Changing My 2026 Running Plans After Surgery

I had quite a few races planned for 2026.

But sometimes, life has other plans.

Why am I changing my plans?

I recently had surgery to remove multiple fibroids. They had grown and were causing enough problems that, after discussing things with my doctor, we decided it was better to deal with them now rather than keep putting it off.

Honestly, I had hoped to get through my races first and sort everything out afterwards.

But surgery obviously changed things.

And I realised I don’t want to rush my recovery just to make a race happen.

So… What Happened to My 2026 Races?

I’ve decided to step away from my remaining 2026 races.

My calendar now looks a little different:

Oh well… there goes my nicely planned race calendar. 🫠

Of course I’m disappointed. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t. 🥲

I had plans for these races, and it’s hard to just let them go.

But it wasn’t exactly how I imagined my running year would go, and I’m okay with changing the plan.

For now, I’d rather take care of myself, recover properly and choose quality of life.

Running will still be there when I’m ready.

There will be other races, other starting lines and other goals.

For now, it’s just one step at a time. 🐌🤍

May xx

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa: Book Review & Thoughts

🚨SPOILER ALERT 🚨

The Cat Who Saved Books by Sōsuke Natsukawa, translated by Louise Heal Kawai

"Books have tremendous power."

Well, indeed they do. ❤️

The story follows Rintaro, a young book lover who has just lost his grandfather, the owner of a secondhand bookshop. While Rintaro is grieving, a talking tabby cat named Tiger suddenly appears and takes him on a series of strange journeys through four magical labyrinths.

In each labyrinth, Rintaro has to save books from people who have very different ideas about what books are for.

It sounds like a whimsical fantasy, but underneath the talking cat and magical labyrinths, I think the book is actually commenting on some very real problems with reading today.

The first labyrinth is about books being imprisoned. A man owns an enormous collection of books but treats them more like trophies than something to actually read.

The first labyrinth is about books being imprisoned. A man has an enormous collection of books, but he treats them more like possessions than something meant to be read.

I especially liked this one because it reminded me of myself. 😂

I buy lots of books, proudly put them on my shelves… and then sometimes don't actually read them.

Yet. 😂

It made me think about whether owning books is the same as actually appreciating them.

In the second labyrinth, Rintaro encounters a professor who cuts books into pieces and simplifies them so people can read them more quickly.

And honestly, I could kind of relate to this one too. 😂

There are definitely times when I look at a really thick book and think, “Is there a shorter version?”

But the story makes an interesting point: sometimes the effort of reading is part of the experience. If we remove all the difficult or challenging parts, we might also lose something important along the way.

The third labyrinth focuses on a publisher who sees books mainly as products.

Books that don't sell are considered worthless and are thrown away.

This one made me think about how easily books can become just another commercial product. We talk about bestsellers, sales figures and what everyone else is reading.

But does a book's value really depend on how many copies it sells?

Sometimes a book that sells very little might still have a huge impact on one particular reader.

And then comes the fourth and final labyrinth, which is probably the most personal one.

Rintaro has to rescue Sayo, and this time the challenge goes beyond simply saving books. He begins to understand that the real power of books isn't just in the physical books themselves.

It's in what they can do for people.

They can challenge us, change how we see the world and, most importantly, help us understand other people.

I think that's probably what stayed with me most.

This book also made me think a little more about why I read. Books aren't just something to collect, finish or tick off a reading list. They can make us think, make us feel, and sometimes help us understand people who are completely different from us.

At the same time, I have to admit that some parts felt a little too preachy for me. The message about the importance of books is quite clear, and sometimes I felt the book was trying a little too hard to make sure I understood the lesson.

And perhaps the biggest takeaway for me is that reading isn't really about how many books we read.

It's about what those books do to us.

If you love books about books, reading and the power of stories, this is definitely worth picking up. ❤️

May xx

Apparently, I’m Quite Annoying: A Very Honest Look at Couple Life 😂

Sometimes, living with someone long enough means they know you a little too well.

Apparently, I’m quite annoying.

At least, according to my boyfriend. 😂

To be fair, I don't think I'm that annoying.

I just like moving around the house. A lot.

Our house was originally built for a family of five, but these days there are only two of us living here.

Which means I've slowly, and somewhat unintentionally, claimed quite a few corners of the house.

