Family guy with 3 Daughters, Digital Guy, Wine Community Leader, Runner in Singapore.
I’ve never ran in the Zoo before and am excited to do the Safari Zoo Run 2017 with my wife 18 Feb 2017! I’ll be running for Team Ah Meng in support of the rescuing and relocating of Orangutans to safer forests in the Gunung Leuser National Park of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Get a 10% discount off registration with Promocode “SZR2017AMNICK10“. Good things must jio!
More Info on the Event Site www.safarizoo.run. Let me know if you are going too. See you there!
I got invited to partner with Sundown Marathon as a Sundown With Love Ambassador and I’m fund raising for IJHCC (IJ Homes and Children’s Centres). Here is an excerpt for those who don’t know of this cause.
Right from the time the school was first opened, babies were left abandoned at its gate (fondly known as the ‘Gate of Hope’) in Victoria Street (where the current CHIJMES is located). Ever since then, the IJ Sisters founded a service to care for these abandoned and at-risk children.
Over the years, this service evolved with the changing needs of the social landscape of Singapore. While the residential care for children continued, day care service such as learning support/out-of-school hours care programmes, Sounds of Providence (music, dance and speech) programme, Headstart programme for pre-schoolers, were offered alongside.
Today, the IJ Sisters, together with the lay partners, remain called to the service of the poor.
All my 3 daughters are in CHIJ schools and even my sister is from CHIJ schools too + being a father, it is unthinkable for me to know that babies are being abandoned so I’m fundraising for IJHCC. All kids should have their childhood and have an equal chance in life.
So donate generously this year end festive period and support this very meaningful non-profit.
Since Sundown with Love is an initiative by Sundown Marathon, I’m also going to be running 10km to support this cause. Come join me by registering with promocode “SDM2017NICK10” at sundownmarathon.com.
I’m also accompanied by fellow daddy bloggers Isaiah Kuan (J Babies’ Dad) who is running the half 21km and Andy Lee (Sengkang Babies) who is running the full 42km. I salute them and am will also be rooting for them.
I did a short interview with them and you can check it out originally at sundownmarathon.com
I have loved running since secondary school, and always asked my PE teacher if the class will run 2.4km at every lesson. Recently I gave myself a challenge to run 5km for 30 days straight, and although I almost gave up half way, I managed to conquer it with encouragement from friends over social media.
I started blogging since 2000 and am part of the Daddy Matters network of Daddy bloggers advocating active fatherhood. I married my childhood sweetheart, and we have three daughters together. When not running or parenting, I work as a Digital Strategist at a global marketing agency and have been online since owning my first modem in 1995.
It’s the first time you’re coming on board as our Sundown With Love ambassador. Tell us more about yourself!
I’m a family guy and I like to believe I’m a fun daddy / friend to my three daughters. I have many interests ranging from Extreme Sports to Lindy Hop, EDM to Jazz, Calligraphy to Photography, Science Fiction to Online Culture and many more.
In the day I work as a digital strategist at a global marketing agency. I have been super active online since 1995 when I got my first modem.
How do you get your family and kids involved in running?
My eldest daughter Clié is a sprinter with explosive power, while my second daughter Cleo has stamina and is more of a distance runner. Sometimes they join me on my runs. With my wife, we walk around our neighbourhood after dinner or on Saturday mornings. Living in Punggol also means we are blessed with Punggol Waterway.
You participated in Sundown Marathon previously. How was your experience like?
My last Sundown was actually in 2013. With my hectic work schedule and parenting commitments, I can only run casually and have not been joining many organised runs. I’m glad to be part of OSIM Sundown Marathon 2017.
Which category will you be participating in OSIM Sundown Marathon 2017?
I will be running 10km, alongside the many other Singaporeans who bow down in respect to those who can do half and full marathons.
What will be your goal at OSIM Sundown Marathon 2017?
