Moving, Even When It’s Hard

After being knocked out sick for the past few days, I had absolutely zero energy to do anything. Even lifting a finger felt heavy. I’ve been sluggish, just lying around binge-watching Netflix. Yesterday, I still had an excuse because of all the rain, but today… Well, I watched five episodes of a K-drama, downed three cups of coffee, and ate the leftover food from the fridge.

I felt like I was melting into the couch while my mind was itching to restart my fitness journey.

It’s a strange feeling. In my head, I wanted to do so many things, but my body simply wouldn’t cooperate.

Still, I guess my stubborn mind won out today. It’s a small victory, but it matters.

My body had no energy, honestly — I was half-hoping the rain wouldn’t stop so I’d have a reason to stay put. But when the rain cleared, I told myself: just walk out the door. There's no need to push. Just try. My chest still feels hollow from this cough, so I didn’t aim for anything big. I started with a 1 km walk, then ran 3 km. By the end of that third kilometre, I felt like I was about to pass out, so I cooled down with another 1 km walk.

It was getting dark anyway. It was muddy and there were dogs around, so I headed home and did a few easy dumbbell reps. Nothing fancy, nothing intense — just doing my best.

And you know what? I’m happy I got out there. The beach was lovely. The breeze helped. I’m learning to listen to my body and simply do what I can. Trying, little by little, to feel a bit more like myself again.

Anyway, that’s my little update today. Anyone else out there pushing through the blah days? Drop me a comment or DM — I’m curious how you deal with days when your body and mind aren’t quite in sync.

May x

Just When I Thought I Was Back, I Got Knocked Down

Believe it or not, just the day after I posted my last update, I got sick. The symptoms felt like COVID. I didn’t get tested, but the tiredness and cough were enough to tell me something was off.

My running shoes are also in healing mode. 

It was frustrating because I was just starting to get my momentum back. But maybe it’s a reminder that progress isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes life throws curveballs, and we have to slow down, rest, and be kind to ourselves.

So, I’m taking this as part of the journey. Healing first, then getting back on track — stronger and more determined.

Have you ever faced a setback just as you were gaining momentum? How did you get back on track?

May x

Finding My Way Back

I won’t sugarcoat this. I’ve been slacking on my workouts, and now my body’s paying the price.

I noticed it after last week’s run. Actually, no—I lied. It’s been a while. This didn’t happen suddenly. It crept up slowly, skipping a workout here, cutting a run short there, convincing myself that a walk or an occasional PT session would balance it all out. I thought I was doing “enough” to maintain things, but the truth is, I wasn’t paying attention.

And then the signs started showing. My clothes, the ones that used to make me feel good, stopped fitting the way they used to. I noticed it first when I pulled on an old dress, and it felt tighter than I remembered, with my belly hanging out. Then came the feeling when I was running, the uncomfortable bounce and that little voice in my head asking, "How did I get here?"

It’s tough to admit, but I let it slide. I’m the one who got myself into this situation.

But here’s the thing: I don’t want to stay stuck. I’m not chasing perfection or some unrealistic ideal. I just want to feel like me again — the version of myself who moves with energy, feels strong, and is comfortable in her own skin. I'm 44 this year.

So now, I’m trying to find my way back.. one run at a time, one small choice at a time. It’s not glamorous, it’s not instant, and honestly, it’s humbling. But it’s necessary.

If you’ve ever felt this way, too, lost your rhythm, lost motivation, or felt like you’ve drifted... how did you get yourself back? What helped you regain your momentum? I’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or even just your story.

Progress is progress, no matter how small the step.

May x

Supersports 10 Mile Run 2025 Bangkok Presented by PUMA

It’s been a while since I last raced. My last one was back in December. So, stepping into the Supersports 10 Mile Run 2025 felt like a good way to ease back into things. There was no pressure or expectations—just me showing up to run, and I’m glad I did.

At the starting point, 3:30 a.m. – waiting for the gun.

The race kicked off at 3:30 a.m. While most of the city was still asleep, the traffic certainly wasn’t. We ran on shared lanes with cars and motorbikes zooming past, which was honestly a bit scary. Bangkok truly never sleeps. Volunteers did a great job managing the roads and placing cones to divide the lanes for runners, but we still had to stop three times to cross busy roads—the most frustrating one just about 100 metres from the finish line.

