This virtual run is by Spacebib. Have been working from home since April this year, that makes it about 4 months since I wrote this in Aug. To speak the truth, Covid 19 situation around the world has not really come to and end. I guess it is going to get longer than SARS. Was quite amazed that I actually witness 2 pandemics in my life and I wonder how many more disasters I will witness in years to come.
Starting with a negative note, well, time to change the mood. Many of us has sort of got used to life wearing masks, checking in and out of public places in Singapore by now. And for the first time in my life, witness a National Day Parade without a lot of spectators cheering in the gallery. We have more or less be exercising in solidarity for the past four months, and finally the gyms and swimming pools have opened up for public but with appointments and limited number of participants.
Exercising maybe tough during this period, but that does not mean it is not possible. I for once really got down to work on the abs and Yoga at home, and I realised how stiff I had became.
Early day in the Tunnel at CBD area
The Virtual 55k Online Challenge
Just about this period of National Day. Singapore was originally planning for a mega celebration as it is the year 2020 and our 55th birthday. Little did we know that Covid 19’s widespread has caused all mass gatherings to come to a halt. There were many 55 km National races around Singapore to celebrate this big day in a solidarity way. Being quite a miser, I really do not fancy paying for the virtual races maybe because I just feel that paying so much for a virtual race is not that worth it as there are not really any set up and I do not really need the medal. But a lot of these races popped up in name of charity for the sufferers from Covid 19 which caught my eye and led me to thinking of doing my little part for the society.
Setting off near my house
Joining this race SG 55 Run for Singapore Challenge by Space bib was not because of charity though, but more because my running shirts are running out and I kinda liked the design of this one and they run in small sizes. Taking one of the cheaper options of not having the medal. I also thought of just doing one 55k to celebrate Singapore’s birthday.
Signing up the race is easy just head over to their website. After signing up, they actually deliver the singlet tee to your house. However, despite choosing a smaller size, it is still rather big for me. But its good enough for wearing together with hydration vest to prevent abrasion.
The Route
The route
As usual choosing the route is one of my concerns, although Singapore is a safe city but running solo in the middle of the night is still worrying, safety has always been my utmost concern for solo running whether in Singapore and overseas. Wanted to do a northbound track but I went for the usual suspect to ECP in the end because it has more runners, the route is predictable and smoother.
Setting off from the West around Holland Village, towards CBD and the usual as I did for the 42km previously, the extra 13km was actually an extension from the bay area to Orchard and Botanic Gardens finally ending at the Farrer Road.
Run Preparation
Hydration at the final checkpoint
Did nothing much for the preparation, and this time I also did not wear Vibrams which I always do for marathons and the old problem on my left leg keeps recurring. I wore the cheap Nike pink shoes which I bought in Taiwan 2 years back. Taped up my feet the night before to prevent abrasion. Running a longer distance in Singapore is luxury compared to trails as everywhere there are shops and 7-11 convenience stores, so just need to prepare for the wet weather. Maybe next time I should try doing it in the more remote places here. For food, I only brought one crepe and a senbei, 1.5L water bladder should be good enough as along ECP there are water fountains. Not forgetting my buff and sunscreen for vanity sake.
Mentality
Finisher medal
Somehow the brutality is not that bad when you know it is not a race, no DNF no penalty no this no that. I took my time to just enjoy the scenery and also met many fellow runners wearing the same singlet as me, running for the birthday for Singapore. Really glad that so many of us are like minded. As the sun starts to scorch at 9 am, there were times I just felt like taking the MRT and head home. But some how these were taken away by the motivation to do it once do it good and seeing so many sun seekers in the central area.
And so I finished my run at Farrer MRT , kind of deliberately chose a station near home so that I can get home quick. The timing was not great but I had fun. Happy Birthday Singapore!!
*Most of the pics were up in the Facebook page as I forgot not the take LIVE photos.