Thoughts on a run in the rain

I felt inspired to write this post after my walk-and-jog last Wednesday. Then yesterday, my social media feeds were flooded with 10km-Marathon distance photos and my little walk felt a bit… insignificant.

But I guess everyone has their own story, so this is mine. : )

10 mins into my usual run…

I love walking and jogging because it’s a great time to think or to space out, whichever the whim of the moment is. Both ways, I always feel mentally and physically refreshed thereafter. On this particular day, storm clouds were brewing in the distance, so it was unusually cool.

Instead of worrying about being caught in a downpour, I felt thankful that I had embarked on the run, since at other times, I would not be able to experience this just-before-rain atmosphere, which is superb for jogging. Also, there’s nothing quite like an imminent storm to hasten those footsteps!

Rain pouring down in the distance

The marathon signs along the way also made me realise how quickly time was passing. Here I was, feeling like I’ve barely stepped into November, and in just a few days, December would be upon us! The year is almost over, ahhhhhh!

Pithy sayings by participants (not all make sense, but guess they are meant to motivate haha)

I chuckled at the signs en route, but I guess any bit of encouragement helps to those plodding through the 15km or even the (gasp!) 27km mark. I ran the 10km thrice, all quite a number of years ago. The hubby went from 10km twice, to the half marathon, and then the full marathon – very proud of him!

He’s been challenging me to run the half-marathon with him next. My ‘theory’ is that most human bodies are not made to run distances above 10km at a go, and full marathon running does indescribable wear-and-tear to one’s knees etc. But I suppose there are many pluses to going the distance, not least the training in mental rigour (think I need that).

Right…

In Singapore, I feel that distance running has become too much of an ego trip. I love how the London Marathon (and most other big international marathons) require participants to raise 5,000 GBP for a charity of their choice first. I think this really puts the focus beyond the individual to a larger cause. Given the overwhelming applicants every year for this, making it a requirement in Singapore will really benefit many who need help. A baby step towards making our society a less self-centred one too?



Beauty is everywhere – flowers on a wall I ran past


Three-quarters way into my run, the heavens opened, and it poured! I didn’t see much shelter nearby, so I decided to relish running in the rain. And what a wonderfully cathartic experience that was! To have the drops pelter down on me as I jogged on. It wasn’t too cold, so I wasn’t worried about catching a chill, and there was the promise of warm bath at home…

I was grateful for the opportunity to re-live getting soaked to the skin – it is freeing in so many ways.

I felt like a child, let out to play. I felt really alive. I felt like laughing. If you haven’t run in the pouring rain for a long time, I really do recommend it. 🙂

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