Run along Melaka River

http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/508849267

Run long the Melaka River and historical site. Every year I go back to Melaka, there is a new development. Could Melaka be over developed? Only time will tell.

This morning I run by myself and a monitor lizard accompanied me. Further up the river, I found another lizard. 

Because of the new development, some section of the trails along the river was closed, I have to use the road to get around it.

Green Corridor Run - Kranji Road to Kampong Bahru Road

2 years ago, Malaysia finally agree (with conditions) to return to Singapore the land occupied by the railway that runs from woodlands custom to tanjong pagar.

When the land was officially return to Singapore, the railway track was removed , leaving behind 23-26km of trails and several bridges. Some of these bridges remain intact. Along with the trail are undeveloped land, which the nature society of Singapore name it as the Green Corridor. Several other organizations also play their part to create awareness of this green corridor. The most prominent effort was the Green Corridor run.

According to sources, the railway starts operation in Singapore -up to Kranji in 1903, later in 1932, it was extended to downtown Tanjong Pagar where the grand station is located. I count myself lucky to experience a part of Singapore that remain intact for over 100 years.

Today, my buddy and I decided to cover the Green Corridor. Starting from Kranji Road in the north, we headed down south 23km to kampong Bahru road, just about 1km shy of the former Tanjong Pagar mrt.

Before Bukit Timah area, there hardly anyone on the trail. Trails are almost disappearing. The nature society advocate "use it or lose it". I'm glad I play my part to 'use it'.

As planned, we stopped at Rail Mall to get a drink from cold storage. I saw Trailseeker signboard and thought it looks familiar. Later on I realise we accidentally joined the race which was ongoing. Didn't meant to gatecrash but it just happen. Few months ago, I also accidentally joined the ST Run when I run on a Sunday morning on my usual route. I saw a sea of blue and was stocked.

After finishing my H2O, I realize I need to pee. So I exited the green corridor at hindhede Dr n run to my familiar Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. That gave me a chance to fill up my 500ML bottle.

From hindhede Dr heading south, this stretch was really nice. I feel like I was away from civilization just like the trails in macritchie reservoir. There was hardly any sound of cars.

Overall, I would rate this trail (23km)

Difficult- 3/5
Elevation - flat
Ease of access - easy, multiple access. Flexible as you can easily exit the trail to get public transport.
Trail conditions - 90% dry trail on dirt track, 5% muddy/water, 5% gravel.
Most northern access point - kranji road. Near kranji mrt.
Most southern access point - kampong Bahru road, near flyover. 3 buses to Harbourfront mrt.

The Green Corridor connect joggers just like any other Park Connector in sg. For cyclist, due to several bridge were inaccessible, it is not recommended for the trails north of Rail Mail. But unlike most park connector, it's trail we're talking about. So get ready for your shoes and sometimes attire to get muddy.

Lastly, if I have a say on the future of Green Corridor, I want it to remain as it is. Not everything has to be trimmed n proper. No need to designate lanes for jogger n cyclists, just exercise common sense, don't hog the trails, be courteous n give way to others. I have faith in the maturity and sensitivity of fellow Green Corridor user ( joggers, cyclist, commuters, bird watcher n etc)

Visit the Green Corridors website for more info, including detail maps.

http://www.thegreencorridor.org

Or take part in the Green Corridor Run held on 18 May 2014

http://www.greencorridorrun.com.sg

Trail Running Season

The season for trekking is over. The season for trail running is in. My buddy has sign up for the Kinabalu Climbathon. I couldn't join him for the event but I can join him for training. So from now till end of Oct , we'll be running the trails of Mac res, Bukit Timah, Gangsa, Track 15, Woodcutters' Trail. And maybe Asmara.  

Macritchie to Bukit Timah loop

Macritchie to Bukit Timah loop by jason_ong at Garmin Connect - Details

Running with a buddy pushes you more than running alone. One of my fav trail run in Singapore.

I am a punggolian

I am a Pungolian

Unlike most Singaporean, I believe that one should move out from their parents place as soon as they are capable to live on their own. As a person, I need my own space. Somehow, it's hard to have my own space living in my parents house.

