tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65790726860564672992024-03-13T23:34:48.314-07:00hedgehog & friendsLegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-51975579822874373342012-12-05T19:52:00.001-08:002012-12-05T19:53:18.238-08:00Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2012 Race Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRfZkXaYgoU/UMAJh-qZ-AI/AAAAAAAAFHI/0FMXmaJZwzA/s1600/track.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRfZkXaYgoU/UMAJh-qZ-AI/AAAAAAAAFHI/0FMXmaJZwzA/s320/track.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Jogging track in Fermont, San Francisco. It was cold & raining during my visit. Didn't run, but took a picture. </i><br />
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I came back from a US trip on the 26 Nov, visited San Francisco & Las Vegas. The Standard Chartered run falls on the 2 Dec, without training during the last two weeks, it was going to be tough.<br />
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As usual the 10km run within Sentosa is quite tough, but i'm ready for it as this is the 2nd time running this course. The part i hated most is running at the sentosa underground carpark (about 1km+), with the car engines running, i'm kind of out of breath, hoping to get out as soon as possible.<br />
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Overall it was a challenging course, i do not want to run the same course again next year.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuAFcf4zBgk/UMAJsOdRluI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/8vU5fJ6kc6w/s1600/2012+medal+(H).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuAFcf4zBgk/UMAJsOdRluI/AAAAAAAAFHQ/8vU5fJ6kc6w/s320/2012+medal+(H).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i> medal for this year</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xdYo6TL6dk/UMAJwr45_II/AAAAAAAAFHY/7e3EClYywCg/s1600/khan+peng+(sc+half+marathon+2012).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9xdYo6TL6dk/UMAJwr45_II/AAAAAAAAFHY/7e3EClYywCg/s320/khan+peng+(sc+half+marathon+2012).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>the race result is out within a day.</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCpc2A3MENM/UMALatEDR7I/AAAAAAAAFH4/AKp07xFxRT4/s1600/sc+2012+results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yCpc2A3MENM/UMALatEDR7I/AAAAAAAAFH4/AKp07xFxRT4/s320/sc+2012+results.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<i>A total of 7462 finished the race, at 2:27 it is considered slow (due to the tough course), however this time is within the top 20%.</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTgRq2vwYg4/UMAJ55ASDyI/AAAAAAAAFHg/USm9ilgOcuI/s1600/medals+2012+(H).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uTgRq2vwYg4/UMAJ55ASDyI/AAAAAAAAFHg/USm9ilgOcuI/s320/medals+2012+(H).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Runs for 2012, sundown, safra army half marathon, adidas kings of the roads and finally standard chartered</i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruP9eV_IUPc/UMAKKu-m4zI/AAAAAAAAFHo/1vFbhsm4lY0/s1600/10+years+(C)H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruP9eV_IUPc/UMAKKu-m4zI/AAAAAAAAFHo/1vFbhsm4lY0/s320/10+years+(C)H.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i> completed 10 years of distance running, i'm taking a break from standard chartered as i intend to run overseas.</i></div>
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<br />LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-57716858421131469852012-10-30T19:50:00.000-07:002012-10-30T20:11:23.561-07:00Adidas King of the Road Singapore Race Review 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-liwH5ex1Ddk/UJCL3oBwO-I/AAAAAAAAE-g/JqPOcHs6XYI/s1600/all+in+(L).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-liwH5ex1Ddk/UJCL3oBwO-I/AAAAAAAAE-g/JqPOcHs6XYI/s320/all+in+(L).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last Sunday 28 Oct, I took part in the adidas King of the Road, with the final leg in Singapore. The race tag is kind of refreshing with the "is all in" behind my name. KOTR is a running championship held across Southeast Asia, held in five countries across the region and organised in city areas - Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore. The race distance is 16.8km.<br />
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<b><u>On the Race </u></b><br />
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KOTR is a very well organised race, adidas has very good experiences in running such big events, however i had a few points to make and hope they can change and improve on.<br />
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The race starts at 7:15 am, it is kind of late in my opinion, with the morning sun at around 8 plus am, it is going to be quite tough, it will be better if they can bring the time forward by 30 mins to 1 hr. We had to walk around 1km to the start line, well i have no complaints of that, just treat that 1km as a warm-up, plus runners can chit-chat with friends. At the start line there was a water point!! Well this is really good, I'm surprised by this welcoming sight, this is the first time i saw a water point right before the start line, runners can take a quick slip before the run. Do keep up with this!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96KTWpWwl7Y/UJCPm69PyAI/AAAAAAAAE_A/l7bDy3lwe3Y/s1600/routemap_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-96KTWpWwl7Y/UJCPm69PyAI/AAAAAAAAE_A/l7bDy3lwe3Y/s320/routemap_large.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The route itself is challenging with plenty of uphill, with 3 timing check points. adidas can look into the road block itself and make sure it is secure. At the 14km mark, 2 ladies (well i'm polite to call them ladies, kind of mid-age aunties), just cut across in front of me. They cheated!! from 6-7km and jump to 14km! Because there isn't any proper road block, it will never happen in Standard Chartered race. They are not runners, cheating themselves and the rest of runners who put in the effort. This is a disgrace! For participants who signed up for any race, please respect the distance and the route. Else don't sign up for the run in the 1st place.<br />
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Along the route, the water-points are sufficient. At around the 15km mark, 2-3 water point volunteers even gave out water by crossing to the other side of the road (when runners are really suffering in the heat), they show sometime beyond their duty. Of all my years of running, this is the 1st time i saw this, i salute the volunteers for being so helpful and kind. This make the race stand up, and they are doing it with a difference. Keep up the good work!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKilDXbGZZ4/UJCU6JJA3_I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/YY5mK3frXaY/s1600/results+(compare).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LKilDXbGZZ4/UJCU6JJA3_I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/YY5mK3frXaY/s320/results+(compare).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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adidas should had runpix for this race, so runners can review their race! Just showing the timing at the 3 check point is not enough. I finished in Rank 579, i doubt i'm that fast, how accurate is this, my timing is not fantastic, my friend who is 8 mins faster than me, was in 554. As runners we would like to know the total number of runners on the field. Before the race, the DJ announced that there are 12,000 runners. Well it don't look that big, i would put it at less than 10k runners. It will be unknown, how many runners started, and how many finished the race.<br />
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<i><span style="color: yellow;">Overall race experience, i would give a score of 8/10. Good work! </span></i><br />
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Just start the race 30 mins earlier, DJ speech can improve at the start of the race, play some nicer music and have runpix, then it will be 9/10!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcDcDRrPoXA/UJCL70l9FwI/AAAAAAAAE-o/kEYIV4L3Qhs/s1600/a1+(L).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QcDcDRrPoXA/UJCL70l9FwI/AAAAAAAAE-o/kEYIV4L3Qhs/s320/a1+(L).jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>the blue running singlet and the finisher medal </i></div>