I have my reading corners.

My little sitting corners.

A spot for crocheting.

A spot for playing games.

And various other random places where I can sit, read, crochet, scroll, play something or simply exist for a while.

Basically, I don't really have one designated place. 

I roam. 😂

My boyfriend, meanwhile, has somehow learned my patterns.

Most of the time, he knows exactly where I am.

If he needs me and can't see me, he'll just yell from his study.

And I'll yell back from wherever I've decided to settle myself.

It's actually a pretty efficient system.

No need to walk around the house looking for each other.

Apparently, My Silence Is Suspicious

But then something happened that made me realise just how well he knows me.

When the house was unusually quiet.

With me not responding to his call...and he couldn't find me...

And apparently, there was only one logical explanation.

"If you're quiet, I know you're in the toilet pooping. Because that's the only time you're so quiet."

...

What? Excuse me?! 😂😂😂

I wasn't sure whether I should be offended or impressed.

On the one hand, it's slightly insulting that my boyfriend has apparently identified my toilet habits as one of my most defining characteristics.

On the other hand…

He wasn't wrong. 😂

Apparently, after spending enough time together, you start learning all the tiny, ridiculous things about each other.

The sounds.

The routines.

The little habits.

Even the places your partner disappears to when the house suddenly goes quiet.

I think that's one of the funny things about long-term relationships.

It's not always the big romantic moments that make you feel close to someone.

Sometimes it's the completely ordinary stuff.

Knowing which corner of the house they'll probably be sitting in.

Knowing what they're probably doing when they're unusually quiet.

Knowing their little routines without them having to explain anything.

And, apparently, knowing exactly when they're in the bathroom.🤦🏻‍♀️😂

I thought I was being mysterious.

Apparently, I'm just predictable.

And perhaps a little annoying.

But that's couple life, I suppose.

You learn each other's quirks, you tease each other about them, and somehow those silly little moments become some of your favourite memories.

I originally shared this little episode on Instagram because, honestly, I thought it was too ridiculous not to.

What started as a random conversation about how my boyfriend somehow always knows where I am turned into an entire story about my suspiciously quiet toilet habits.

Naturally, I had to turn it into a carousel. 😂

If you came here from that post, thank you for indulging me in this completely unnecessary piece of our everyday life.

And if you haven't seen it yet, you can find the original post over on my Instagram, @justmemay.

Because apparently, I've reached the stage of life where even my toilet habits can become content.

You're welcome. 🤭

Well, do you have a funny little habit that your partner or family knows you for?

I'd love to know I'm not the only one who has become completely predictable to the people I live with. 😂

May xx

Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata | Book Review & Thoughts on “Normal”

This was a short but surprisingly thought-provoking read.

It’s funny in a very dry way and sometimes quite uncomfortable — because the person who seems “strange” may actually be the one who understands the world most clearly.

The story follows Keiko, a woman who has worked at the same convenience store for 18 years and is perfectly happy with her life.

Keiko has always been considered unusual. Even as a child, she reacted to situations differently from everyone else.

But because she doesn't follow the usual path of getting married, having children and building a conventional career, everyone around her thinks something is wrong with her. They think she needs to be “fixed.”

I actually liked how the book made me question what “normal” really means. Why do we assume everyone has to want the same things in life?

And then there’s Shiraha. 🫩

The more I read about him, the more I kept thinking, is there really such a human being? And how can someone like this exist and live their life?

What an arrogant, useless human being. I honestly found him so infuriating. 😂

He drove me crazy, but perhaps that's also what made his character so memorable.

Maybe that's part of what makes the book so good — it makes you uncomfortable, makes you question society, and definitely gives you someone to hate. 😂

Not sure I loved the book, but it definitely gave me a lot to think about.

Maybe the biggest takeaway for me is that “normal” is not necessarily the same as “right.” We all have different ideas of what makes a life meaningful, and perhaps we should be a little less quick to decide that someone else needs to be “fixed.”

May xx

I Got Into the Prague Half Marathon 2027 | My Running Journey

Well… I wasn’t expecting this.

I entered the ballot for the Generali Prague Half Marathon 2027 not really knowing what would happen.

