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‘Tis the season to be racing!
To pump up your adrenaline for this time of the year, we present two races in the month of January.
Inter-hall Road Relay 2012
In the evening of 19th January, the SRC car park was engulfed in color and cheer. Due to the sheer number of crossers who live or had lived in on campus, the annual event always turns out like a NUS X-Country carnival. We are well represented in all aspects, including…
The strong turnout was itself a remarkable team achievement. Many of us were up against possibly the toughest competition ever that evening — our very own teammates! Some of our halls secured podium finishes, some did not, but for some of us crossers the race was yet another training session, where we continue to push one another forward!
61st SAA Cross Country Championships
Next up was the annual SAA Cross Country Championships which saw 5 NUS teams gunning for the podium — including one made up of Tristan, Ian and Daniel, some staff who had been training with us over the semester. Hurrahs for our two girls’ teams that came in 2nd (Emelyne, Kelly, Sarah, Anne) and 3rd (Bee, Zakiyah, Tricia) in the Women’s Open category 
Amid the frenzy, Sarah and Joseph share their thoughts about kick starting the year with this race.
NUS Team 1: Sarah, Anne, Kelly, Emelyne
What do you feel about your performance for this race? What about the team’s performance?
Sarah: First, I must say that I hadn’t set very high expectations for myself because it’s been a while since I participated in a longer distance race and also I’d been lagging in my trainings. So its all about running my hardest and hoping for the best. So I am kind of satisfied with my results, which was faster than last year (of course, because everyone was faster too). And I’m very proud of the team’s performance; both girls and guys!
Now that SAA is over, what are your goals and plans for this year ahead?
Sarah: Actually I don’t exactly have any race plans, I normally take one race at one time. But I sure hope to break my PBs and continue getting top 10 positions!
Here’s something to share with teammates and our blog readers – what/where is your favorite run in Singapore, and why?
Sarah: I don’t really have a favourite route because novelty works best for me! I prefer to continuosly explore new routes as it motivates me to keep going. But if you like scenic routes, there are new ones around the Sengkang-Punggol areas
NUS Team 2: Jia Rong, Roy, Joseph and Jia Hao.
What do you feel about starting the new year with this race?
Joseph: I was REALLY EXCITED! Feels great to start the year doing something you love. Minutes before the race, you feel the heat from your competitors forming-up. But yet, you hope for a possibility to win, and you decide to hold on to your pace and race, come what may. I felt I set a good pace for my life in the coming year.
What did you think about during the race, what kept you going?
Joseph: This race is really an eye-opener. I have never taken part in cross-country races. It was initially demoralising to see the front runners gradually peel away from you. But I just held on. I told myself to keep running forward. You can only run forward in a race, just like in life. Like life, it is only worthwhile if you fight in the race.
What’s up for you next?
Joseph: First up: Sundown 10K. It will be great to race after the exams. I hope to break my 40min 10K barrier at Sundown.
Next stop: Training in Hawaii. I’m looking forward to learn from world-class runners when I go to Hawaii on exchange. Maybe sub-38min when I return? Hahaha.
Hello my dear Cross teammates,
It’s that time again. What time, you ask? Well it is time for an update for races of course! The number of races are increasing yearly and 2011 is not any different! Follow me as I guide you on what races we will be looking forward to for the next TWO MONTHS. Yes, that’s right, TWO MONTHS. I’m trying to do a bimonthly sort of thing here, so do comment in the comment box for feedback, mmm kay? Also, I’ll be splitting the post into two, to prevent eye strain.
100PLUS Passion Run 2011: 21st May, http://www.singaporepassionrun.com (CLOSED)
Come friends, do you know what is the most important thing in running? You over there. Talent, you say? Yes yes, of course. How about you there? Hard work, you shout? Indeed. What’s that, that young man over there? You say passion? Passion? PASSSSSSSSSSION?For that excellent answer, I’d like to pat your back and agree with you. Passion is the word of the day, at least on the 21st of May 2011. On this day, we will be seeing runners of all sizes, age and interests coming together for a nice run on the East Coast. For the competitive category, there will be 25km Open, 12km Open and Veteran. Personally, I am surprised there isn’t a 25km veteran category. On the other hand, judging from the thematic approach the organizers have taken in their website, I wonder…
At any rate, even if you are not taking part in the race, do give a look at the website and have a good laugh at the caricatures the website has on the various people that we (too) often encounter during races. While drawn in a way that really exemplifies the stereotype, I find myself chuckling at the portrayal nonetheless. One thing isn’t there though. They missed out “NUS Cross Country Athletes”. We are a different breed, after all.
