VIDEO: Why We Run (in HD)

Sports and the immediate environment complement each other. It is important for us to understand the causes that lead to climate change and how the repercussions of climate change would affect the environment as well as the athlete.

‘Why We Run’ attempts to look into how people who do sports, particularly those who indulge in long-distance running, can help assist in sustaining and saving the very environment that they depend on when they pursue their passion of running.

Together with Twin Glasses Films, we produced this short film in hope to inspire runners and/or fellow sportsmen like you and I, to care for the environment.

Gears used: The NB Minimus Zero 

P.S, The protagonist does look somewhat familiar eh? 

RACE: The Energizer Singapore Night Trail 2012 experience

(Covered by Eddy the Runner)

Being a night trail run, one might expect runners to lose their bearings at the admin points, just before the start of the race. However, the race organizers did a great job in marshaling us to the starting pens and I must say that the race was very well-organized.

Anyways, the race was exciting and so far, i really can’t think of any bad points of the race. Nonetheless, below are the pluses of the Energizer Singapore Night Trail 2012!

1) Extensive range of free food and drinks.

I mean, on top of that, runners are able to buy Ramly burger and Old Chang Kee snacks! Good (sinfully delicious!) stuff for a post-race meal! Or mini-meal for that matter.

2) Great running route that is not commonly used

Running the same old route over and over again can be quite a bore. Especially in Singapore, where the races or trail runs are typically held at along the same routes. But the organizers for the ESNT 2012, did a great job in planning a route which, not so many people would have experienced. Naice!

3) Enthusiastic marshals and volunteers and Super supporting Emcee

Marshals and volunteers did a fantastic job in orienteering and keeping the the runner’s spirits high. The Super supporting emcee was also a plus point. Together, they liven up the atmosphere of the night race.

4) Well organised shuttle buses

With a location like Mandai, its rather hard for runners to get to it. I mean, its not like its a Marina Bay where theres a plethora of options to choose from to get to it. Thus, the well-organised shuttle buses ferrying the runners to and from the race village was indeed a plus point for me.

All in all, I enjoyed the run and the finisher’s medal is super nice! Its the Energizer mascot! Pretty cool huh! Looking forward to next year’s Energizer Singapore Night Trail run! See ya!

Top 15 Reasons To Run

Find a Reason or two… and go run.

I’m doing it for Reasons 12, 13 & 14. Hahaha! So which ones are yours?

P.S, click on our Singapore 2012 Running Events Calendar to view the upcoming races. Should we have left out any run or races, do let us know. And together, WE can get people to start running.  

The Global Blogger – London 2012 Olympics

VOTE FOR US!

If you like the video, do vote for us by clicking HERE. Thank you SO much!

Watch this space. Something wicked this way comes, Singapore.

TGIF: Don’t Be That Awkward Runner

New Balance Minimus Zero Trail - Run Minimal, Run Zero. (click for review)

Its Friday! Friday! Kicking about on Friday!

TGIF for most of you who isn’t working shift on a Saturday or Sunday. If you’re reading this post here right now, chances are you are probably someone who’s into running or health and fitness in general. Even if you are not, it must have been  by some Divine intervention that you chanced upon this blog, reading this post right now, wherever you are. Don’t stop, keep on reading.

For some, you might be thinking of going for a short run before chilling out with friends over the weekend. Or have just simply signed up for one of the many weekend running events happening right here in our little puny island we call home…or not. For many, running is a way for you to keep yourself healthy, fit and/or looking good. But here’s the thing – though we all want to achieve that nice, healthy glow AFTER our runs, the way you run has got to be good looking too! Just like the “Ridiculously Photogenic Guy”. He sure knows how to pull it off.

Ridiculously Photogenic Guy

Anyways, like most Singaporeans, we want to look good while running. Well, just take a look at the runners in a race the next time you go for one and you’ll see that most are decked in bright coloured tees & shoes, donning fancy gears and for some (like me), bring along a camera to capture moments.

