2XU Run 2015 (21km)

Having the late passing of our founding father Mr Lee Kuan Yew, 

The initial date of this event was postphoned from the 23rd of March, to the 2nd of August.

Start time, 4.30am. 

And with the start point being inaccessible to traffic. 

I had to be parked at Marina Square, walk a pretty long distance, and get in a (surprisingly very organized) line, to queue and board the shuttle bus towards the start point. Gardens by the Bay. 

Even though this was a postphoned event, the turn up rate was REALLY HIGH. 

I only managed to get flagged off on the 4th wave!

The route was actually pretty good. Along East Coast Park. 

Apart from the runners who were strolling on the pavements and causing a little bottle necking here and there, there was still the option to run on the sides of the pavements on the grass and sand.

Ample of hydration points. Chilled Pocari was served. 

This run experience for me was pretty pleasant.

My IT bands were pretty obedient into allowing me to breeze through the 21km 

with no issues or pain whatsoever. 

This was taken at the 18km mark.
I was pretty amazed that I did not look like I am dying at this point of time.

Off to the finishing line, with cold towels, bananas, and Pocari Sweat handed out as you walk through the Finisher medal, and Tee collection line.

Overall experience for this run was a good one. 

I enjoyed every part of it despite having to wake at an unearthly hour just to make it on time.

I am pleased with my timing as well, having all the bottle necking on and off.

The gold finisher T is awesome. 

Till the next one!

MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50 2015 Run

Firstly, I would like to apologize for going missing for some time... Had been pretty caught up with the new home, and le princesses Kindergarten wrap up, followed by school preps in a new school for her.

Though it's been awhile since I have updated anything about the events I have attended, they are not forgotten. Because memories are for life.

To start, I would talk about would be the MSIG 50 run I did on the 25th of July, 2015.

Well, this was a pretty impromptu run for me.

As a friend of mine randomly asked me if I was free to go for a run, as his wife couldn't make it. 

Yeah sure why not? I am always game for some trail running, and also not to let a good race bib go to waste!

This was a 10km run that I was doing. And since I had signed up for some serious OCR in the following months, I thought to myself, Why not ruck it?

Geared with my approximately 7kg ruck, loaded with bananas, hydration, my frozen protein shake that I would enjoy after the run, and personal belongings.

Stretches and warming up all done. I was all pumped and ready to go.

Starting off at 7am on the dot is not something that will happen in most races.

Surprisingly there was a decent amount of runners for this event which I didn't keep track of.

The trail was good throughout I'd have to say. 

Clear paths, with nice nature trails.

The only part that would pose danger, would be that tunnel with the loose rocks as there was hardly any light in there. 

Keeping a careful balance whilst running was also a challenge. 

Wouldn't want to bust an ankle and end this race in agony. 

(On top of the ruck that was weighing me down)

Oh yes, The trail covered would be of the similar route to the Green Corridor Run. Just so you know.

As I was approaching the 5km mark, I could feel my legs were cursing at me to having decided to ruck run with no adequate training whatsoever.

For the 10km distance I covered, The hydration point was at the 5km mark, where we would make a U-turn, and head back towards the finishing line. 

That would be the only hydration point we had till we reached the finishing line.

(Thank goodness I had hydration with me)

Buddy and I, At the 5km mark, aka water point.

This was me, and my running buddy, finishing up the last 5km.

As you can see, this is my shagged to the max face.

Finishing at below 1 hour 45 mins with that weight on my back was pretty decent to me.

At the finishing point, They handed out the finisher medals and sun visor caps.

(This I did not take a picture of)

There was ample of space to just laze around and stretch whilst they were handing out popsicles, electrolytes, and other goodies...

The popsicles were good! Can't remember from where though.  

Awaiting another run buddy to finish up the 21km run.


All in all, the venue was good, the route was nice.
I have no complaints. 

As I lay on the grass resting my exhausted self.
Yes, very hiao (vain). Good waterproof eyeliner and eyelash extensions... I kid you not) 

MSIG Singapore Action Asia 50 2015 review, Checked. 

Thanks for reading! 

Velocity Urban Attack 3 & 28th Sea Games Nila Run Weekend.

