Running helps you to see the city in a different light, Chang believes. When you’re in foreign surroundings, you learn to be more alert and present, experiencing parts of a city you may usually miss.
“You also feel good when you’re moving. All these components – physically, psychologically – give you a good vibe for the day. Sometimes you don’t sleep well, or you don’t like the coffee that you make and drink every day. But somehow exercise can change your mood,” he added.
In his experience, Singapore is the “best city” to run in because of the infrastructure. The park connector network, for instance, can connect runners from Marina Bay to East Coast.
Spontaneous runs are also possible here, with several safe paths accessible within minutes.
Runners in less convenient cities, on the other hand, may have to travel a distance to a certain spot before they can start their run.
Occasionally, there are guests who prefer Chang to pace them in silence, although his instinct is to regale them with anecdotes as they run – a feat requiring impressive stamina and memory.
“Gardens by the Bay is the most talked about attraction. But most of our corporate guests, who have been here a whole week, say that if they didn’t go on a run (with me), they wouldn’t have (gotten to) see inside part of the garden,” he shared post-run.