Family Fun day at Sentosa

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Sentosa School holiday activities are keeping families busy during the one week school holidays (11 to 19 March).
Sentosa Kidz Flea

At Beach station, Drummers and Mascots are out in full force to drum up the bustling festive atmosphere. Pose with your favourite Mascots from Kidzania and MOSH!, or boogie with the 6-men band Outcast.

Mascots appearance timing :
– Moji! – Daily 1330 to 1400, 1630 to 1700
– Vita (Kidzania) – Daily 1230 to 1300, Play and Dance segment 1600 to 1630
– Outcast band – 18 and 19 Mar, 1330 to 1400, 1630 to 1700

Island life, State of Fun. party time !

We would like to highlight three sections for your Fun reference.

1) Activity and Brain Teasers booths outside Palawan Kidz City (same building as Kidzania and MOSH!) had games and tricks to engage kids or families.

Our kids’ favourite booth is “Vertical Victory”. Kids got to challenge each other to see who can slot the ball into the top hole in the shortest time πŸ™‚

There are shelters to protect families against the elements, but we would recommend sunblock lotion anyway.

Kids really work and play hard to solve puzzles, too competitive.

Handicraft for the little ones (Little Hands and Minds)

Those looking for extra handicrafts should visit MOSH! cafe (3rd floor) for more Fun stuffs. We ran out of time as the events only start at 2.30pm.

2) Palawan Pirate ship is back and FREE! This site used to be called Port of Lost Wonder and families are clearly having Fun!

Splash! Water play is the perfect activity to cool off under the hot weather.

These are some other exciting performances and workshops at Palawan Pirate Ship.

* Newton Show (Science experiments) –
13,15,17 Mar – 1430 to 1500
19 Mar – 1330 to 1400, 1600 to 1630

* Mr Lighting Fingers (Balloons) – 16 Mar – 1330 to 1600, 1630 to 1700

* Do head to MOSH! cafe for more workshops (example Newton Master Class) 30 minutes after performance.

– Animal Encounter (Parrots) – 15,17,19 Mar – 1230 to 1300

More info about these can be found here.

3) Bazaar atmosphere at Sentosa Kidz Flea, this is their 6th edition, and we know why it is such a success πŸ™‚

Date: 11 – 18 March 2017
Time: 2pm – 7pm
Venue: Beach Plaza

Part of the proceeds will be contributed towards Autism Association Singapore, a good cause.

Kids learn about entrepreneurship. They are given tips on how to man their “shop”, marketing, accounting and customer service. And we could tell everyone was very serious about their “job” πŸ™‚

More than the decorations and merchandise, the kids’ enthusiasm (Play-trepreneurs) really impressed us. All were so eager to showcase their goods and contribute back to society.

Handmade creative wares from bookmarks, trinkets, magnets, and even beatles. These kids have put in a lot of effort and they should be proud of their own efforts. KUDOS!

Overall, the children participating ranges from age 4 to 12 , and it would be cool if SengkangBabies can manage a booth in 2018. However, we cannot sell tidbits as we would end up eating our own snacks :p

Creative handicraft, passionate junior entrepreneurs.

Happy hunting at the “Flea Market” πŸ™‚

Happy customers, happy bosses. Thank you Sentosa Kidz Flea, it was an enriching experience for us πŸ™‚

Our kids were more excited about the tikam tikam redemption. Every purchase entitle you to some “coupons” which can be exchange for more goodies, this lucky dip is sure-win πŸ™‚

That was how we spend out Saturday Family day out at Sentosa.

Families would be glad to know that the Family Fun March activities are all family-friendly and within short walking distance from Beach station. Those events we highlighted above are mostly sheltered and Free πŸ™‚
Sentosa school holiday activities

We would like to thanks Sentosa for the Fun invite, and we would like to explore cycling and camping when we next head back to the State of Fun. Checkout more Sentosa School Holiday Activities on this website www.sentosa.com.sg/funmarch, Facebook and Instagram.

In the Month of March, students get to enjoy free island admission valid only through Sentosa Express (bring concession cards for proof). Terms & Conditions apply.

Happy Holidays my friends πŸ™‚

Training for my first Marathon, 8 tips I pick up along the way

While training for my first Marathon (Sundown Marathon 2017), I learn a lot of things over the last 3 to 4 months.


(Image credit www.cheryltay.sg)

Am I training enough for 42.195km?
Am I happy with my own efforts?
Am I READY for a Marathon?
These questions keep following me along my training journey.

I like to challenge myself but 42km might be a stretch. The training journey has been time consuming, involves a lot of sacrifice, self doubts, and mostly tired body and soul.

