Made A Difference (M.A.D.) Race

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We woke up at 6am on a Saturday morning, when it was usually a sleep in for everyone. Travelled from far North to far South, the Sentosa Island. All for a MAD Race. Truly it sounded “mad” when I first told the girls (wife included) we were going to run a 5km race. For them, it was unthinkable, it was mission impossible. But reality sinks in fast and before we know it, we were at the Finishing Line.

---- Rewind ----

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The M.A.D. Race is an inaugural run/walk event to raise awareness on depression, with the key objective to help people suffering from depression overcome and walk out of it. Organized by Touch Community Services, this race seek to rally people in Singapore to come together to participate in a 5km run or 2.5km walk, to show their support and encouragement for people suffering from depression.

As Christians and firm believers of “finding a need and meeting it”, we were more than happy to accept the invitation to be part of this event. What’s more, it is so meaningful to teach the girls more about being MAD, to Made A Difference.

First photo of the day, when are still fresh without sweat but with a sleepy face though.

 

The day is getting ready, thank God the haze is gone for a glorious morning. Even Olaf can’t resist to come out for some clear sky.

Water parade - the girls are getting ready.

 

Every 5km runner will be given 3 color wristbands at the start of the race. We are suppose to collect 4 more as we cross each 1km mark, to complete the rainbow color set.

Mandatory shot of our footwear. Thanks to Sketchers who sponsored our family with new running shoes for this race. They were super light and comfy! I would surely recommend their shoes as compared to the usual big names we are know.

8am sharp! We are ready for our maiden family 5km run.

On your mark. Get set. Go!

Eh.. walking already?

A father got to do what a father got to do, lead by example.

Teaching the girls some basic things about running. Posture and breathing techniques.

On this race, Joey was complaining in the beginning that she was very tired, cannot stay awake for the run. And why do we need to go for a 5km race. I took the opportunity to explain the purpose of the race. We are running to raise awareness so that people can understand that there are some people who are suffering from depression and they need help and encouragement. Joey didn’t really understand what was depression. In the simplest way, I told her that depression is extreme sadness/tiredness, and those who suffers from depression sometimes may feel like there is no meaning to life. I hope I explain correctly but after hearing my simple explanation, Joey came to life. She ran through the 5km with practically no stopping at all. In fact, when I had fallen back to run with Jayne, she went ahead on her own and covered about 2km without anyone running alongside her. I am super super proud of her!

This is us after collecting our third color band, making it six colors in total. Can you see Joey’s rosy cheeks? So cute right.. =)

 

Jayne didn’t give up too. For a 6 years old to complete a 5km run, she did tremendously well too. At the last 1km, she was sprinting towards the finishing line. Even the volunteers were so impressed and had to cheer her on!

Her tired out face after she crossed the finishing line. So funny.. but I am a PROUD DAD!!

 

  

We stayed back a while longer to rest while the girls had their fun coloring Singa at one of the tents.

 

 

In sequence of the rainbow colors, the tents were set up to convey the message of Have Faith, Be Courageous, You Are Valuable, Stay Positive, Help Is Available, Don’t Give Up & Together, We Stand.

All the seven messages are epitomized in the wristbands we have collected.

Victory pose with Andy & Family and Mabel! The blogger friends! We blog we run!

Back at home … The gifts we have collected upon completing the race, umbrellas and rainbow color wristbands, and our completion medals.

And Joey left her comments for this MAD Race.

“We survived & made it through the 5km M.A.D. Race!!! Hope we can make a difference together.”
1st place: Joey Kuan (Fact: Ran 2km without stopping.)
2nd place: Isaiah Kuan (Fact: Ran 1km without stopping. Fantastic!)
3rd place: Jayne Kuan (Fact: Ran at a steady speed! Awesome!)
4th place: Klessis Lee (Fact: Tried to keep up with us! Great job!)

We had a great time and we have Made A Difference!