ALIVE Run 2011: 22nd May, http://www.aliverun2011.org/ (CLOSED)
Aaaah, ALIVE Run. I remember joining it last year. Similarly, it was and is held in the East Coast park, albeit in a different area than above. Anyway, being a charity run, it’d be good for those who’d like to kill multiple stones with one bird. I mean, it’s so awesome. You can 1) do your part for charity by doing what you can do best, 2) do a long run and/or even a tempo run if you’re feeling up to it and 3) soak in the atmosphere of a lot of people running. The organizers last year weren’t too bad, and we had some entertainment like bands to boot. Overall, last year’s run was good and I wouldn’t expect this year’s to be any different. Regrettably, registration is over due to the quota being filled up. For those who are going/went for this run, good on you mate!
Metta Charity Run 2011: 4th June, http://www.metta.org.sg/mettarun2011/index.html (STILL OPEN)
Metta is a Buddhist welfare association that provides quality health care and welfare services for the needy and less fortunate, regardless of race or religion, according to its website. Don’t just take my word for it, visit http://www.metta.org.sg/english/abt_intro_metta.html for more details. These guys are doing a great thing out there, taking care of not just old folks, but also the disabled and people from needy families. As such, do do a part by signing up for this race! Yes, race and not run. There are prizes for the top three, but I think the greatest prize, should you choose to participate is a warm feeling you get when you know you are doing a part for charity. This 1okm is held in (guess where!) East Coast. There is a 5km event available too, but I’m afraid that’s not applicable to people above 14 years old.
Legs and Paddle: 5th June, http://legsandpaddles.blogspot.com/ (LAST DAY TO REGISTER ON 17th MAY)
Organized by our friends from the NUS Sports Club, Legs and Paddle (LNP) is a unique combination of both kayaking followed by running. For both Men’s and Women’s Open, participants will have to (GASP) kayak 6km and then run the same distance. For us Crossers who are used to just using our feet, this may prove to be quite a grueling challenge. I took part in this last year and boy oh boy did I kayak for my life. You’ll be so jelly after the 6km kayak you’d be collapsing after that (if it’s a solo challenge). Alternatively, there is the “Team Relay”, involving four parcipants: two to run and two to kayak. Perhaps you can find a pair of dragonboaters/canoeists out there and join in. I can almost imagine a dream team forming, yknow, between these two CCAs. But be quick, registration is almost over and the last day for walk in registration is on the 17th of May. I’d hurry, if I were you and I was interested. Nevertheless, do give it a try.
That’s all for now, folks. It’s 3am now and I’m both hungry and tired. While the first part of the post isn’t really informative (face it, four races and only one and a half is truly available for registration? Shame on you Jackie), do look out for the second part coming soon and I look forward to writing it too! Good luck and goodbye!
Cheers
Jackie
Race Guy
Have you ever wondered how it’s like to race against cancer? Now you can! I usually kill them in my lab, but hey, racing against them is quite the refreshing change too.
Can you see the cancer? No? Theyre winning!
Organized jointly by SingTel and Singapore Cancer society, participants of this race can look forward to a morning of 10km & 15km competitive run categories in the East Coast Park on the 10th of July (Sunday).
Main Website: http://www.raceagainstcancer.org.sg/
Day Program: http://www.raceagainstcancer.org.sg/page.php?page=event
Come on guys, have a heart and join! 
Singapore Cancer Society is a self-funding voluntary health organisation dedicated to minimising the impact of cancer through public education, screening, patient services, financial assistance, research and advocacy.
Deadline for registration’s on the 15th of June! Go go go!
