Run for your Life

Run, Ran, Done!

Apart from putting in the food recipes that I had prepared, I have decided to add in a page about the running events that I am going to take part this year, 2015. It is to keep myself accountable for what I have been doing, how far I have come and to keep going on despite the many challenges that I would be facing. I would of course, love to run my first full marathon in the following years to come.

Running is still a challenge for me although I started 3 years ago. I was consistent at first and I was trying to achieve pace and distance within a short period of time. A big challenge for someone who had not been doing enough exercise to keep healthy for...close to 15 years? I started feeling really good about it but gradually, the pains in the knees, ankles and feet took over and although I was still running, I did not do as well compared to when I first started.

This year, I made the decision to re-start my training all over again. Using the C25K program, I eased myself into doing a 5k from the start. During the course, I was feeling better and saw better results. I still do not run very fast, panting a lot. That did not matter because I know, I am still better than those who do not attempt to try at all. And this shall be my constant reminder whenever I want to give up.

#1 Safari Zoo Run 2015

Safari Zoo Run 2015

This is my third year taking part in the 6km fun run, obviously going for the cutest medal. On 8 February, after doing a month of re-training using the C25K program, I faced my first running event in 2015. I was filled with anxiety, unsure whether I will be able to make it through the 6km. At that point of time, I was only into my week 4 of training and I was unable to cover a full 5km yet. I made the decision to use the latest training day of the program to guide me through the 6km.

I reached the venue early to take in all the excitement. The line-up to get into the run pen was confusing and congested. I could not remember whether it was the same situation the year before but I stood under the sun for quite awhile, suffocating too as everyone wanted to enter the pen eagerly. As usual, bottleneck at the start of the run. It did not pose as a problem as I used it as warm-up. Slowly, the run started. As usual, people will stop at the different sections of the zoo to take photographs with the animals. I, continued with my run. It was actually quite a comfortable run, following the program. I made it to the finish line under an hour. Not too bad! My confidence in running better grew. With that, I look forward to my next running event.



#2 Venus Run 2015

Venus Run 2015

This is one of the all ladies run held in Singapore. The race was held on 8 March which coincided with International Women's Day. That explains why it is called Venus Run. This is the second year I took part in the event. Last year, I had my best timing for a 5km from running in this event.

I woke up really early in the morning to catch the so-called 'first train'. Much to my dismay, it only arrived at 6am. Having to wait for it for almost half an hour was a torture. Information given on the transport website did not tally at all! Nonetheless, I arrived at Stadium MRT station before 6.45am. I was worried that the queue for the shutter bus would be long by then but thank goodness, there was no queue. The bus I boarded was empty. Great! After arrival, I followed the crowd to walk to the start line. I was feeling really tired and sleepy with all the waiting. Finally, the run was about to begin. Somehow, the atmosphere before the start of the run this year was not as energized as last year's.

The gei-gei determined look!

Using the C25K programme, I paced myself for the run. I vowed to run all the way up the curve at the Marina Barrage. I made it three quarters of the way. Not too bad! Stitches came and I did not manage to keep up with the programme. It was a walk-jog affair towards the finish line and eventually, I crossed it.

I grabbed a can of drink and tried to find out where to collect the medal. The queue for it was rather confusing and disorganized. After receiving it, I went back to try to grab another can but they had run out of drink. I tried walking around, looking for hydration point and someone called out to me. It was nice seeing a familiar face among the crowd.

Aiyaa!!! Why that person must walk past???!!!

It was time to go home but not before taking a wonderful shot of the medal.

Best shot of a running medal so far

I waited in anticipation for the results to be released as I know based on Runkeeper, my timing was not too bad.  True enough, my timing was a few seconds better than last year's and my best record for a 5km run so far. My pain and sweat paid off. Now, I am looking forward to my third running event.

#3 Running Hour 2015

This is what happens when you get lazy. You will start to procrastinate. I have not been updating this page for quite awhile and now, I have to dig out my powerful memory card inside my head to try and remember details about the races for the past 6 or more months. Tsk...tsk...

This is the first year I took part in Running Hour. I was attracted by the colour and the design of the T-shirt really. Another 5km awaited me on 22 March and yet I was sick prior to the race. It was flu if I remembered correctly and I thought my timing was going to suffer...

Look forward to the race but not the flu

The race began and I made a slow start, hopefully I was able to endure the whole run. It was not too bad after all. The weather was good. I  just did the run at my own sweet pace. I thought I was able to keep a continuous run this time round but barely made it. After about 3km plus, I began to walk.

Run for the camera as usual

The last few metres will be sprinting for the finish line, of course. It was a non-competitive 5km run so there was no official timing so I checked my timing on runkeeper. Not too bad after all! In fact, I did better than expected! A satisfactory run. I just hope that it gets better throughout the year.