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I had took part in a few races after last year Standard Chartered Marathon 2011, it had been quite sometime and it seems that I had forgot about this blog. Ran in the Sundown Half Marathon 2012 and the Army Half Marathon 2012, the next coming race with be a half marathon for Standard Chartered in Dec.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-42794791120228147972011-12-06T01:53:00.001-08:002011-12-12T20:36:29.644-08:00Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011 Race Review<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc9lndrU62Y/Tt3m8lG5OWI/AAAAAAAADzs/kvgtPtmUJbY/s1600/2011%2Bmedal%2B%2528H%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc9lndrU62Y/Tt3m8lG5OWI/AAAAAAAADzs/kvgtPtmUJbY/s320/2011%2Bmedal%2B%2528H%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682952233239001442" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);">in my 9 years of running, this is the toughest half marathon (with the slowest timing), partly due to the hilly terrain</span><br /></div><br />First of all, this race is an unfortunate one. We lost a young man, Malcom Sng, 22 years old collasped upon crossing the finishing line during the half marathon. He passed away in the hospital an hour later.<br /><br />He is a respected runner, from the news, this is his second half marathon. He had signed up for the army half marathon in Sept. When he crossed the finishing time, the clock was 1 hr 53 mins. For a new runner it is not easy to run at this speed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">Race Review</span><br /><br />The race starts at 6:30am on Sentosa island. I moved towards the front with my running mate Roland, about 100m from the start line. Before the start, i'm not as excited as it used to be (mainly because i had achieved my target of running a half marathon under 2 hrs, back in Sept this year). Having recovered from a cough this week, plus an ongoing knee problem together with the lack of training, i don't intend to push too hard during the run. The longest training run was just 2.8km x 4, around 11.2km (i had to walk in the last 2km because of slight pain in the right knee)<br /><br />Before the run, was informed of the 8 uphills in Sentosa island itself, and i'm ready for it, after 3-4km into the race i'm starting to feel slight strain. This course is challenging indeed. The worst part was towards the 8-9km mark, we were running into an underground bus interchange, it was hard to breath inside, lack of oxygen, that stretch was around 1.5km. With the bus engines running.. it was hard, there was a driver standing beside the road, smoking! When i ran pass him, i had to inhale his 2nd hand smoke...! I just wanted to get out of this tunnel.<br /><br />For the 10km within Sentosa, i took around 1 hr. Then my speed started to drop. For the remaining 11km to the finish, i had to stop, stretch & walk (due to my knee). Finally crossing the finish line in 2hrs 25 mins. The slowest time for a half marathon, 12% for the overall finishers (which i was quite amazed), i was really slow in this run.<br /><br />In the reports, it mentioned there are 19,700 runners in the half marathon. The official results are out, 13,862 finished the half. That's only 70%.<br /><br />We do not have 5km and kids dash numbers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">From official site: marathonsingapore.com</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Finishers</span><br /><table class="gridTable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr class="gridTable-rowf"><td class="gridTable-dat">Full Marathon</td> <td class="gridTable-dat" style="text-align:right;">15,343<br /></td> </tr> <tr class="gridTable-rowf"> <td class="gridTable-dat">Half Marathon</td> <td class="gridTable-dat" style="text-align:right;">13,862</td> </tr> <tr class="gridTable-rowf"> <td class="gridTable-dat">10km</td> <td class="gridTable-dat" style="text-align:right;">12,047</td> </tr> <tr class="gridTable-rowf"> <td class="gridTable-dat">10km Wheelchair</td> <td class="gridTable-dat" style="text-align:right;">6</td> </tr> <tr class="gridTable-rowf"> <td class="gridTable-dat">Ekiden</td> <td class="gridTable-dat" style="text-align:right;">722</td></tr></tbody></table><br />20,000 signed up for full, and 19,700 for half.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bNJR4zKlOQ/Tt38jaGBHMI/AAAAAAAADz4/SaciMLSGq9Q/s1600/2011%2Bx3%2Bhalf%2B%2528H%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bNJR4zKlOQ/Tt38jaGBHMI/AAAAAAAADz4/SaciMLSGq9Q/s320/2011%2Bx3%2Bhalf%2B%2528H%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682975990041615554" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: normal;">the 3 half marathon medals, Sundown Marathon (May), SAFRA Army Half (Sept) and the Standard Chartered Half (Dec)</span><br /></div>LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-70095803088559263302011-10-14T23:57:00.000-07:002011-10-15T00:11:27.582-07:00Paula Radcliffe How to Run Book review<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fpoc3Lp2EAY/TpkvomF5avI/AAAAAAAADnY/6EkJLyczM4M/s1600/b1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fpoc3Lp2EAY/TpkvomF5avI/AAAAAAAADnY/6EkJLyczM4M/s320/b1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663610380861663986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">How to Run by Paula Radcliffe</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> 2 weeks ago i borrowed the new book from the library, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Paula Radcliffe How to Run</span>. This book was published earlier this year. A highly recommended book, with interesting tips, recommendation and advice from Paula. It's like having Paula as a running coach.<br /><br />i would recommend runners to check out this book. She is a highly competitive runner with world record marathon time under her belt, she shared some very good knowledge in the book. For us, we are just reading for more understanding and see how it can be applied to our own races.<br /></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNeV2ac4co0/TpkvnxmFFxI/AAAAAAAADm4/xbVlmZ72yGg/s1600/b4%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNeV2ac4co0/TpkvnxmFFxI/AAAAAAAADm4/xbVlmZ72yGg/s320/b4%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663610366769567506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">gaining an edge</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The importance of your state of mind in determing the outcome of a race can't be overestimated</span><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CugdqVKs72g/Tpkvoa5jK9I/AAAAAAAADnQ/flZwTLzPvcQ/s1600/b2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CugdqVKs72g/Tpkvoa5jK9I/AAAAAAAADnQ/flZwTLzPvcQ/s320/b2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663610377857084370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">in the zone</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_ddO7mNvZA/TpkvoEfeBbI/AAAAAAAADnI/8SEYx--mvF0/s1600/b3%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_ddO7mNvZA/TpkvoEfeBbI/AAAAAAAADnI/8SEYx--mvF0/s320/b3%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663610371842114994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">mind games</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The importance of your mind in determing the outcome of a race is critical. Learn to lift yourself to the next level by increasing your mental strength</span><br /></div><br /></div>LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-583176743142326772011-09-05T00:31:00.000-07:002011-09-05T08:39:41.474-07:00Safra Singapore Bay Run & Army Half Marathon 2011 Review<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVYOouCX3kg/TmR8R00FPgI/AAAAAAAADc0/DcrZ18_asc8/s1600/a1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVYOouCX3kg/TmR8R00FPgI/AAAAAAAADc0/DcrZ18_asc8/s320/a1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648776478306156034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Joined the men's open, the field as compared to Sundown half marathon runners are much faster & stronger.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Sundown half marathon runners are more recreational i guess.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A great day, I had finally acheived the goal of running a half marathon in under 2 hrs. Well 1hr 59 mins! Since 2004 when i did a half marathon, it had been 7 years! A happy day indeed.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvXHPS79qFg/TmR8Rr8-PGI/AAAAAAAADcs/fjYTQ2o4oFc/s1600/a2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvXHPS79qFg/TmR8Rr8-PGI/AAAAAAAADcs/fjYTQ2o4oFc/s320/a2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648776475927526498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">the 20th year, 70k runners signed up for the race</span><br /></div><br />The race flag off at 5:15am. My goal was to run within 2 hrs 10mins. I didn't really put in much effort before the race, the most i did in a training run was around 10km, we are supposed to do 2 sets of 5.6km (11.2km total) but it was cancelled on both occasion because of rain. Knowing there was an uphill at Fort Canning Road, the race course is much more challenging than Sundown Marathon. I didn't have much expectation, RELAX, just here to enjoy the run, once the race started i stick with my running mate Hong (he was having slight flu), a better runner than me, my goal was to keep in pace with him. His endurance and stamina drop slightly as he didn't really prepared for this race.<br /><br />At 6km mark the time was 34mins, within the 6mins pace (what we usually did in training). At 7km it was 40mins. I checked my watch again at 9km, it was 51 mins. At 10km mark the time was 57 mins. After which i didn't check my watch that often, at around 13-14km, i stopped and stretch my right leg for around 20-30 sec. There was slight strain in my right knee again (the usual problem). The weather helps, it was still early in the morning and there was no heat. Looking in front of me, there are really a lot of superb runners in Singapore, only experience runners with certain mileage in training can run under a 6 mins pace, i was trying to keep up with this group of runners.<br /><br />We carried on running, at 18 km mark it was 1 hr 40 mins. At 19km, i took a cool water sponge and wet my neck & shoulders, it kind of lower down my body temperature. I knew i can make it within 2hrs, today is the day! 20 mins to cover 3km, that's not too difficult. Slight pain in my right knee again, but i just pick up pace and forget about the pain (when you don't think about it, hopefully it will go away). In the last 3.1km, i was running at 4 min 28 sec per km.<br /><br />Finally <span style="font-weight: bold;">1hr 59 mins</span>! I joined the under 2 hrs group after 8 years and on the 7 attempt!