I like Punggol mostly because I like new town. Now my life revolves around Punggol Plaza, church, neighbour coffeeshop. I also expanded my hang out areas to Seng Kang Rivervale Mall. I enjoy hanging out with my new neighbours in Punggol and that includes my oldest sister, my youngest sister and my buddy Jason and Fang. I also make new friends.

The best thing about Punggol is the running track. All in all, there's about 21 km of running trails and I am not talking about sideways. I'm talking about riverside jogging tracks. Especially the dirt track facing Coney island. Like macritchie reservoir, it's surrounded by trees and water and very few park user. It's at places like this that I find peace and I find it easier to connect with God.

My jogging buddy - Roger and Jason
My prayer buddy - Gary

I met Jerry

Remember my past entry about meeting another "Jerry" out there? I think I met another Jerry today at Bukit Timah nature reserve.

I was with my cousin brother doing a leisure hike at Bukit Timah. At the Diary Farm Loop, I saw this guy wearing a scandals with strings on it. Out of curiosity, I ask him if it's comfortable. He said he learn to create his own scandals by learning from youtube videos. It has something to do with barefoot running concept.

Turns out he likes running too. Since he mentioned about barefoot running/walking. I ask him about his running shoes. He is also wearing the same New Balance Minimus zero drop series like I do. I told him how I'm new to barefoot running and how I am enjoying it.

We talk about running at MacRitchie Reservoir and the central catchment area. We both love running on trails. I also share with him the "secret" of trail running at night. Yes, it is possible to run at Mac Res after sunset. I told him about the glowing mushroom. It's true that running in the dark, you have to exercise more caution since it involves alot of guess work on your footwork. There is a certain technique with I call it Trip Preventive Stride (TPS, some would think of Toa Pui Sai). It's as simple as lifting your feet a little higher than you normally would so that you don't trip on uneven ground. Big word for a very simple technique.

Oh, I forget to mention to him firefly too. And snakes!!!

I actually want to initiate to run with him but I didn't. I hope I get to meet him again and next time, I will set a time to run with him. Chris, if you are reading this please drop me a message!

Run of the Year 2012 - Punggol

Yes, this year Run of the Year is at a different location at Punggol. This is a new park, in fact some section of the park are actually not officially open yet. I had good run with my buddies. Really regard for not taking a photo just like last year.

Tampines Stadium to Bedok Reservior

I've been going to place for my run. Realising that I have 1 hour of free time, I head down to Tampines Stadium.

Bedok Reservior is 10mins run away. I try to run the path initiately until I come to a part where I was force to join the gravel track.

When I complete 1 run round, I realise I have a bit of time, so I continued on for the 2nd round. Half way thru the 2nd round, I think I've under estimated the distance. I will be running longer than 1 hour and will be late for my next appointment.

I like to overtake ppl. I was over taking this 2 uncles, but shortly after that, I heard footsteps closing in. Can't be the uncle, I thought.Soon this shirtless beefcake overtook me. The gym like of guys with broad shoulder, big bicep and huge calf, maybe 1.5 times my calf. I was not happy.

How can this gym fellow run faster than me. I secretly step up my pace, all this while thinking he might stop anytime. I think he could sense that I'm challenging him. I think the Bedok residence are watching this 2 shirtless runners racing.

10mins later, I tot he slow down, I kept my pace and overtook him. DING DING DING. 1 point for the regular runner and 0 point for the beefcake. This is my playground,I tot to myself.

Aljunied

Admiralty MRT to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve Visitor centre

Once in awhile, I like to do route that is unfamiliar. It's fun to get lost sometimes, but mostly I do my familiar route.

Today is one of those day that I decided to do a longer run. I wanted to use the word "long" but I realise distance it is relative. My usual run is 1 hours so anything more that 1.5hours is longer run. Below 1 hour is shorter run. More than 2 hours is very long run. 10hours run is insanely long run. I've haven't try it yet, I don't see why I should do it.

So I start from home which is near Admiralty MRT. My route goes like this: Run to SLE Woodlands Ave 12 exit, enter Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, make a RIGHT turn upon reaching Mandai Road to the junction of Mandai Lake Road, turn into Track 15 Park Connector, continue on the undulating trails of Gangsa Bike Trail and follow by Chestnut Bike Trail, after getting on Chestnut dr (tar road, turn right) for 5 mins, turn back to Zhenghua Park Connector, once I get on Belukar Bike Trail, I have the option to follow the bike trail heading south. But I make a right turn into Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR). At BTNR, I took Dairy Farm, Rengas, follow by the tar road down to the Visitor Centre.

