Today, instead of blogging about my usual monotonous work life, I shall instead discuss one of my hobbies: running.
I like running a lot, simply because it is a sport that is easy to attempt, doesn't require any equipment other than running shoes and your body and it gives a wholesome workout to your body.
It is also easily adjustable to suit one's needs! Run at 30 to 40% of your effort to have a relaxing workout; 50 to 60% to burn those excessive fats; 70 to 90% to train anaerobically and increase your stamina and perseverance. All at the same time, it increases your breathing capacity.
I guess I was just drawn into this sport ever since secondary school. I wasn't always fit, in fact, I was quite pudgy when I was 13 years old. I was really determined to shed off my excess weight because I just wanted to feel active and strong ( got scared about my health). So this boy thought to himself:" There's no harm putting in that extra effort, it'll keep me healthy."
There used to be a TAF program for obese students in secondary school and it was compulsory for the obese. Every morning, we had to gather after assembly, walking away from our classes to the field as others stared at us. I felt that it was rather humiliating and really made me feel as though I deserved this physical activity.
This Boy wanted change, he will reject humiliation and make others to think that he has the motivation to run.
I did what others in the program thought was hard, tough...or even impossible; I embraced it.
I ran full rounds around the school field, slowly at first, then to a steady jogging pace.
We collected rubber bands or ice cream sticks after each round from a teacher or student in charge. We had to do a minimum of 7-10 rounds each session.
I saw change in myself, it was not an overnight miracle but I did see a change in my attitude after a few weeks. I started to enjoy it! I never felt happier than to challenge myself to how many rounds I could run each session. Then I saw change in my running speed; I was sprinting full rounds after 1 month.
Each time I finished a round, I gained an accumulated level of joy; of breaking down a physical barrier and one accomplished with a great sense of achievement.
I was tired afterwards but I felt that was all worth it.
I noticed change around me. The once obese recruits of the TAF club seemed somewhat motivated by me running.
I often hear words of encouragement while I run, both directed to me, themselves and their friends. People attempted to run, some jogged, some brisk walked but overall, effort was made to exercise.
One even managed to match my running pace and we encouraged each other while we ran.
Finally, I saw change in myself again.
WEIGHT LOSS!
Sadly, TAF club was disbanded 2 years after its creation because many criticize that it does not benefit obese students as they receive more discouragement and humiliation instead of motivating them to exercise. But I didn't regret the experience.
Presently, i still run to keep fit twice a week. I prefer long distance runs to sprinting because I feel that sprinting places unnecessary stress on the heart.
I run with my friends usually because it acts as a bonding session and allows me to keep in touch with them and share experiences in our daily life with each other, often leading to hilarious situations.
Nature complements running amazingly well. I like to run in nature reserves or parks because the varying lush scenery distracts me from the stress i feel from work. It also motivates me to run because it is interesting to run past different people and objects (I know I am weird. IM UNIQUE AHAHAHA!)
Meanwhile, my goal shall be to train for a future marathon. (I have yet to participate in one)
Till then, aching legs will continue to be the norm after every training!
signing off.
The Boy Who Never Stopped Running.