I felt inspired to write this post after my walk-and-jog last Wednesday. Then yesterday, my social media feeds were flooded with 10km-Marathon distance photos and my little walk felt a bit… insignificant.
But I guess everyone has their own story, so this is mine. : )
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| 10 mins into my usual run… |
I love walking and jogging because it’s a great time to think or to space out, whichever the whim of the moment is. Both ways, I always feel mentally and physically refreshed thereafter. On this particular day, storm clouds were brewing in the distance, so it was unusually cool.
Instead of worrying about being caught in a downpour, I felt thankful that I had embarked on the run, since at other times, I would not be able to experience this just-before-rain atmosphere, which is superb for jogging. Also, there’s nothing quite like an imminent storm to hasten those footsteps!
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| Rain pouring down in the distance |
The marathon signs along the way also made me realise how quickly time was passing. Here I was, feeling like I’ve barely stepped into November, and in just a few days, December would be upon us! The year is almost over, ahhhhhh!
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| Pithy sayings by participants (not all make sense, but guess they are meant to motivate haha) |
I chuckled at the signs en route, but I guess any bit of encouragement helps to those plodding through the 15km or even the (gasp!) 27km mark. I ran the 10km thrice, all quite a number of years ago. The hubby went from 10km twice, to the half marathon, and then the full marathon – very proud of him!
He’s been challenging me to run the half-marathon with him next. My ‘theory’ is that most human bodies are not made to run distances above 10km at a go, and full marathon running does indescribable wear-and-tear to one’s knees etc. But I suppose there are many pluses to going the distance, not least the training in mental rigour (think I need that).
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| Right… |
In Singapore, I feel that distance running has become too much of an ego trip. I love how the London Marathon (and most other big international marathons) require participants to raise 5,000 GBP for a charity of their choice first. I think this really puts the focus beyond the individual to a larger cause. Given the overwhelming applicants every year for this, making it a requirement in Singapore will really benefit many who need help. A baby step towards making our society a less self-centred one too?
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| Beauty is everywhere – flowers on a wall I ran past |
Three-quarters way into my run, the heavens opened, and it poured! I didn’t see much shelter nearby, so I decided to relish running in the rain. And what a wonderfully cathartic experience that was! To have the drops pelter down on me as I jogged on. It wasn’t too cold, so I wasn’t worried about catching a chill, and there was the promise of warm bath at home…
I was grateful for the opportunity to re-live getting soaked to the skin – it is freeing in so many ways.
I felt like a child, let out to play. I felt really alive. I felt like laughing. If you haven’t run in the pouring rain for a long time, I really do recommend it. 🙂
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