Men's Health - HPB Healthy Coffee Shop Run

In this instalment of the Men's Health Run, the runners took their shoes to Bukit Gombak as they take their leisure run down the park connectors and the muddy paths along the monsoon canal before heading back to the train station for a cool down. Total distance to conquer this run – 8km.

Before we venture into the monsoon canal

Men’s Health Run, conducted monthly aims to promote healthy lifestyle. Catered for everyone and anyone, the organizer brings you to the different routes across Singapore. Don’t worry about your pace as there will be a couple of pit stops along the route, meaning you can go at your own pace. The distances covered is normally enough to let you break out a sweat but not overbearing. Great for novice runner who can pick up a tip or two from the organizer and good for season runners who wants to break out from your normal training routine for a day.

The entire running route

The route this month stretches from Bukit Gombak MRT station to the CCK bicycle track and park connector and along the route, we spotted quite a number of runners and bikers. It wasn’t entirely scenic but it beats running round the track in loops.

At the cross junction

Running along the park connector, we eventually cut into the path beside the monsoon canal and it’s at this period, army memories starts recollecting. The greenery along the path was breathtaking and nostalgic but beware the path as the path collects moisture and certain area is algae infested. It is not recommended to try this path during rainy period and definitely not recommended to run at night, alone as there is a cross junction halfway through the canal where it leads to unexplored territory. Packs of strays were rumoured to be spotted so you have been warned.

Coming out of the path, the route leads back to Bukit Gombak MRT station and if you were to try this route during the weekends, you can catch a glimpse of the weekend warriors sweating their hearts out in the field of Dunearn Secondary School.

And 8km conquered!

The 8km can be easily conquered in an hour plus inclusive of the pitstops. We finished the run after our cooldown with a lucky draw. And if you are wondering until now why this run is named ‘HPB Healthy Coffee Shop Run’, we went for our dinner at the Health Promotion Board (HPB)-approved hawker. We wanted to check out if the healthier food served at the coffee shop would taste, cost or actually worth the hype that was created.

The cost of the food served was reasonable and the taste wasn’t much off. The food served had their calories counted and even the economic rice served was brown rice. Apparently they were using healthier oil, less salt and reasonable portion. However, what really baffled me was only to see botak jones there. It seems not the whole coffee shop was HPB approved.

Join us on the next run next Saturday, 21st April!

Read More...

Men's Health - Go Green! Hort Park Run

Men's Health Runners conquered Bukit Brown Cemetery on 9th July 2011 morning and East Coast Park on 6th August 2011 and organized their third run at Hort Park. I was tempted to turn up for their first run but the thought of running in a cemetery gives me the creep (even in broad daylight!) and I had stuff to handle on the second run firms up my decision to give it a miss.

I did not give the Hort Park route a miss since I haven't been there to run before and not even the morning rain could deter me from appearing for their third run. We gathered on 17 September 2011 (Saturday), a chilling evening at Hort Park Visitor Services Center and runners were encouraged to appear in green to complement the nature. There were seven passes to the Swissotel The Stamford -Vertical Marathon 2011 to be won but not a very appealing prize for me since I cannot imagine how jelly my legs will feel after 73 storeys. 

Men's Health conducting the stretching and warm up with the runners.

All Set To Go!!!

I was actually pretty glad that I could drag Sylvia out for a run and it came as a bonus when Waycherng and Tanny could come along as well. 20 runners showed up, mostly in green and the organizer, Leonard and his team conducted some stretching before leading us for the run.

Elevated Walkway

Henderson Waves

The View of Elevated Walkway from the top

The 6km route we were supposed to conquer that afternoon stretches from Alexandra Arch, Elevated Walkway, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Henderson Waves, and Mount Faber Park and eventually same route back. There were plenty of up-slopes during the run, which was actually good training for the pass winners who will be taking part in the Swissotel The Stamford -Vertical Marathon 2011.

The first three to reach the top of Mount Faber Park

Finally! We made it to the top!

And everyone made it! Cheers to a great turnout and fun run!

Leonard and his team made several pit-stops for us to catch up to and made the strenuous run an easy one to complete. It was actually a very scenic route to run although the see-through flooring at the Elevated Walkway proves to be challenging for those with height phobia. The views from Henderson Waves were breathtaking as well. Up at Mount Faber Park, we were actually given option if we were to conquer  and though majority of the runners were hesitant, we went up anyway.

Cherng won himself an entry to Swissotel The Stamford -Vertical Marathon 2011!!!

The chosen ones to conquer the 73 storeys

We ended our run at Hort Park, Visitor Services Centre where we did our cooling down and lucky draw for the Swissotel The Stamford -Vertical Marathon 2011. There were water coolers around and toilets for changing as well. I would recommend runners to give this route a try if you haven't been here before and I thank Men's Health for a job well done in organizing such a great and fun run with all the fit runners around. It was truly enjoyable and I look forward to the next run. :)

Click Here to see the rest of the pictures taken during the run by Men's Health Team.

While if you want more information on the route, Click Here.

Read More...