Run to Expo

Overslept this morning. By the time I woke up, after disabling my phone alarm twice, it was already 7:15am. Was struggling on whether to get out for the run as it might get too hot, was still two minds about it while I wash up. Should I just rest today and run tomorrow instead ?

Finally decided to just heck it, and head out for a run. Just do what I can today. "At most cut short the run and continue tomorrow" I thought.

Today's route : to Frankel Ave. Yes, I wanted to run to somewhere new, and to check out Frankel Ave. Not knowing how to get there, I asked Teelee for help. The cool dude promptly sent me the map to get there. Thanks Teelee ! I managed to print out the map last nite before leaving the office, not decided whether to try out the route today.

With map in hand, I started my run at 10 mins to 8. The weather is still cooling, thanks to the shower last evening that I think continued to the wee hours of this morning. I walked to the main road and just started my run when I saw this big pack of cyclists riding past. With my music on, I thought I heard someone amidst the pack of cyclists shouted "KJ!". I turned around and thought I caught a glimpse of Cokie. Wow! He sure has fantastic eyesight! Too bad I wasn't expecting to see anyone and guessed was too stoned to react. Didn't manage to wave nor acknowledge him before he whizzed past me. :P

I enjoy exploring new routes. I attribute this to my need for new experiences, and one who dislike routine. Hence I always have to find new routes to run, just so that I will be motivated to put on my running gear to head out for a run. But then, this could also mean that I'm not motivated nor disciplined, and need external factors (like new routes, new gear) to keep me going. Unlike some others who can train on the same terrain, same route week after week. These are people who I think are very disciplined, motivated and focused. Aw well, everyone is built differently I guess *shrug*

Anyway, the route was easy enough even for a DR like me. One problem I found in running a new route is also that I couldn't maintain a constant pace. I would be too pre-occupied trying to be sure I know where I was going, absorbing the new sights and carrying on, that I noticed a very irregular pace. My pace was all wrong and I was panting too soon into the run. I kept checking my watch and realised I was not even 20 mins into the run but I felt beat.

The route wasn't pleasant. Basically pounding the pavement, with lots of disruptions waiting at the traffic lights, and also breathing in the carbon monoxide from the rather heavy traffic. I reached Frankel Ave 1hr 20 mins into the run. It was a very very slow run and I was quite disappointed that I took so long for a less than 10km run.

With frequent walk breaks, more frequent that usual, and irregular run/walk sequences, I managed to cover 16km in 2 hours. I wonder how I'm going to handle even half marathon in this condition. Darn. The route I took today .. My worries about the hot weather was unfounded coz it was a very cool morning today. The sun wasn't out and it didn't feel hot at all. I'm blessed.

I walked to cool down and found this newly built (it looks new to me) park connector in the middle of this quiet residential area (of terrace houses) that opened up to Simei MRT.

I did my stretching before finding a place to refuel before heading home.