Sunday, July 24, 2011

Explorative running: from Pasir Ris to Upper Peirce Reservoir

Heard from the forum that famous http://runningsucks.blogspot.com/2007/04/pierce-reservoir.html. It is not far away from my planned running route from Pasir Ris to Yishun. So I cut from scenic Yio Chu Kang Rd to it this Saturday.

The route is linked up with Pasir Ris Park Connector, Serangoon Park Connector, Buankok Park connector and YioChu Kang Road. At then end run through Old Upper Thompson Road to Uppaer Peirce Reservoir Park. The route is running through iconic Lorong Halus Wet Land, along Serangoon River to Pungol Park, then through Buankok Green to scenic Yio Chu Kang Road (YCK Rd), full of tree shed and few traffic lights, especially @ Yio Chu Kang Road (7km long with only 4 stops). It is very promising for leisure running. The only problem is the hilly terrain (Yio Chu Kang Road and Reservoir Park) and very few refreshment points. I found 2 water fountains, one is @ Pugol park (6.5km mark in this route), another is @ Upper Peirce Reservoir car park (19km mark). The other supply points are one convenient store @ beginning of YCK Rd (10km mark), and food center @ Lower Peirce Reservoir car park (16km, the end of YCK Rd). I think it sufficient  for veteran runners.

For endurance training purpose, I started the exploration 2pm this Saturday afternoon, with 900ml plain water supply. I took as little water in the first half to avoid gastric pain. I worked but I found a little bit dehydration (sightly ear pain) in the sun before I reach the tree-shading YCK Rd. It was all better when I directed to the terrain of Peirce Reservoir. More shades and it was just like running in a  big air con room. But soon I was shocking to see the two dreadful consecutive slopes after park gate. It was a nightmare when I had to turn back. No wonder few runner being spotted along the route. The monkeys were also annoying as McRichie ones. I was attacked by a mini one who was also attacking a cycling boy before me. When I finally reached the famous "Air Con road", it was not so impressive as I imagine, but I do felt a fresh breeze when I stepped in. It was quiet and to my surprise, the roa condition is good enough for barefoot run.


Lorang Halus Wet Land

Serangoon bridge (over Serangoon River @ Lorong Halus, linking Pasir Ris with Pungol)

Pungol Promenade (Along Serangoon River, ~1km long board walk)

Serangoon River (Reservoir)

Serangoon Park Connector

Pungol Park

Upper Peirce Reservoir Park gate (opens 6:00am~7:30pm daily)

Monkeys @ Upper Peirce Reservoir Park (beware monkey attack, do not feeding and teasing)

Two big slopes after Upper Peirce Reservoir Park gate (very demoralizing)

The damn dividing Upper and Lower Peirce Reservoir

Upper Peirce Reservoir

Lower Peirce Reservoir

Famous "Air Con road"