We started getting Kyla into running this year. She closed the year with three running events under her cap with no less than the prestigous Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2012 Kids' Dash (the 7-9 yo category) at the Marina Bay! There were more than 3,500 children who signed up for the Kids event and it was such a joy to see them full of energy and enthusiasm for the run! All finishers get a medal so that is an added boost, something they can be proud of. This year's theme was Run for a Reason and the proceeds will benefit charitable foundations in the country.
Kyla has enjoyed running so much and she continued to look forward to the Terry Fox Charity Run this January which will be for the benefit of the Singapore Cancer Society.
1. Good for the Health. At proper training and moderation, running stimulates cardio-vascular system and increases one's stamina. The more you run, you will realize that you will be able to slowly but surely outpace yourself as you do this repetitively. Getting kids to run at early age puts them ahead with respect to getting this discipline imbibed in them too.
2. Fight the Digital Couch Potato Syndrome. I always say we would rather have Kyla spend time in more meaningful recreation like arts and sports than waste time with video games (Ipad games, PSP included) and even the so-called 'virtual sports'. Handheld games are either solitary activities, or mainly virtual interactions (if you do online games). Whereas sports facilitate socialization as well (unless you are into solo swimming). Even while Kyla was running the last 50m or so, she had time to slow down and chat with a classmate who was running in the Kids dash as well! A true-blue chatterbox!
3. Running is a Confidence Booster. At their age, running is not yet about breaking records but more into embracing the freedom of running against the wind and finishing the course. The more race they finish, their confidence will surely be boosted and would encourage them to go further and run more. Kyla's first race was a 5KM event. She ran with my friends from work who were true runners, so she had to step up. She felt very proud that she finished waaaay ahead of us and this started her quest to continue running.
4. Serendipities. They may not realize it at once, but running also teaches discipline; perserverance; pushing the limits; recognizing limitations and rising above it. In the Standard Chartered race, I was nicely positioned near the flag off line (well, hanging over the Fullerton bridge in a not-so prim-and-proper position) and saw the kids in action moments after the horn sounded off to signal the start of the race. In the 10-13 yo division, two boys were late for the flag off and had to push their way around the next batch of runners already positioned at the starting line. With their batch already 100m ahead, they still ran to catch up and were cheered by the crowd. I cheered for them too. Kyla acquired colds the night before the race. We knew it would somehow affect breathing but will be manageable so we advised her to do proper inhale/exhale while running. So she rested very early and told me that she will keep her lozenges handy. I also quizzed her if she is feeling okay to run. She was positive.
She made it!
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| The Race Pack for the SCSM 2012 Kids Dash |
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| Proudly showing off her Finishers' Medal with Kuya Kevin |
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