It’s been a crazy month with many events happening in the family as well as a trip away to Taiwan. However, the highlight of October definitely has to be completing the first EVER running event of my life! I was extremely excited though I wouldn’t say I have performed my best, but for anyone who is just starting out like me, will probably appreciate the effort I put in to train up for this event.

In my prior posts, I have mentioned how I was away from fitness for a good 10 or more years. Running was never my thing, and I could not even run for  a minute without panting, almost like gasping for air after. Besides my extremely poor stamina, I have this foot condition (bunions) for more than 10 years, and that kept me off dancing and running because any flexion on my toe joint will cause pain and discomfort.

In April this year, I signed up for the Shape Run organized by Shape magazine Singapore, under the encouragement of my partner. I didn’t even think that advert would have caught my attention, but I was glad I had decided to go for it.

Shape Singapore is a fitness magazine for women, and the Shape Run is an annual event held for women only. Many said the magic in a run like that is to be able to participate with all other female runners, be they fit and athletic, or just ladies making that extra effort to try to get back into a fitter health state. The pressure seems to be lesser, as I would imagine myself running alongside men who jog like my sprinting speed!

So here are the Shape Run photos taken on the 27th Oct. I spurred my elder sister to come join me in the run. Both of us are relatively unfit before, but I am sure it will all change from now  for both of us. (Note : She did not practice before the race day! Very proud of her!)

Our lucky numbers!

A beautiful morning but the crowd wasn’t really running…

No makeup natural flush! Stole a picture at the finishing point

Sisters who run together.

Sisterly love.

Me and my first medal

Even though it’s just a 5km run that isn’t anything to brag about, I am still very proud and hyped post the run. I started slow as I was trying to pace myself, but got to a point I realized I was going way too slow…..I picked up some good speed throughout to the end, and was quite delighted at the fact that I didn’t stop once during the race, and in fact, I was on a gradual constant increase in my speed. I am so happy I didn’t slack!

Rank results came out today and I’m exhilarated that I actually came in not as far back as I thought I was. HEHE! Not a good record time though, I had better timing on my practice runs, but the time per km definitely was much better as I was dashing after catching sight of the Finish barricade.

* I started after the flag off time as I was desperately trying to queue for the washroom before. So please note NETT TIME only. (hee*)

I must compliment Shape Magazine SG for putting together the yearly run so orderly and well organized. Although its my first time on an event like this, I must say I was crazily impressed by the number of portable toilets on site. I easily count 50? If I had known I would not be queueing at the nearby train station and to miss the pre-run warm up session and flag off time! Despite the unexpected haze in July that caused the deferment, it was great that everything went on smooth and well yesterday! Good job Shape! You have got me hooked on not just your magazines but also your runs!

All in all, I am pleased I have taken my first step to try to run again. It is not a dying wish of mine, and it had never occurred to me that I would ever sign up for something which clearly didn’t seem like my forte. Being the slowest in most school races throughout my younger days, panting and puffing every few strides just made me really embarrassed. I guess the key is, everyone has to start somewhere, it’s just a matter of how much we want it and be willing to work for it. If i can start from a mere 100m to a 5km non-stopping run distance, I am sure you too will be able to do it.

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you”

Here’s to my next run event, and I will be working up to my next goal of 10km. And because I hate my bunions and knee pain, all the more…….Be sure to see me there, one day!