And today, I found out:

I GOT IN. 🥹🏃🏻‍♀️

So, apparently, I’m going to Prague on 3 April 2027 to run 21.1 km through one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. 🇨🇿

And there’s an even bigger reason I’m excited about this one.

Prague is part of the SuperHalfs series — six iconic half marathons across Europe, with runners taking on Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia.

And somehow, I’ve already started my own little SuperHalfs adventure.

Cardiff Half Marathon — October 2026 🏃🏻‍♀️

Lisbon Half Marathon — I got in! 🇵🇹

Prague Half Marathon — I got in! 🇨🇿

Three races on the list. Three cities to run through. And potentially the beginning of a much bigger challenge.

I never really set out thinking, I’m going to complete the SuperHalfs.

But now that I have Cardiff, Lisbon and Prague lined up… well, maybe I should see where this takes me. 😂

No big goals yet. No time target.

Just another race to train for, another city to explore on foot, and another finish line to look forward to.

Sometimes you enter a ballot thinking, let’s see what happens.

And then… it happens.

Prague, I’ll see you in April. 🇨🇿❤️

One more race added to the calendar.

One more reason to keep showing up.

May xx

I Have Too Many Books

I think I may have a small problem.

I have too many books. 😂

And somehow, despite having several apps to track my reading, I still managed to buy duplicate books.

Yes. Duplicate books.

Apparently, knowing what I've already bought is harder than actually buying another book.

So today, I decided it was time to do something about it.

I've been using a few different reading apps to keep track of what I'm reading, what I've read and what I want to read. But somewhere along the way, I realised that what I really need isn't just a reading tracker.

I need a proper catalogue of the books I actually own.

Because there is a difference between knowing what you've read and knowing what is sitting on your bookshelf.

And clearly, I need the latter.

Time to become my own librarian

So today, I found myself sitting in one corner next to my bookshelf, surrounded by books, trying to figure out exactly what I have.

The goal is pretty simple:

Know what I own.

I want to be able to check whether I already have a book before buying it. I want to know which books I've read, which ones are still waiting for me, and, most importantly, avoid buying the same book twice.

You would think this would be easy.

It probably would be if I had started doing this years ago.

Instead, I'm now looking at shelves of books and thinking, When did I buy this one? and Wait… don't I already have this? 😂

And that's exactly how this little project started.

The search for the right app

I've been looking into different apps that can help catalogue a personal library. There are quite a few options out there, and each seems to have its own strengths and limitations.

Some are more focused on reading and reviews. Others are better for cataloguing an actual collection. Some are simple and user-friendly, while others seem to have a lot more features than I probably need.

I'm still figuring out which one works best for me.

For now, though, the most important thing is getting everything into one place.

So today is less about finding the perfect app and more about finally getting organised.

Let's see how many books I actually own

This is probably the part I'm both looking forward to and slightly afraid of.

I have a feeling the final number is going to be higher than I expect.

And I'm almost certain I'll find more duplicates along the way.

But at least once everything is catalogued, I'll have a much better idea of what is actually sitting on my shelves.

Maybe I'll even discover books I've completely forgotten about.

And perhaps — just perhaps — this will stop me from buying another copy of a book I already own.

No promises, though. 😂

For now, I'm officially on librarian duty.

Wish me luck. 

May xx

Book Review: A Quiet Place by Seichō Matsumoto

🚨 SPOILER ALERT 🚨

I read this book a month ago and am now trying to get back on track with my reviews. 😂

The story follows Tsuneo Asai, a Japanese government bureaucrat whose younger wife, Eiko, suddenly dies of a heart attack while out in Tokyo.

At first, Asai accepts her death. She had a heart condition, so a heart attack isn't completely unbelievable. But one thing bothers him, and he starts investigating.

Asai's suspicions about Eiko are basically correct.

And then things take a very different turn.

The man who begins the story investigating a mysterious death eventually becomes a murderer himself.

But the ending felt so strange to me...

The first part reads almost like a very quiet detective story. You're slowly uncovering what Eiko had been hiding and trying to understand what really happened.

But ultimately, I don't think this book is really about solving the mystery of Eiko's death.

It's more about jealousy, obsession and how the need to know the truth can slowly consume you.

