A bit of history & running grassroots

From http://www.greencorridorrun.com.sg

Tomorrow morning Simon and I are running the Green Corridor 10.5k. I'm excited about this race not for the run (it's been raining a lot recently so I think the Green Corridor is going to be the Green Swamp) but for what it represents. 

Singapore has a few lovely open spaces - the government do a really good job of keeping Singapore feeling pretty green - but ultimately, this is a city state and open space is at a premium. Sky scrapers and condos rule and the newer the better in many cases. 

The Green Corridor run brings together greenery and history in a unique race that started just last year. The course follows the old railway line that used to connect Singapore and Malaysia. This line was the beginning of the Oriental Express that took travellers into the heart of Asia.  As the line has been out of use for many years now, the area surrounding it has become an incredible green space that's both historically and ecologically significant. 

From http://www.greencorridorrun.com.sg/

What's amazing though, is that although the Green Corridor cuts right through the centre of the island, very few people know much about the corridor or have been to see it. 

In a country with the 3rd highest population density in the world, the fact that this place exists and is so untamed is just brilliant. 

One reason may be, that although the railway line is in Singapore it was owned by the Malaysian government until recently, so redevelopment was unlikely. 

Since it came back into Singaporean ownership, the Nature Society has campaigned successfully to save the corridor from redevelopment. For how long though, I'm not sure. I think it's really important that runners take part in these sorts of local races as they play an important role in keeping green spaces alive and protected. They also play a vital role in keeping the heart in the running community. Yes, I know it can be fun to be part of a major sponsored race with the amazing free gifts and live music, but it's the grassroots events that get me excited. 

I've tried to run the trail a few times on my own but, entering from the Tanjong Pagar end, seems quite difficult as a lot of it's fenced off - last time I tried I spent 45 minutes running in circles trying to find the entrance. Apparently getting in via Bukit Timah is easier but I've not had a chance to do that yet.

I'm looking forward to finding my way in tomorrow as I think this could well become a favourite trail for the future. The race route may only be 10.5k but from what I understand, the total trail is quite a bit longer. 50k training, here I come.

Ecological significance aside, tomorrow is my first race in absolutely ages, and it'll be brilliant to get that out of the way. It's also the Sydney Running Festival tomorrow and my friend Alex will be doing the half-marathon, so good luck Alex! 

Today's Training
Yin Yoga + 4k easy to loosen up for tomorrow. 

New Kit & Victoria Secrets 'Sexy' sports bra fail.

There will not be a lot of these... I'm not a person that buys a lot of clothes generally. My usual running shorts have been used so much that I often find them hiding in the back of the cupboard trying to retire themselves.  I tried replacing kit a few months ago to no avail. I bought the Brooks Pure Project shorts and, although they look very nice, you can't really run more than 10k in them without having a lot of chaffing. Unfortunately though, you never know this until after you've done a 20k run and come back looking like you've been attacked with a waffle iron. 

So, I was very excited yesterday when this lot arrived. (Cat number 1 was very excited too. He likes to eat sports clothes. Especially trainer laces...Little bugger). 

This is my favourite new 'outfit'. I went for a run wearing this earlier today and it was perfect. The shorts are a great length (4") with a sort of vented panel down the side so perfect for hot weather. The top is the 'Race Day' one and it's made out of a really breathable mesh material.

On the subject of sports clothes though, I read this last week and cracked up. Last year VS launched 'Sexy' sports bras with names like 'The Players' and 'Knockout' that allegedly don't squish your boobs. Apparently women everywhere should have been desperate for these because going to the gym is a 'fashion club now' and when we work out we're on display.  


WTF? This is ridiculous. As Jezebel's Erin Gloria Ryan rightly says, 

'I'm a runner. I run a lot. And you know what my main problem is vis-à-vis my boobs and exercising? Strapping them the fuck down so I can go faster, or lift more, or do whatever I need to do without my pockets of chest fat from getting in the way. I literally do not give half a jiggling fuck about looking sexy. High impact exercise is not the time to look sexy. Jesus Heaving Christ.'

You know what really winds me up though? It's not the sports bra, it's the hair. When during the gym/run process does one's hair look like this? Ludicrous. My guess is that this was designed for women who like posing around in sports gear on a Sunday morning at brunch. You may well be thinking, 'surely such a woman does not exist?' but if you've ever been to Bondi at the weekend you'll know what I mean... 

Getting Started

I don't know about you, but when I read about the achievements of Geoff Roes, Anton Krupicka and Kilian Hornet, I want to move to the mountains and run. Far. Their stories are so inspiring and they make me feel like I could, and want, to be an ultra marathon runner. 

Then I look out the window at the flat lands of Singapore, the ridiculous humidity, my work schedule, my previous race times and everything else I need to do and well... there goes that dream. How could I possibly run the same races as someone who did a sub-4 hour marathon at the age of 12??

I've gone round and round in circles arguing with myself about the pros and cons of training for a 100 mile race for about three years and now I've decided that it's time to do it. 

Ultimately, I want this:

Photo: Bryon Powell, www.irunfar.com

... not that time - I'm more realistic than that - but to cross that same line. To do that, I need to qualify, which means I need to run a 100 mile race, within the time limit. 

I plan to do that by the end of 2015. Over the next 18 months I'm going to work to that goal. So, doubts be damned and in the words of Henry Ford, 'Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right'. 

I think I can. 

I think incredible races are for people like me too. 

Training consistently and racing hard until I get there. I'm sure there'll be a lot of ups and downs a long the way and that I'll learn a thing or two about myself. Ultimately, I love to run. I love finding those meditative moments. I love the pride that comes from finding the strength to pull myself out of low. I love the community and those inspirational figures like Beth from shutupandrun.net that help me to laugh at struggles and celebrate the best bits that running has to offer. 

I hope that you come on this journey with me. The first stop will be the Green Corridor Run in Singapore this Sunday.