Time to get to BTNR by...
Car- 25mins
Public transport-50mins
On foot- 1 hours 45mins

I was pretty tired by the time I hit Bekular trail. Good that I brought along drinking water. There is no water point thruout this route, I would be thirsty by now.

Inside BTNR, I was walking briskly 40% of the time, the rest jog. It was hilly all the time. I met a couple of trekkers. But prior to BTNR, I didn't meet a single jogger or cyclist. Well, it was a weekday noon, who am I expecting?

Overall, it was great route. With some planning, I can make this from a 15km run into 20km. Note that the mapped route is approximate, it is shorter that exact route I run. And if I decided to do a loop, it could easily add up to a full marathon distance. So why do ppl sign up marathon when I can do it anytime. Maybe they like the ideal of waking up at 3am to get to race starting point, and the water station, banana, power gel and finisher T-shirt at the end of the race. By the way, they already pay for all these. And best of all, you have the same top with 60,000 other ppl. How exclusive is that? Hmmm, Singaporean really love to follow the crowd.
 

Clementi Sports Hall to Pandan Reservoir

Starting a run from a sports hall or stadium is great. There are locker to safekeep your stuff and when you're back from the run, there are usually shower facilities.Clementi Sports hall is just 10 mins walk from MRT.

It was windy at the reservoir, occasionally rains. The sidewalk on West Coast Road is quiet, so quiet that it's unlike Singapore. Probably good for those who loves a quiet neighbourhood.

Paddle Lodge at the reservoir also has shower facilities. You can probably rent kayak too, I think they are operational.

Serangoon Reservoir Run

This is the newest place to check out for runners. I know for most people, it wouldn't even cross your mind to travel to Punggol, not to mention going there just for a run.

This newest reservior is the 16th and 17th reservior in Singapore. It is created by building a barrage across the river mouth near the Straits of Johor. Punggol River is not far from it. If you look at the map, you'll find that Punggol new town is flank by Punggol Reservoir in the west, Straits of Johor in the north and Serangoon Reservoir in the east. This must be the town with the most access to the waterfront. Can you think of any other town in Singapore that is like Punggol?

I am not done talking about waterfront access. There is a new river cutting across Punggol from east to west. Construction is undergoing at this point of time.

With regards to the run. I love running besides the water. After crossing the pedestrain bridge, it's Lorong Halus wetland. I continue run north and reach in barrage in 10 mins. The barrage is accessible by road. I saw many people with their fishing rod. I like the fact that if I continue running on the coast, I'll reach Pasir Ris park in less than 15 mins. How cool is that!!!

One more reason why I love running. You explore new places.

11km 01/01/11 Run of the Year

 
My beloved running mates. This is our yearly traditional run. Start of the year on a healthy note.

11km 01/01/11 Run of the Year, originally uploaded by Jerry Tok.

Mandai to Chestnut Dr and back.

My new playground at Central Catchment area. Instead of starting the run from home, I drove to the zoo. I wanted to explore as deep as my legs can bring me. I was hoping that I can find the way to Chestnut Dr bike trail.

I spend less than 5 mins running on Mandai Lake Road before turning to the Park Connector off Track 15. I find myself penetrating into the forest and away from the road and civilisation.

There were a few junction. I am not sure of my way, so I try to stay on the wider road. I usually take a left turn at junction. So far my guess has been correct.

At a particular stretch on Gangsa, I spotted a lot of monkeys. Many of them were making strange sound. I thought they were trying to scare me off. I wish I had a rifle to kill them all. I hate monkeys. Maybe some chinese restaurant should start serving monkey meat. I don't mind monkey extinction in Singapore. What a pest!

About 40mins later, I started to feel a little tired. And I have to make my way back by the same way. I was still hoping I can get to Chestnut Dr, which I did. And then I turn back.

Thruout the run, I did not meet a single person. No jogger nor cyclist. I'll come back for more trail running.

New running route- Mandai Track 15

You know, recently I caught myself say, "Wah, woodlands is really quite far from everywhere."