I’ve always done 52mins to 55mins for 10km, and hope I can go under 50mins this time. I’ve been training for it, so I hope I can break my personal best.
What advice would you give someone who is participating in Sundown Marathon for the first time?
Running at night is really comfortable and there is no need for sunglasses, so that is already an advantage. But in all seriousness, if you’ve not been running at all or have not been running for a very long time, do train a bit to get your body slightly more conditioned for the run so that you will have a safe and injury free run.
Get wireless headphones and start building your favourite music playlist for running.
How do you divide your time between blogging, family, and ensuring you lead a healthy lifestyle?
Having no time is very real when you have to juggle work, family and exercise. I really think it is all about your mind set. If you decide to do something, you should make time to do it. I do however have certain timeslots in the week for some activities. For example, free evenings are set for blogging; and nights and weekends are dedicated as family time. For runs, I usually run before dinner or after everyone has gone to bed on weekdays, and on weekends at Sunrise.
What tips can you provide dads who are considering on participating in OSIM Sundown Marathon 2017, but have yet to sign up?
As a dad myself, I think it is a responsibility to exercise and stay healthy for my family, so regular exercise is necessary. If you have not signed up, ask a few friends to join you. You are also welcomed to join me and a few fellow daddy bloggers for OSIM Sundown Marathon 2017. Andy Lee will be running 42km for the first time, Isaiah Kuan will be running 21km and I’ll be running 10km, feel free to join any one of us.
What’s your favourite food and why?
BEEF, CHEESE and WINE. I have one too many of these session with my friends at home and I’m looking forward to the next one all the time. It’s not just good food, but also great company.
How does the theme ‘Sleep Can Wait’ resonate with you, and why?
From young, I’ve always seen my mom sleep late and she never insisted that we sleep early. She thinks sleeping is a waste of time, but what she really means is that there is so much we can do in life that sleep almost feels like wasting time. I agree with her. I sleep because it is needed, and if I had a choice, I would rather stay up and do stuff or wake up early to go for a run.
So indeed, sleep can wait.
2016 edition of OCBC Cycle for me was a great one. This time it was with fellow daddies of Daddy Matters; Andy, Winston, David and myself.
We actually met at 5:30am at Meyer Road where my parents live to park our cars there to avoid the jams and meeting at 5:30am is not something we do normally obviously. *yawn* We cycled thru Meyer Rd, Tanjong Rhu and made our way to the starting point. It’s cool to see others slowly emerging from small roads everywhere as we all made our way to the starting point while greeting each other good morning.
WE ARE in WAVE #1. Woo Hoo! Getting all excited even before the flag off. The MC cracked jokes with SFX super on cue and with all the upbeat music, the crowd slowly changed from YAWN to YEAH. Drone flying past at the top, we all waved and got started slowly.
We cycled thru parts of the city, thru parts of the MCE, up the Shears Bridge, ECP, up the Shear Bridge (AGAIN?!) then back into Nicole Hwy and into the Stadium. Nice leasuirely ride this morning.
Selfie point #1 we had to take shots for sure and this was us trying to act all stylo and all. Not much chance to be on the bridge. Thanks to this event we could do our monkey business on the bridge.
I remember when were were much younger, my cousins and some of our school friends will cycle up the Shears Bridge in the night an pee down hoping to hit some ships passing by. LOL. Yes childhood days were epic.
This is my #TwirlingSelfie. Please copy and make famous.
Lucky for us, most of the morning was kinda overcast, so it’s not so hot. Swee swee kena this weather is sepads.
I don’t even know how long we took as my mind was just filled with the prata that will come after.
While on our way to prata, there were some “concessionaires” (TIL concessionaire) so while we were getting said concessionaires, one thing led to another and somehow we got into a group photo with the kind ladies that were giving us said concessionaires. Right Winston? That is the truth right?
We also took some pro medal shots. My friends this is how you do medal shots ok. Pls learn. Please copy and make famous. #MedalMouth.
