I believe that exercising not only helps to keep fit, it also keeps a family together. That, plus the fact that my girl is such a little sprinter and enjoys running, makes me very hard for me to reject any opportunity for us to participate in fun races.
Remember my first run with Angel at the Cold Storage Kids Run 2014? This month, we decided to further challenge ourselves by taking up the Me and Mini Me Fun Run at Shape Run 2014, which was more than double of the distance we covered previously - yes, it was going to be our first 1.8km run as mother and daughter!
Left: Thanks to the hubby and little sister who came to cheer us on Right: Ariel with the cute Skechers mascot |
So, while I was chided by the hubby for letting her wear this pair of heavy shoes for a considerably long run, I wanted her to take responsibility for her own decision and let her know that since it was her choice to run with this shoes from start to end, she couldn't use it as a reason to quit halfway. Surprisingly, these pretty shoes were more comfortable than they looked to run in and not once did she complained during the entire 1.8km. Well, I guess when it comes to running, it's all about the attitude and perseverance more than the footwear, right?
In any case, these light-up girly shoes were too pretty to resist so we got a pair of Twinkle Toes: Shuffles Light for the little sister too, which made her squeal in delight with every step she took.
We are all ready to run! |
Me and Mini Me 1.8km Fun Run
Left: The race bib even comes in mini version for the kids Right: Let's bend and stretch before we run |
At 6:15am, we sprang out of bed and even though our flag off time was 7:45am, we arrived at the starting point early and had ample time to do warm-up, put on our race bibs and of course, take some pictures! I was clad in the bright Skechers Runner's Top that came in the race pack and an Adidas pants while Angel was clad in white and pink Adidas kids wear (Thanks to the $200 Adidas vouchers we won in the AIA Bento-making challenge previously).
On your mark, get set, GO! |
You know, even though it was part of my responsibility and personal desire to capture some pictures and videos of the girl in her first long run, all that became quite distracting as I had to take out the camera from the bag, run with it in my hand, run backwards to capture some shots or dashed a distance ahead and turned back to take a picture of her against the crowd.
In fact, she was running so steadily and it was only when I said "Mummy take a picture for you, okay?" that she stopped to put a victory pose. I actually meant to take a picture of her in motion but of course, she thought I wanted her to stop and pose which was the last thing I would do in a race for fear of losing the momentum.
Starting off the run with slow, steady steps |
Initially, she was a little distracted by the other runners but she soon learnt to focus on her own running (Shots are blurred because I was running while taking pictures!) |
When we made the halfway mark and U-turned, that was when I cheered her on and told her to accelerate. For that entire second half, I was chanting "Go, Angel, Go!", "Look, we are getting closer to the finishing line!", "Breathe, in, out, in out!", "Never give up!", "Let's dash to Papa and Meimei!" and "C'mon, you can do it!".
Unlike our previous 800m run where she was still full of energy nearing the end, I could see that she was running a little short on breath this time round and therefore though she nodded her head from time to time, she wasn't giving me any form of verbal reply. Still, I knew that my words of encouragement were working and she was pushing herself beyond her limits, beyond what she thought she could achieve.
The little sister patiently awaiting for our return |
When the finishing line came in view, we held hands and gave our final burst of energy by dashing as fast as we could. Yippee! We completed the run and achieved a timing of 14min 30sec, which I would think was quite a commendable effort for a soon to be 5-year-old.
That feeling of triumph as mother and daughter was something indescribable, it felt a little surreal and yet full of joy and satisfaction. But more than a good timing, I rejoiced at the fact that my girl could put into practice what it means to never give up. Well done, my dear Angel!
The big crowd and long queues did not deter us from getting our medals |
For the Me and Mini Me Run, there were matching Mini medals awarded to the little runners too, how cute! |
Big thanks to Skechers for all the lovely goodies! The kids totally loved the grey and pink mini bags! |
Bumping into Allan Wu, who was one of the four male celebrities in the 10km pacer groups, just before we left |
Loving the new pink additions to our shoe cabinet |
Till more fun-filled family runs!
Disclosure: We were invited by Skechers to take part in the Me and Mini Me Fun Run in Shape Run 2014 and received the above complimentary shoes. All opinions are our own.
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