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2004</span> SCSM at 2 hrs 9 mins, <span style="font-weight: bold;">2006</span> SCSM at 2 hrs 13 mins, <span style="font-weight: bold;">2008</span> SCSM at 2 hrs 13 mins,<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009</span> Safra at 2 hrs 18 mins, <span style="font-weight: bold;">2010</span> Sundown at 2:06 mins, <span style="font-weight: bold;">2011 </span>recent Sundown at 2:06 mins<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWY24TcEqXQ/TmR7ZY_M6LI/AAAAAAAADcM/Y64tr_nteLU/s1600/army%2Bhalf%2Bmarathon%2B2011%2Bpicture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bWY24TcEqXQ/TmR7ZY_M6LI/AAAAAAAADcM/Y64tr_nteLU/s320/army%2Bhalf%2Bmarathon%2B2011%2Bpicture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648775508763928754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Running towards the line at the gun time of 2 hrs, i'm at the most right behind (half covered), this is the only picture. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">These guys running within 2hrs are all good runners.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><br />Photo by runevent shots</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtqSuF7ZwWI/TmR7Zm-BSdI/AAAAAAAADcU/6dp_loPLTtY/s1600/army%2Bhalf%2B2011%2Bresults%2B%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtqSuF7ZwWI/TmR7Zm-BSdI/AAAAAAAADcU/6dp_loPLTtY/s320/army%2Bhalf%2B2011%2Bresults%2B%25281%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648775512517069266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">results from runpix</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">comparing with sundown runpix, the experience & serious runners are mostly here :)</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFsEDtm7TyU/TmR7ZnmxHSI/AAAAAAAADcc/XVFOuClvsR0/s1600/army%2Bhalf%2B2011%2Bresults%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jFsEDtm7TyU/TmR7ZnmxHSI/AAAAAAAADcc/XVFOuClvsR0/s320/army%2Bhalf%2B2011%2Bresults%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648775512687975714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">increased my pace in the last 3 km, overtook almost 150 runners (learning from the earlier sundown experience, i need to run faster in the last few kilometers in order to get under 2 hrs) </span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3V5YpeDJn4/TmR7ZwMy9uI/AAAAAAAADck/bS0Ryqui49k/s1600/army%2Bhalf%2B2011%2Bresults%2B%25283%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3V5YpeDJn4/TmR7ZwMy9uI/AAAAAAAADck/bS0Ryqui49k/s320/army%2Bhalf%2B2011%2Bresults%2B%25283%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648775514994964194" border="0" /></a><br />Overall it was very well orgainized (the army guys always did a good job). Each water point was having sufficent guys (mend by each combat unit). The cheering, local bands, belly dancers gave the much needed motiviation and inspiration. The only thing to note on the aid stations was that they should use deep heat instead of having the spraying stuff (like those used in soccer match, not much use for me).<br /><br />The last time i ran in the army half was back in 2009, comparing it with the Sunday run, they had made a huge improvement in overall logistic, race route (less uphill) and support, and the best is i got a PB :)LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-2302046694454127542011-07-04T07:25:00.000-07:002011-07-07T20:53:16.731-07:00Sundown Ultramarathon 100km Finisher Medal<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8u7ejIx3txI/ThHXHg10zqI/AAAAAAAADEk/EMtmMBRjPlU/s1600/100km%2Bmedal%2Bback%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8u7ejIx3txI/ThHXHg10zqI/AAAAAAAADEk/EMtmMBRjPlU/s320/100km%2Bmedal%2Bback%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625513933637209762" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Sundown Ultramarathon Finisher medal, 1ookm</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">Ultramaraton Runner</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtSouCgx_8g/ThHXHuBQgGI/AAAAAAAADEc/qMrYafGEpKg/s1600/100km%2Bmedal%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtSouCgx_8g/ThHXHuBQgGI/AAAAAAAADEc/qMrYafGEpKg/s320/100km%2Bmedal%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625513937174823010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">OFFICIAL RESULTS ON RUNPIX</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of the 488 who finished, 12% were Women and 88% were Men.<br /><br /><br /></div>As mentioned in the earlier post, i met up with my running friend James for dinner on Sunday. He brought along his finisher medal. Right now, i guess this is the only picture avaliable on the net, didn't manage to find one. Sealed in a self-made plastic cover for protection, there was reflection when the picture was taken, precious medal! Nevertheless we can still view it :) When each runner crossed the finish line, the organizer volunteer will putting the medal over your head.<br /><br />He ran till 70km, didn't rest or take a break apart from the water point. From 70km to 100km, it was run & walk to finish. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Result</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;">13 hrs 50 mins 57 sec. Men's open 67th place with 235 finishers behind.</span><br /><br />If you are walking like a penguin, then you have to stop, there's no point walking towards the finish line in a limp, the distance is just too great (there is a cut off time for the race). By pushing through the pain barrier, there might be more harm to your body. </span>This is the advise given by James after the race, and the organizer had mentioned this before the race. He saw a lot of runners who had to give up at around 50km, there was a bus to fetch these guys.<br /><br />I'm glad to play my part in helping him to draw out the training plan, yesterday he thanked me for it. Although i have not attempt an ultramarathon before but more or less i did read on how people train for such races. As each runner is different, the most important factor was to know the person well, based on his running experience, looking at the physical and mental aspect, how he can adapt to the training program over the months. Important things to look out for over this training period, more critical in the last month or so. Understanding how the body react during the training, and finally the 1 week rest needed before the race day (tapering).<br /><br />In return, the challenge he thrown me was to participate in the race next year, now that he had completed the one and only ultra. 100km??? I knew my limit, and the distance i can cover, 100km is simply too much.<br /><br />Before i ended this post, here is something i would like to share with all (there will be a separate post on more of the specially selected quotation from the book).Finished reading a book on<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Extreme Running</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">by Kym McConnell & Dave Horsley</span> over the weekend.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5fI0CwRSsY/ThHXH6WefnI/AAAAAAAADEs/YN4_B7Ikw8U/s1600/b1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5fI0CwRSsY/ThHXH6WefnI/AAAAAAAADEs/YN4_B7Ikw8U/s320/b1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625513940485045874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 0); font-style: italic;">The only true wisdom lives far from mankind, out in the great loneliness, and can be reached only through suffering.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">- Igjugarjuk, Caribou Eskimo Shaman</span><br /></div>LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-63734541995260696992011-06-29T04:31:00.000-07:002011-06-30T10:15:52.227-07:00Marathon UpdateReceived a call from James last night.<br /><br />After finishing Sundown 100km, he went to get an extended MC (medical certificate), from the doctor, he will probably need to rest for a week. On the phone he mentioned that he ran from the first km to around 70km! He told me his thoughts during the race, and after. We had a good conversation, will be meeting up for dinner this Sunday.<br /><br />I told him to bring along his medal & wear his finisher T-shirt. ( i will post a picture of the 100km finisher medal on the blog), how often do we get to see such a medal & T-shirt! Around 500 runners completed the race in Singapore, around 200 did not finish and another 200 did not start.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Official Sundown 100km Results</span><br /><br /><strong>Men</strong> <ol><li>Ahmad Lamchannak, 08:12:03.03</li><li>Sefli Ahar, 08:24:58.05</li><li>Ewin Teo, 09:12:53.06</li></ol><br /><strong>Women</strong> <ol><li>Sumiko Tan, 10:24:31.42</li><li>Tori Leckie, 12:39:35.11</li><li>Claire Robley, 12:41:27.77</li></ol><br />I signed up for the standard chartered half marathon 2 days ago, do sign up <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Latest by Tonight</span> for the early bird discount, else the fees is to increase 20%. The full marathon fees for those who ran last year will be at S$60. It is Jun now, one should plan for their marathon goal, i guess many of the runners will have the "<span style="font-style: italic;">sign up first & see later</span>" mentality, it is the organizers who are making money, many runners don't turn out on race day.<br /><br />We are going to see another record runners this year.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-34709409520157540682011-06-25T21:11:00.000-07:002011-06-25T21:22:36.645-07:00Sundown Ultramarathon 100km - A New Record in SingaporeIt was a great day, my friend James Loo had completed the 100 km ultramaraton in <span style="font-weight: bold;">13 hrs 54 mins</span>. Importantly he had gave his best and survived the course. And he had put his name in the Sundown Marathon Singapore Record book forever!!