TNF Enduro Boa Hydration Pack

Last I talked about the things to bring along during a trail run. So how does one carry so many things around and not feel like a rag-a-bone man? The answer, my friends, is a good quality hydration bag. There are hydration bags and there are hydration bags. Some are made for trekking, some for hiking, some for mountaineering, some for cycling and some for running. The difference is the waterproofing and weight. For running, you will want one that is water proof, light weight and yet has enough storage space to keep all the barang barangs.

And so introducing the North Face Enduro Boa hydration pack. 

The North Face Enduro Boa hydration bag comes with a 1.5l water bladder. 1.5l is sufficient in most cases but even if it is not sufficient, it does not make sense to carry a bigger capacity bag as the weight will be an issue. Just make sure to top up at water point. At the back is a small compartment suitable for putting the first aid kit, a small towel maybe and foods. In addition, the unique patented E-VAP shoulder harness is supposed to spread out the load evenly and reduces abrasion from the shoulders.  

This is one cool bag that comes with a gladiator style front top Velcro strap instead of the usual plastic clasps. There is a small little pouch at the gladiator strap useful for putting some coins. 

The other interesting feature of the bag is that it comes with the Boa system. A simple turn of the dial and the water inside is evenly distributed again to reduce the irritating sound of water sloshing inside.

The bag comes with all the bells and whistle. Literally. There is a whistle attached to the front harness.   In addition, the magnet that is on the vertical strap is so strong that throughout all the runs, the hydration sucking tube never comes off at all. So no irritating dangling tube.

Trail Running 101 (actually 10)

Noticed that a lot of people are into trail running nowadays. Just barely 2 years ago, there were only 3 trail races – TNF 100, the Solomon Trail Run and the MR Ultra marathon. Last year there were 2 new additions both at MR. This year, the number have increased almost 100% with the new addition of the North East Run, the Tiong Bahru Trail Run, the Energerizer Night Trail, and the Tour De Trail.

Me too have kinda got sucked into the fad. Just this year alone, I have done 12 trail runs compared to 16 last years and there is still more than half a year to go. During the course of running and especially while co-leading the TNF Trail Run Series, I learnt some valuable lessons from my co-runners and from observing the other runners. First, the hardware:

1. Always bring water when running in a trail. The only exception is MR where along the 11km loop, there is a toilet at the ranger station. Even than, for those who plan to venture beyond MR to say Rifle Range Road or just the Tree-Top trail, a bottle of water is useful especially in our hot weather. Another purpose of the water is to wash the wounds if there is bleeding after a fall (touch wood!)
2. Bring enough water. I have run out of water more than once on my trail runs and I was carrying a 1.5l hydration bag. Do not underestimate the need for water. One can do without water for a 10km run on the road but in a trail, especially a technical trail; a 10km run can easily stretch to 1½ hours or more. And while most of our trails are located in the catchment area or reserve where there is plenty of water, trust me – you won’t want to drink from the stream or the reservoir. A hydration bag with a capacity of 1.5l should be sufficient – just make sure to top up if there is a water point midway.
3. Carry identification. An id-band or a small card with names and emergency contact number; allergies; etc. Do I really need to spell out why?
4. Carry your mobile phone. This is of utmost importance especially if you are running alone. You never know when you need to call for help or maybe ask for pizza delivery! But seriously, a phone is a necessity. Again, need I spell out for what purposes?

Trail Running Shoes vs Ordinary Running Shoes

I used to be one of those who think that trail shoes are not necessary for running on trails; in Singapore anyway; and just any ordinary running shoes will suffice. That was when most of my trail running was done at MacRitchie Reservoir. This year I have expanded my trail running from MacRitchie to various other trails and especially the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment area. In these areas, the trails are more “technical”. Some places there are no trails. Just some flattened grass which passes for a trail. Then there are the roots, growing everywhere of various sizes and thickness and I swear placed there by some almighty guardian of the forest to trap us runners. On top of the roots, we have uneven grounds, broken up tarmac, puddles of water, mud, slime. Plus throw in some water crossing and running in such terrains inevitably creates havoc on the legs and body and the shoes. This was reinforced to me in real time when during a recent TNF trail run; a participant fell and sprained her ankle. I myself have fell 3 times in MacRitchie and stumbled many times in the trails but got away unscathed each time. The difference? I was wearing a trail shoes while she did not.

Road running shoes are designed for well, the road. Maybe in MacRitchie where the trail is so worn down by the many people trudging through it on a daily basis, wearing a pair of road running shoes could be sufficient. But try wearing a pair of road running shoes on a technical trail and the shoes wouldn’t last more than 3 runs. It will be ripped to pieces in no time as the sole and upper body is not designed for this type of environment and harsher than normal treatment. Furthermore, most road running shoes are not designed to drain away water and in the trails, there will be pool of waters, streams to cross and if the water doesn’t drain away; there will be lots of water sloshing inside the shoes.

Never Stop Exploring - TNF Trail Run #4 Preview

We are down to Run #4.  This is where we left off from the last run. This run got everything. There are mud, obstacles, gorgeous view, slopes and more slopes and terrains - you name it, it is there - from nice carpet type grass, to clay, to broken tarmac, to logs, to lallang, to  road. And very little 'civilization'. Only the occasional hard core cyclists.

Plenty of logs obstacle

Gorgeous view

Running along the horizon

Going into the valley of ????

Into the heart of the jungle!

Run distance will be 15km. As the routes are in non-car accessible areas, there are no toilets and no water points. If you need to answer the call of nature, do it in the bush. And bring water. Plenty. The return leg is going to be hot. Unless it rains in which case prepare for some mud sliding fun.

We rate this run an 8. There are not so many steep slopes but the varied terrains and the distance makes this a tough run. Not for those with little running experience.

For those who are interested, unfortunately the run slots are all filled up but checked out the TNF Facebook page and put yourself on the reserve list. You never know you may get lucky!