And that ending... I still don't know how I feel about it. 😂

Maybe the unsettled feeling is exactly what the author wanted to leave us with. 😮‍💨

May xx

Every Mile Has a Purpose | My Global 6K for Water 2026 Update

A Little Global 6K for Water Update 💙

The challenge has officially started, and I'm slowly getting into the rhythm.

So far:

🏃🏻‍♀️ 66.74 km covered

💧 S$50 raised towards my S$600 target

My Global 6K for Water Singapore 2026 fundraising profile showing distance and funds raised.

The distance is moving along nicely. The fundraising… let's just say we have some work to do. 😂

Which brings me to a little idea I've been playing with…

I'm making some handmade bracelets as part of my Global 6K fundraising. The idea is simple: if you support my fundraiser, I'd love to make you a little bracelet as a thank-you. You can choose a word, or let me surprise you. 🤭

Handmade bracelet created as a thank-you gift for supporters of my Global 6K for Water fundraiser.

I'm also thinking of making a few to bring along when I visit my sponsored child next month, so I can give one as a little gift.

It's a small thing, but I thought it would be a fun way to make this fundraiser a little more personal.

If you'd like to support my Global 6K journey, I'd be truly grateful. And as a little thank-you, I'd love to make you one of these bracelets.

💙 Support my Global 6K fundraiser

https://global6k.worldvision.org.sg/participant!P00238RA

For now, bracelets can only be sent to Singapore & Penang.

And if you don't need one, you can always choose to pass it on. 🤍

Every mile has a purpose.

Together, we're helping bring clean water closer to 12,000 children across Asia and Africa.

May xx

My Body Has Changed. So Has My Life.

I used to weigh between 47 and 49kg for most of my adult life. Back then, fitting into an XS was just... normal. I never thought much about it.

Then COVID happened. Yes, I still blame COVID.

Living in Penang during the lockdown meant we were confined to our homes. We could only leave for groceries and travel within a limited radius. Like many others, I started working from home, and the boundaries between work and life disappeared.

Wake up.

Work.

Lunch at my desk.

Keep working.

Before I knew it, it was evening.

There was no commute, no reason to get up, and somehow there was never an end to the workday.

I tried to stay active, but it wasn't the same.

When the world finally reopened, life had changed. Many of my running friends had retired from running, and not long after that, I moved to another country. I still went for the occasional run with colleagues, but the routine and community I once had slowly faded away.

Then work became busier.

Then I left my job and moved to Bangkok to be with my boyfriend.

Life settled into a completely different rhythm.

By then, I was hovering around 52kg.

At first, it didn't seem like much. But little by little, I noticed the changes.

My XS clothes stayed in the wardrobe.

Then I moved into size S.

Then M.

Eventually, even some of my M-sized clothes no longer fit comfortably.

I don't buy clothes often. So when I do, it's usually because I genuinely need them.

Yesterday, I went shopping.

For the first time, I didn't even bother reaching for a size M.

I picked up a size L without thinking. Five years ago, I would never have imagined doing that.

This morning, the scale read 59.8kg.

A younger version of me would probably have panicked.

Today?

Not anymore.

I've tried.

I've trained for marathons.

I've walked, run, swum, and started over more times than I can count.

Could I do more? Probably.

Should I start strength training? Definitely.

Could I eat better? Probably.

But life isn't lived in perfect training cycles.

Sometimes you're building a career.

Sometimes you're moving countries.

Sometimes you're trying to settle into a new place.

Sometimes you're so busy showing up for the people you love...

...that somewhere along the way, you forget to show up for yourself.

Age changes us.

Hormones change us.

Life changes us.

Do I still want to become stronger and healthier?

Absolutely.

Not because I want to fit back into an XS.

Not because I want to see 49kg on the scale again.

But because I want to feel strong.

I want to keep running.

Keep travelling.

Keep exploring.

Keep saying yes to adventures.

So yes, today I'm 59.8kg.

The clothes are bigger.

The body is different.

The pace isn't what it used to be.

Would I like to lose a few kilos? Of course.

But I'm not going to beat myself up over it anymore.

Life happened.

Age happened.

And that's okay.

So I'll just keep moving.

One last thing before I end...

This isn't about saying one size is better than another, or that there's anything wrong with being a size L.

It's simply an honest reflection on how my body has changed over the years. We all have different bodies, different lifestyles, different genetics and different life journeys. This one just happens to be mine.