AHHhhh… Finally, the prize. The true prize of a good workout in the morning together with fellow well bellied daddies. We had 5 Plain, 3 Plasters, 1 Egg in total… very mild.
This year’s event is really smooth. The safety crew were everywhere telling people to slowdown and beeping their whistles while using hand gesture to remind people to slow down. I can imagine some of their arms should be quite tired right now.
A morning filled with friendship, jokes, exercise and prata. Thanks to OCBCCycle for making this possible. Till next year.
Related Posts:
The event packs are ready for collection! Check out https://ocbccycle.com/event-pack-collection/
Date & Time
30 Sept to 1 Oct,
10:00am – 9:00pm
Venue
OCBC Arena Hall 1, Singapore Sports Hub
Things to bring
SEE YOU THERE!
It’s DONE! I’ve managed to run at least 5km everyday for 30 days. Half way thru I really struggled and at run 13 I’ve already mentally decided to take a break, but with friends around me motivating me, I managed to pull thru all the way.
Many people over the past 30 days have asked me “Nick what are you running for? Lose weight? Some purpose?” actually there is no purpose or any big grand reason. I even had an idea of stopping at 29 just to mess with people and to show I can overcome my OCD. lol.
Ok, the real reason. (maybe post rationalised) A colleague of mine shared with me a video from India. Nike’s “Da Da Ding” and it was really catchy.
The feel was great and I missed that feeling. I’ve been eating loads of beef, drinking loads of wine and i’ve not run for months. That video reminded me of another video which my other friend shared a few years back and the feel was there as well. That runner’s high.
So I decided in the spur of that moment while seeing those videos. I’m gonna run 5km for 30 days straight. And just to make sure I keep to it, I made it public on my Facebook feed.
Lots of friends gave ideas and it started to feel like I have a support group.
“Ok I’m doing It” was the mental note that started on day zero.
Day one started on a Thursday. It was fine. I’m used to 3 – 5km runs without much training, so quite motivated.
Day two. Done. Easy peasy.
Day three, my daughter Clié wanted to join me. So she walked, while I ran in one direction. I then told her when to turn back so we would end roughly at the same time knowing her speed.
Day four. Sunday. Pearl wanted to go out and sweat it out with me too. So it was a nice outdoor type couple activity. She brisk walked while I ran. Same deal with my daughter, she turned back when I hit my 2.5km mark.
Day five. Decided to push myself a bit more and did 6km. Nice. I was getting the hang of it. But it being a Monday, its still kind of a challenge.
Day six. I was super into it. BAM! I’m confident I can stick with it till the end for this 30 days thing.
Day seven, Pearl came along again. She walked and I ran. This is starting to become a nice and healthy habit.
Day eight. I wanted to push myself a bit more and managed to get my speed to under 6m/km.
Day nine tough. My body started to feel the strain. I was limping slowly in the office, but it was Friday, so still having the #TGIF mood. I really wanted to see Star Trek Beyond and have already agreed with friends, so went to Vivo to have dinner first. We had pork knuckles, beer, then went to see the movie. By the time the movie ended it was already 11pm or so. The plan in my head was that I will sober up during the movie, so the beer is not an issue, but on the way home, it was raining… oh mai gawd…
My neighbours have asked my wife and I to join them at their place for beef and wine and when I got home I got changed to my running gear. Wore my running top which had a hoodie and put my phone in a zip lock bag. I set off just after midnight and thank God it was only drizzling by then. Came back wet, but I did it!
Day ten. My friend Andy was following my progress and decided to join me after his National Day Parade Preview with his family. We met at 10pm at Waterway Point in Punggol and ran one round. for about 5km, then he ran home for another 2km, while I did the same. But he ran from Sengkang to meet me and have already started with 2km, so that day he did 9km, while I did 7km.
It was nice to have company.
