Stubborn and steadfast

Since 2016 running has become a way of life. When you ask me what's my long-term fitness goal, without a doubt that's to run until the very end of my life, that means running until I'm past retirement age. At present, I might not be the fastest runner in town but running is the one activity that calms me despite the frenzied breathing; it soothes my soul and boosts my energy level for the rest of the day. Normally, I'd schedule three (3) runs per week; short but sweet runs enough to jumpstart my hectic days at work. I've shared this before, last year when I was finalizing my 2022 goals, I was determined to tick off "Run 42km straight" on my bucket list. But just last March, my disc bulge, more popularly known as slipped disc, prevented me from completing my goal of running a total of 500 kilometers this year. In case you don't want to do the Math, I have to finish 42km per month to reach my goal. Long story short, I didn't make it and I'm well aware that it's no longer possible to reach my running goal this year.

In May, I shared the emotional turmoil I went through in this post. But in the same article, I was determined to do something: to change my mindset and start afresh. It may be 100% true that 42km run might be unreachable for now unless I want to die young. But I'm stubborn and steadfast; a marathon isn't possible but 1km is possible, 2km is possible, 3km is possible until recently, I finally jogged 5km straight without stopping, with only minimal pain and discomfort in my lumbar spine. It was my first and longest run after late April's terrible pain attack. Believe it or not, it felt like walking for the first time. Many wouldn't take this route, the chance, the opportunity to do things from scratch all over again. I get it; it's not easy. It could be scary; I was scared that despite all the effort I put in, despite the discipline I foster, my spine might just decide to give up on me and I'll be back to square one once again.

I could remain in my comfort zone and continually embrace fear all my life and wonder "What if I started small again?" But life's too short to keep on thinking of the endless possibilities that a single intentional choice could deliver, so I stepped out and worked my ass off the entire month of August. From 0km distance run in the previous months, I was up by 20 kilometers in total including that one 5km run. This month, I'm targeting to run 10km straight. Wish me luck! 😊

_{In the photos is the running track in my hometown where I ran on weekends and some photos I took during my runs last month!}