Yesterday when I took the train from city hall to Boonlay, it is 4mins faster to get to BL then to get home. I always thought Jurong is the furthest place from everywhere, now I know I was wrong.
 
When I say everywhere, it's really subjective. It's far from Orchard, Marina, East Coast Park, Pasir Ris. But it's pretty near from JB custom, Yishun Safra, Punggol. And recently, the new park connector brought me nearer to Mandai Road, Singapore Zoo, Track 15 and the infamous Asmara trail.

Today was my 2nd time running Track 15, it was dark and I was pushing it. I told myself I'll turn around at the next bend. But when the next bend comes, I told myself "one more". But I did turn back when I hit the road, I was trying to make up my location. The map provide some clue, I think I was at KJE-BKE interchange.

On my way back, around 300m to the start of Track 15, I was surprise to see lights coming from behind me. Then 2 cyclist rode past me. I stopped to chat with them at the traffic junction where they were taking a breather.

We talked. They were amazed that I could run in the dark. I was admiring them for cycling at night with torch light. They is a mutual respect for one another for doing what we like, despite the darkness, despite the constant struggle to find time for hobby. There is a sense of camaraderie for being fellow trail user of Track 15. I wish I had my phone with me so that we can exchange contact.

For those interested, the trailhead for Track 15 is at the traffic junction of Mandai Road and Mandai Lake Road, the latter leads to the Zoo and the night Safari.

Hi Anthony and John, if you are reading this, drop me a mail. Maybe I should take up trail cycling and cycle with you guys, now that a trail is just 10 mins from my house.

New park connector- Home to Mandai Road

Thanks to Nparks and their plans to connect almost the whole of Singapore by park connector. Now with the new park connector, I can get to the entrance of the Zoo and say HI to Ah Meng. Approximate distance is 7km.

I was there on a sat evening at 7pm. Crowds were pouring in to the Singapore Night Safari. Also, a lot of cars are parked illegilly on the roadside outside the Mandai Orchid Garden, just 500m from the zoo entrance. I shall check out this place, there must be something nice there. Just some fun facts, do you know that the Night Safari is bigger than the zoo?

Oh, construction of River Safari has started. Open in 2012.

The entrance to the new park connector is directly under the exit of Woodlands Ave 12 of SLE. Look out for the small signboard that points to Lower Seletar Reservoir. A new traffic light has been newly installed for the purpose of pedestrian crossing. For those who drive, you may park your car at Woodlands Dr 19, not far from the entrance to Christ Church Secondary. You'll find kite-flyers at the big grass patch.

Note that the mapped route is approximate.

Western Adventure PCN

Zach and I had a walk at the new Western Adventure PCN (Park Connector). We only did a portion of it. I'll try out the whole route one of these days.

My beloved jogging kaki

I was browsing thru my flickr album and saw this photo. I had so much fond memories of jogging together with them. This photo was taken in Nov 2008.

I love this photo for all the beautiful people in there. I love the colours, the facial expression and the pose. Maybe we should all sign up for stan chart marathon so that we can make effort to come together to run again.

Last Sat at Macritchie, it was just me, Anna and David. Sob sob.

Road trip to Ipoh

I think I know the reason why Jason doesn't want to take up the Red passport. I got it figured out after making a trip up north to his hometown in Ipoh.

I waited for their arrival. The arrangement was for the 4 of them to rent a car from JB, pick me up from Melaka, then head up north to Ipoh. Once they got here, I became the driver for the next 2-3hours.

First thing when I got into the car is to find the line-in jack so that I can play my songs from my phone. But there is none though an option to play cassette is available. I wonder if anyone of us still have cassette at home? I throw all of them away. They get moldy after awhile.

At 230am, I started to feel abit hungry. And so I turn out to a rest stop. It was so packed. I didn't know that so many ppl like to drive at night. Since it was so crowded, I grab a hotdog and go. Jason took over the wheels. I fall asleep until Jason turn out from the NS highway. Slept at 0400hrs.

Now that it's daytime, I notice that Ipoh is surrounded by hills and I love it. I think they are mostly limestone. Mornings were filled with birds chirping instead of cars on the road and MRT running on tracks. Adjacent to us is a church, you can hear the band singing on Sunday starting as early at 0800hrs all the way till noon.