I'm curious...

Have you noticed your body changing too?

Was there a moment when you realised things weren't quite the same anymore?

What has helped you make peace with those changes—or are you still figuring it out?

I'd genuinely love to hear your story. Let's have an honest conversation in the comments. ❤️

May xx

Every Mile Has a Purpose | My Global 6K for Water Singapore 2026 Journey

Last year, I took part in Global 6K for Water Singapore for the first time.

I wasn't chasing a personal best or trying to run the furthest distance. I simply wanted to use something I already loved - running - to support a cause that has become close to my heart.

By the end of the challenge, I had covered 694.69 kilometres and raised S$1,840 through my fundraising page.

Looking back, those numbers aren't what I remember most.

What stays with me is the reminder that while I choose to run, many children across Asia and Africa don't have the same choice. Every day, they walk long distances just to collect water that may not even be safe to drink. That journey takes time away from school, affects their health, and limits opportunities that many of us take for granted.

That's why I'm signing up again.

From 4 August to 20 November 2026, every training run, morning walk, recovery session and long run for my upcoming races will also count towards my Global 6K for Water journey.

This year is a little different.

A few weeks ago, I started Project 100 - a personal commitment to rebuild consistency, one day at a time. It isn't about running every day or chasing perfect workouts. It's about showing up, listening to my body, and remembering that progress is built through small, consistent actions.

As it turns out, that's exactly what Global 6K for Water is about too.

I'm currently training for the Cardiff Half Marathon in October, followed a week later by the Chicago Marathon. As with every marathon journey, there will be good runs, difficult runs, recovery days, and moments when simply showing up is enough.

Instead of treating the Global 6K challenge as something extra, I'm choosing to give every kilometre I'm already running an extra purpose.

Every mile I train.

Every step I take.

Every finish line I cross.

They all become an opportunity to help bring clean water closer to children and their communities.

Together, we're helping bring clean water closer to 12,000 children across Asia and Africa. It's a reminder that while none of us can solve the challenge alone, every step we take and every act of generosity can become part of something much bigger.

Over the coming months, I'll be sharing my Project 100 journey alongside my Global 6K challenge - the highs, the setbacks, the races, the recovery days and everything in between. I hope it reminds us that consistency doesn't have to be perfect to make a difference.

If you've followed my running journey before, thank you for being part of it.

And if you'd like to support my Global 6K for Water fundraiser this year, I'd be truly grateful. Whether it's through a donation, sharing my fundraising page, or simply cheering me on, every bit of encouragement helps.

You can support my fundraiser here:
https://global6k.worldvision.org.sg/participant!P00238RA

Thank you for believing that every mile can have a purpose.

Running has given me so much over the years.

This is one way I can give something back.

Here's to another season of running with purpose.

Let's make every mile count.

May xx

Project 100: My 100-Day Journey to Rebuild Running Consistency

I have a confession to make.

I have been a little inconsistent with my running.

There. I said it. 😅

For the past six months, running has been a bit of a complicated relationship.

I would run.

Then stop.

Then start again.

Then something would hurt.

Then life would happen.

And before I knew it, I was starting over again.

The frustrating part is that I know I can run.

I have completed marathons and half marathons. I have travelled to different countries to run races.

But knowing I can run and actually running consistently are two very different things.

So, I am starting Project 100. Not 100 days of running.

That would probably be a terrible idea for my body and an excellent way to get injured again.

Instead, it is 100 days of rebuilding my consistency.

Running. Walking. Swimming. Strength training.

Resting when I need to.

The goal is simple: Keep moving. Keep showing up.

I'm 45 now, and I have to accept that my body doesn't recover quite like it used to.

A few years ago, I could run a half marathon and recover after a day or two.

Now, my body seems to need a full recovery plan after a short run.

Honestly, it's a little rude. 😂

But this is where I am.

I'm not starting from zero.

I'm starting from experience.

From the races I've completed, the injuries I've had, the mistakes I've made and all the times I've stopped and started again.

This time, I'm trying to build something that lasts.

No perfect plan.

No dramatic transformation.

No promises that every day will be easy.

Just 100 days of trying to show up and find my way back to something I love. RUNNING.

Welcome to Project 100. 🏃‍♀️

Let's see where I end up.