<br /><br />Some 900 runners took off the gruelling 100km Sundown Marathon at 6pm yesterday(26 Jun) at the Marina Barrage.<br /><br />Last year around 30% completed the 84km distance. It's much tougher in 100km. Will update the results shortly.<br /><br />I will be meeting him next Sunday, and there will be a special interview, which i will post here for everyone.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-70723763873686618012011-06-22T00:38:00.001-07:002011-06-23T21:31:04.845-07:00Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2011<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ6a8Jwrqk4/TgGfSROjwlI/AAAAAAAAC94/qb5BYBBivQI/s1600/logo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DZ6a8Jwrqk4/TgGfSROjwlI/AAAAAAAAC94/qb5BYBBivQI/s320/logo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620948946146017874" border="0" /></a><br />The Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore is here again. It will be open for registration tomorrow 23 Jun. For those who intended to sign up, please do so and take advantage of the early bird. The early bird offer is valid from <span style="font-weight: bold;">23 Jun to 20 July 2011</span>, last year, all the slots were taken during the early bird period.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFasH2iQ7_8/TgGfSWHxAWI/AAAAAAAAC9w/LTobo2vgIU8/s1600/Masthead.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 114px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OFasH2iQ7_8/TgGfSWHxAWI/AAAAAAAAC9w/LTobo2vgIU8/s320/Masthead.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620948947459703138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Categories </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Full Marathon</span> early bird offer $75 (15% less for cardholders at $63.75)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Half Marathon</span> $58 ($49.30)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">10km Men/Women/Wheelchair</span> $50 (42.50)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">5km Fun Run</span> $20 (N.A)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Kids Dash 750m</span> $18 (15.30)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ekiden -42.195km</span> $300 ($255)<br /><br />I'm surprised when i saw the fees for this year full marathon $75 (for early bird offer)! With standard chartered credit card (15% off), it will be $63.75.<br /><br />Last year i paid <span style="font-weight: bold;">$38.25</span> for the full marathon (using standard chartered credit card). An increase of 40%!! WOW. For me & my friends we will just sign up for the half. Kind of disappointed to see the increasing fees, a few years from now, i'm not surprise to see $100 for full marathon.<br /><br />After last year run, I have decided not to run a full in SC. The 10km & half marathon runners merged at Sheares Bridge and basically you have to walk with them. It is frustrating if you have a time goal, having come so far to reach 37km ... and ended up walking with the rest. It was only in the last 2km, you get to run to the finish. Precious time were wasted :(<br /><br />Last year 60k signed up (from the previous 50k) and this year they intended to get 70k participants.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Race Review for 2010 Full Marathon</span><br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://hedgehog-and-friends.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SCMS Race Review 2010</span></a><br /><br />This will be the 9th year since my first 10km in SCSM. My recommendation for those who are running full marathon:<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Prepare yourself. Train in the heat.</span> (last year the race starts at 5am and at around 10am the temperature was at 35C) . Can you run in the heat for the last stretch? It can be quite painful & stressful.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Are you aiming for a PB?</span> If you intend to do a personal best, SCMS might not be suitable. You will probably be slowed down by others near the finishing. Last year, I have to walk for about 2km at around 37km mark. I finished in less under 5 hrs, it could be better.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-51956146370423345082011-06-15T06:31:00.000-07:002011-06-15T06:55:05.472-07:00Sundown Marathon 2011 Final Results<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq0Bvrow2T4/Tfi0W-tZLqI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/9fH1PkICijY/s1600/sundown%2Bresults%2B2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pq0Bvrow2T4/Tfi0W-tZLqI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/9fH1PkICijY/s320/sundown%2Bresults%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618438842028207778" border="0" /></a>Last week, I checked on the Sundown results and was surprise to see a FINAL updated one. The earlier posted here was the provisional results. I'm happy to see the improvement in overall standings. Not bad, i think i can still improve.<br /><br />The next event will be the SAFRA Army Half Marathon coming up in Sept, the last time i ran in this race was 2 years ago.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-45255279630133153492011-05-30T03:25:00.000-07:002011-06-15T06:52:35.688-07:00Sundown Marathon 2011 Half Marathon Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kjScm3L7NH0/TeN8MRpb22I/AAAAAAAAC0s/RewcSPQvamc/s1600/sundown%2B2011.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kjScm3L7NH0/TeN8MRpb22I/AAAAAAAAC0s/RewcSPQvamc/s320/sundown%2B2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612466110971239266" border="0" /></a><br />I had finished the race, there isn't any personal best. Just how close it was? This year I finished in 2: 06: 16. Last year it was 2: 06 : 15. So the difference was 1 sec to my personal best.<br /><br />I gave my best, if i didn't stop at the last 2 water points, I am sure it can be around 30 sec faster. But anyway, I'm more determined to run a personal best again this year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTFU1zT_aWM/TeN8F0mY7OI/AAAAAAAAC0k/PW2FzX3g93g/s1600/sundown%2B2011%2B%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTFU1zT_aWM/TeN8F0mY7OI/AAAAAAAAC0k/PW2FzX3g93g/s320/sundown%2B2011%2B%25281%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612466000094620898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Race Review</span></span><br />This year Sundown orgainizer Hivelocity did a great job, after taking feedbacks & making adjustment to the overall race experience, there isn't any major issues. They received lots of complaints after last year race, as expected more people turn out for the race this year.<br /><br />My friend Roland pick us up at around 5:30pm, reaching at around 6:15pm. Four of us running, last year it was 5. The race starts at 8pm, we were early and there are plenty of parking lots. Unlike last year, I didn't move to the very front of the start line.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Start of the race</span><br /><br />When the gun went off, I just have to overtake the slower runners, kind of waste a bit of energy, need to get into good position, i overtook hundreds of people. At around 5km, I looked at my watch - 28mins. Good pace, however at around 8km, as usual the same old problem on my right knee, I slow down a bit, at around 10km, it was less than an hour on my watch. Just have to maintain this pace, i tell myself. The weather was humid, was totally wet from head to toes. At around 13km, i kind of feeling the strain, i'm running out much faster than i did in training, the only thing i knew was that i had done this before, all i have to do was to repeat it again.<br /><br />From 13 km onwards, I stopped and took a slip at every water point, just to have light refreshment, it was a tough run. After 15km, the road was kind of empty in front of me, just half a dozen people, i was too tried by now to overtake any of them, just running at the intended pace.<br /><br />At 19km mark, I looked at my watch, it was 1 hr 53 mins. I knew it will be quite close this time, so i just pick up speed towards the finish without looking at my watch again (when u look at your watch, you tend to slow down), the right knee problem was gone (or i just block it away), the final push to the finish line. As usual, i was familiar with the route, in the final stretch of around 2km it was total darkness, i was running towards the light at the finish line (the music gets louder as it was closer). When i crossed the finish line, i knew i had the same timing as last year 2hrs 6 mins.In the last 2.1km, i took 13 mins.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oT7KLeLkRBI/TeN7_jvwErI/AAAAAAAAC0c/RiehK14dMM0/s1600/sundown%2B2011%2B%2528half%2529%2Bresults.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oT7KLeLkRBI/TeN7_jvwErI/AAAAAAAAC0c/RiehK14dMM0/s320/sundown%2B2011%2B%2528half%2529%2Bresults.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612465892491268786" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">race results from runpix</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1g6CSSGulc/TeN7_Rf4zuI/AAAAAAAAC0U/M95UnJrhuoA/s1600/sundown%2Bmarathon%2B2011%2Bresults%2Bspeed.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1g6CSSGulc/TeN7_Rf4zuI/AAAAAAAAC0U/M95UnJrhuoA/s320/sundown%2Bmarathon%2B2011%2Bresults%2Bspeed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612465887592894178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esiGHJXq4nw/TeN72V12E8I/AAAAAAAAC0E/R54Xbl9xfa0/s1600/sundown%2Brace%2Btime.