The female running community in Singapore gathered at the Singapore Sports Hub last Sunday morning for Great 115, a “Netflix physical 100” style fringe activity to lead up to the Great Eastern Women’s Run in October.

The event was attended by 105 women of all walks of life, ages and physical abilities. Participants challenged their physical limits and took part in five activities – battle rope, shuttle run, tyre lift, box jump and plank. 

There was plenty of rest and recharge time in between each station. This is because we had been organised in groups and we generally started each new station as a group based on our alphabet and colour band.

The alphabet dictated the order that we would complete the five stations. The colour depicted when we would be able to have our turn for each station.  

I was among those who participated. I am not a regular gym goer and I do not do CrossFit so I have to admit that the activities were definitely something out of my comfort zone.

I had been allotted to the B wave grey group. Grey was  the third colour to go for each station. 

Here are my thoughts and comments on each of the activities.

Battle Rope

This one was my first station and the only one where my body was not exhausted. Here we had to swing the battle rope over the metal pole as many times as possible within two minutes, without knocking it over.

I managed 67 reps which I guess is not too shabby for a first-timer who has never done this before. It was a full-body workout though and you really need to engage both arm and core strength in order to move the rope.

Shuttle Run 

This station sounds easy at first glance: run as fast as you can between the two markers and clock the shortest time possible.

However while the running itself was not an issue, I found that you needed to push down quite hard on the markers to get your timing clocked as they were not as reactive as I would have hoped. This broke my momentum significantly. I guess I also need more practice with regards to shuttle run technique in order to reduce my timing.

Plank

I originally had no idea how I would fare at this. While I have done plank before, two minutes in duration sounds awfully long to hold the plank position. My usual time for plank is around 40 to 45 seconds. 

I surprised myself though by lasting the full two minutes. I don’t know how that happened, maybe it was because of the atmosphere and being surrounded by so many other strong like-minded ladies around me. 

My body was aching and my arms were groaning in pain by the end of it, but I’m happy and pleased with myself. 

Box Jump

This station was my last favourite. We were supposed to jump up and down a raised 40cm box platform as many times as possible within two minutes, making sure we landed with both feet together each time. 

This workout really engages the core and thigh muscles. I really think I need to strengthen these significantly. I was struggling less than ten reps in. Altogether I managed 32 reps in two minutes, needing to catch my breath and panting for oxygen after every few reps. By now my body was screaming in pain and I still had one more station to go: the tyre lift. 

Tyre Lift

After plenty of rest, I thought I felt good when it came to taking on the tyre lift station.

For this station we were tasked with lifting the tyre over our head as many times as possible within two minutes. The tyre weighed 6.06kg. 

And indeed, I felt good for the first 30 seconds or so. The 6.06kg tyre didn’t feel heavy and I was able to lift it without too much effort.

But after the 45 or 50 second mark, I was regretting my early enthusiasm. The tyre gradually got heavier and my arms grew weaker. 

When the minute mark rolled around, the tyre was beginning to feel like lead. I completed 40 reps in all, which I supposed was not too shabby for someone with zero upper body strength who does not do CrossFit at all. 

Overall Thoughts 

I was completely shagged and exhausted by the time the Great 115 event has concluded. The session had definitely been intense, utilising lots of muscles which I didn’t even know had existed.  

But at the same time, it was also lots of fun and I really enjoyed the morning activity with so many ladies around. The female community spirit, camaraderie and encouragement is always something that I look forward to at events organised for the Great Eastern Women’s Run, Singapore’s biggest women-only half marathon event.

The event winners 

The winners of the Great 115 event were Tay Pei Lei (1st), Judith Lozano (2nd) and Chelsea Lim (3rd). They took home Key Power Sports vouchers among other prizes.

Tay Pei Lei, 33 who also topped the box jump category with 87 reps, said: “I signed up to this year’s Great Eastern Women’s Run with my friend who also attended the Great 115 today, and she did really well too. My advice for those who are starting their fitness journey, is to start small and to be consistent. That’s what I tell myself too.”

The Great Eastern Women’s Run is taking place on 29 October 2023 and I will be taking part in the half marathon category. I hope to see you there too. 

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