This week's column is the result of my 21km jog/walk two weeks ago. No, it wasn't that I was not fit enough to run the full distance at the Army Half Marathon. It was the huge crowd of 25,000 that led to the slow pace.
Being a fitness advocate, I normally applaud more entries at such events. However, when the numbers get too big for even casual runners like me to maintain an even gait, then it borders on the law of diminishing returns.
To try and sort out this human traffic snarl, I asked Singapore's top woman marathoner Vivian Tang (Photo 1) for some suggestions. Sure, the 37-year-old remisier who started running marathons in 1994 - she has completed more than 20, with her best time being 2hr 58min 43sec in the Berlin Marathon 2006 - doesn't face this problem as she's normally far ahead of the pack.
Still, she does understand what it's like to be stuck behind a mass of slower runners, to zig-zag your way past a group of 'runners' who stroll along four abreast as though they're window-shopping in Orchard Road and, worse, run into someone when he suddenly decides to stop.
That said, do keep running. Such events keep Singaporeans' fitness levels up. Here are four of the latest running shoes to get you started.
NIKE LUNAR TRAINER
ADIDAS SUPERNOVA SEQUENCE
The promo material says it feels like walking on the moon. You know, that bouncy gait made famous by Neil Armstrong back in 1969 when he made history. Well, it may not be that bouncy but these shoes certainly cosset your feet in comfort. Better still, the Lunarlight foam doesn't just provide great cushioning, it's also responsive enough to make running easier. Vivian Tang, who was the fastest woman at last weekend's nike+ Human Race, says of the shoe: 'It's very light yet gives me enough support and cushioning. I love this shoe.'
$179, from Nike stores at 01-178 VivoCity (tel: 6376-9590) and 02-02 Wheelock Place (tel: 6738-1965); and Sportshop 2000, 01-04 Queensway Shopping Centre (tel: 6479-0408)
Fans of the adidas Supernova Control 10 will take to this new model as it is basically the same shoe with some updated features. After all, adidas claims 'the name has changed but the performance hasn't'. Like the Control 10, this shoe is about providing the perfect running stride. Its technology updates are said to provide the ultimate blend of protection, support and cushioning. It is available in wide fit options for both men and women.
$182, from adidas concept stores at 01-38 VivoCity (tel: 6273-7515), 01-165 Suntec City (tel: 6334-3107) and 02-06 The Cathay (tel: 6887-5632)
NEW BALANCE 1224
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 10
The next step up after the 1223. In addition to the cushioning and shock absorption that New Balance is famous for, this model also comes with a seamless 'phantom' liner that minimises the irritation when it rubs against the foot during your run and provides a better fit. Cocona technology, the result of this brand's experimentation with coconut fibres, goes into the liner, collar and tongue, enhancing cooling (via evaporation of sweat) and odour absorption.
$225, from New Balance concept stores at 01-39 Velocity@Novena Square (tel: 6352-1826), 02-19 Junction 8 (tel: 6356-4680) and B1-79 Raffles City Shopping Centre (tel: 6336-3867)
A popular shoe among the running fraternity, the Gel-Nimbus marks its 10th anniversary with Solyte Midsole Material, which is said to be lighter than regular midsoles but provides improved cushioning and durability. In addition, an asymmetrical lacing system improves the shoe's fit by making it wrap more snugly around the bony structure of the foot.
$243.90, from Asics concept stores at 03-110 Marina Square (tel: 6337-3020) and 04-44A Paragon (tel: 6836-6627)
MARATHON TIPS
Here are some suggestions from Tang and me that will hopefully lead to better running at high-density events such as the Standard Chartered Marathon in December.
Be honest: Most runs have 'corrals' where runners expecting to complete the event in a certain time can assemble. If you take an hour to run 10km, stand in the corral that is marked for one hour and not the one in front that says 45 minutes.
Don't start walking immediately after the start:You will be blocking people who plan to run the entire distance. If you are that unfit, start at the back.
Don't road hog:It's great to run with friends but try to run single file or at least two abreast. This is even more crucial if your group starts to walk.
Don't crowd the water stations:Grab the cup and move on so that other runners can get themselves a drink.
Don't stop dead in your tracks:There are runners close behind so if you are too tired to keep running or if your shoe lace comes undone, slow down and move to the side before you come to an abrupt halt. If not, you're going to get rear-ended.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Sep 5, 2008.