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 269px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esiGHJXq4nw/TeN72V12E8I/AAAAAAAAC0E/R54Xbl9xfa0/s320/sundown%2Brace%2Btime.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612465734139909058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I have a total of 7 pictures taken, i selected 2 of my favourite and post here :)</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QfhcsGaEIBM/TeN8U2xHzjI/AAAAAAAAC00/g56WanUYmM8/s1600/sundown%2B%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 179px; height: 269px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QfhcsGaEIBM/TeN8U2xHzjI/AAAAAAAAC00/g56WanUYmM8/s320/sundown%2B%25281%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612466258374544946" border="0" /></a><br />My friend Roland 59 years old, came in 2nd in his age group, Chin 54 years old, 3rd in his age group and Hong in 40-44 age group, he finished at 16 position. They are all superb runners and i can't keep up with them in training, i'm usually a step behind them.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-67855496704016392682011-05-21T09:22:00.001-07:002011-05-21T09:32:00.622-07:00Sundown Marathon 2011 Race pack collection (Fri)<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIcHiSNPQDE/TdfnJ4MzKEI/AAAAAAAACw8/1XiEzCpMCEk/s1600/sundown%2B1%2B%2528L%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIcHiSNPQDE/TdfnJ4MzKEI/AAAAAAAACw8/1XiEzCpMCEk/s320/sundown%2B1%2B%2528L%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609206017804150850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Collection of race pack at Expo on Friday, an easy and fast collection. </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcjtWnAFFHA/TdfnJXS826I/AAAAAAAACw0/7XsH8JVwMps/s1600/sundown%2B2%2B%2528L%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcjtWnAFFHA/TdfnJXS826I/AAAAAAAACw0/7XsH8JVwMps/s320/sundown%2B2%2B%2528L%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609206008971582370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Checking out the new NB running shoes, looks like a unisex running shoes. </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AyVEbGWGOl8/TdfnIjsvLwI/AAAAAAAACws/6WXhD5zYNKQ/s1600/sundown%2B3%2B%2528L%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AyVEbGWGOl8/TdfnIjsvLwI/AAAAAAAACws/6WXhD5zYNKQ/s320/sundown%2B3%2B%2528L%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609205995121094402" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">lastest bike on display</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5X45nCbIz9k/TdfnIAj1vLI/AAAAAAAACwk/Tj-m88hSuL8/s1600/sundown%2B4%2B%2528L%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5X45nCbIz9k/TdfnIAj1vLI/AAAAAAAACwk/Tj-m88hSuL8/s320/sundown%2B4%2B%2528L%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609205985688534194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Hivelocity started orgainizing Sundown Marathon in 2008 (first), in a few years it expanded to more than a dozen other races. Very good profit indeed, with race fees increasing every year.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5BrrN4VHI4/TdfnH_Hx0eI/AAAAAAAACwc/F7Dx-oCRW08/s1600/sundown%2B5%2B%2528L%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5BrrN4VHI4/TdfnH_Hx0eI/AAAAAAAACwc/F7Dx-oCRW08/s320/sundown%2B5%2B%2528L%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609205985302401506" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">2008 Sundown Marathon records, in the 4th year now<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The event will on the coming Saturday, check the blog for more updates shortly.</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-77261108043526636922011-05-18T19:45:00.000-07:002011-05-18T19:54:45.547-07:00Running MotivationAbout 10 days to the Sundown Marathon, everything is progressing smoothly, did a few session with my training mates. A week ago i came across this clip of Heather Dorniden from the University of Minnesota races the 600m at the Big 10 Indoor Track Championships. I noticed there was blood on her face, from the fall, but she just gave her all in the race. <br /><br />It reminded us as runners, our training over the years, the dedication needed just for that special day.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cM5A1K6TxxM" allowfullscreen="" width="490" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe><br /><br />a special clip, you just need that something extra in every race :)LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-40662286259860267582011-04-29T20:48:00.000-07:002011-05-02T10:31:11.263-07:00Workers' Party Rally Serangoon Stadium 29 April<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ll8_30gh9Sc/TbuXK_SqsYI/AAAAAAAACi4/OaAvFUFh1bE/s1600/w1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ll8_30gh9Sc/TbuXK_SqsYI/AAAAAAAACi4/OaAvFUFh1bE/s320/w1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601236776609558914" border="0" /></a>Hedgehog is never a political blog, but a snap shot of what is happening around me in Singapore. From the earlier post on YOG, the first hand pictures on the opening of the casino, the pride as a Singaporean when i attended the national day parade 2 years ago and when the local YOG soccer team brought us happiness and together as Singaporeans. This strong response was felt at the Serangoon Stadium rally last night. Here are the pictures i took last night.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUdAen3I-Wc/TbuXKk6hp7I/AAAAAAAACiw/dAKrKWl0aow/s1600/wp%2Bstadium%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUdAen3I-Wc/TbuXKk6hp7I/AAAAAAAACiw/dAKrKWl0aow/s320/wp%2Bstadium%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601236769528981426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ljaALnn7wc/TbuXKviNHAI/AAAAAAAACio/qV2OEdU6-Ww/s1600/w2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ljaALnn7wc/TbuXKviNHAI/AAAAAAAACio/qV2OEdU6-Ww/s320/w2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601236772379761666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVit68VA6_E/TbuXKSyv58I/AAAAAAAACig/TZPoVlUv4uw/s1600/w3%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SVit68VA6_E/TbuXKSyv58I/AAAAAAAACig/TZPoVlUv4uw/s320/w3%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601236764664522690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_HfIeL7Tv0/TbuWRZqUGpI/AAAAAAAACiY/BV547kxkb-s/s1600/s1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_HfIeL7Tv0/TbuWRZqUGpI/AAAAAAAACiY/BV547kxkb-s/s320/s1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601235787255650962" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4WN9W_IzbJw/TbuWQ60VhWI/AAAAAAAACiQ/FhUsM5A2Xzk/s1600/s2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4WN9W_IzbJw/TbuWQ60VhWI/AAAAAAAACiQ/FhUsM5A2Xzk/s320/s2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601235778976187746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Kn4fPKLbY/TbuWQ3Rh9FI/AAAAAAAACiI/RJJVMnDgVBI/s1600/s3%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4Kn4fPKLbY/TbuWQ3Rh9FI/AAAAAAAACiI/RJJVMnDgVBI/s320/s3%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601235778024895570" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05149MVBkZQ/TbuWQhsrrbI/AAAAAAAACiA/tMEFrFBYEWA/s1600/w4%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05149MVBkZQ/TbuWQhsrrbI/AAAAAAAACiA/tMEFrFBYEWA/s320/w4%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601235772233199026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I can felt the heartbeat of our people, when all of us came together after a hard day work, it doesn't matter who you are or what is your position in the society, it even doesn't matter if you are late, we gather at the stadium.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-161ufgqY9Rs/TbuWQb4TeOI/AAAAAAAACh4/g2wSEZVNZ58/s1600/w5%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-161ufgqY9Rs/TbuWQb4TeOI/AAAAAAAACh4/g2wSEZVNZ58/s320/w5%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601235770671331554" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">people continue to stream into the stadium even when i left after 1.5 hour, it's just too pack inside</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nApBjkQIEo/TbuVHJA6DCI/AAAAAAAAChw/1HVT2etVPcs/s1600/w6%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8nApBjkQIEo/TbuVHJA6DCI/AAAAAAAAChw/1HVT2etVPcs/s320/w6%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601234511476689954" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">how big is the crowd last night?</span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mzsEAGxJps/TbuVHFKgfdI/AAAAAAAACho/QPUG5YNIHiw/s1600/w7%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4mzsEAGxJps/TbuVHFKgfdI/AAAAAAAACho/QPUG5YNIHiw/s320/w7%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601234510443216338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">went up to the 11th floor of a HDB flat to snap this picture</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwou8pFM52k/TbuVG8nhN9I/AAAAAAAAChg/02y2bG-XAj8/s1600/w8%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwou8pFM52k/TbuVG8nhN9I/AAAAAAAAChg/02y2bG-XAj8/s320/w8%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601234508148979666" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcq3Nbnx-HU/TbuVGqp_v7I/AAAAAAAAChY/6D8dJRcDduo/s1600/w9%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcq3Nbnx-HU/TbuVGqp_v7I/AAAAAAAAChY/6D8dJRcDduo/s320/w9%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601234503327530930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">workers, singaporeans on to their way to the stadium... 