The face of no-pressure running.

I'm grateful that it didn’t rain—running through Bangkok in a downpour at 3 a.m. would’ve been a different kind of challenge. Water stations were set up every 2km, which was a huge help in staying hydrated in the early morning humidity.

Finding joy in the miles.

Now for the less glamorous part—no toilets. There were two mobile units along the route, but both were locked, and the only usable one was near the end, across the road, which meant I’d have to run through traffic to get to it, which I didn’t do. Running with a full bladder wasn’t ideal. Let’s just say that holding a full tank of pee for 10 miles was not part of the plan.

Trying to look chill—bladder says otherwise.

Despite the challenges, I really enjoyed being part of this event. It reminded me how much I love the energy of race day, the shared spirit among runners, and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line—my net time was 1:58:13, and I’ll take that with a smile.

The smile says it all.

I had prepaid for unlimited race photos from Thai.Run during the expo—THB790 instead of the usual THB890. The photographers were impressively quick; the photos were already up not long after the race. I’ve included some of my favourites throughout this post—worth every baht to relive the morning!

This face says: 10 miles, no toilet, still got it done.

Proof that I survived 10 miles

Big thanks to the organisers, volunteers, photographers, and everyone else who helped make it happen. My first race of the year is done and dusted.

What’s your strategy for staying hydrated and handling bathroom breaks during longer runs?

May x

Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon 2025

The AMAZING THAILAND PATTAYA MARATHON 2025 presented by MAMA is now open for registration! Happening on 19-20 July 2025, this is one of those races I’ve had my eyes on for a while, and this year, I’m finally going for it!

📸 Photo credit: Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon Official Page

Ever since living in Thailand, Pattaya has become one of my weekend go-tos. So, running a race there? It just makes sense. Last year, I had to give it a miss because I was away in the UK for the summer—but not this time.

I’ve signed up for the 21km category to prepare for full marathons later this year (October and December are going to be big). It feels good to be easing back into a proper running routine, and I’m hoping this weekend’s run will help me rebuild some consistency.

If you’ve been thinking of joining a race or want a destination run with sea breeze and tropical vibes, this is your sign. And there’s good news:

✅ Early bird rates available until 17 May 2025.

✅ 4.5km category is FREE – but only for the first 2,000 slots!

📸 Photo credit: Amazing Thailand Pattaya Marathon Official Page

Race Information:

🗓️ Race Day: 19-20 July 2025

🏃‍♂️ Categories: 4.5km, 10km, 21km, and 42.195km

Don’t wait too long—those spots will go fast.

👉 Register here

Let me know if you’re signing up #PattayaMarathon2025 too! Would be fun to see some familiar faces at the start line 😊

May x

The Joy of Giving Something Handmade

Little pieces of love, ready to travel across the miles. #Handmade bookmarks and birthday cards for my sponsored children. 💛

This year, I’m sending my sponsored children handmade bookmarks along with birthday cards. They may be small, but each one is made with a lot of love and thought.

With birthdays spread out throughout the year, I make time to prepare these little gifts because they’re my way of showing how much I care. Even though the gifts are simple, I hope they bring a smile and let them know they are thought of, remembered, and celebrated.

Making these bookmarks has become a special part of my routine. It’s not something rushed or done out of obligation. It’s something I genuinely look forward to. Sitting down with some quiet time, choosing the colours, thinking about each child as I craft their bookmark, these small moments fill me with a sense of connection, even across the distance.

Each time I put a card and bookmark together, I’m reminded of how precious they are and how grateful I am to be part of their lives, even in this small way. Being able to support and encourage them, even from afar, is something I never take for granted.

It may not be anything grand or expensive, but it’s meaningful, not just to them, I hope, but also to me. These little gifts are my way of sending love, encouragement, and a small reminder that someone out there is cheering them on.

If you’ve ever thought about creating something handmade for someone you care about, I really encourage you to give it a try. Sometimes the simplest gestures can mean more than we realise.

Thanks for reading. If you have any simple gift ideas you love to share with others, I’d love to hear them too.

May x