Dear Dana,
Congratulations Darling! You’ve completed your first solo run. It was 800m and you ran with all your might. You told Mommy and I later that you “didn’t stop running” and when you were tired, you “ jogged and bounced”…Haha, things that Daddy taught you during those sessions we had in the gym and eventually at the running tracks nearby. We are very proud of you. For the record, we didn’t know which position you came in. Because it simply didn’t matter. What was important was you persevered and you completed the race. That’s what counts.
It’s interesting what a race can teach us. Tell you the truth, Daddy is not much of a runner. So why do I run then? Well, apart from keeping fit (so that I can be there to walk you down the aisle) I want you and your brother to enjoy being out in the great outdoors and enjoy nature. Besides that, there are many good life’s lessons you can glean from just simple and consistent running…some of which I hope you would remember from the many sessions of runs we’ve gone together. In case you forget, here are some of the important ones:
- Never stop – Many people will tell you that life is like a journey. They are right and the therefore on this journey, whichever you may take, never stop. Things may slow you down (and go ahead , slow down if you like) but don’t stop. You may bounce on slowly but don’t stop, keep going towards your goal.
- Look for the line – You don’t stop looking for the line, that finishing line. It’s somewhere there and every step you take brings it closer to you.
- Stay focused – Like in any race, there are people and distractions on your left and right, front and back. Stay focused. Focus on your breathing, your pace, focus on the right voices that cheer you on. Look far at the horizon, keep your eyes and mind fixed on crossing that finishing line.
- Run with a partner – In life, we can’t run alone. For most of your formative years, Daddy and Mommy will try to be there always but where we are not, you have to find the right friends who can run with you and cheer you on. It’s not easy to find that right person but let us give you a head-start, start with God.
Better stop nagging now. Time to rest and tomorrow, we look for another run, another race, another great chance to get out there and learn what life has to offer.
Always with you,
Your Daddy
Highlights of the Cold Storage Kids Run 2015
We’ve lost count of when we started participating but I think it was when Dana was four. It was never really about the run but more about the opportunity to bond, to discover the great outdoors and to sweat our way to a healthy lifestyle, as a family.
The annual Cold Storage Kids Run is a dedicated run for families and children. While there are some competitive categories, it is largely non-competitive and has more of a carnival feel than the serious and competitive tone of an organized run. Due to its scale and sheer number of participants, the run organisers have got the planning down to a T with safety and security being top on their priorities.
Right from the bib collection day, I was impressed that parents’ contact information and child’s health information were clearly printed behind the bib. Even the bib collection was staggered across a few days to avoid any human jam. At the bib collection, a sticker is also given to parents to identify themselves at the holding pens when they collect their kids AFTER the run. The venue to pick up our children was also clearly pre-printed on the sticker. All these planning were done and parents informed on bib collection day, along with leaflets on safety tips for the actual race day.
On race day, though there were the anticipated human and vehicular traffic, they were moved relatively quickly. Signage was clear and there were little, if ever, any confusion. Registering our child was easy. To prevent any pushing and overcrowding, the bigger category of runs were separated into 3 to 5 smaller groups and their starting times were staggered. This also allowed the race route to be less congested, making the run pleasant and enjoyable. It also meant that for parents, families who wish to snap photos or to stand at the side and cheer, there would be not too much jostling – everyone has a chance to ‘participate’ and cheer for their families.
Among the categories at the run were the 3-Generation category and the Special Needs categories. It was so heartwarming to see children running/ walking with their Grandparents and also for Special Needs children to run alongside their siblings, parents and friends. Well Done! Post-run, the kids carnival had activities catering for very young children to those who crave for a bit more adventure. From simple tele-matches to rock climbing and the exciting Bubble Bumb and stage games, they are all there. For families who prefer to take it easy after the run, the spacious Gardens by the Bay is perfect for a picnic and to take loads of photos!
The annual Cold Storage Kids Run is a run for everyone because every family wins big time through fun, laughter, conversations, bonding and ultimately, through the healthy lifestyles forged. We’ll be back next year!
Hop over to this post: Reflections from a Pseudo-Coach to read our experience of the Cold Storage Kids Run 2014!
P.S. We were informed that parents can check the race results using the bib numbers at the #ColdStorageKidsRunSingapore Website. Dana completed the race in 5mins 30secs and was placed 103 out of 202 runners in her age group. She had bettered her personal record of 6.5 mins during the practice runs! Good job Darling, Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you!
Adeline says
Well done, Dana! I definitely wasn’t able to run 800m without stopping when I was your age. Actually, I’m not even sure I can do that now! 😛
What beautiful and important life lessons shared too. So true that we need to keep going, and stay focused throughout life’s challenges. 🙂
PS. I wish we saw you as we were running, David, so that we could have gotten you to help us take a nice photo of us during the run!
David S says
Thanks for the affirmation Adeline. As for missing the photo-opportunity, well…that would be a good reason for another run!
lyn lee says
I love how she bounced when she got tired! Such a total reflection of their age and outlook on life! Can be a slogan – when you feel like you can’t run anymore, just bounce. 🙂 🙂 🙂
David S says
Thanks Lyn for the affirmation. Yes…many precious life’s lessons to learn from a simple sporting activity.