Finally did it. Unfit, overweight me ran a full 10k this morning. Step by step, bit by bit, I worked my way to complete a 10k run.

running route

I had to do it.  My break is almost over and tomorrow I’m starting work again.

I was actually exhausted. Had dance class last night. Then woke up at an unearthly hour to get the kids ready for school.

Nevertheless, I donned on my running shoes and headed for the canal.

I never think of.. how many more km to go. If I were to do that, I’d never complete the 10k run.

Instead, I brought my mobile along as usual. Surfed the net as I ran. Photographed the scenery. Even made this video out of the shots I took during the run, together with earlier photos from other outings.

Watched the white birds as they played in the canal and soared in the air.

As I ran my laps, I thought of friends. What they said. Read the daily bread online.

Basically, I kept my mind on everything but my tired body.

I’ve a feeling the birds know they are being photographed and made into videos, as these days, they look irritated and fly off when I video them, only to settle a distance away. I can imagine thought bubbles with “paparazzi” above their heads.

Hey, 2 more km to go.

I was almost there. Had to push on. I needed to complete that 10k, just to prove to myself that in spite of falling sick and all.. I still have it in me to do it.

Actually 10k is only daunting if you think of it as long distance. It’s actually very doable if you take it one step at a time.

I’m middle aged, unfit.. yet I did it.

So can you.

Oh, a word of warning, do wear good running shoes. I almost ruined my legs cos I wore mine til they were worn out. Then my legs started to hurt when I ran.

When I discarded the shoes that still looked ok on the outside, and got new ones with cushioning new and intact, the pain went away.

Running Shoe Sale – Up to 30% off

I look forward to Saturday mornings cos that’s my only chance in a week to go for a full run. Call me obsessive. Compulsive. Somehow, a run less than 10k doesn’t feel satisfying. I just love the sense of achievement i get after completing a 10k run

Less than 2 years ago, I was 10kg heavier. 2 doctors advised me to go for a diabetes test which freaked me out. Diabetes is linked to obesity.  That pretty much scared me into losing weight.

I hadn’t gone running for ages. Still, it’s never too late to start.

Initially, I went for 2k slow jogs which left me breathless. As I got used to 2k, I increased the distance to 4k, continually enjoying watching the kilos slowly melt away with my daily runs.

My weight plateaud so I increased the distance to 6k. Then 8k on mornings when I could squeeze in the time. Back then I got up at 6 each morning just to run.

I stopped work for a few months and did a home business. Then I had the luxury of running 10k everyday.

Running really boosted my morale and lifted the sluggish fog from my mind. It was no longer something I did to lose weight, but something that gave me a great sense of achievement. Self esteem. A clearer mind and.. nice legs?

Last week was particularly stressful. The only constant in life is change. On top of that, I feel like I’m just banging my head against a stone wall.

To stay sane, I ran during the weekend. 12k on Saturday morning. 10k Sunday evening. Running distances like these give me the sense of achievement I sorely need. A sense of control when I feel so powerless everywhere else.

The safra bay run registration is now open. When I made up my mind to go for the 21k run, my mood lifted. While registering, I found that the flag off time for 21k is an insane 5am.

The flag off for the 10k is a more reasonable 8am.

After 2 days contemplation, I signed up for the safra 10k run instead. The lure of the 21k medal isn’t enough to get me to wake up before 4am to go for a run.

While at it, I signed up for the great eastern womens 10k run as well.

In april 2011 there will be a sundown 21k run which I’ll aim for. That and next year’s stan chart 21k run which typically starts at 6:30 am.

Wish me luck.