Especially for myself

I've been doing quite some running these few days because of Titans and in order to improve my weak stamina, I've done some own-time-own-target training at home as well. I realised that I'm quite individualistic when it comes to running. I feel the reverse of what many people feel when running in a group -- usually group-running, we tend to feel more inclined to keep up with the pace and run faster as a result, I don't deny that's usually how I feel as well, but with that motivation there's also this stress that builds up with the fatigue when you try hard to keep up, at least that's for me. The footsteps that echo around me when we run in a group makes me lose my focus and breaks my pace, I really need to work on that for the team event 7km run. Then again, I still prefer some solo running, with just the breeze and my body going through several stages from panting to striding to taking in the sights in the neighbourhood all at the same time. It's really interesting that I feel so aware of my body changes during the entire duration of a run.
I was reading an article yesterday about how scientists want to make a pill that makes running more pleasurable for people. Many couch potatoes are too unmotivated to take the first step to change into their sports attire for a good workout. Wouldn't that be so cool? It'd be like a running-viagra! Tons of people would flood the streets to run then...


I think the education system in Holland is really amazing. 7 years of childhood without any form of exams or rankings! No such thing as top 10 schools, top PSLE pupil, Gifted Education Programme, Integrated Programme etc. They teach important life values like humanity, kindness, caring and sharing(that's why they do away with exams so there is no competition and the little kids do not feel the stress to outwit each other - which is so apparent in Singapore - and they are not self-centered by keeping knowledge to themselves so as to gain the additional edge like in the over-competitive society here) The liberal education system has led to kids growing to become tolerant and accepting individuals that allow them adapt to and communicate with people from all around the world.

To me, the most effective education system is when it has the ability to instill in young learners the motivation to want to find out more on their own i.e. the thirst for knowledge which is seriously lacking in our context and to be compassionate as an individual.
All those talk about well-rounded education in Singapore goes to trash when we look at the children in Holland - no wonder they are ranked the happiest in the world.