Here’s my tip: Always (TRY TO) smile when you run.

Besides the fact that it shows a cheerful disposition, it helps when it comes to some candid shots taken by the sports photographers wherever they may be. At least you wont look all messed up and errr….. not-so-fabulous.

That being said, i chanced upon this video and it gives one a better understanding of the different types of runners that you SHOULD NOT be. Don’t be that awkward runner! You’ve been warned!

Have a great weekend ahead people!

…..Or you can choose to wear a mask and run. Totally fab.

HYPE: Adidas Predator D5 LZ vs Nike Mercurial Vapour VIII

With 2 new boots coming your way in the market, which one would you choose? Which one will dominate the turf?

Adidas Predator D5 LZ (Leathal Zone)

With all the hype of it having “perfected” the spots on the boots for where the First Touch, Drive and the Sweet Spots are, the way i see it,.Adidas is targeting the serious footballers. Although it has yet to #unleash (hashtag on twitter) this latest range of football boots here in Singapore, Question is – Will all these “sweet spots” really make a difference to a player’s performance? Will the weekend warriors give it a go?

With the previous season’s adizero F50 boots being powered by the miCoach tracking device, i really hope that this Predator would be designed to hold the miCoach too. It would be awesome to be able to track your fastest speed, distance etc in a game of soccer. Oh yeah, one more thing, rumour has it, the Xavi from FC Barcelona is the player tasked to mark the spots on the boots and co-developed it. Afterall, that guy has spectacular ball control and delivery skills. OMG. :O

 ~~~

Nike Mercurial Vapour VIII 

With 2 big names in the sporting world coming together to put up an interesting advertorial concept on the latest Nike football boots, i had to watch it. Whats interesting is that it does not really tell about the boots intended specifications. But instead makes you run wild with your imagination to what this boots could do for you. Well, then again, its Cristiano Ronaldo here with the boots. He could score with a back heel with his eyes closed if he wanted to. Anyways, gotta love that guy! My sporting idol by the way. Heh.

Back to the boots – With a clean cut, bright orange design, the boots indeed looked slick and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Would probably appeal to the youngsters who would go for looks and colour rather than actual performance. Mind you, im not saying this boots will not deliver, but seriously, its all up to the player’s skills at the end of the day.

All in all, to all football (and soccer) lovers out there, these 2 boots really really looked delicious and would certainly be the highlight amongst your football kakis. I would not go on to say which one i prefer the more because for me, my feet’s comfort being in the boots is my number 1 factor in selecting a pair of them. Aesthetics wise, bright colours would certainly make my day as i dazzle past defenders doing step overs etc. Hahaha!

At the end of the day, what’s important is the bond and game time you have with your friends (and even strangers!). Afterall, keeping fit and healthy doesnt necessarily have to be boring or a chore. It is super fun when you are doing it with friends. Like playing football.

P.S, as the team and I are having our semester’s exams real soon, we apologize for the lack of updates, posts and stories right here on the blog. Also our uber late responses in replying the overwhelming emails. We will resume blogging proper once we’re done with exams (in mid-May). Till then, do follow us on Twitter for our shout outs on health, fitness and sporting updates and retweets!

(Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/whywerunn)

EVENT: Sundown Marathon Race Routes

18th April 2012 - With over 25,000 participants having already registered for Sundown Marathon 2012, this night marathon event makes it one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting events on the local sporting calendar.

This is the first-ever marathon that will take runners on a scenic route through the Marina Bay Waterfront area and the western region of Singapore.The carefully crated routes ensure that runners would be able to run through the picturesque landscapes under the cool night sky.

Run the night. Sleep can wait.