2 hrs after 7 pm</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40VaVJp575c/TbuVGa1TbeI/AAAAAAAAChQ/1Uoa9MgcPrM/s1600/w10%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-40VaVJp575c/TbuVGa1TbeI/AAAAAAAAChQ/1Uoa9MgcPrM/s320/w10%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601234499079990754" border="0" /></a>Nobody can belittle us, each and everyone of us is talented, by believing in yourself and removing the fear factor, we can achieve what we set out for. It doesn't mean we complain & keep complaining, but we find solutions to solve the problems, taking it as a challenge. What matters is the struggle we encounter in life, and by overcoming them, we made our lifes meaningful. The people can tell what is true & what is false, it's never emotional. When we vote, not only do we vote for ourselves, but we do so for our family and children, we will vote for a better Singapore.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-46561420284199170132011-03-31T21:43:00.001-07:002011-04-20T09:28:20.943-07:00Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010 Race Certificate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_z9jjvpsUk/TZVYOliPE1I/AAAAAAAACUI/lkmcFQy7bLA/s1600/cert.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_z9jjvpsUk/TZVYOliPE1I/AAAAAAAACUI/lkmcFQy7bLA/s320/cert.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590471520067457874" border="0" /></a>Received the race certificate yesterday, i'm most glad that there was no damage to the certificate itself, <span style="font-style: italic;">Perfect</span>! For the last few years, the certificate usually arrives in the letterbox either bend or fold. Last year i had to return the certificate to get it printed again, but when it arrived, the corner was bend again (an A4 laminated paper posted out in an envelope).<br /><br />This is probably my last full marathon in Singapore (the 5th), I have no intention of running a full marathon in Singapore, due to a few reasons. If i would to train for a full, i intended to go overseas like Thailand or Taiwan.<br /><br />Will see how it goes, the next race coming up will be at the end of May, Sundown Marathon 2011 (half). I have given myself the goal of running under 2 hrs this time, finished 2 hrs 6 mins on the same race course last year.<br /><br />the beginnning of another running season :)LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-68656311518694552542011-03-24T00:28:00.000-07:002011-03-24T00:42:06.709-07:00Running on Faith - Jason Lester<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XpjdcyEzGiY/TYrzCIbGGSI/AAAAAAAACQ4/EiORxiEsOsI/s1600/running%2Bon%2Bfaith%2B%2528H%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XpjdcyEzGiY/TYrzCIbGGSI/AAAAAAAACQ4/EiORxiEsOsI/s320/running%2Bon%2Bfaith%2B%2528H%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587545505652939042" border="0" /></a><br />I'm currently reading the book, <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Running on Faith</span> by <span style="font-style: italic;">Jason Lester</span>. <span style="font-style: italic;">The principles, passion and pursuit of a winning life</span>. At age 12 Jason was knocked down by a car and his right arm was paralyzed.<br /><br />Jason Lester is an ultraman triathlon, an ESPY winner. The distance of an ultraman triathlon?<br /><br />Swim 6.2 miles<br />Bikes 261.4 miles<br />Run 52.4 miles<br /><br />An inspiring book on courage, commitment, passion, spirit and life itself. A must read if you guys need more than just motivation, unimaginable!LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-87614627829879212042011-02-14T00:46:00.000-08:002011-04-20T09:30:28.937-07:00Singapore Zoo Run 2011 Race Review<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sW2MabEf-lA/TVjxuO1oNpI/AAAAAAAACFg/Qcola1u2QEw/s1600/r1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sW2MabEf-lA/TVjxuO1oNpI/AAAAAAAACFg/Qcola1u2QEw/s320/r1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573470315430295186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">looking forward for a good run, which didn't happen...</span><br />Bad Weather. Race Cancelled.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvp3j06A-e4/TVjxuAwJVVI/AAAAAAAACFY/bJKOcAZ6QjQ/s1600/r2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dvp3j06A-e4/TVjxuAwJVVI/AAAAAAAACFY/bJKOcAZ6QjQ/s320/r2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573470311649203538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Along Mandai road, runners parked their cars along double yellow lines<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Last Saturday was the zoo run, signed up for the competitive men 8km, upon arrival at Mandai Road, that was this jam. The traffic police stopped us at 1.5km before the zoo entrance, so i have to walked in (again walking out after the run).<br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UfohCSdQ1w/TVjxt92cbXI/AAAAAAAACFQ/F5H-Gq8TgBY/s1600/r3%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UfohCSdQ1w/TVjxt92cbXI/AAAAAAAACFQ/F5H-Gq8TgBY/s320/r3%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573470310870314354" border="0" /></a><br />A massive crowd when i arrived, it was hard to find a place to warm up too, at around 4 pm it started to run, thunderstorm, i just find a corner below the information counter and sat down, no point standing up waiting when you don't know how soon the rain will stop. Closed my eyes seated cross-legged, kind of in a meditation position. At around a 5 pm i decided to stand up and walk around, unknowingly i joined the queue in collection the medal. Super long queue, saw our Singapore Marathon Champion Mok Ying Ren, waited for around 20-25 mins before i got the items (medal & a hand-held water bottle). I walked towards the start line and saw a crowd of runners waiting, the rain had stopped at around 5:10 pm. So i just joined the 6km fun run (people were eating ice-cream, drinking 100 plus as the race starts, this is surely a fun run/walk). It was dangerous as kids around the height of my hip, were running in front of me, i had to stop suddenly a couple of times, as usual couples holding hand walking, it was expected as it was a fun run anyway. A small boy about 6 years old dashed in front of me and fell, i pat him on his shoulder as he was standing up, the wet ground made running dangerous.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QeZvk0zQiro/TVjxtkkdO9I/AAAAAAAACFI/swdDBcJjI5c/s1600/r4%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QeZvk0zQiro/TVjxtkkdO9I/AAAAAAAACFI/swdDBcJjI5c/s320/r4%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573470304083983314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Collecting the medal before the run.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Holding on the medal & hand-held water bottle, completed the 6 km fun run, this medal is just a sovenir.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">This is the second time i didn't run in a race i signed up. In one year, i didn't turn up for the Mizuno Wave run, because of a thunderstorm.</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-orZ9_TAAI/TVjxtnY8msI/AAAAAAAACFA/nIzxn_UymZI/s1600/r5%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-orZ9_TAAI/TVjxtnY8msI/AAAAAAAACFA/nIzxn_UymZI/s320/r5%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573470304841013954" border="0" /></a><br />The organizer should make announcement on the PA system and update us on their plan. Most competitive runners (8km men & women) left when they learnt the race was cancelled. Not knowing they were supposed to collect the medal & a free hand-held water bottle. (they can collect the items at 2XU store at Marina Square from 22 Feb to 25 Feb), check facebook page for more updates.<br /><br />Last year, i had joined the Newton 30km run organized by Pink Apple, there was slight rain before the race, and it started anyway. They can probably delay the race for 15-30 mins and before deciding what to do, the rain stopped at around 5:10pm. When the race was supposed to start at 4:45pm, they can combine both men & women together. However for safely reasons, it is definitely better to cancel as the route was wet & slippery, but they still proceed with the fun run. Given an ice-cream after the run, but no water, i didn't see the 100 plus, only drink when i reached home at around 8pm.<br /><br />The organizer (Pink Apple Pte Ltd) should have free shuttle buses to the zoo, pick up point at MRT station, so it will not create this jam along Mandai (most runners taking cabs and parked their vehicles along the whole stretch of road)<br /><br />This is the first time signing up for the race ($50), it will be my last too. Felt sick after the run, with slight fever, having a rest day today.<br /><br />This evening, the organizer had send an apologise letter to all competitive runner, and I accepted it. As usual, just move on, there will always be another run.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-53591147068801560322011-01-07T22:52:00.000-08:002011-04-20T09:29:43.994-07:00Singapore Zoo Run 2011 (Feb)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TSgKJ9pKOtI/AAAAAAAAB6U/BUNmuyGcZig/s1600/singapore%2Bzoo%2Btowel.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TSgKJ9pKOtI/AAAAAAAAB6U/BUNmuyGcZig/s320/singapore%2Bzoo%2Btowel.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559704906271177426" border="0" /></a>After last Dec marathon, just went for 2 runs a 5km+ last year and a 3km this year. Kind of lazy to run now, i will start training today.