Modify 2.4km IPPT run to ease strain on heart

I REFER to the report, 'SAF officer dies after 1.2km run' (ST, Jan 3).

There has been a spate of deaths recently with the victims
collapsing while running. Most national servicemen have to complete a
2.4km run in order to fulfil their annual Individual Physical
Proficiency Test (IPPT), so I think it is high time the Ministry of
Defence looked into revamping this segment of IPPT.

On average, in order to obtain a Gold standard in the IPPT, a
national serviceman has to obtain a minimum of four points (out of a
maximum of five points) for each of the four stationary fitness
stations and then run 2.4km in about 10 minutes, plus or minus half a
minute.

Anyone who has ever achieved a sub-10 for a 2.4km run can attest to the power
of endurance needed, and the pain and fatigue undergone. Of course, the
excitement and sense of achievement are what push one through.

However, it is unrealistic to expect the majority of national
servicemen to reach that level of fitness. Many have unintentionally
injured themselves trying to break the 10-minute barrier by overtaxing
their bodies.

Hence, it is not advisable to set such a short time limit for a 2.4km run.

Fitness experts recommend that we engage in a cardiovascular
exercise continuously for at least 20 minutes in order to maximise its
benefits. Running a sub-10 does not seem to serve that purpose.

My suggestion is to extend the distance of the run to 4km or 5km,
with a time limit of 30 to 40 minutes, thereby focusing more on the
endurance and general fitness than speed. This should put less strain
on the heart and body, while giving the runners some time to warm up
and ready their bodies for the run in a less gruelling manner.

We cannot delude ourselves that these 'running deaths', which have
led to the demise of healthy men in their 20s to 50s, are coincidences.
Neither can we attribute the concerns expressed over these occurrences
to 'sensationalised news' by the press.

Instead of a sudden burst of energy to complete a run in a short
time, a longer run may be all it takes to prevent a cardiac arrest.

I salute you with my 2 middle fingers