Below are the race maps/routes of the different categories made available – 10KM, 21KM and 42KM. (Click on the pictures to enlarge it). Psssst…. registrations have been extended to Thursday, 19 April 2012.

You can find out more information about the run at: http://www.sundownmarathon.com/ OR http://www.facebook.com/SundownMarathonSG :)

Flag off @2230hrs

 

Flag off @0030hrs

 

Flag off @0030hrs

 

 

 

See you there!

“FASTINISTA”: To the finish line in style

Guys, i’m sure you’d agree with me that your typical run would be yourself putting on our Army PT shirts, similarly labelled shorts, speeding away in your standard issue running shoes. The plainer, the better. The average Singapore son would agree. Other days, a coloured t-shirt would shed some life to the otherwise plain morning runs, be it at the gym or at the neighborhood park. Ladies are also guilty as much as i am, of being in the same category. Ever wondered if we could spice things up abit?

When Nike invited us over to check out this “Fastinista” workshop, i was quite apprehensive over the importance of style while running. For marathons, runs or working out, it should be just about the intimate relationship between your mind and body . Should i tarnish this relationship by indulging in plain vanities?(oxymoron) Monsieur Lionnel was there to convince me though, and he did it in style.

Li Yuling talks to Lionnel Lim and Power98 DJ Emily Teng about her winning Fastinista look

Fastinista what now?

“Fastinista” a term coined by Runner’s world and trending worldwide. For a further explanation please click on the video.

Fastinista: The intro

In this workshop, Power 98 FM lent their star power with Djs JK, Jamie Yeo and Emily Teng, strutting their stuff as Lionnel went through the dos and don’ts in the Fastinista way. It was apparent that the theme of the day was “Clashes of Colours”. The presented pieces  used vibrant, loud colours, with playful layering to get that street dancer look.

Another point made was the use of compression suits to provide that slick, shapely figure. On top of that, it also provides rehabilitative support like improving muscle recovery after workouts or helping you to run faster. It also gives the layered effect.

Shoes!! Besides the performance, the neon, luminous pinks and yellow certainly adds dimension to the whole image. Clashes certainly makes a beautiful hot mess out of a running session.

Ruby Tan picks her Fastinista look

Is it a girl thing?

As a guy, i know what we desire most would be the ease, comfort and durability of the apparels we use. Colours, style takes a lesser signifance. However, sticking to the phrase, style and functionality, its no harm to add a little colour to our runs. Personally, being in style reflects my mood, freshen me up, gives me the confidence to complete the last mile.

Nike Pro Combat

I simply love the compression suit. I keep on using my Nike Pro top vest which shapes my body while providing the cooling/warming effect whenever i require. Flashy shoes simply makes it more distinctive and personal. Tops and shorts wise, i try to dish in something colourful at times. I mean, the girls have the upper hand at this.

I did attempt the fasitinista, given 1/2 an hour to pick out the best look that i pull off, i tried my best not to neutralize my colours. The result:

Frankly, picking out these apparels felt truly liberating. Lionnel commented that the choices  were loud enough for the Fastinista. Oh yeah, i’ll be shashaying my goodies in the park soon enough!!

In a Nutshell

All in all, the workshop showed me the little things i should look out for. Like use of stripes for the lengthening effect. Layering to give that casual chic look going. Its all about the right mix, switching between colours. This means we don’t have to splurge much to get noticed. Still, as long as the intimacy of the body, mind and the road is not compromised , i’m willing to sashay and say i’m a Fastinista!

Style Guru Lionnel Lim with Power98 DJs, Emily Teng, Jamie Yeo & JK

P.S, photos courtesy of Nike and partners.

Run Minimal, Run Zero: Trail Running With Anton Krupicka