P.S. They’re looking for volunteers too! Do tell your friends about it and if you’d like, you can approach me too at jackietanyen@gmail.com and 81075940.
Advertisement for F1′s Endurance Trail Race:
Race Info | Registration | Race Blog
Date: 24 Sep 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 0645 – 1845 hrs<
Venue: McRitchie Reservoir
NOTE: This event contains a relay event for teams. Basically teams of 2 (male & female teams) or 4 (mixed) cover a loop around McRitichie continously during the allocated time. Team that covers the most loops wins. Team registration form can be found here.
SAA Cross-Country 2011
Sat, 22nd January (1400 – 1700 hrs)
Bedok Reservoir
“…And look for the stars as the sun goes down,
each breath that you take has a thunderous sound…”
- ‘Everything’s Magic’, Angels & Airwaves
—-
Last Saturday, I made history: I sat beside a portion of the Berlin Wall.
Because everything else about the 60th edition of the SAA Cross-Country seemed forgettable: a too-sunny afternoon, a pre-race stomach cramp, eating dust in the face of faster competitors and, as usual, running till there’s nothing left to see but the sky.
The guys have a routine where the warm-up is where we let all our fears evaporate: Nic will talk about his pace, Kelvin will talk about the “good old days” when it wasn’t so competitive, and Alan & I will rehearse some thrash-talking. How slow? How fast to start? What to say when we cross the finishing line? Watching the girls come in on the way back, we start to scream and shout: it gives me a thrill to know that other people have finished before I start.
Guys' Team just before heading over to the Startling Line
At the starting line everyone eyes everyone else, but Norman is the king of cool: he tells us to enjoy ourselves. Unfortunately none of us heed the advice, because once the men’s race begins in a sandstorm of gravel dust, everyone launches themselves into it. It takes just 700 metres, but the long column of runners begins to spread. I see the lead getting further and then I tell myself: ok just pace that guy in front.
But when he drops back, there’s no one but Nic to follow. And so my race gets defined by the fellow yellow shirt in front of me. The scenery is unremarkable, and the only interesting thing happens when Nic and I sandwich another runner between ourselves. Poor guy. When it comes to the end, Nic pulls away. And the first thing I think when I cross the end-line is: graduate loh.
Womens' Team gets 3rd! - Veron, Mel, Emelyne, Cai Sang & Mr. Kunalan
Consolation: NUS Womens’ Team A got their 3rd place. Ups to the womens’ team for once again outperforming the senior guys – one of the highlights of the day (helping Mr. Kunalan pick up litter was another).
Colourful Supporters - Heart, Soul & Ambient Cheering
As always, I’m grateful for supporters: I hear them before I see them. And hearing people shout your name to the crunch of gravel beneath your shoes is the most underrated feeling in running. Ever.
—–
shelter
Upcoming Race:
F1 SportsEQ Nature Run 2011 – 21km Trail
Registration | Info | Prizes | F1 Runners Blog
DATE: 26 June 2011 (Sunday)
ROUTE: Bulit Timah Nature Reserve – Macritchie Reservoir
REGISTRATION FEE: S$45.00
HELLO!!
So… I haven’t posted before and Mr. Boss-man Azrul said I should lead by example and write something. I was trying to think of a topic to write about, but it’s actually quite hard when most of my brain space at the moment is devoted to bacteria, antibiotics, and genetic diseases. For lack of a better subject, I thought I’d just bore you all with a few of my thoughts about running in general, and my IVP experience. Oh and before I forget,
Whoo we won IVP again yay I guess! Congrats to all the runners and jumpers and throwers and stuff and much respect to all the supporters who braved the elements to cheer their hearts out (UMBRELLAS AND ALL)!
OK now that that’s out of the way, I’ll start with the post proper! Have you ever wondered why you subject yourself to so much physical discomfort by choosing to be a runner? There is no game, no scoreboard. Sometimes it’s really difficult to find the motivation to keep it going in this you-against-yourself-type activity. Perhaps we carry on just because we want to keep fit, reach the targets we set for ourselves, or just to enjoy the company of this awesome club called nusxcountry. We all have our own reasons; I know that one of mine’s to delay my degeneration into a glutton for as long as possible 
I’m really not a very sporty person, thanks to the utter lack of any decent physical co-ordination (if you’ve seen me play soccer, you’d know. It’s bad.). Running has made me maintain a (fairly) healthy lifestyle, and I think that’s a good enough reason for me.