Day eleven. I finally decided to get Spotify Premium and with the Singtel bundle, data was free, so it was awesome. There was a running playlist and it orientated itself to your pace (mine was 175 beats per minute) and you could select genre too. So pop songs galore. It felt like my daughter was the DJ of my run.
However, the run was still tough. It was getting really tough as my thighs are really aching.
Day twelve. Monday. I went to office utterly exhausted. I think my body did not have the time to recover, so it’s starting to really be physically taxing. Anyway, done. Glad Monday was over.
Day thirteen. I think I really need a rest and badly want a massage. I was basically limping in the office. So I shared with my friends my dilemma.
Mentally I was ready to take a break for the day. Looking at concerned friends I think I should heed their advice.
So during the day, I had to join a meeting and the meeting included a very senior management person and he too was following my runs and casually asked me how it was going. I told him “I’m heeding my friends advice and will be taking a break today.”, I got an immediate “F#*k you!”. LOLZ. Too funny. He then continued to show me his Nike+ app which showed FIVE FREAKING THOUSAND KILOMETERS! It was over 800+ runs! I was literally shocked. I was embarrassed to even look at my own Nike+ app now.
So you won’t believe what happens next…
Day fourteen. Gotta slow down and get back to normal speeds of 6m/km.
Day fifteen. There is a company event and there will be drinking at night, so woke up at 5:30am and did my first morning run.
Day sixteen. Since the previous day’s run was in the morning and I had enough time to recover and being a Friday, so I decided to do a 10km with my new Plantronics BackBeat Fit headphones today. Thanks to Isaiah for his recommendation.
Day seventeen. Going to dinner at my friends place in Sengkang. measured it to be 7km run, so decided to run there. Instead did 8km, but at a good pace of 5:40m/km. Then it was beef and wine the whole night thru.
Day eighteen. I did a slower run, but It was nice to have Pearl joining me to go outdoors. She walked and I ran ahead.
Day nineteen. Done. In my new super bright neon yellow $11 top.
Day twenty. Done. But a tough one. Basically a defensive run and trying not to break the body. Mentally thinking its just 10 more to go, I was really stoked.
Day twenty one. Done. ouch.
Day twenty two. I started listening to my body and this is what It said.
I went home and setup a Facebook event. “30/30 Nick’s Last Leg” and invited all my running friends and the public. lol.
Why not right. It would be fun if people showed up.
Day twenty three. ouch… just one more week.
Day twenty four. Friday, start of the National Day Long weekend (but unfortunately due to work, I cancelled my Monday leave), but the good vibes was still there. Did my 5km and had beef and wine for at my friends place. I got introduced to Kamadoe Joe and BBQ have changed forever.
Day twenty five. Sunday. Wife encouraged me to take it slow and walk with her. We did 6km and at this time, my Nike+ app average pace which I’ve tried very hard to work on have kissed me good bye.
Day twenty six. Monday. Busy day. Night BBQ as well. So Morning run it was. Legs still hurt. Especially the thighs.
Day twenty seven. National Day! Got up at 6:30am and walked to Coney Island with Pearl. We did 7km that day. Nice. It was the first time both of us going there together.
Day twenty eight. Tough day at work, but I was focus to get my run done still. Done.
Day twenty nine. Done! ONE DAY MORE!
Day thirty. I got to Waterway point with my family. The kids wanted to inline skate with me, but I told them I won’t be able to take care of them, so they decided to just skate around that area. My wife also wanted to walk 4km, but sacrificed and took care of the kids. <3
Two of my friends Gary and Serena was cycling that night too and came to cheer for me at the end point. Project done! It was Done! 30 days of 5km runs.
I really want to thank all of my friends who have cheered me on while I was running. Every cheer in the Nike+ app meant something. It was a real morale booster.
A big thanks to all the friends that encouraged me in person, in comments on my Instagram and Facebook posts without you, it would not have been as fun as it was.
If anyone wants to do a 5km for 30 days, let me know. Maybe we start on the same day together? I’m ready when you are.