changed shoes at the Ranger Station.

The Salomon XA Pro 3D on the other hand was much lighter than the TNFA50B and very comfortable. Had a bit of difficulty getting use to the laces though. Didn't managed to tie it tight enough and so the shoe felt a bit loose. But overall, I prefer this to the TNFA50B while on the trail.

Coming back to the start point, just before the fitness corner, tripped over a root or rock and went flying. Ended up with bruises all over, 3 stitches above the lip and a big bruised ego. Seem like I really not fated to run at MR:(

Back to MR

Have not run at MacRitchie Reservoir (more popularly known as "MR") since May 14 2006 - more than a year ago. Wanted to go last Sunday but it was rained out.

MR has a lot of memory - mostly bad for me but it is still one of my favourite running place in view of the varied routes and challenging terrain. It was the last run in May last year that conclusively killed the knee. It was also the place where I got bummed on the back by a bunch of branches dropping from the sky.

This time dragged 3 ladies with me - M, Bambi and Mich. For the latter 2, they are running there for the first time. We did the short MR 25 Time Trial 5km route. The last time I did it was on March 15 2006. Told the girls to try to finish the distance under 35mins. Myself - I set no targets knowing that I can't possibly do under 25mins. The run was pretty uneventful except for a point where I nearly slipped on a wet root and had to use my right leg to jam in hard for support to avoid falling down. Luckily, nothing else happened and the knee seemed okay. In the end, completed the distance in a slow 29:05mins. The ladies did pretty okay coming in around 32mins. Not bad for a first time though Bambi wearing her brand new PI was making some noise about dirtying her new shoes on the muddy trails.

Went for dinner at The Ship Restaurant at Shaw Center after that. Continue here

MacRitchie 20km Run

Ring…ring… the bladdy alarm clock screams and OMG is it dawn already? Sigh, another Sunday another early *&^#% run! Still don’t know why I put myself through this torture every Sunday morning? After a quick shower, ate a piece of expired bread (the tag said best by 12 May) with peanut butter, changed and got ready to move off. Oh shit... stomach ache – got to go toilet first. Never happen before on morning run. Bad omen? Already running late. Cosmic smsed – ‘are you on the way?’ Beat 1 red light to pick him up and charged down to MR in 15 minutes. If only can run so fast!

Wah.. MR people mountain people sea! There are some events on. 1 carpark closed. No choice got to park at Westlake Ave and walk over. No time to warm up. Everybody already very kancheong to chiong. Those cannot wait one already started!

The run started at a fast and furious pace with Brokie leading the pack. Me goodnu goodnu followed. Too fast - can die like that. These people rushing to catch train or got monkeys chasing them? Run so fast go where! Slowed down to run with Cosmic and Roengten but still at 5.30 pace. Damn shiong.

Alamak, now got arrows in my right knee. The stupid knee already swollen for few days. Now got pain. Really die. Already smell no smoke from Realrunner, Cheow and the front runners. No choice slowed down some more. This time starts to tailgate Cosmic and Roengten.

Out to Venus Road – the *&^% slopes look damn intimidating. Somemore got to run back same way. Cleared the stupid slopes reached Upp Pierce and stopped for a toilet break. Finished my pack of expired since January Hammergel. Hopefully, won’t LS.

Everybody else has disappeared. I am all along with the monkeys. Turned into air con route and see Taz, Cookies and Alvo running out. Whoa! 2 km behind them. Then Bug (hope he didn’t squash any bug!), Realrunner, Lychee (no longan?), Cheow, Zhiwei flew past. 1km behind them. Finally closer towards the gate, DO, Brokie, Cosmic and Roengten went past. 500m behind them.

Arrggg.. 3 more slopes! Trudged up the slopes. So depressing see everybody ran past. Reached the gate – they said must touch the gate – why ar? maybe blessing can win 4D – so touched the gate and turn round :( more slopes. Stopped at the toilet for a drink break. Hey, DO, Cosmic and Roengten are waiting for Brokie. At last managed to join up with them! Ooops spoke too soon – once they start again, I can only smell smoke. Then walked the slope of SICC with Longan (er I meant Lye Chee). Both of us scare fall into the reservoir!