Other than that, I’ve found that I like racing. Whether it’s a half-marathon or a steeplechase race, that certain kind of high racing gives you is a great feeling, and it motivates me. I gave the steeplechase my first shot back in Sec 3, and raced in the steeplechase every year from 2005 to 2008 in secondary school and JC (medal-less, though ). I like the event because… I dunno, I suppose jumping steeples is fun, haha. As the IVP date came closer, I felt much more excitement than anxiety, and rested pretty well before the race. The race itself was really well paced, with neither my fellow steeplechaser Jayanta nor I starting excessively fast. We both slowly caught the main body, and while Jayanta sped ahead, I tried to stick to the guys in 2nd and 3rd place. With one and a half laps to go, I figured I’d definitely lose in a last minute dash and pulled ahead in hopes of maintaining a lead over the other two. Still, a turtle finish meant double overtakes in the last 200m or so and a 4th place finish. Still, I was really happy with my time (finally broke my PB from 3 years ago in JC1!), and the way I ran the race. Plus, Jayanta won!! Which was quite yay
GO JAYANTA!!
This year, I must say I’ve enjoyed the training sessions leading up to the IVP race, and it’s especially thanks to my training buddy Jayanta (though I’m really trailing him the entire time -.-). I really admire the strength he displays and the positive attitude that he always brings to training sessions. His encouragement has helped me to stay focused when training gets tough, and just watching him power on ahead of me (even despite a trip, fall and roll à la Mission Impossible) during the race spurred me on to chase the rest of the steeples down. And that’s probably the most important motivation for most of us–our teammates! This being the first time I’ve been down to watch IVP tracknfield, I think the best part’s not the race in itself, but the race being surrounded by you guys cheering all of our athletes on. As I’m sure any of our competitors would tell you, the familiar faces and voices are really empowering.
So yes, it’s true that physical discomfort is an inevitable part of being a runner, and it’s also true that it can be really mind-numbing because it’s not a game like many other sports are. Sometimes an injury hampers your progress, or you feel disappointed after failing to hit target times a few sessions in a row. It’s phsyically and emotionally exhausting, and I’m sure everyone has their stories. For myself, I remember this one particular Epic Fail: (video courtesy of my junior Ruiyong!)
Hmm. Talk about emotionally exhausting! I obviously felt pretty screwed up for the rest of the race, and a bit humiliated for being laughed at, but looking back at it now, it was pretty darn hilarious! Luckily, I still managed to finish the race (albeit with a rather wet jersey). What I’m trying to say is, things happen, and we can only try our best to deal with our setbacks. The good part is, we have teammates to help us see things in the best light possible! I mean, after reading Giri’s and Mel’s IVP blogposts, I feel so privileged to have such motivated teammates that I am inspired to continue running for as long as I can.
With a spread like that, how can you not love nusxcountry?
Even though I only started training with the team in June this year, I think I feel quite at home here. I really enjoy the company of our cross country team (though I know I’m too socially defunct to show it), and all other motivations aside, the teammates are what ultimately makes me keep coming down for training. So no game, no scoreboard; no problem. My inspiration is right here
AND BTW THANKS BEN FOR ALL THE AWESOME PHOTOS!!!
Norman.
Ok guys, Im finally putting up a post! Here we go!
SG VS. KL NIKE CITY (24.10.2010)
The annual Nike race is back! If my memory serves me well, the Nike race started in 2008 and it was called the Nike Human Race then. It was even held in the evening which was awesome as runners do not have to wake up in the wee hours of the morning to run! Didn’t manage to take part in the event that year as I only knew about the event when the registration has closed. Last year I made sure I got my ticket and sure had an awesome time at the event!
