Run, Run, Run

Run

1) It was in the very beginning, just to pass the 1.6 km run segment of the NAPFA test

2) Then- it became an early morning bonding session for some of us who reach sch at 615am.
Where, in the midst of doing rounds and rounds around the field, we'll pant, flail, complain, encourage, talk so loud the whole field reasonated with our hearty and unstoppable laughter.

3) In JC, the what- was- till- then, a simple run was given a more sophisticated twist.
Concepts of breathing techniques, pacing, water consumption, conservation of energy were introduced. And for the first time, running's not jus running anymore. It became a competitive affair, a concerted effort of the mind, a test of not only physical, but mental strength. How to shave a few important seconds off the starting, how to not get affected by others to speed up/slow down but to keep your own pace, how to challenge the mind to surpass previous timings. It teaches of practice, preparation, planning and execution.

4) Uni came, and it all became simply, a bid to keep down the girth while keeping up with the ever-increasing opportunities to feast. A reflex action plan against a slowing down metabolic rate and very susceptible waistline. Also, to channel some of the ebullience and energy having jus taken the first step into adulthood and gotten a glimpse of the colourful personalities ,the galore of choices and the illusion that 'the world's at my fingers '. What used to be a run has since become a jog probably in solitude, but it still had its placebo effect:).


Now, I run, more aimlessly, less ambitiously. Sometimes with much purpose like trying to get rid of the stubborn bulge without the need of Uzap, but most of the time there's none of the discipline (ashamedly) anymore.Now, there's no pushing to run an extra round, to better my speed but instead, a mindlessness that I take comfort in- triumphing the inertia, going through the motion, gasping in lots of fresh air after the run and dare i add, running away from the real world into my personal cocoon.


Maybe it's the day of the year. Maybe it's cos of circumstances that I'm in now. Maybe it's the time i've on my hands.

I'm in this sea of nostalgia admist so much flux, uncertainty, volatility and unknown - thats shaking and transforming the familiar routines these day. Very dynamic (nicely put) and very daunting (to be frank). For the turbulence jus seems to keep coming, waves after waves without any pauses overwhelming us and getting us down. And it's like this plague tt never seems to dissipate.

Running has been one of the very few activities that has held constant over the years , something to seek comfort in, especially in face of my fluctuating feelings, moods, and outlook of late where watever positivity, optimism and faith I can garner this moment vanishes/fades the next. Yet, it too has been exposed / worn down by these changes/influences.

I don't want to be stuck in the rut of reminiscing the carefree, cruising days of the old. I hope i won't keep shunning away and being run down by the problems. I need to build up resistance and immunity, and keep my sight on the purpose so as to have the perserverance and courage to run- be it the rat races, duty race or the spiritual marathon - and to win it. For the most precious prize is awaiting me.

Hebrews 12
"1 Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."