And if you happen to drop by and read this, say hi. 👋🏻

I'd love to know you're here.

May xx

Running Alone: Finding My Way Back to the Running Community

“Did you meet anyone?” My boyfriend asked me this recently.

“Are you meeting your friends?” “Will any of your friends be there?” The questions were simple. Probably just casual conversation.

But they stayed with me. Because I realised that, lately, when I travel for running events, the answer is usually NO.

I fly somewhere, check into a hotel, collect my race pack, and I run.

And most of the time, I do all of it alone.

That conversation made me think about how different my running life is now compared to before.

Before COVID-19, running was a very different part of my life.

I had running friends. I was constantly meeting new people through running events. There was always someone to run with, someone to sign up for a race with, or someone to meet after a run.

I ran almost every day.

I joined running events almost every weekend.

Running was social.

Then I started travelling frequently between Penang and Singapore. Even so, I still had people to run with. I used to run with my colleagues on weekends.

Then COVID-19 hit. All running stopped.

When things eventually returned to normal, I started running again, but I joined fewer running events. I lost touch with some of the friends I used to run with. Life became busier and more complicated.

And slowly, running became something I did alone.

I attended races alone. I travelled to races alone. I ran alone.

Not because I had consciously decided that this was what I wanted, but because that was simply how life had evolved.

Constant travel didn't help either.

Moving between places meant that I never really had a consistent routine. Just when I started getting comfortable somewhere, I would be somewhere else.

And with every move, it became harder to maintain friendships and find people to run with.

Of course, there is always the question:

Why don't you just make new friends?

Honestly… how? 😂

I'm an introvert. I'm also shy about approaching people.

You see someone running alone.

Then you think, “But what do I say?”

“Hi.” “Where are you from?” “So… do you run?” 😂

And suddenly, you realise you have no idea how to continue the conversation. 😂

But the truth is, I don't actually mind running alone.

There are many things I enjoy about it.

I can run at my own pace. I can choose the races I want to join. I can travel wherever I want without having to coordinate schedules with anyone.

Running has always been something personal to me.

It has taken me to places I might never have visited otherwise. It has challenged me, frustrated me, given me some of my proudest moments, and occasionally made me question why I ever thought signing up for another race was a good idea. 😂

So I don't think running alone makes my running journey sad or incomplete.

I am perfectly capable of enjoying a race alone.

But being comfortable alone doesn't mean I don't also enjoy connecting with other people.

Those two things can exist at the same time.

Lately, as I've been trying to get back into running, I've also started trying to connect with other runners online.

I join running chats. I cheer people on. I congratulate them when they complete a race or achieve something they have been working towards.

And I genuinely mean it.

I enjoy seeing other runners achieve their goals.

I hope that, over time, some of these online connections can become real friendships.

I hope people will accept this casual runner who isn't always consistent, isn't always fast, and sometimes disappears for weeks before suddenly deciding to run again. 😂

Maybe we can motivate each other.

Maybe we can cheer each other on.

Maybe, one day, we might even meet and go for a run together.

Social media can be a strange thing.

It can connect us to people all over the world, but it can also make us feel like we are missing out.

I constantly see photos of groups of runners running together.

People travelling to races together.

Friends celebrating at the finish line together.

Running clubs organising meet-ups.

And sometimes, I look at those photos and think:

“Wow. They look like they are having so much fun.”

And then:

“I wish I was there.”

Sometimes I wish I were in that country.

Sometimes I wish I were in that city.

Sometimes I wish I had a group of running friends like that.

But everyone's running journey looks different.

Some people run with a group.

Some people run with one close friend.

Some people run with their partners.

And some people run alone.

None of these makes one person's running journey better than another's.

I may be a solo runner most of the time, but that doesn't mean I want to be completely disconnected from the running community.

I still want to cheer for others.

I still want to be cheered on.

I still want to make friends.

Not because I need a running group to make my running meaningful.

Running is already meaningful to me.

But because some experiences are simply nice to share.

The excitement of signing up for a race.

The nerves before the start.

The pain of a long run.

The disappointment of a bad training week.

The happiness of crossing a finish line.

These are things runners understand.

Maybe making friends as an adult is harder.

Maybe making friends when you are constantly travelling is even harder.

