Lessons on Life from Running in Singapore

Back in January 2020 I signed up for the Bintan Half Ironman. After moving to Singapore in 2017, with settling in, exploring and work I hadn’t made time for a lot of fitness activities other than walking and needed a goal to get back on track.?

I started slowly getting back into it with a couple of short runs. Then COVID came. Exercising outdoors was the only way to be outdoors without a mask so I started with short 3km morning runs. These turned to 5km, 10km, 21km … and before I new it I was running 20~30km plus most Sundays. That seemed like my max, but then I finally did my first marathon distance run in December 2019 and 10 marathon distance runs in 2020 including a 50km three reservoir run in under 6 hours (definitely the toughest) and a 62.97km run across Singapore to commemorate National Day 2021. My goal was to run 2021km in 2021 … which I achieved after an intensive catch up in December.

Unfortunately running such long distances (mostly on roads) took it’s toll on my knees … so I decided to take it easy for the first half of 2022 and bought a second hand mountain bike instead. While I don’t enjoy cycling in Singapore (mostly flat roads and traffic lights) as much as Japan (lots of hills and beautiful scenery) - there are a number of trails within easy access to the center so it’s fun to be in nature while getting a work out. It’s also much less tiring than running … even the 168km round the island ride we did.

So what did I learn from running??

Firstly, knowing what motivates you really helps achieve goals. I can’t say I especially like running. I love the exhilaration I feel after a run, but when they alarm goes off as early as 4.30am (the only way to avoid the heat is to start early or run in the rain) sleeping in feels like sooooo much the better option. (I love sleeping). The only way for me to get up is if I have a commitment. Luckily I managed to find other crazy running buddies (thank you Frederic MAURY , Steve Burson , James Midgley , Joachim Jake Layes – DBA , Thorsten Tatzki , Ulric Teo and Jing Zhi Chua ) who were willing to commit to meet up at crazy spots around Singapore at early times. For me this lever works every time and I haven’t missed a running appointment so far. I even helped to set up a running community for EGN Singapore (Executives' Global Network) to give me other opportunities to get out running while meeting new and interesting people.

The second motivator for me was adventure and exploration. I’m not sure I could have motivated myself if I had run the same route every time. So I decided to explore as much of the island as I could and run around the whole island bit by bit. 2.5 years in I’ve covered large parts of Singapore. Getting to know the different neighbourhoods has been fascinating. There are many Park Connectors that are great for running, but also many trails where you feel like you are in complete nature. Now wherever I go in Singapore I have a running memory. There are many beautiful spots to explore.

Most refreshing run: A full marathon in heavy rain, running through shin deep water in parts.?

Scariest moment: Getting chased by stray dogs twice while running in Tuas. (It’s amazing how fast you can sprint even after running 20km when being chased by dogs)

Funniest moment: Getting trapped in a walkway at the side of a factory early on a Sunday morning. (The door was ajar and the route on Google Maps, but the door locked behind us after going through).

Most memorable: Many great memories, but watching the sunrise over Sungei Buloh nature reserve while listing to Here Comes the Sun was spectacular.

The second lesson was discipline, persistence and goal setting. When you set an ambitious goal for a run, there are undoubtedly times where you just want to call it quits, stop for a coffee and catch the bus home. Being able to focus on just taking the next step and stay the Cours does I hope install discipline … although in reality the social pressure of running in a group and the thought of a good iced coffee at the end helps me a lot.?

Running has been good for my health and is also a great way to relax, gain perspective and think about life. I’m not sure I’ll ever again run as much as I did in 2022, but I have signed up for the 21km Salomon Forest Run (trail run) and Singapore Marathon this year, so am starting to train again. The temptation to stay in bed on a Sunday morning is still there … but if I fix in the early morning commitments there’s a little spark that gets me up and out on the trails and I’ve yet to regret?going out for a run or ride.