SCSM2014 and… that’s a wrap!

Running past the Standard Chartered 10 km finish line wraps up the runs in 2014.  16 runs in total.

My resolution for 2014 was to take part in an ‘official’ run each month and I kept it!

I did it! Cheers to me! Hip Hip Hurray!

The 16 runs included three kids runs that I took my kids to and of course, I ran with them.  Running helps cultivate values like determination and hard work.  (More like my hard work- imagine dragging them out of bed before sunrise, changing them and psyching them up for the run.) During the run, any whining or signs of giving up is responded with ‘Come on, come on, don’t give up!’ or ‘Press on, we are getting there!’ My younger girl would hold on to the other end of the towel as I ‘dragged’ her to the finish line.  How fun! This is family bonding at its best!

Nevertheless, the outcome is sweet. The medals they receive at the finish line give them courage to push boundaries and build resilience to face challenges on a daily basis.  ‘Look at my medal, mummy!’ the three year old beamed with sparkle in his eyes.  That in itself was my trophy, knowing how pleased he was with himself for running in the rain as he completed his Cold Storage Fun Run.

My older girl’s sheer thought of wanting to do another 5 km run next year was enough to put a smile on my face.  But she had a special request, ‘Can we sign up for evening runs? This way, I don’t have to wake up soooo early!’  All right, girl, I got the hint!

Between 10 km Puma Run on 1 November and 10 km Standard Chartered Run on 7 December, I did a Great Eastern Half Marathon and a 2.2 km Santa Run.  Of all the runs in 2014, GE Half Marathon was THE run, MY run. Being part of the #RuntoLiveGreat programme definitely helped shape how I mentally and physically prepared for the 21 km run, which was my 4^th HM. The fringe activities were super fun and rewarding.  The best part had to be training with the pacers from Running Department. The ladies were motivating and inspiring. Thanks to the super fit pacers’ encouraging shouts and cheers during the run on race day, I achieved my personal best.  I will do GE run or the #RuntoLiveGreat programme again in a heartbeat.

Santa Run for Wishes was a hit with the children.  5000 Santas dressed in Santa’s red outfit ran along Marina Bay Sands. Spirits were high despite having to run in the rain with raindrops pelting down on our backs.  It was an uplifting experience with Santa’s elves dressed in green tops cheering us on and giving us directions along the route. To top it off, our medals were given out by Santa Claus at the finish line. Besides taking pictures with Santa, the children were also treated to free kiddy rides during the carnival. The air was truly filled with the Christmas spirit and knowing that we have run for a good cause made it more meaningful.

SCM 10 km was my first Standard Chartered Run and apart from the fact that I took about thirty minutes to get from Connaught Drive to Esplanade Drive because of the bottleneck at Anderson Bridge, I think the whole event was well organised.  There was an abundance of 100 Plus and water at the hydration stations and the roads were wide enough to accommodate the thousands of 10 km runners.  I especially enjoyed running past all the iconic landmarks in the area, it made me feel all proud to be a Singaporean and to never take the peace in my country for granted

I now look forward to the runs that I have already signed up for in 2015. Next year will be one with more half marathons and my very first full marathon.  Woohoo! Wish me luck!

As for the remaining weeks of 2014, training will resume soon so that I can go ahead with the festive feasting, guilt-free!

Here’s Running Bee, wishing one and all, Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!