Penang Bridge International Marathon 2013

I've been wanting to do trail running in the mountains of Vietnam or Indonesia so when my dear sister asked me to sign up for Penang Bridge International Marathon because she already did - I registered for my first marathon overseas.

I read that this is the biggest marathon in Southeast Asia with this year's registered participants numbering more than 45,000! Whew!

I received my race pack (well not really a pack because it only contained my running tee and bib) via courier.

Here's what Tourism Malaysia says about this marathon:

Held annually since 1985, The Penang Bridge International Marathon caters to runners from local and international grounds. The marathon is recognized for its captivating sight of the sunrise as it reveals the panoramic view of the "Pearl of the Orient." Thousands come together to race across The Penang Bridge, the third longest bridge in the world.

Great Eastern Women's Run 2013

I claimed my Great Eastern Women's Run (GEWR) race pack last Sunday and is impressed with how they upped their kit from last year. The Adidas race tee, athlete's guide, race bib, vouchers (yay!) and all the freebies (more yay!) are packed in a messenger bag (last year's was a duffel bag).

GEWR is one of the two female-exclusive runs in Singapore, the Shape Run being the other. This is a very special run for me because it's the very first run I did and I completed it without any training or preparation due to a personal problem last year.

Last year's run was organized well with a lot of cheerers, hydration stops positioned well and the 'staff knew their stuff'. The race carnival was designed to be family-oriented with lots of booths and things to entertain both kids and adults. And yes, a lot of free food for everyone!

Looking forward to this year's run on Sunday!  

Giving Is Social

Join us this Saturday evening as we support our dear friends launch Giving Is Social - a campaign promoting corporate volunteerism, giving and social networking. No experience is required, just an open mind and willing heart to see lives changed.

Know more about the event through Giving is Social and the Facebook event page. Please RSVP here.  

Nike We Run Singapore 2013

Definitely the best race tee (ever!) In Singapore, only Nike runs (She Runs and We Run) print the runner number on the tee, eliminating the sometimes cumbersome race bib.

Well done Nike!

Finisher Tee

Encounter

Encounter is happening tomorrow! Have you signed up?

Encounter is a 2 and a half-day deep encounter with God, encountering not just his presence, but his creative, artistic and musical worshipers who all have the same desire: To create environments where people can encounter God.

Speakers are Wayne Huirua, worship pastor of Equippers Church Auckland and Neli Atiga, worship pastor of Every Nation Central Singapore. Conference host is Larry Matsuwaki, senior pastor of Every Nation Singapore.

I'm volunteering at this event and I'm absolutely certain it will be a conference that will change you in some way or another. As of last night, we have 125 delegates from all over Southeast Asia all coming with expectant hearts!

Read more and sign up at www.encsmusic.com

Urban Fairways

I've bought sandwiches at Urban Fairways but this is the first time I dined at their Capital Tower branch. It describes itself as an inner-city golfing oasis that's consistently ranked in Trip Advisor's 'Top 10' Singapore's attractions and awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2013.

So yes, it's a cafe, a bar, a place where you can play golf (you can book through their website!), and a shop for golf apparel and equipment. It's a unique concept and it's right at the heart of Tanjong Pagar-Raffles business district. 

Urban Fairways is at Ground Floor, #01-07 Capital Tower, 168 Robinson Road (S) 068912

Tel: +65 6327 8045

Ice Skating at the Rink

On a public holiday, I had brunch with new friends and went ice skating (only my second time) at The Rink at JCube. This is the first and only olympic-sized ice rink in the country.

Traumatized by the falls I had weeks ago on my first ice skating attempt, I was more cautious and ended up holding unto the rails the entire time! Haha. I was determined not to hurt myself before my upcoming marathons (eek!)

My new friends were supportive and encouraging in teaching me to skate on my own; bless their hearts! One of them said something that struck me hard - "I guess it's easier to learn when you are young because you have no fears and you don't think about a lot of things." It is true. During my first ice skating experience, I was more bold, free and excited but because of the falls I had, fear and cautiousness crept in. I was so scared of falling again and hurting myself. The result? I did not hurt myself but I didn't improve my skating skills. Pretty much sums up life in general too ;)

There was no problem when I entered and picked up my skates. However, 2 hours later, returning my skates was crazy due to a very long queue and packed lobby. Might be a good idea to avoid public holidays and weekends if you want to skate in a less packed rink :)

The Rink is at 2 Jurong East Central 1, Level 3, JCube (S) 609731

T: +65 6684 2374; +65 6684 2375