<br /><br />Today signed up for the Singapore Zoo Run 2011, <span style="font-style: italic;">Run for Ah Meng</span> after I received an email usually received lots of email on all kinds of runs in Singapore. <span style="font-style: italic;">Ah Meng </span>(the late orangutan) is the zoo icon . Not cheap for a 8km, early bird at S$48 (for passion card member), price exclude GST (tax).<br /><br />Anyway, I like the towel (top picture) and the medal (looks nice), with a 2XU black T-shirt and an adult zoo ticket which will be given after the race, on top of that there was a unknown event gift from the zoo too. Nowadays, organizers need to show runners the medal and free gifts before we can decide whether to join.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TSgKErW9pOI/AAAAAAAAB6M/mV8Cl-hV8xc/s1600/singapore%2Bzoo%2Brun%2Bmedal.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TSgKErW9pOI/AAAAAAAAB6M/mV8Cl-hV8xc/s320/singapore%2Bzoo%2Brun%2Bmedal.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559704815463671010" border="0" /></a><br />Shall see if I will bring along my digital camera on that day for some photo taking. The race will be held on 12 Feb at 3:30pm.<br /><br />* pictures taken from Singapore Zoo Run 2011 Facebook page.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-87096322770744464952010-12-28T20:12:00.000-08:002010-12-28T20:32:40.795-08:00End of the yearLast night, received a message from my running mate Roland who just came back from Chiang Mai, Thailand. He had just completed the Chiang Mai Marathon 2010 with a personal best of 4 hr 5 mins. That is amazing for a 58 years old, the other guy Chin (53 years old) finished with a PB too at 3 hrs 43 mins.<br /><br />Having trained so hard and frequent for this race, the flat terrain and good weather (15C) at 4am played a part, they achieved the goal they set for themselves.<br /><br />Next year, just plan to sign up for half marathon in Singapore.<br /><br />Happy New Year, have a great year ahead.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-72091112049980446162010-12-08T22:08:00.000-08:002010-12-08T22:32:07.783-08:00Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TQBz7_1r6uI/AAAAAAAABv4/HBQLXJT2NAY/s1600/start%2Bfull%2Bmarathon%2B2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TQBz7_1r6uI/AAAAAAAABv4/HBQLXJT2NAY/s320/start%2Bfull%2Bmarathon%2B2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548562215506537186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">5am at the start line.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Copyright by Anthony Quek</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Beautiful Christmas lightings, switched on just for the full marathoners.</span><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TQBz7nDKtMI/AAAAAAAABvw/a7bY0ruL9uY/s1600/scsm%2B2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TQBz7nDKtMI/AAAAAAAABvw/a7bY0ruL9uY/s320/scsm%2B2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548562208852194498" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TQBz7XbDWzI/AAAAAAAABvo/uA_3Ra-esmo/s1600/MCYSingapore%2Bpicture.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TQBz7XbDWzI/AAAAAAAABvo/uA_3Ra-esmo/s320/MCYSingapore%2Bpicture.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548562204657408818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Cute little toddler in the Kids Dash, a future runner :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Copyright from MCYSingapore</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Penguins of Madagascar cheering for half marathon runners</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">at Sentosa</span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TQBz7GIW-OI/AAAAAAAABvg/L_tucc_xXDI/s1600/penguins%2Bscms.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TQBz7GIW-OI/AAAAAAAABvg/L_tucc_xXDI/s320/penguins%2Bscms.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548562200015599842" border="0" /></a>Came across a few pictures of the Sunday event from flickr, there are hundreds more, I had choosen these 4 nice pictures for the blog. They are copyrights to their respect owners.<br /><br />The Christmas lighting along Orchard was what we experience on that day, wonderful & stunning. A great welcome before we started our 42km run.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-1032941591571603992010-12-05T20:49:00.000-08:002011-06-23T21:27:15.380-07:00Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2010 Race Review<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPxt_T5IQXI/AAAAAAAABug/yEiZhGj-p74/s1600/medal%2Bfront%2B2010%2B%2528H%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPxt_T5IQXI/AAAAAAAABug/yEiZhGj-p74/s320/medal%2Bfront%2B2010%2B%2528H%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547429775452684658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore Medal 2010</span><br /><br />Medal showing CK Tang building at Orchard Road, Sentosa starting point for the half marathon runners and the Singapore flyer.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPxt_EhSXaI/AAAAAAAABuY/5JyqAQHIOcU/s1600/medal%2B2010%2Bback%2B%2528H%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPxt_EhSXaI/AAAAAAAABuY/5JyqAQHIOcU/s320/medal%2B2010%2Bback%2B%2528H%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547429771326152098" border="0" /></a><br />Completed my 5th full marathon on Sunday, finished with a personal best. I'm glad that I managed to cut around 30 mins off my 2009 timing and achieved a PB, with the goal of finally finishing a marathon under 5 hrs.<br /><br />The race starts at 5am, wake up at 2:30 am had my breakfast at 3am. Left home at 3:30am, took a cab down to Orchard with 2 other friends. We are about 45mins before the start just went to the toilets in Orchard.<br /><br />Standing under the Christmas lights at Orchard was wonderful, in the last 5 mins to the start time, the music <span style="font-style: italic;">Final Countdown </span>was being played. Looking at the lights I recalled the training and the build up to this marathon, wishes my friend good luck, we start to walk towards the start line.<br /><br />Sticking to my marathon pace everything was good, after running 4km into Chinatown area, saw the 5:15 official pacers in front, overtook them shortly. At around 8 km mark I saw the 5 hrs marathon pacers in front about 500m, overtook them.<br /><br />A Caucasian runner dressed as superman shouted to the pacers <span style="font-style: italic;">"Is this the 4:45 pacers?"</span><br /><br />One of the pacer replied <span style="font-style: italic;">" No, 5 hrs pacers, if you want to catch them you got to fly in front."</span><br /><br />In order to run under 5 hrs, it is important not to let the 5:15 & 5 hrs pacers overtook me.<br /><br />After running 12-13km, we moved into East Coast Park, I told myself to maintain my pace and survive this East Coast route (mentally I'm prepared as we had run in Newton 30km), 13km into the Park, come out at 28km (a big loop). At 14km, the medic provided deep heat, I applied on my right knees, it did help to ease some pain.<br /><br />Along the way at 20 -22km, I met my friend Hong, catching up from behind, he told me he started 30mins late as his bib number was in the 6hrs pen, <span style="font-style: italic;">"good work, very good pace, keep going"</span> we encouraged one other and he overtook me. Shortly I met my friend Adam at the East Coast Lagoon 23km, the one-armed runner (1armrunner.blogspot.com), he was struggling, we encouraged each other and I just moved ahead.<br /><br />Seeing the 28km mark I survived the East Coast road, people around me are feeling the strain & stress. My pace slowed, however I continued running. 29km, 30km, 31km, looking forward to see the distance marker and knowing I'm closer to the finish....<br /><br />At 30km upslope at the Marine Bay Golf course, my friend James run from behind and called me, he was in very good pace, we jog together for a while complaining of the weather, it was about 35 degrees now.. it is hard to run in this weather. But we pushed on and I tell him to go ahead.<br /><br />31km, 32km, 33km, the distance marker was a welcoming sign now, was running for almost 4 hrs and I knew I can improve on my 2009 timing. There are still some strength in me, my knees are alright, the biggest discomfort was the hot weather. Finally reached 35km, finishing soon, been running for about 35km, the ambulance siren was all around me, that is the only sound I heard.<br /><br />At 37 km we had to run uphill on the Sheares Brigde, <span style="font-weight: bold;">this is it</span>, just walked for the next 2km. The 10km & half-marathon runners blocked the whole lane, there is no way to carry on running now, I'm just too tired too. The 10km runners had just ran 5km, half marathon runners about 3-4km to finish when all of us reached the bridge creating a huge bottleneck, I had run for more than 35km, damn and now we are in this big jam. I saw suffering and pain around me, the super hot weather at around 10am was hard to bear, everyone had their heads down.<br /><br />Finally upon seeing the 40km sign, I started to run again, but just 5 mins into the run my left thigh cramped. It was bad... walk for 5 mins or so and I carry on running. <span style="font-style: italic;">The finishing was near, today I will achieved a personal best.</span><br /><br />Everyone was blocking my way. Both 10km & half marathon runners, I pushed my way, elbowed to the finish line.. 2km more.. and last 1km. <span style="font-style: italic;">Waka Waka</span> was played near the finished line, you can hear the cheering (reminded me of Newton run), the final push and it was all over.<br /><br />Crossed the finish line. <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >VICTORY! DAMN 42.195km.