The Skyline in the Morning, Plus Runners
Well this year was no exception. The race was well planned and the performances were kept young and hip. LOVE that the event was held at the floating platform as it was spacious and convenient plus we get a good view of Singapore’s skyline. I think there is a music theme going on as the event highlighted many specific genres of music including RnB, Hiphop, Pop and Rock. Every one got this cute little toy of a music stereotype when they finish the race. Well I got the “Rock” guy, Ari, whom on closer inspection, was a purple sleepy dude with blue hair and detachable headphones. Sure, it’s cute a toy but I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say NIKE PLEASE BRING BACK THE FREE WATER BOTTLES AT NEXT YEAR’S RACE THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Anyways, back to the race itself. This year I magaged to drag my sister to take part in the race with me. Did my prerace ritual of heavy supper + an episode of american dad/family guy/ the office + light breakfast. Reached the race venue at 5.45am. The air was fresh and the sky was clear. Thank God for the heavy rain the day before which washed away all the haze. Everyone was wearing the bright green Nike T-shirt which had our individual race bibs imprinted on our shirts.
Lots of young couples/ groupies in the crowd. I felt very old and lonely as usual. Greeted by enthusiastic volunteers at the baggage deposit. Got rid of my stuff- and my sister- and went to warm up with Chin Yang, Ravin and Jenson who happened to be around that area too. I was wearing a sexy pair of blue Nike Lunar Glide 2+ which the people at Nike had generously passed to me 2 days ago. It was really lightweight and bouncy- perfect for road racing. As I was fortunate enough to win the U25 category last year, I was really hoping to do well again this year.
Race started at 7.15am. A few overly excited runners quickly sprint to the front of the pack and brought up the pace, before falling back. I tried to stay close to the front pack. The kenyan runner quickly took over the lead and made the cyclist guide peddle furiously to direct him through the course. The race course this year brought us across Nicoll Highway, Geylang Road, Kallang Road and finally Marina Promenade before ending at the Marina Bay Floating Platform. There were 5 water points along the course and I managed to get some hydration at each one of them. There were also music checkpoints along the way, where entertainers dress up as the music genres and dance along to the deejay’s beats. I guess they sort of provide abit of distraction from the lactic that was building up in my legs! The course was pretty flat in general and there were adequate volunteers to direct us through the course.
Well I won my category again! Timing wasnt fantastic. Nevertheless, I was extremely happy to defend my title. Last few months have been extremely tough for me as I was doing my hospital internships and I fell sick two weeks ago. A quick shoutout to my orthopaedics Houseofficer Dr Eugene Chan for being super understanding and letting me off in the evenings to train during my weekday calls. As one of the winners of the race, I was allowed to enter the winner’s tent which had some pretty awesome breakfast of sausages, grilled tomatoes, scrambled eggs, cereal, bread, etc. The carnival tents were set up on the floating platform itself and the ground had a soft, clean grass carpet which was great for tired runners to just laze around and watch the performances. I met up with the other NUS cross country runners and it was great to see that many of us have done well. Siew Min, on her maiden 10km race came in second for the U25 category! Many of the others were also in the top ten and got to enjoy the amazing breakfast!
Cross-Country at Nike 2010: Lean, Mean & Green
I think everyone had a great time at the event. The weather was great, the energy was vibrant and the race had little troubles. Thanks guy for cheering on for me when i collected my prize! Maybe I should share the $500 nike vouchers with all of you!
. . .
Nah!
- Aaron
(All photos by Benedict)
So it was another year at Changi to run the Real Run.
Saw Yong Qiang, Roy, Yap Xiong, Madan, Tey, Ee Ghim, ect…
Typical race warm up, mostly static aka standing in a bunch of sweaty people.
Saw a pretty girl at the start line, kudos to the organisers for giving the option of a name on the race tag. Did not remember her name though. D=
Never saw her again on the race. =(
Said goodbye to my faster friends as they zoom pass the starting line.
Comfortable start. Looked like it was about to rain, but didn’t.
First 2 km, two ACJC girls in front, really tempted to speed up but didn’t. Overtook them at 2.5km, not pretty, so I ran off. Soft ground, softer sand. Fortunate that I didn’t disrupt my pace.
Ran behind two guys with the same weird coloured jersey. Overtook them at 3-4km-ish.
