Escape
Run, reflect, rediscover
I used to run before the pandemic. It was the only exercise I relied on to stay in shape. It was something I could do without much preparation. I just put on my running clothes, and I’m set to go. But like how everything came to a pause during the pandemic, so did my running.
I was not a hardcore runner and had not even finished a marathon. I think 10km was the most I’ve ever run in a single session. But I did really enjoy it, especially when I ran in the mornings.
So after a two-year hiatus, I started running again. I signed up for virtual runs for added motivation.
In August, I completed two races that spanned a combined 85 km. This surprised me because I was naturally feeling rusty after a long break. I started slowly but set a goal of completing at least 5 km on each run. And doing so required discipline and commitment. I challenged myself to get up early and go for a run. I’m a morning person but I figured I would need a lot of resolve to push this through.
One thing I do is to lessen friction. Like if I plan to run tomorrow morning, I’ll prepare my running stuff and map my route tonight, before I go to sleep. So when the alarm goes off at 5, I get up, change to my running gear, grab my earphones, hit record on Strava, and head out. I’ve been able to run 3 to 4 times a week thanks to this simple trick.
I love mornings so going for runs before daybreak is a pleasure. There is peace in the view of the empty streets of the usually-crowded city. I get to listen again to podcasts which I find hard to do these days. I am discovering new routes in nearby places. And most importantly, I get to talk to myself. I can be alone with my thoughts. Ponder about life, entertain my imagination, and cultivate inspiration and ideas. Escape for a while.
For me, running offers benefits beyond health. It challenges my physical limits while allowing me to reflect and rediscover. It nurtures both mind and body.
I’ll try to hard to make the habit stick.