"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up.”
Dean Karnazes
The "Why"
I get asked a lot "why do you love running." I am often overwhelmed when asked this. I find it such a difficult question to answer. But if I had to, I'd say it's about how running makes me feel. Running stirs an array of emotions inside me. It is my meditation, my escape from the world. It allows me to delve into my mind, solve problems, and generate new ideas. It's my dedicated time, where I can focus solely on myself. With each step, a whole new world unfolds, physically and mentally improving me. Running clears my mind, relieves pressure, and helps me reflect on my life's direction. It's a time of self-evaluation and growth.
I started running my second year of university. I never really ran before that. I grew up playing competitive Tennis, which I continued to do so through university. But I wanted variety. After playing tennis for a better part of 10 years, I wanted to also give another sport a try. My dorm was next to a beautiful track at my university, which I started going to. I started running for 10 mins, then 20, then 30 and before I realised it, I could run for over an hour easily. It was the feeling that I got addicted to.
Fast-forward 7 years and I have run numerous train and road races.
Running has made me the person I am today. It has taught me discipline, perseverance, goal setting, patience, mental strength and self-awareness. It has also improved my time management skills as I prioritize my training within my schedule. Running allows me to spend time alone with my thoughts, leading to self-awareness and understanding my body's limits. Lastly, being part of a running community has shown me the value of teamwork, camaraderie, and support. Overall, running has had a profound impact on my life, teaching me valuable skills and shaping my character.