Alright. I am finally well rested enough to blog, after my run this morning,

when most of you would most likely still be in bed on a typical Sunday morning.

Let's just go back to yesterday, 6th June 2015, Saturday.

Headed down with a girlfriend of mine to check out the first day of the preliminary rounds for Velocity's Urban Attack 3. 

Why? That's because my qualifying round is next week! (shrieks)

Held in the open space just outside the entrance where the court is at,

I've got to say, it does look like the Ninja Warrior obstacle course you see on television, just that these obstacles have an orange touch to them, Velocity's color.

Tilted steps, Inverted stairs(left)
Curved wall (back)
Monkey ring, Spider-wall, Cargo net (right)

Curved wall, Monkey ring, Spider wall, Cargo net.(right to left)

The first wave of participants go up at about 12pm.

 Rules and safety briefing done and off they go. 

The adrenaline just from watching could have killed me. 

Good tips to pick up and take note of on techniques and precautions taken from participants on what should or could have been done to better the timings, and prevent injuries (which some horrifically sustained).

Will comment more on how this event is held after I personally experience it myself! 

Okay. Today, 7th June 2015, Sunday.

Nila Run! (non-competitive) As there was no option for us to even choose competitive.

Photo from nilacommunityevents.sg

I'd have to say, the organization was pretty disappointing when it came to basic information like "How to get there." 

The past events which I have taken part in would have included a decent flyer or pamphlet in the race pack on the parking and routes accessibility, I had to check the site again and again to reconfirm that.

Photo from nilacommunityevents.sg

(Race pack collected, consists of race bib with timing chip attached, Red Nila Run FBT event t-shirt, And a black Nila Run printed shoe bag.)   

• Most of the roads around the Stadium would be closed at 5am/5.30am. Thus, No parking available anywhere nearby. 
• Having the first wave of participants being flagged off at 6am. There would not be any trains or buses available to get there on time. 
• Taxis would benefit from this event a lot, as it seemed to be the only mode of transport to get to the only drop off point, Kallang Leisure Mall. (Unless you have someone to send you there)
• I must also mention that there weren't really much road signs to direct you to the alternative routes to get to Kallang Leisure Mall.. 

(I had to alight by some random roadside and walk approximately 2km
just to get to the starting point. Thank god I chose not to bring my backpack
as I would probably have wasted even more time.)

Okay, disappointments aside, I'm gonna talk about the race itself.

Huge turn out, It literally feels like a fun run.

People were walking everywhere. 

Feels like a morning run in the park seeing people take their Sunday morning stroll, 

just that they were mostly donning the Red Nila Run Tee, and not really bearing in mind that this is a race after all. 

The routes weren't all that bad, except for 1 or 2 barricaded lanes that sent many runners to a halt.

(Runners hate to stop unnecessarily,

 especially when you have to queue to get through a walking crowd.)

3 hydration points available. Having the first one available only after 4km.

I was pretty disgusted with how the cups were strewn and thrown all over the floor right after people have quenched their thirst, not bothering to dispose of it into the proper bins, 

or even if none were in sight, just hold onto it a little longer.

Goodness gracious me. 

This being Singapore, You'd guess that you'll see greenery everywhere.

(Continue littering and you'll probably see lesser of nature in time to come) 

I did feel at peace running throughout and enjoying the view around me. 

One of it would be the iconic Singapore flyer, and Marina Bay Sands. 

If I am not mistaken, this is Fort Road.

Running towards the view of Marina Bay Sands & The Singapore Flyer.
Sun creeping up, Dark clouds lurking, close to the 4km mark.

Couldn't snap more pictures as shortly after I had ran past the 5km mark, it started to pour and it just got worse.

Runners were encouraged on by the crew along the way, some even ditching their ponchos to join the runners to soak up the rain.

Just as I had passed the 8km point, they had started to shorten the route by creating turnarounds due to the heavy rain. 

The rain felt really good, although I had to constantly wipe the water away from my eyes, 

I just kept running undeterred in the rain, 

My mentality, "I am already drenched anyway."

And tadah, finishing line in sight. Mission accomplished in just minutes to an hour. 

100plus beverages and water were handed out, followed by the oh so cute Nila Medal.