Long stretch of road. Sun. Overtook several people in the KINS jersey. Felt pretty good about myself. I like road. Predictable, hard, comfortable. Except for the Sun.
Towards turning into the park, about 5km, overtook a lady, she tried to keep up. I turned my head a few times to see where is she. hmmm… 7/10.
Saw Zhenghong doing the 15km, cheered for him. Quite nice to see friends running.
Started noticing that all the people cheering, or at least most of them, were young boys. HUGE demotivating factor.
Noticed one of the guys in the really weird coloured jersey caught up. Kept in front.
Beach. Really hard time to overtake. To the left, the sea. To the right, quick sand (ok I kid, really soft sand). Couldn’t overtake without bumping into some people. Overtook anyway. Step into the sea, step out of the sea. Shoes became a little heavier. Better than losing my step in the soft sand.
The road back was a tough one. Cheered for some guy in a PBS jersey. He was stopping and going.
Halfway down the road, right shoe lace. about 20 strides, left shoe lace. stop 3 times to try to salvage them. meh. The weird coloured jersey guy overtook me. I cheered for some kid beside me, he mistaking thought I was cheering for him. He half turned and gave me the thumb up. -_- oh well.
Cheered for an old uncle and another guy in the KINS jersey.
Run, run and run. Finished. Met Yap Xiong and asked about his run and my run. hmmm… good run. Not much eyecandy this year. Met Roy’s sister (not eye candy). Took a photo with Yap Xiong. Told Tey that better he be blind than look like a dope wearing his strange looking glasses. Roy did his best in 10 years, 45mins flat. Yap Xiong felt good, but was about 1 mins behind target. Madan got the 10km closed first. Tey did… I forgot. haha… ermmm… ya.
The after race entertainment was HORRIBLE. Too loud most of the time. Wanted to wait for the lucky draw but the PCK impersonator was really annoying so I joined the exodus to Pasir Ris. Great bus rides though. Comfortable nap times.
That’s it. Real Run 2010. 46ish mins. =D
Ben.
Run, damn it.
Yellow Ribbon Prison Run (10km)
Sunday, 5 Sep 2010
Changi-Loyang
Rain, rain, rain.
Again, for the second time in 2010, the weather decided to be uncooperative during a race. Soaked just doing a warm-up jog. Feet washed and watered just by waiting at the starting line. And standing dumbly in a shadowy curtain of heavy rain until Patrick came over and told me the race would be delayed by 30 minutes.
Every year at the start of the run, there is a symbolic act to mark the start of the Yellow Ribbon Project’s flagship event. Last year, we stepped through a metaphorical gate meant to “open the doors” to opportunity for ex-offenders. This year the crowd carried the logos of 9 rehabilitation agencies from the back to the starting line to show their support in giving ex-offenders a “head-start” in their race back to society. Cool ideas for a sociology essay.
The rain didn’t let up. The Caucasian woman in front of me starting complaining. Then they blew the horn. And then I got elbowed by an uncle.
This run is famous for 2 things: low curving hills and amazing scenery of Changi airport. Like last year, the rain seemed to outline everything in grey. My previous year’s experience with the route helped in overtaking people on the hills. When the rain started to get to me, I decided to pace the Caucasian woman I met earlier.
And then my shoelaces came undone. Once. Twice. Three times. Four -
Idiotically, I estimate I lost at least 1 min stopping and retying. By the fourth time, I redid both with double knots and went all out (I didn’t want Patrick to wait too long for me at the finishing line, in the prison). The rain let up when I made it past the last hill outside the prison walls, and I caught up with the Caucasian woman at the 9 km mark.
I said hello. She said hello. Then I said goodbye. And upped the pace all the way to the finish. She came after me, 5th in her category.
Meihui, Patrick & Me: The rain has the potential to create new hairstyles.
The best thing about this run is the food: a banana, a muffin and lots of milo. Unfortunately, it started to rain again by the time Patrick and I wanted to leave – which was good, since it allowed Meihui to find us and to snap the pic above.
Again, a well-organized and scenic race. Probably the only race where rain seems to a pernament fixture too.
——
shelter
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