Reached back Venus Road and everybody seem to have charged ahead. These people really got a lot of power! Must find out what they eat. Maybe spinach? Reached the Ranger station. Surprise – everybody is there. Waited for my turn for a drink at the cooler. Finished and hey where is everybody? Alone again naturally!

Bashed through the landslide – nearly slipped and the knee flared up bad. Ouch! This time really have to run slow slow. Just before the broadwalk, overtook Cosmic who is walking. Found out later the poor guy got blister and sole pain probably from the impact on the different type of ground. Maybe next time we all should wear army boots!

Ran slowly back to the finish line. So many people from the Bank of India. Some Indian ladies wearing saris, 1 in skirt – like that how they going to run? Finish line in sight – a lot of people cheering – for me? No such luck… Some more chase me to one side – cannot cross under their banner! Their grandfather’s road is it?

Stopped the clock at 2:09:46. Still a pretty decent effort. Gave myself a pat on the bum (or is it back?) for a job well done!

Boi Boi Ger Ger Run

Good Friday 14 April 2006 Time: 7.00 am MacRitchie Reservoir Sgrunners 1st ever Boi Boi Ger Ger trail run. Wah, mahchiam sound likes SDU organised event so what the _ _ _ _ am I and my Mrs, both confirmed not qualify doing there with the young little kids?

Anyway, there was a big turnout - one of the biggest sgrunners group turnout with many new faces and certainly 90% eligible for match making (including those attached but no ROM cert). Than again got ROM cert also can qualify... just need to use the big 'D' word, right?

The ladies started off towards the Little Sister Home side (ha - they got the rotten deal - more upslopes there) and the guys towards the zigzag bridge. I was in the toilet when the big Boss flagged off the run. By the time I came out, can only smell the fumes of the cars in the car park. Playing catching up so early really no joke - finally caught up with the last man at the 1st fitness corner. Lots of new faces - all running very strongly. At the landslide, a few of us took the detour. When we reached the ranger station, the ger gers were there and so were the rest of the boi boi. Where did they materialise from? They played cheat and bashed through the landslide! In the tradition of all sgrun, stopped for the obligatory group photo. Then the chekopeh boiboi decided to follow the gerger. What happened to boiboi run one direction ger ger another? Must be all of the gerger in heat!

Decided since I am married and unavailable, to run my own separate way. A new guy, roengten came along with me. We decided to run the original route but when we came to Venus Rd, since he has never run on killer hill, decided to bring him on an introductory run - so off we went to Pierce Res before returning to MacRitchie via Thomson Rd.

Back at MacRitchie, most of the sgrunners are already back. DO, Dream, Kops came later - had cross path with them earlier along the SICC ground just after Upp Pierce and finally Bee with Suanxjing who is still fighting to recover from a ankle injury (she shouldn't have do trail today - hopefully she didn't aggravate the injury). More group photos before calling it a day - some straight home and some for makan at Adam Rd.

MR TT 4/Pre Bangkok

On leave today. Decided to go MacRitchie for a final run before leaving for Bangkok.

As usual, reached there about 9 am. Weather is hot. The plan today is to do the MR TT route again. Objective to better the previous run in February. Strategy - if the first run is okay, the 2nd run to be a recovery/cool down run. Otherwise if the first run is slower than the previous run time of 25.15m, than to chiong the second lap.

Tried a new approach this time. Started at a slower pace. Reached the 2km marker app 1.5 from the zigzag bridge in about 7mins. Picked up the pace a little. Reached the half way u-turn mark. Checked the watch: 12:45mins. Sightly faster than the last round but still 45sec off what other experienced runners say is optimum time. Went flat out on the way back using the downslopes to chiong down and going fast on the flat ground. Time crossed the zigzag bridge: 24:48mins. Yes I did it! Under 25mins.

Felt pretty good. Grab a drink and a banana - surprise - bump into an old flame and her family. Me had taken off my singlet and was wearing a skimpy Ascis running short. She must be thinking - heng ah! never went further with this guy. Look how he turns out - a dirty old man standing half naked in the reservior! Don't know what he's up to!

The final run was done in a slow jogging speed. Took 33 mins plus but happy with the results anyway.

Next Stop - Bangkok - and the Temple Run!