Jason brought us to the old town. We popped in a regular coffee shop. I was surprise by the food. It's so tasty!! I like the Ipoh Chee Cheong Fun, reminds me of hor fun in sweet sauce. Both the fried and normal version of Popiah are delicious too. I also order a bowl of Shredded Chicken Hor Fun.

Jason drove us around Ipoh. We saw the nice railway station and went to take a look. Direct train to Singapore takes 16hours. Not sure if that's a good option, considering driving takes 7hrs non stop driving. Of course it sounds insane to drive non-stop. So factor in 1-2hrs for pee break and meals. You'll love the train station.

We went to Jason's primary and secondary school and we found out he's from ACS. A true blue ACS boys who hardly speaks mandarin. I know of at least 2 ACS boys who are Jiak Kentang one (eat potatoes).

Indulgence is another restaurant you wouldn't want to miss. Nice ambiance but slightly steep in price. But if you are someone who loves afternoon tea and splurge on expensive Tirumisu and brownie. This is where you can escape the afternoon heat and while the hours away.

We made a trip to Jusco to check out the movies. It was so crowded on Sat. After Jason let us alight at the main door, he spend the next 10mins circling ground floor carpark. Eventually he drove up to the rooftop level where lots are available. Unfortunately, there is nothing that we want to watch. Alice in Wonderland is full house. Hot Summer Days is showing at 9pm and too rush for us. From Paris With Love is too late at 1120pm.

When the car exits the building, we went down on a ramp that goes direct to ground floor. I like the view from there, can see all the limestone hills surrounding the town.

I wanted to go for a jog. So Jason and I jogged to the Polo. It's a nice park. A lot of locals are jogging too. Kids are playing at the playground. We try out a nice route thru the cemetary. It turns out to be a short trail before turning out to the park again.

3 weeks ago, I got a new touch screen phone that comes with GPS function. Besides navigating, I realise I can use it for a lagi more noble function; I can store the location of all the nice food. And so I did. Jason's parent brought us to a Chinese restaurant adjacent to Tesco. It's called 1919. I like everything, especially the Thai sauce fish. And the fried sotong with mayonnaise (or is it some other sauce).

More driving around after dinner. Jason's parents and sisters went back home, I can see why. There is not more to do anyway, yes, there are some pubs. I wanted to go Karaoke but the rest are not interested. Then I suggested foot reflexology but Fang wouldn't dare to. After awhile, I resign. I think it's better to head home for DVD.

Morning breakfast at the Ipoh-famous Foh San was delightful. I was told that it's going to be crowded. We have to wait for a table. We spread out to find, in less than 5mins we got a prime table that is 2m away from the self-service counter.

We left at noon. After thanking Jason's parents for having us here. I was quite eager to get on the highway. Maybe the weekly drive from Melaka to Singapore has developed in me a new love for highway driving. Trust me, parts of the NS highway is gorgeous. Oh, did I update you on the new gadget I found in the car, it has CD player!!! I loaded my Jacky Chung new Jazz album before I drive off.

We did not stop over at Tapah for Wanton Mee, nor did we drive to old town for the Nga Chio Gai (Bean Sprout Chicken). By 3pm, our dim sum has already been digested. FJ was craving for KFC, me sort of also. So Jason help me to navigate, we almost turn out to Putrajaya to find our KFC and to show them Malaysia's Administrative capital. I don't think many people have been here before. I like Putrajaya for the many bridges. Crossing bridges is fun. I also like the place for the lack of people. It's really quiet here. You'll wonder where are the people from the government's office. Even the mall Alamanda is quiet.

After a few failed attempts, we decided to stop at the next available rest stop. Seremban came along, to our surprise, there is a KFC!!! I have 1 piece chicken only. Need to save some space for dinner at Melaka.

We had Peranakan dinner at downtown. Then I drove myself back to MFA. Jason took over the wheels from MFA and headed south to return the rental car before heading home in Singapore.

Ipoh is a nice place. I would like to visit Ipoh again and explore the town. Around Ipoh has some trails which I'll like to explore and to discovery new running routes.

Run around Ipoh

I was in Ipoh for the weekend and stay at my buddy place. We went for a nice run. It was refreshing.