Shape Run 2009: Race Report

Second consecutive year, MBH ran the 5 km event at the Shape Run. 8,000 runners, all places taken up within 1.5 days. Hence many of our LG ladies were not able to run this year. But we were glad that D was able to take part.

Being her first competitive run, D was understandably excited and perhaps a little nervous. So MBH ran with her.

For once, I was not there to see the flag off (being in Mandai somewhere), but was able to reach Millenia Walk in time for the return. Met up with Tekko there and chatted some. Also met up and chatted with fellow husbands patiently and lovingly waiting for our spouses.

D and MBH came in about 50 minutes, a decidedly decent time given the large crowd. Our other LG lady PC came in at 1:02 for the 10k run in spite of a stitch! Congratulations to our ladies!



The end point was a little narrow and some congestion built up. The organizers did a good job with water and isotonic drinks lined up right after the runners came in. Long queues for the kit collection. DW had the foresight to get the runners kit tags and collected the kit while the ladies were still out. Nice goodies as usual. Nice bag too.

I kinda like the massage service and the yakult / marigold freebies. And of course, the nike bracelet was nice, handed out by "hunks in bow ties". MBH was impressed, but I wasn't.

I was only impressed with the quotation on the nike box:

"What's amazing isn't that YOU finished. What's amazing is that YOU had the courage to start."

Anyway, we had a nice breakfast at Food Republic and the ladies were basking in their achievement. Nice Sunday morning.

LG Ladies and Shape Run 2008

July 20, 2008

An all-women affair with 10 and 5 km categories, Shape Run is one of three unique events that have drawn a large following in recent years. 8,000 participants signed up within 9 days for this year's race. Perhaps word of mouth has gotten around about the fabulous goodie bag and/or more women are taking up running. What is significant is that 8 ladies in our life group (LG) have signed up this year. With LJ, our veteran lady runner leading the way, our ladies have gamely joined in, trained and showed up on this pleasant morning.

Compared to the Passion Run, the crowd is smaller, but the atmosphere at the Esplanade/Padang on race day is always electric and somewhat intoxicating. Especially when the entire place is filled with a sea of light green (courtesy of Nike), music and the excited chatter of runners and their supporters. We met up outside SRC for the mandatory picture taking. This is the BEFORE picture:




Notice our beautiful ladies (and the beautiful backdrop). Pink bib is for 10k participants, while blue bib is for 5k runners. But one of our ladies was not wearing the correct color bib... well that is another story for another time.

Fast forward to 9 am. Our ladies have safely returned (much to my relief). This is picture AFTER the race:




We (the husbands) all agree that the ladies look (present tense) fabulous. Glowing indeed! Such is the power of exercise (and love)!

Now for the grouses.

Organization could be better. Well, it started from collection day when MBH rushed down from work at 7:30 pm only to find that the collection team had gone off-duty even when other staff were there and the email/sms stated otherwise. [note to interested readers: this grouse went on and on for about 2 hours at our last LG meeting]

Next case in point: long queues for the goodie bag. Can't they bring the goodie bags out to hand them out to the participants who were agonizing under the hot sun? Then there were queue cutters (F, however, is to be pardoned for he did a good deed)!

Next, lack of supporters along the route. Actually, I have to agree with this. I was surprised that there were so few of us husbands/boyfriends at the Padang. I could even get a premium position in front of the finish line!

Next, crowded drink stations. Also no isotonic drinks for the 10 k runners!

I shall stop here in case our ladies get backlisted next year. :) And we don't want that to happen coz we are really really proud of our ladies and how well they ran!

Great job!

PS: Extracted from post by spidergal69:

"There was this very sweet man who's there to support his
wife/girlfriend...he held up a card with the bib number and shouted" if u have
this number, wave at me...or if your number is closed to thuis number, u can
also wave at me"....hahhaha very very sweet man!"

Prelude to the Shape Run 2008

MBH says that I am more excited about the Shape Run than the ladies. This is true. For a variety of reasons.

First, 7 ladies from our LG are taking part, some in the 10 km race and some the 5 km. For a few, this would be the first attempt at a 10 km. Second, the ladies have been training hard for the past months. The Passion Run was the appetizer; the Shape Run will be the first course. Third, I am the unofficial coach! An honour undeserved whatsoever.

On Wed, I emailed to our lady runners some tips from a Runner's World article titled "RACE MISTAKES TO AVOID". I was asked to give some tips on nutritional and hydration for our champion ladies. So I did.

Saturday

Take it relatively easy. Forget about cramping in a 10 k run. If you really have to, jog or walk 3 k. Usually I just laze around.

Hydrate well over the whole day. Water is fine, but isotonic drinks are preferred for those running the 10k.

The night before a race is the time for loading up on carbs, not for attempting to make complicated dishes. Keep it simple and avoid adding fatty elements to your meal like cream or butter. Do not overeat, however, or it may affect your run on Sunday.

Get ready all your baju. Pin your bib on. Get ready all your running clothes, socks and shoes. Don't forget your cap/visor as it may get hot.

Pack your towel and other barang into a bag that your husband won't mind being seen with. :)

Sunday

Wake up early to clear your system.

Eat a light breakfast, but if you are used to no food before a run, then that's ok. Usually I need to eat about one hour before the race for the food to settle. Eat a carbo-rich breakfast such as bread or cereal. Avoid whole meal or wheat based cereal/bread as that would not be readily available for fuel during the race. Drink lots of water.

Usually it is a good idea to head to the ladies once you get to Raffles City. There should be portable toilets at the Esplanade/Padang, but the toilets in RC are cleaner and nicer.

Remember to drink at every water station. Half a cup at least. Slow down and walk if you have to. But do drink.

The other half cup can be discarded into the bin, or over your head if you feel hot. Note: This applies for water only!

Gel is not required for 5k, and usually not for 10k. Isotonic drinks contain carbo and nutrients such as sodium, so they'll suffice.

When crossing the finish line, don't fiddle with your watch or look downcast or exhausted. That'll be when the cameras will be clicking away. Simply smile and raise your arms to celebrate your successful completion!

After crossing the finish line, head to the water station and hydrate. Usually isotonic drinks and water are available. Continue walking for about 10 minutes to cool down. Stretch well after that and continue to drink.

Within the next 60 minutes, eat a good carbo and protein brunch to refuel. You richly deserve the treat. Then you will be as good as new and ready for the next race!

Last but not least, relax and enjoy the experience!