A unique medal indeed

#4 National Vertical Marathon 2015

Goodie bag good as always

24th May. My third year taking part in the event. I never thought I was going to make it when I first started and look where I am now. Bwahahahah...!!! The training for it was and still is tough. Probably with age, it became tougher and I was going slower. I was thankful that my category started bright and early in the morning so that I do not have to wait till late afternoon. I was also thankful that Pocari Sweat Run was postponed to the different date so that I do not have to do the run and climb on the same day like last year. Phew!

View from the top

The event was held at One Raffles Place again this year. A 63-storey climb. The timing for this year was definitely slower than last year and the previous but every year, my goal is simple - that I would make it to the top and not be the last. I will do this all over again.  

#5 Nila Run 2015

A new event created this year in conjunction with the SEA Games happening on homeground. I was in a dilemma - to take part or not to. Why? There was only one category. 10km. I have yet to perfect my pace and timing for my 5km and signing up for a 10km was going to kill me. At the same time, this event might not take place again. The final decision - just sign up and kick ass!

This was also the first time I paid for the shuttle bus transportation which was $6 and I had to get up really early to catch the bus at 4 a.m. 7th June. Everything went well. With my printed confirmation slip, I boarded the bus, reached the venue, walked to the start pen, waited for the elites to start their SEA Games marathon before our turn. 

The run started and I was comfortably jogging at my own sweet pace. There was a cut-off time at the 4km mark but I was confident that I would reach it well before that. Then it happened. Dark clouds formed and the sky looked ready to cry. It did drizzle before we started but that was that. I knew I was unable to complete the route before the downpour. True enough. It rained cats and dogs. People started to head for the shelter but I decided to carry on running. I was worried about my headset and handphone getting wet though. My shoes were soaking wet and that hindered my run.

The route was cut short so I did not actually completed a 10km but nonetheless, it was a good experience to be running in the rain. The spirit of not giving up. 

The Unbreakable

#6 Pocari Sweat Run 2015

Nice shoe bag

This is another event worth joining. I believe this is also my third year taking part in this event. It has been a great experience, especially so last year as I did this and National Vertical Marathon together on the same day.

Another 5km milestone. The weather was superb on 12 July. This year, the run was held at Kallang Practice Track so runners get to run around the sportshub area and the F1 pit.

The unglam

The run was great. This year, in conjunction with SG50, a memento t-shirt was given at the end of the run. Of course, that was another reason for me to take part in this year's run. I should have selected a size smaller though.

Fuel up

What I run for

#7 Shape Run 2015

Shape up

Another run worth taking part in. This is an all women run though that being said, one will get to see men running in the event too. Some women are just not independent enough I guess. Well, that aside. No more comments.

Again, I took part in the 5km run. I do not have to worry about transport since it will start later and the category is also cheaper. I went into the start pen and saw a notice. The route had been extended by a few more metres. Wow! I got to put in extra to finish the race. Nonetheless, just run!

The gei-gei run again

This is my best run so far this year. My very first continuous 5km run. Gosh! I trained long and hard enough. My timing is still far from perfect but I know I should not rush into things as my knees will face problems. Still, it was an achievement worth celebrating and be happy about.

I love the orange landyard

#8 Great Eastern Women's Run 2015

Ever since I had signed up for the run this year, I was highly anticipating for its arrival. What could be so special about this event, you may ask. Well, I was unsure I was in the right state of mind when I signed up for this but what done cannot be undone. I registered for a 21.1km run. Yes, 21.1km. I could not even handle a 5km run well and here I am, going for a half marathon. What got me into this category was really erm...greed.  

Apart from the event T-shirt, the organisers are giving out a memento T-shirt to celebrate 10 years of great running. In addition to completing the 21.1km, there will be a finisher T-shirt. 3 T-shirts! Why not?! Greed aside, I also wanted to put myself to the test since I had already tried 10km and it was about time I moved on. I did train hard for it but the furthest I went was 15.5km and I almost fainted. I began to question myself as the date drew nearer and nearer.

Then the haze came back and that stopped me from running. Three weeks before the run, I went overseas. However, during that period, I kept myself busy by 'training'. I did my walks and walks and climbs and climbs, hopefully enough to get me fit for the run. The haze was still lingering two to three days before the event and I was actually secretly hoping that it would be cancelled. On second thoughts, even if I were to collect the finisher T-shirt and medal, I would not be able to proudly put on my t-shirt and said that I did it. It was then I prayed hard that it would not be cancelled.

Thankfully, the event was on. I took the shuttle bus to the venue. It was still dark and my stomach was churning from anxiety as I waited for it to start. I was having serious doubts whether I would be able to make it. I targeted to complete the run in 3h 30min. I tried not to put pressure on myself and enjoy the run as much as possible.