Made my way to the nearest shelter in sight, 

which would be the Kallang Leisure Mall, and boy was it flooded. 

Flooded by hoards of participants, and flooded from the rain water puddling up in the mall due to the influx of drenched participants.

(Poor cleaners not going to be happy when they turn up for work today.)

This would probably be the only 10km "fun run" I will do (to date).

Reason being this is the 28th Sea Games being held in Singapore again after 12 years.

(Having the 17th Sea Games held here back in 1993.)

I wanted this as a keepsake as it might take another decade for it to be held here again!

It's a wrap!

Hope you enjoyed this post! I'll be back soon!

The 2 D's.

Apart from the daily tasks bestowed upon mothers, 

I have set aside time for myself to get what I want done for myself. aka keeping fit.

To give you a very brief summary of how I do it, it really isn't all that complicated or difficult. 

I have only 2 D's for you to keep in mind.

Determination. Discipline. 

Let's talk about Determination.

Determination comes from setting your goals and working to it. 

Want that healthy body? Work for it. 

You don't really need to pay a single cent to achieve your workout goals if you really set your heart to it. 

(Just like how you are determined to get kids to give good grades for a brighter future.)

#nopainnoglory

Now, Discipline.

You need discipline, lots of it. 

Discipline in sticking to your workout schedule, your diet, and your lifestyle. 

It's all in the mind. 

(Harping at the kids to stick to that timetable, stay away from junk food & beverages that make them ill...) 

Likewise for adults on the discipline aspect as well.

#noexcuses

Everyone starts of somewhere, 

Give yourself time, squeeze in a 10-15 minute workout a day.

Doesn't have to be that complex when you're starting out.

Start small, feel the difference, feel good about yourself. 

Proving to yourself that you have done what is best for you is much more important than proving others what they think you couldn't or should do. 

Will talk about the kind of food I take, what I DO NOT take, and CHEATIES in abit.

Stay tuned!

Event's covered

Here's a list of race events I have gone for in the later part of last year. 

SAFRA Army Half Marathon '14

AHM, Massive turn up rate of course. Plenty of water points. I ran limping to the finishing line. Due to a worn out meniscus. Pain to remember that I would not want to have again.

Wet n' Wild Run 2014

Wet n' Wild 5km fun run held in Sentosa. Fun in the Sun. Suffered burns from the sun nonetheless.

Salomon X-trail Run 2014

Salomon trail running. Good weather, Good run. 

Though I would really highly recommend trail shoes for trail runs to enjoy the experience throughout. I practically felt like I was flying with confidence in mine.

That summarizes the few I did in 2014. Updates on the upcoming events soon!

I'm back!!!

I've been gone for too long, think it's time to bring it back...

Been gone for almost 6 years from blogging. 

Even the old site where I used to blog has shut down in March '13. ( Multiply.com )

Finally sat my butt down and got this thing up and running again. 

Okay... Enough small talk. 

Basically, my intention to start blogging again would be for various reasons.

1. Talk about Food. Unless you're suffering Anorexia... You gotta love food.
2. Sports, OCRs (Obstacle Course Races), Running Events.
3. Talk about Buys. Be it BIG or small...  
4. Share good stuff!
5. I cook, bake, and do handicraft work... Will update on that occasionally too.  

ME. Cancerian, 29.

My past time would be what most would not expect from me, but I have a thing for Gadgets, Photography, Extreme sports, OCRs, and Running. 

I love to spend time making happy food in the kitchen.

 Today, 

Mom to a crazy princess a.k.a monster diva born in '09. 

Her name is Kairi. And she loves making friends! 

Though, I do not deny that she tends to have that occasional "pretend to be shy" behavior which I believe most kids do too. 

(This fella runs too)

This... Is Kairi age 3+. 

Seizing the opportunity in the washroom!

There have been ups and downs in the past years, But who doesn't? 

I always believe in waking up to a better tomorrow... Or at least I try to.

Yes I do know what most people might think when they look at Kairi, and me. 

You're a mother?! You don't look and dress like one!

No pain, no glory. No one binges, sits on the couch and is toned and healthy.

 People find it hard to believe that I workout beast mode, cook, and teach a child too. 

Do not judge. 

Alright, Guess that's enough for starters. 

Later folks!