The Changing Seasons, December 2020

It has been a month of exploring new run routes around Singapore. Loving Husband’s Christmas break from school allowed us several opportunities to drive to farther places to explore our little island.

happy place, happy space: pavement to myself

I am not a morning person. But one of my favourite times to run is early in the morning: when the pavements are still quiet, when I am too bleary-eyed to protest.

This past Friday, I decided to venture down Orchard Road to get a dose of Christmas; without the crowds.

The Changing Seasons: April 2020

We are not required to wear a mask when we run in Singapore. But when I caught a bug at the end of March and had to undergo testing for Covid19, I decided that I should mask up when I hit the pavement. So, April running was re-learning how to breathe differently while running. I cherish the time outdoors, so no complaints.

where do small roads lead us?

I used to chase shaded paths on my runs, a respite from the strong Singaporean sun & humid heat. Nowadays, I seek out the least pedastrianed paths. I avoid the Gardens next door when it used to be one of my go-to routes, as well as many other familiar curcuits as they are plied by fellow runners, walkers & cyclists.

fly with the wind without wings

A trip to Bangkok would not be complete without a run in Lumpini Park, or a visit with my favourite Botero-esque tribute to womanhood.

The Changing Seasons: May 2019

May has been a month of much reduced  writing (in the wake of April’s month of Poetry Writing), lots of recreational baking (read: baked goods consuming). Also a great deal of marvelling & cheering my Dogged Dad on as he recuperates from his ICU ordeal.

The Changing Seasons, August 2018

One of the challenges as a parent, and indeed, as a participant in this world, is making the choice between the comfort of routine and the zen of going with the flow. As you would have undoubtedly experienced, most of us live somewhere in between these two ideals.

Beautiful Bangkok

One of my favorite cityscapes as I run the bicycle path between Lumpini and Benjakitty Parks in Bangkok this week.

My contribution to Debbie’s One Word Sunday, Afar.

5 Minutes with a Railway Remnant

Found myself along the Bukit Timah Hill portion of The Green Corridor this morning. I have run past these railway track remnants many times before, but looking at them from a different angle gave me pause for a smile. Thank you, Debbie, for hosting this One Word Sunday Challenge.

Searching Our Archives #3: I will keep on running

Running is a metaphor for how I want to tackle life: the odds may be against me, but I will try anyway.

I was chatting some years ago with a Runner Friend, back before I ran regularly. She was extolling the joys of running and my excuse: I am so short & stout (contrasting with her tall & lanky build), how on earth am I supposed to be running?  She said soothingly to me that her running friends were of different sizes and physiques. I was somewhat mollified by our conversation, although somewhat incredulous.

I still wouldn’t consider myself a serious runner:  I don’t run far, I don’t run long, I don’t compete.  But I am serious about my running.  I made a start when I was approaching 30 because I was struggling with the mortality of my life (my mid-life crisis came early).  I figured if I was ever struck down by a debilitating illness, being healthy would be an advantage.  I also thought the discipline of pushing myself one more step would be helpful if I ever needed to fight for my life.

Just about 20 years later, this was all called to test. The Hospitalisation and The Subsequent Rehabilitation called up all the fitness reserve and determination I had built up. Having to re-learn how to walk in the hospital on account of deteriorated muscles, and then rebuilding the stamina which pneumonia had depleted.  The promise of running again became my life line.

It has been almost 9 months since I left the hospital.  My runs are no longer frenetic goal-driven outings.  I am enjoying my rambles and zen moments again.  For peace of mind and a sense of freedom, there is no where I’d rather be than out on a run, wherever that takes me.

I am not so naive to think I that I can do this indefinitely; both my athletic parents have had to exchange their sporting passions for less vigorous cardiopulmonary, muscle-maintaining pursuits.  But for as long as I can, I will hit that pavement.

Notes:

• The Feature Photo was taken in Bangkok on the Cycle/Pedestrian Overpass linking Lumpini & Benjakitti Parks in January 2018.
• This post is written in response to my searching through my archives – something which I have decided to do once a month this year.

All things bright and beautiful

I am a “later-in-life” runner.  There, I have taken a risk and said that out loud; in cyberspace no less.

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