This Week

This is the 2nd day of my 'five days' run. I usually avoid running on consecutive day but somehow this week the run seems to all pile up. Yesterday, did the usual Sunday run but at Pierce Res. Invited Cosmic and Bee along. Sebas came but becos he just recovered from his injury, he ran a shorter distance.

Today is supposed to be rest day but since it's Alicia's birthday, we took leave and in the morning while the kids were at school, the Mrs and me went to MacRitchie. She didn't want to run alone so I had to abandon plan to run the MR 25tt route and instead went the 11km route. The landslide still there. There was a detour which involves the board walk coming down from the tree top trail. Yucks. The Mrs not bad - she managed to run until the zigzag bridge b4 stopping. She improving. Can sign her up for the half soon.

Tomorrow, there will be a training session for the staff participating in the JP Morgan Corporate Chase. Some other are coming also and most of them probably can't even run 2 km. Will not be much of a workout so in order not to waste the effort of lugging the shoes and all down, have decided after that session, to join the CBD run.

3rd run on Wednesday is supposed to be interval training at Tampines Stadium. Not too sure whether this one will be on - if not can take a break and go gym otherwise will do a 6 x 400 interval.

Running Lab run is on Thur - this one must go since the Mrs like the company of the Vitamin girls.

So 5 runs on 5 consecutive days.

Probably 1 gym session on Friday, rest on Saturday and 1 LSD for this Sunday.

3 more weeks to go b4 the Temple Run so these will be good training.

MR25 TT Practice 3

Went to MR again this morning for practice number 3. Reached there at 9 am. The sun already up. Lots of Hwa Chong students there for their x-country.

Decided not to start so fast this time. But barely 5 minutes into the first run, must have disturbed a pair of monkeys making out cos before I knew what happened, was hit by a bunch of falling branches. Luckily, by a stroke of miracle, none of them hit my head - all landed on my back and shoulder. Momentarily stunned, I paused for a while to shrug off the branches before continuing. But the pace was affected and reached the u-turn point in 12 min 37 sec, way off mark. By then morale was low. With no pacer and few runners in sight to do 'catching up', and especially while going up the 2 slopes, the mind keep telling me to forget it and walk - sure cannot finish within 25 mins. But somehow managed to find a last burst of energy and eventually finished in 25m 01s. Surprising even better than the previous run.

Maybe my instinct was right - not to start too fast but rather to start slower and power up later.

Did 1 more recovery run at a slow pace finishing in 31m 01s. Afternoon, got physio hopefully this will be the last session.

MR TT Practice 2

Managed to squeeze in some time this morning to go MacRitchie. This time chio BC along to try and follow his pace. The Mrs also came along.

BC said he haven't run for 2 weeks. Thot I could keep up with him for at least the first half - no way - within 20 seconds, he was at least 100 metres ahead. Try as I could, couldn't keep up. Maybe the effect of the food the past 2 days. Reached the half way u-turn point in 12.15m. BC was waiting for me there. Then he took off again. He finished 24:10. Me finished 25:16 slightly off the qualifying time. Don't think I'm ready for this weekend TT. Will try a few more practice run - maybe with Sebas and BC b4 trying for the April.

The Mrs did a credible 32:42 on the woman route. Not bad for a first attempt.

MR25 TT Practice

Afternoon got physiotherapy at CGH. Took the whole day off tho. Decided to go to MR for a run. Reached there after dropping the Mrs off at work. Weather good even at 9 am.

Decided to do the MR25 Time Trial route instead of the full 11km route since they said a landslide had blocked off part of the trail. Just see what type of time I can do b4 deciding whether to take part in the actual event.

Started off fast and reached the turn to Lornie Rd in 8 mins. Turned up the slope to the road before realised i didn't see the 2nd fitness corner. What a dork! Turned at the wrong place. Wasted all the effort. Ran slowly back to the starting point. Took 22:54m probably 1km short of the actual route.

Went back to the car for a drink and decided to go back for a 2nd round. This time no more energy so ran at normal running pace. Went past the junction where I turned wrongly earlier. Checked the watch. Already 11m +. They said to finish within 25m, must reach the u-turn by latest 12m. Sigh! Nevertheless, plodded on and reached the u-turn in 13.47m. Ran at a slightly faster pace on the return leg. Completed this 2nd run in 26.46m. Console myself not too bad since wasn't going all out and if not for the stupid mistake earlier, might actually have finish within 25m.