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 51); font-weight: bold;">This will be my last full marathon in Standard Chartered, the race course is no longer good to run in my opinion. The orgainser was more interested to make a profit with increase participants rather than for us runners, an increase of 10k to 60k this year.</span><br /><br />today's ST<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"There's a lot of potential to grow this race. I think maybe 60,000 is not the limit"</span> Teo Ser Luck, MCYS Senior Parliamentray Secratary, he ran in 10km.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"But so far so good. It was great weather, a great crowd and the mood was good, so it's been a wonderful morning."</span> Comminity Development, Youth and Sports Minister Vivian Balakrishnan who ran 10km.<br /><br />The organiser will like to take into consideration of the followings for some improvements:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">60k runners was definitely too large.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">At 37km we had to run uphill at ECP and faced a bottleneck. For runners (full marathon) with bag deposit, they had to walk 2km to collect their bags at F1 pit. Full marathon runners walked 2km after finishing, while the others had their bags at the Padang (at the finish).This was poor planning.<br /><br /></span>LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-74444447909701895702010-11-28T00:44:00.000-08:002010-11-28T01:15:57.554-08:00Athens Classic Marathon 2010 Commemorative Medal<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPIXhfLcSUI/AAAAAAAABuA/-kxggH4EsQM/s1600/a1%2B%2528H%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPIXhfLcSUI/AAAAAAAABuA/-kxggH4EsQM/s320/a1%2B%2528H%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544519955319114050" border="0" /></a>The golden ribbon with the distance printed from 1km to 42.195km, medal showing Phidippides running with a shield. With a shield?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPIXhCVsjeI/AAAAAAAABt4/v0gcLi8MrQs/s1600/a2%2B%2528H%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPIXhCVsjeI/AAAAAAAABt4/v0gcLi8MrQs/s320/a2%2B%2528H%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544519947577495010" border="0" /></a><br />On Friday, I received this commemorative medal via mail. In celebration of the 2,500th anniversary of the legend of marathon. I had thought of going to Greece, Athens to run a marathon, a long trip there will include a few days of sight-seeing, a trip there was estimated to cost more than S$5,000.<br /><br />This year 2010 will be a significant year to run a marathon no matter where we are. A celebration of the spirit of Phidippides.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPIXg3lq1rI/AAAAAAAABtw/BiZjEJuPPcw/s1600/a3%2B%2528L%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPIXg3lq1rI/AAAAAAAABtw/BiZjEJuPPcw/s320/a3%2B%2528L%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544519944691701426" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A little booket with 8 pages on the history of marathon. Medal on a display stand.</span> Actual color of the medal.<br /><br />A picture of the The Athens Classic Marathon Medal 2010 (gold & silver)<br /><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/petrogphotography/5142032265/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Athens Classic Marathon Medal 2010</span></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPIXggwQ2QI/AAAAAAAABto/KzVD6mOzS5M/s1600/a4%2B%2528H%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TPIXggwQ2QI/AAAAAAAABto/KzVD6mOzS5M/s320/a4%2B%2528H%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544519938562119938" border="0" /></a>LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-76453877915488856372010-11-25T03:35:00.000-08:002010-11-25T07:27:05.211-08:00Race Plan in less than 10 days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TO5MIH0TELI/AAAAAAAABtY/VLpGJdbI9rQ/s1600/msc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TO5MIH0TELI/AAAAAAAABtY/VLpGJdbI9rQ/s320/msc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543451893760725170" border="0" /></a><br />With the given route map from the event book, runners can work out their own race plan. You will know what to expect along the route and don't get any surprise if things don't turn out your way, example no more water (this did happened in the Newton Run), no more power gel which happened last year.<br /><br />This year the number of full marathon runners reach an all year high of 19,000! So it is important to take care of yourself and be prepared.<br /><br />At the start of the race, the first few water points are usually welcoming sight to runners, everyone will rush towards it, if you have a time goal, it is better to skip them, from my personal experience. Time spend on each water point is about 20-30 secs per.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Water point </span><br />Between 2-3km (skip)<br />between 4-5km (skip)<br />7km (optional)<br />9km (take)<br />Between 11-12km (optional)<br />13km (opt)<br />14km Banana (skip) <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">The bananas are provided too early </span><br />15km<br />Near to 18km<br />Near to 19km<br />Before 20km (water & gel) take the gel! <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Prepare to eat the gel at around 22km with water pt coming.</span></span><br />Between 23-24km<br />After 26km (take)<br />Bet 28km - 29km (take)<br />At 32km (take) Muscle Rub <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">Don't miss the last few water points, it is near the finish and runners will be very tired by then, some refreshment can do wonders now!</span></span><br />Near 33km (take)<br />At 35km (take)<br />39km (last water point)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMPT:</span> Dont skip the water point at 33, 35 & 39km.<br /><br />Counting down, less than 10 days before the big challenge.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-14871221538453846792010-11-22T19:22:00.000-08:002010-11-22T22:56:25.691-08:00Race Pack Collection 22 Nov<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TOtCrSGMyZI/AAAAAAAABso/3hJIQFFSbrM/s1600/race%2Bpack%2Bcollection%2Bpic%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TOtCrSGMyZI/AAAAAAAABso/3hJIQFFSbrM/s320/race%2Bpack%2Bcollection%2Bpic%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542597077769177490" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TOtCrMe8_9I/AAAAAAAABsg/8XhizU8rzeA/s1600/s1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TOtCrMe8_9I/AAAAAAAABsg/8XhizU8rzeA/s320/s1%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542597076262387666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TOtCq_xV46I/AAAAAAAABsY/x7aI8Ffvf9g/s1600/s2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TOtCq_xV46I/AAAAAAAABsY/x7aI8Ffvf9g/s320/s2%2B%2528h%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542597072849855394" border="0" /></a><br />Collected the race pack at Expo on Monday afternoon, no waiting needed on the last day for collection, simple and fast. Here are some pictures taken.LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6579072686056467299.post-74923843341970486982010-11-17T08:27:00.000-08:002010-11-20T23:45:44.752-08:00Sundown Marathon 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TOQFb0KG_eI/AAAAAAAABrY/ulwL0qA6E2E/s1600/sundown%2B2011%2Bpromotion.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zevgZ3Cprb0/TOQFb0KG_eI/AAAAAAAABrY/ulwL0qA6E2E/s320/sundown%2B2011%2Bpromotion.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540559416988204514" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Notice the </span><span style="font-style: italic;">adidas logo has been removed</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> for the 2011 promotion poster, I wonder if there will be a new sponser after 3 years, this is the normal practice to a change in sponsorship every 3 years.</span><br /></div><br />Received an email today, on the registration for Sundown Marathon at the 2010 Sports and Fitness Expo to be held from 19 - 22 November. It is the same date for the collection of the race pack for Standard Chartered Marathon. Received 2 messages from my runner friends today on whether to sign up, with the coming marathon to plan for in the next 2 weeks, I will probably not worry about this.<br /><br />Having took part in 3 consecutive Sundown races, was rather disappointed when I see there is another price increment on the race fees. Well, all the race fees are increasing every year, 10% at least, as a matter of fact a runner will not complain on the price if he is running, else just skip it. But I can sense that for the last few years, organizing a race is a big business, with probably good profit. Example is this year Standard Chartered race increase to 60k, up from 50k in 2009. And the plan is to increase to 100k participants in the next few years.<br /><br />In the recent Great Eastern 2010, there are a record of 10k runners, but only around 4,200 finished the race, the rest are DNF and DNS. Just purely marketing & promotion strategy for the brand to show how successful the race was. It is not recommened to sign up for a race without proper training.<br /><br /><br />Great Eastern Women 10k<br />www.women10k.com<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">DNF - Did not finish</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">DNS - Did not start</span>LegoAsiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04809799365917905803noreply@blogger.com0