And maybe making friends when you are an introvert who is too shy to approach people is harder still. 😂

But I am trying.

Not to change the way I run.

Not to stop running alone.

Just to be a little more open to the connections that come along the way.

Maybe that is where it starts.

With a simple “well done”.

A comment on someone's race.

A message in a running chat.

Or maybe just asking:

“Are you running this race too?”

Because perhaps the goal isn't to stop running alone.

Maybe it's simply to realise that you can run your own race and still find your people along the way. 🏃🏻‍♀️

May xx

SCORE Marathon 2026: The Half Marathon I Ran Without Any Expectations

Score Marathon 2026

Last weekend, I flew from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur for a half marathon. I arrived on Saturday, collected my race pack, rested and prepared for the race the following morning.

On Sunday, I stood at the starting line without any expectations because, honestly, I wasn't sure how my body would cope with 21.1km.

I hadn't been training consistently, and my plantar fasciitis was still recovering. I knew I wasn't properly prepared for the run, and I didn't want to push myself so hard that I ended up aggravating my foot again.

So, I decided to take a different approach.

I would run when I felt like running, walk when I felt like walking and simply enjoy the experience.

And surprisingly, I did.

There was no pressure and no chasing a particular time. I just listened to my body and enjoyed the run.

And I'm really proud of myself for that. 🥹

I used to be the kiasu type who put so much pressure on myself to run faster and finish within a particular time I had set for myself. This time, I didn't. I simply wanted to get through the run safely and enjoy the experience.

One thing that made me feel surprisingly good throughout the race was carrying a small bottle with me.

And yes, thanks to Thai Airways. 😂 I took the small mineral water bottle with me because it was just the right size and handy to carry. I'm just recycling the bottle.

It kept my hands busy while running, and I was able to drink water regularly instead of waiting until I reached the next water station.

But most importantly, I didn't have to throw away any cups along the route.

There were reminders made to all runners about not littering. Unfortunately, I still saw runners throwing their cups onto the road.

I know it may seem like a small thing, but I do think we can all do better. The volunteers are already working hard to support the runners and keep the race running smoothly. They shouldn't have to spend extra time cleaning up after runners who simply throw their cups onto the road.

Now, about the route…

Was it just me, or did it feel like I was constantly running uphill? 😂

I hate elevation.

Every time I thought I had reached the top of a “hill”, there seemed to be another one waiting for me.

Perhaps it felt more challenging because I hadn't trained consistently, but I definitely noticed the elevation throughout the route. Thankfully, I had no target time to chase, so whenever I felt tired, I simply slowed down or walked.

The toilet situation was probably one of my biggest frustrations during the race.

I was holding my pee from around 3km until 12km because every portable toilet available at the water stations had a queue of at least 10 people.

There simply weren't enough toilets at the earlier stops.

Eventually, I gave up and joined the queue. I probably wasted about three minutes waiting.

Three minutes may not sound like much, but every minute counts when you're trying to get to the finish line.

Hopefully, future races can consider providing more portable toilets at the busier water stations.

One more thing I noticed was the lighting in some areas of the route.

There were sections where spotlights appeared to be shining directly towards the runners. I have astigmatism, and the glare was really intense. There were a few moments when the lights were shining directly into my eyes, making it difficult to see clearly while running.

I'm not sure if other runners experienced the same thing, but perhaps the positioning of some of the spotlights could be reviewed for future events.

Overall, I thought the SCORE Marathon was a well-organised event, from race pack collection to race day itself.

I went to the expo quite late, so I probably missed out on a lot of the freebies. 😂

Congratulations to SCORE Marathon on a successful event and on achieving the Malaysia Book of Records for the largest running event in Malaysia! 

A huge thank you also goes to all the volunteers and photographers who made the event possible and captured so many moments along the way. 

Race day through the lens of VE Pictures.

This was not my fastest half marathon.

I didn't chase a personal best or have a target finish time.

But I enjoyed the run.

I ran when I felt like running, walked when I needed to walk and listened to my body throughout the race.

And I'm proud of myself for that.

21.1km done, with a few “hills” I definitely didn't ask for, no expectations and a reminder that sometimes the best runs are the ones where you simply enjoy the journey.

And for where I am in my running journey right now, that's something worth being proud of.

May xx