Will try again - maybe on 19 Feb.

Run with MR 25

Yesterday, decided to join Sebas and his MR 25 runners for their LSD. Heard the MR 25 runners are fast. A bit apprehensive whether can keep up with them.

There was a group of about 30 runners. They split into 2 groups - the slower one to start first. Sebas and myself started with the so called 'slower runners' at 7 am. The route - MacRitchie to Seletar and back - total of 20k. Within 10 minutes of starting, the front pack was gone from my sight. Whoa! We were already running at app 6k pace and those buggers are fast despite most of them like look way above 45 years old. Sebas said to take it easy - no need to follow their pace. Decided to stick to one slightly older looking guy running about my pace. Then the 2nd batch came and disappeared in a twinkling of an eye. My God and I thought the first group was already fast. I estimated they were all running at 4.50 to 5m pace and we had barely passed Thomson Plaza.

Finally reached the toilet at Seletar. By then, there were only 4 of us left - the rest had already turned back long ago. Stopped to take the Hammergel and chitchat with the 3 runners. Then saw a familiar looking lady running past. Realised it was Carine from sgrunners. Caught up with her and said hi. She was running at quite a slow pace so after some time decided to speed up and left her.

Reached back to MacRitchie alone. The older guy I was sticking with had gone ahead when I stopped at the petrol station to get a drink while the other 2 guys were nowhere in sight. Quite sure they didn't past me. Also no sight of Carine.

Time taken 1hour 58m. Not too bad 6min pace throughout - considering the toilet and the drink break which cost me at least 5mins. Found out later the other MR 25 runners clocked on average 1.20 to 1.40. Sebas took 1.37.

I think better stick to running with sgrunner. These people at MR 25 simply way too fast for me.

Back At Work

What a way to end the long weekend!

On Sunday, went to MacRitchie again - this time with BC and Sebas. Ran 15k from the carpark to Upper Pierce, u-turn at toilet and back to carpark via the Golf link. Somewhere just off the PUB substation before the Ranger Station, there was a foul smell. Had smelled it on Friday. Maybe there is another dead body there? Finished the run in 1.43 hrs which was much better than Friday run.

Then in the afternoon got hit by a stomach flu and threw up everything I ate. As usual, straight away the Mrs blamed it on my running. She said I was running too often and therefore don't have enough rest and therefore the body become weaker and weaker..blah blah, blah.... Hmm maybe some truth to it or simply just getting older?

Got a MC for yesterday went back and slept the whole day until 7pm.

Back at work today. Hopefully, the rest of the week will be okay. Scheduled for this weekend LSD is a 27km run.

Long Weekend

Finally, after so long, got a long weekend break from work.

The weekend starts early - last night went to the Nokia Starlight Movie. Lucky thing the tickets were complimentary - otherwise will be cursing and swearing. There was 3 times when the show got cut off. Somemore got to sit on the grass. Very uncomfortable. At $15.00 per ticket - I think the movie goers deserve better. Lucky thing the show Hitch was nice. But still don't understand why so many people will pay $15 bucks to sit on the ground and watch a show that can be rented from the video library at a much cheaper price. Romantic - the Mrs certainly didn't think so!

This morning - went to MacRitchie to run. But first had to drop the Mrs off first. Started the run at about 9.40 am. Decided to run 25k according to the training schedule. That means 2 and a half round on the 11km route. The ground was still wet after yesterday downpour. Didn't run so fast. Took 1.08 to run the first 10k. Went the second round at an even slower pace and eventually finish off at 2.28 hrs. Didn;t manage to finish the 25k though. Stopped at 21.5. Too hot (nearly 12pm by then). Still not too disappointed with the timing. It supposed to be a long slow run and beside my first time running 2 rounds on the MacRitchie circuit.

After that went to collect my NB RR cert. Holy shit - they have a photo of me drinking water and walking on the cert! There are so mnay better ones in Sportsphotox - why they choose such a lousy one!

Then went to the NB Technical Centre. Why they call it a technical centre - beats me. The sales staff there are no better than the others at the other outlet. Service is good though but everything got no size. I would have thought this would be the place where they have got all the stocks.

Sunday going back to MacRitchie with Sebas and BC. Planning to run 15k. Hopefully, start earlier can get a better time.