Decided to do Macritchie during my weekend runs instead of ECP to take advantage of the dry and cool weather recently. As the Macritchie Reservoir is a trails area, dry weather ensures that I don't have to suffer muddy shoes and socks when ever I run in the forested areas. Mud isn't a good thing as it is acidic and having it on the shoes will inevitably requires washing in soap/water. And washing shoes will cause the foam/cushioning in these shoes to lose its efficacy much faster than if no washing was involved.

Anyway, I struggled to get out of bed on saturday to make this run. The morning was cool and the bright sunshine reminded me of Northern Thailand during the year-end. I reached the reservoir at around 7.45am and decided to do the 11KM route.

The trail leading to Venus Drive/Singapore Island Country Club road was almost deserted except for an occasional jogger/walker. I could feel the coolness from the undergrowth and the constant cool breeze helped to relax my body and I went over the slopes quite easily. Was intending to do a slow pace throughout.

After exiting the forest (4.2KM), I continued along the short stretch of road leading to the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC Island Location) before re-entering the forest trail leading to the Jeluntong Tower. From the Jeluntong Tower to the short stretch of wooden planks boardwalk, there was a short 20metres stretch where a fresh layer of rocks were laid for preventing soil erosion. I had no choice but to walk along this stretch as the rocks were unstable!

After about 35 minutes, I reached the SICC Bukit course. The trail along the SICC Bukit Course was exposed and bathed in bright morning sun! The warmth feels good on my skin as I soaked up sun's energy along this stretch. From here, the trail leads back into the forest with lots of tree roots and tight slopes which made running very difficult. Again had to walk through this stretch for I did not want to risk any injury.

Finally reached the last stretch where the 4.8KM cross country races are run. This stretch was easy as I have been running there many times. Increased my pace towards the end. Almost collided going uphill with a guy who was coming down a slope and running abreast with his friend. I stretched out both my arms to push him away. Why can't these people have some common sense or discipline to run in a single file when the trail is so narrow?!!

Returned to the Macritchie carpark in exactly 60 minutes for about 10+ KM. Considered this a good run for the weekend!

11KM trail - YELLOW route