2008 NAPFA Test 1.6km Run

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
-PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

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I must PERSEVERE!

It was a great event from a spectator's/photographer's point of view (mine). Everyone was working hard to complete the 1.6km distance, whether it was running or walking. The agony in the runners' faces were evident. There was no giving up. No turning back. Some finished the race with smiles on their faces and some with sadness at not getting their desired time.

Shi De - the NAPFA Monitor for the day

best potrait shot of the day

So what's the game plan everyone?

the atmosphere of Racing Day!

Running is a lot like achieving the goal at the end of the exams. Everyone is running the same race (i.e journey to the exams). But in between the starting and the finishing point, everyone behaves differently;- some trained hard and others took it easy and some even forgot that they are in the race for their desired goals.

Let's go!

always spare a smile for the cameraman and keep on running!

look in front while running, not at the ground

Go You Rong!

Charis is flying


you can arrive at any position except the last

priceless expressions

I can do it too!

wheee! I've won....

.... but only to be overtaken at the very last minute and at the last meter

Are you OK?

And in the race, some gave up and started walking before the first round is completed. Some persevered and kept on running. At the end of the race, there are always a mix of feelings on the runners' faces. Some are filled with pride at getting the top 10 position, some are contented that they have finished the race and had the courage to try. Then there are those who despite coming in the top 10 shed tears of sadness because deep down, they knew that they did not do their best and wished that they had trained harder.

So like the exams, getting 100/100 is NOT as important as achieving the goals you had set out earlier at the start of the race. For so long as you know that you have improved and reached your goals, whatever they may be, you have achieve your success.

Congratulations to all my pupils, both past and present for completing the race. There may be one finishing line out there but I hope you crossed the one that your heart had set out to overcome.

"The finishing line isn't given; it is earned."
- Unknown

Well, I've got to go now. Got to train for my 21km Marina Bay Run in 30 days. It's only like running (21000 m / 400m = 52.5) laps around the stadium :)