Morning runs at Bedok Reservoir Park

Since our kids wake up very early, there’s no use trying to sleep in on weekends or public holidays.

So, the hubs and I go for pre-dawn jogs. We leave when it is dark, and jog when the sky lightens and the morning sun slowly rises.

We are keenly aware of how our bodies are creeping slowly but surely towards middle age metabolism, so these jogs are an attempt to keep fit, so that we can eat more.

Bedok Reservoir Park is a great location to run – 4.3km in one round.

Placid, peaceful, calm.

Gorgeous flowers in full bloom.

My least favourite thing about the reservoir route is that the path is made of sandy gravel. I much prefer running on soil or cement. I think the sand creates extra resistance, which is great if you want to up the level of difficulty.

One of the interesting things about this reservoir, I mused as I jogged along, is how it is bounded by private condominiums, different precincts of HDB flats, a polytechnic and an expressway.  The park is not fenced up, and easily accessible by residents living in both public and private estates.

Halfway through my jog. I notice the sun rising, a bright orange sphere.

The camera image makes it look like sunset, but it is only 730am in the morning…

At one point, there are rows and rows of poles for bird lovers to hang cages high up.

Then I run past a hedge of jasmine flowers, stretching about 500 metres. Their lovely scent fills the air.

Something on the ground catches my eye. Peering closely, I realise that mushrooms have sprouted at the foot of a tree. And what very unique fungi these are!

There is a wide expense of slope.

And I glimpse a man dressed specially for rolling down the slope.

Apart from the joggers, there are large groups of senior citizens there to exercise together. This lone lady’s fan made loud whacking sounds through the air as she flung it open in one strong athletic throw.

A couple practices Tai Qi around a skinny tree. Something about this image makes it one of my favourites.

It was an enjoyable run for me, not because I clocked a new best time. But because I took the time to pause, take in my surroundings, practice taking a few photos of whatever caught my eye.

As I ran I felt thankful.  Thankful to be alive, thankful that my knees and ankles are healthy enough for me to run, thankful for the sun that rises everyday, thankful for this park that is open for all to enjoy.

[Update: We got the kids to join us sometimes too. Though they couldn’t run very far, it’s a start!]