It started and I ran at my own pace. Surprisingly, it was not that tough despite not training for a couple of weeks. I ran the first 6km without stopping and to me, that was great achievement. I stopped and hydrated at the station after 6km. A big mistake because after that, I had difficulties getting back on track. The momentum was lost. I decided to try walking for 2km before running another 2km. Strategies changed here and there. I stopped at quite a number of stations to hydrate myself. After the 12km, I found that to run continuously for another 2km was beyond me. I started walking fast, hopefully to catch up lost time.

Easier said than done. I soon realised that I drank too much and my stomach was full of water and before the run started, I wanted to attend to some business but did not. It was tough. I did not want to stop at the toilets along the way, fearing that I would lose time. I pressed on. 

My legs grew tired after 15km. I wanted so much to sit on those benches that I had passed along the way. My physical state was wavering but my mental state was telling me not to give up and I'd got this. It told me to go on and I did as I was told. After going up and down the Marina Barrage, I felt the calf muscles of both legs beginning to cramp. I slowed down my walk. It was really tough. I knew I could no longer reach my target time. I just hope to do it under 4h.

The last 1km. I walked faster, hopefully to catch up with those infront. The last few metres, I started to run as fast as I could. With so many pairs of eyes staring at me, I ran even faster. I watched the timer ticking and finally, I crossed the finish line. I did it under 4h! Not that bad after all. I rewarded myself with all the great stuff at the carnival.

It was a wonderful but tiring and tough experience. However, till today, I still miss the journey and  I am proud to say that I will do it all over again. A year ago, I post this on Facebook and timely, it showed up on my newsfeed today. 

This just fits in nicely for my whole experience at the run for this event. By pure coincidence, the event organisers announced the release of the photographs taken during the run today.

I hate my hair during runs

Learn how to gei-gei run

When it comes to running, I had my share of ups and downs but I had and will never say I give up. I had and still have my doubts whether I will be able to complete my next run but one thing I know for sure - the entire experience was and always will be rewarding for I run for myself and I bring out the best in me.

#9 Muang Thai Chiang Mai Marathon 2015

Lazy me has not been updating this page for a super long time. Tsk tsk tsk...so to review the last run I took part in 2015, here goes...

My first overseas run. One that I have been wanting to do after I started running or ahem, jogging. Never imagine that my maiden overseas run will be a 21km. Well, that is one of the reasons why I did the GE 21km as a warm-up.

Fastforward to race day, going back to Chiang Mai was indeed an enjoyable trip. The weather was good. Nice and cooling. I found lots of good food this time round but I needed to restrict myself from them till after the run. I would not want a stomach upset on the day itself. I woke u super early, about 2 plus in the morning although the half marathon started at 5a.m. I wanted to fill my stomach and of course giving myself lots of time to visit the toilet before the run. My stomach is one of a kind.

I made my way to the event venue in pitch darkness. It was quiet all around but a nice warm-up walk from the guesthouse. People from different countries had already gathered at the venue to witness the start of the full marathon which started at 4a.m.

When the start pen opened, my stomach was churning with anxiety. I was worried whether I would be able to make it. Not much time to think before the horn sounded and we were flagged off. I started slow as a tortoise. Not to my concern. My aim was to complete the route. There were other behind me so in a way, I was still 'fast'.

The route was nice, being straight all the way with no ups and downs. I trained my mind to focus and keep running till the 13km mark where there was supposed to be a U-turn back. It was tough, considering I did not even make it till the 13km mark for the GE run and I started walking. I did not want to break the momentum. It was a torture but I pushed on. I also restricted myself from drinking too much, a mistake I made during one of the earlier events which resulted in a stomach full of water, making the run difficult.

Finally, I reached the 13km mark and made a U-turn. There were marshals handing out bands to indicate that you had reached the distance. I started walking but something strange happened which I had never encountered before. I felt that my legs was pushing me to continue running. That feeling was weird! I guessed I had created that momentum and they did not want to stop. 

I disappointed them though. Tsk tsk tsk...I started walking and from then on, it was quite impossible to get back to the running mode. It was a run-walk back to the start point. When I finally reached the finish line, there was this sense of achievement that no words could be used to describe! The 'me' a few years back would not have imagined the 'me' in 2015 could complete an overseas half marathon! I wished I could write to the past 'me', telling her to start all these early.

I received my medal and of course, feast on all the goodies available for runners for free! Something Singapore could learn from all these runs overseas. I sat down and enjoyed watching the award ceremony. It was still early and my room could still be tidying up. It was only then did I realise that there were some defects on the medal. The lanyard also indicated the wrong event. Tsk..tsk...tsk. 

The organisers made an apology on their website and stating that they would try to rectify the problem. I sent an email to them but obviously, no reply. It was indicated that the marathon photographs would be uploaded 40 plus days after the event but till now, they have yet to be uploaded as I am typing this review. So much for efficiency. Nonetheless, I am still glad that I took up this challenge and ended with a big bang for 2015!