29th March 2012 - New Balance’s Ultra Runner, Anton Krupicka, dropped by MacRitchie Reservoir late in the afternoon to lead a group of trail running and running enthusiasts for a short 6km run. Seeing a few familiar faces around, i was so happy and psyched up to run the trail with the “Jesus Runner” as one of my friend calls him. Tall, long blonde hair and sporting a hobo beard, he gives out that “Badass Nature Runner” vibe. True story.

Krupicka signing autographs for excited fans

Fun Run With Krupicka @ MacRitchie Reservoir

Post-Run Cam whoring session. Hahaha!

Anyways, the gear i used during the run was the latest range of minimalist shoe by New Balance – The NB Minimus Zero. Thank you New Balance! A really light weight trail running shoe with minimal support and cushioning. Nonetheless, it is very comfortable to run in them. I did not get any blisters during the sockless 6km run.

With a unique sole which would remind you of those plastic bubble wraps, the grip and the traction when running on muddy, soft soil and rather wet trail grounds was superb. I did not have to be too concerned about slipping or falling as i ran through the trail route. It was also very flexible and that gives the feet more room to play and feel when it hits the ground running.

The only downside to it is that on the trail route which was peppered with really sharp rocks, the minimalist Vibram-technology sole did little to protect my feet. You could feel the sharp rocks kinda pressing hard against your sole. And just like what one of the fellow runners said - “A free foot massage”. But of course, running in a minimalist shoe, one has to be prepared of such circumstances.

Like its predecessor, the NB Minimus Trail, this shoe really worked for me during the trail run. I still love the NB Minimus Trail though for its slightly thicker and sturdier feel. But would definitely start using the NB Minimus Zero for my trail runs in Bukit Timah Hill now. Heh.

Till then, run strong, run fast, run zero. Oooh thats deep.

The new Minimus Zero shoes

P.S, You can check out the NB Minimus Zero at all New Balance outlets or leading sports shops

P.P.S, some of the pics are courtesy of New Balance.

EVENT: Strongman Challenge 2012 – Strength in Pictures

Saturday, 24th March 2012 - Strongman Challenge 2012 finals kicked off to a great success with Jen Li Sheng & Sophia Ong Hwee Szee being crowned as Singapore’s Strongest Man and Woman 2012 respectively. Over 2000 spectators and supporters turned up for the event held at Toa Payoh HDB Hub, the same venue where it was held last year. This year’s event sported some new segments and of course, the Strongest Woman Challenge too, first of its kind here in Singapore.

From pulling a Mazda car to lifting 300kg metal barrels to even flipping a 350kg tyre six times, these finalist are indeed champions already. You think that carrying those groceries for your mum is heavy, now i guess you got no excuse for that. Anyways here are some of the spectacular highlights by the finalists:

Wani pulling the Mazda CX-7.

Sulaiman with the 120kg logs each.

Sophia Ong with the 2 x 50kg logs.

Pulling the Red Rhino + Police vehicle. Total weight: 6 tonnes

350kg tyre. He's gonna "eat" it, right.

Hayati from Alphafit lifting the 150kg tyre. Check her out at http://www.alphafit.sg/

The Yoke Walk. 300kg of metal. Unlimited amount of strength and determination.

Time to put those 100kg tin cans into the slots.

Team Titans.

The Bodybuilding segment. BEEFCAKE! Just the boys doing their thing.

All smiles and happy faces here at the Strongman Challenge finals!

(All photos are taken by 2 of our photographers of the day Bahk and Ardi)

In other Regional Strongman news, Ahmad Taufiq from Singapore won the “Orang Kuat Sabah” or Sabah’s Strongest Man competition held in, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. He beat 21 other Strongmen to claim the title. The defending champion proved he was the man to beat by leading in Day 1 of the competition. And in Day 2, the champion held his position and pipped Farizus Lakong from Brunei by 1 point to win competition.

Taufiq who trains at SG Titans and The Pit is a well known Strongman in the community. Despite his win and many other personal achievements, the Strongman remains humble and is often seen sharing his knowledge and tips of fitness with the younger, newer guys. Truly, a great sportsman he is. Congratulations Taufiq!!

Ahmad Taufiq - Orang Kuat Sabah Champion! Again!

Check out his post on HUMILTY done sometime back. A very good read: Humility….a prized asset.