Yet, I keep surprising myself with my own determination and enthusiasm. Little milestones like improved stamina and pace make my day and motivate me to keep trying.

I have listed some other points which come across my mind during my own training routine. Please feel free to share your thoughts and recommendations with this novice runner πŸ™‚

Training for my first Marathon

1. Why 42km?
I only started running more actively from 2015, 5km progressing to 10km (2016). Never liked to run, was not even sporty, the only motivation then was to pass IPPT.

I am 43 this year, not exactly young and energetic anymore.
Kids are now more independent, if I do not seek out my dreams (or bucket list) now, then when?

More importantly, I wish to impress some life skills upon my kids.
** Do chase after your Dreams, nothing is impossible, and we must at least TRY our best.

As a bonus, if I keep fit myself, I hope to take better care of my family.

2. YouTube preparation
Do not laugh, but I do not have the luxury of having a coach.
Internet is my teacher.

Tons of tips on Breathing, Running style, Hydration, Stride, Eat (gel) and nutrition, Recuperation etc. You can even Google “Marathon race day tips” to get last minutes tips! (Trim your nails ok).

Overwhelming load of information, and some interesting anecdotes.
(I guess no right or wrong answers)
– Are pacers good or bad for you? (since everyone has own pace)
– Run day or night better?
– Tapering and duration (got Tempo, Slow, Easy Run techniques!)
– Some recommend Run 7km and Walk 1km to prevent muscle fatigue and cramps

3. REST
I believe this is the most neglected component in my training programme.
Family and work commitments keep us busy everyday.
Running takes up whatever precious leftover time, and we sometimes sacrifice our sleep (and rest).

If I should fall sick due to fatigue, there goes my gains and it Sucks.
I am still trying to place more emphasis on having enough rest.

4. Do something else besides running.
Swim, steps up your block, cross train, circuits, aerobics, yoga or hiking.
Develop all the other muscles (core) and improve your flexibility, it will help with running.

It is more Fun than running too :p

Training for my first Marathon
Training for my first Marathon

5. Have FUN during the training journey.
I will remember the training journey more than the Marathon finishing line, so might as well add in some Fun factor.

a) Plotting your own running path with Google Map.
– Running along the water ways in CBD (Kallang Basin, Marina Bay map)
– Park Connectors Kallang to Bishan to Sengkang (map)

The only challenge is the lack of water-points along the way (so I pop by MRT, Library, Coffee shop for a quick sip).
My legs are connecting all the parks and gardens πŸ™‚

b) I would prefer to run with friends, running alone can be boring.
I am motivated by fellow Dads (IG @NickPan.Runs, @IsaiahKuan), we are all busy with family and work but we encourage each other towards our own goals πŸ™‚

6. I can do it!
I cannot believe I am running 40km to 50km per week!

Still not enough as those training for Marathons should ideally run 50km and above, and get used to distance of 25km and 30km. Some say the real Marathon starts at 30km (YES, the mental block or the WALL!)

Sometimes, it can be very hard to drag myself out for a run.
I know I will always feel GOOD after a run, otherwise I would feel guilty about my excuses :p

7. Efforts, Sacrifice
42km needs 5 hour to complete ( assuming a pace of 7min/km)
10km needs 1 hour (pace of 6 min/km).

Can you imagine the amount of practice time needed for a Marathon?
(Running 50 km per week is 5 hours gone!)

Whether my preparation is sufficient or not, there is no turning back.
I must try my BestΒ Training for my first Marathon.

8. Final weeks

The final week is likely anticipation and anxiety (nerves).
I must remind myself to Relax and try to enjoy the journey and experience.

[Updated 14Mar] – Last Lead-up run 25km on 11th Mar, I will be trying to keep up with the 5.30Hr pacers (pace 7.30). My own slow jog at pace 7.00.
running with pacers

On race day, I need to remind myself to run at my own pace and not to go faster due to the surrounding vibes and adrenaline.

Hi, my name is Andy and I am a father of four kids.
I am actively trying to use Sports to engage my kids, to be sporty and resilient.

I will be running 42.195km with Sundown Marathon on 25th March.
I am still training for my first Marathon, and all blessings and Good Lucks are most welcome πŸ™‚

I am helping Ren Ci Hospital to raise Fund, hoping to give back to society in my own small ways. Do consider donating to Ren Ci’s worthy causes here –> https://www.simplygiving.com/AndyLee

Follow me on my running journey Instagram Hashtag #training42sundown2017 or Family runs (blog link)

Wishing everyone Happy Running and Healthy Lifestyle !

 

**Updated 2017 Apr – Ran 42km under 6 hours hooray!

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