My Itchy Fingers

Run for a Cause – Jurong Lake Run 2012

Itchyfingers have always been wondering why are all the runs held either in the city area or at the east side of the island, and never one in the west side. So we were quite pleased to know of one finally held in the west. We missed the registration date for last year, and this year, we made sure we join in the fun at the Jurong Lake Run! The run was themed “Run for a Cause” in support of several charity organisations. It felt good to be able to do something that we like and do some good deed at the same time. :p

The starting point was conveniently located nearby Jurong East MRT, so we were able to take the train there this time, and leave our homes fairly late…heee…Arriving later meant we would have to be at the further end from the starting point…But apparently some VIPs were even later, so there was quite a delay in starting…

Could we have just been flagged off by whichever VIPs that arrived on time 
rather than being kept waiting? Those VIPs that were late could have been 
asked to flag off the other categories instead…So many thousands runners
using public transport were able to report on time despite the rain, so I failed
to understand why a few VIPs driving in cars cannot do the same. Well, I guess
that’s why they are the VIPs….(PS: A reader pointed out that the VIPs were
early and that the delay was caused by system fault due to the rain. We
were far behind so didn’t hear anything about the faulty system. Apologies
if that was the case!) 

It started raining at 5 plus in the morning, so it was great that the sky
cleared slowly…The rain proved to be a blessing cos we had such cool weather
perfect for running…I didn’t even sweat half as much as I usually would have…

Actually other than those inside the garden, I wasn’t too familiar with the route even though
I live in the west…hahah

But have to say the route was quite nice especially those around the lake and garden. The cool weather was seriously a great bonus, except the few puddles of water here and there.

Running towards the gate…

First time I see a couple holding hands while running…normally you see them 
doing that only towards the finishing line. It was quite nice and sweet for the 
guy to try to encourage and run with the girl, but for narrower path it may not
be a good idea as you may block others who wanted to overtake…

Band performance to boost runners’ morale! Thanks to the volunteers!

Nice view…

I was trying to take a photo of us running up this curvy upslope bridge towards
Chinese Garden when Tisu Boy pointed to the White-Bellied Fish Eagle
flying overhead. We were running together for the first few kilometers as it
was rather crowded especially along those narrow paths. So instinctively
I pointed the camera on the eagle instead even though I didn’t have any SLR
camera with long lens…hahah…Can you see the tiny spot against the white
cloud? That’s our biggest resident Eagle in Singapore… 😀

I was just snapping away without focusing or framing much while running
whenever I saw any nice scenery, so it was kinda surprising by how they turned
out…hahah…Well, maybe that was because I was running like a tortoise…haha 

Finally passed the 9km mark!

Passed the finishing line! I love the weather! Really didn’t sweat that much…

But once past the finishing line, there was a massive jam to the welfare
area for refreshment, finishing medals and t-shirts. This was one huge area
for improvement. It was only now that I started to sweat more… hahah. 

Met up with Tisu Boy who finished earlier but was still stuck behind the 
queue, and took this I-did-it-again photo… 😀

There was a post-run carnival and it was nice to have free ice-cream treat! But the queue was long so Itchyfingers skipped this.

Oh, you can find this ice-cream uncle normally selling along Orchard Road, 
I think outside Ngee Ann City…hahah 

But we saw a second ice-cream stall with a shorter queue and decided to get one for ourselves to fill the hungry stomach…

It was ages since I last eaten ice-cream with bread. Normally I would go
for scoops in a cup cos they are less messy…hahah 

Last picture against Chinese Garden’s landmark before heading back home 

I think Jurong Lake Run is one of the better organised runs, especially commendable since they are only into their second year. The website is informative and clear, with details of fees, routes, tee sizes clearly listed out. I also like it that they showed the medal design. Couldn’t commend on the race expo day cos Itchyfingers were away.

It is the only run that gives out finisher’s tee to 10 and even 6 km runners…

It’s a nice gesture and encouragement especially to newer participants
but I wish the words were smaller and not so loud…hahah…Afterall, as
compared to a full 42.195 km, 10km is really nothing to shout about…hahah.
Really hope to finish one full marathon in the near future soon! Gotta train
harder!

Also see related posts:
> Running Wild