January Reflections

January has been interesting.

Not perfect. Not dramatic. Just real.

Instead of setting big 2026 resolutions — the kind I know I’ll forget or won’t realistically keep — I decided to focus on something smaller: 10 simple things for January.

Things like running more consistently, reading daily, writing honestly, practising boundaries, moving my body in different ways, and finishing the Hong Kong Marathon. Simple, right? Nothing that requires superpowers. Just small steps.

Now that January is coming to an end, I’ll be honest. Some of these I kept consistently. Some I’m still working on.

And some — like swimming — I’ve given myself permission to pause.

I’ve been travelling quite a bit, and somehow everywhere I go lately, the pool feels too cold. So for now, I’m listening to my body instead of forcing it.

I also returned to blogging — something I had started before, but never quite kept up with consistently. Along the way, I began journaling too, using it as a quieter space just for myself. It feels good to share these small moments — the little wins and the sparks that keep me going. Running, reading, writing… and yes, after 20 years, Pokémon somehow found its way back into my life 😄 Christine, I’m blaming you for this one.

Imagine a 44-year-old aunty standing by the side of the road catching Pokémon. Slightly ridiculous, yes. But I laughed. I smiled more. I enjoyed the moment — even laughing at myself. And that mattered.

January reminded me that I don’t need to do everything.

I just need to do a few things consistently and kindly.

Progress over perfection.

Small joys over big pressure.

That’s enough.

I’ll continue sharing little reflections, running thoughts, and whatever sparks my curiosity in the months to come. If any of this resonates, you’re welcome to follow along — here on the blog, or over on Instagram.

Did you set big resolutions this year, or are you trying something smaller too?

May x

When Pokémon Came Back Into My Life

I honestly can’t remember exactly when I first started collecting Pokémon cards — probably over 20 years ago, sometime in my early 20s. I remember getting a starter pack, playing for a bit, enjoying the adventure for a while, and then… life happened. Work started, routines kicked in, and I completely stopped. Pokémon slowly faded from my daily life.

But here’s the funny part: I didn’t throw my cards away. I kept them in good condition, carefully packed and stored — almost like I instinctively knew they might matter again someday, even if I didn’t realise why at the time.

Recently, a friend of mine reignited that spark. She kept sharing her Pokémon card finds and shopping hauls, and suddenly it all came rushing back. I remembered my own collection, dug it out, and… yes, guess what — they’re vintage. Cards from the early sets, still in really good condition, quietly sitting there all these years in my old floppy disk case. The rulebook, small glass pebbles, status markers, and playmat aren’t lost — they’re carefully stored somewhere in storage, waiting for their turn to be rediscovered.

My #VintagePokémon Card Collection

Seeing them again made me realise how much Pokémon has changed since I last paid attention to it. It’s evolved so much — expanded, grown, and exploded into something far bigger than I remembered. In a way, it feels like I’m picking things up from where I left off, but also having to relearn the whole world all over again.

That feeling didn’t stop there. Inspired by my friend, I picked up Pokémon GO again. I hadn’t played in years, but this time it felt different. Since I already enjoy walking and running, letting Pokémon quietly sit alongside that routine felt natural rather than forced. Eggs hatching by distance became a small bonus to something I was already doing anyway.

There’s something quite nice about that. No pressure, no rushing — just moving, being outdoors, and occasionally stopping to catch a Pokémon (while still watching the road, of course). It’s a gentle mix of the past and present, showing up in small, ordinary moments rather than anything overly exciting.

That said, I’ve probably been a little too focused on catching Pokémon lately — to the point where my partner has had to compete with my phone for attention. Slightly guilty, but also slightly amused at how something I picked up years ago has quietly found its way back into my daily life.

The craziest thing is how timeless Pokémon collecting is — whether it’s cards or Pokémon GO. Some people do it for nostalgia, some for gameplay, some for investment. I think mine sits somewhere in between. Each card tells a story — not of childhood, but of a different phase of life — curiosity, patience, and the simple enjoyment of collecting something just because it’s fun.

Now, with my old collection back in my hands and Pokémon GO becoming part of my walks and runs, I feel like I’m reconnecting with a part of myself I didn’t even realise I missed. Vintage or not, every card and every catch feels like a small piece of magic.

Do you have something tucked away somewhere that could surprise you if you looked for it? Or maybe a collection you started and forgot about? I’d love to hear what you’ve rediscovered — leave a comment or share a story. Sometimes, the things you thought you left behind come back in the best way. They surprise you, delight you, and make you feel… a little more like yourself again.

May x

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2026

A race with about 74,000 runners participating.

I flew into Hong Kong on the night of 15 January, just a few days before race day. It felt familiar but different at the same time — the kind of trip where the purpose is clear, but you still allow yourself to take things slowly. No matter how many I’ve done (this was my 15th full marathon), race weekends still feel a little special… and a little unpredictable.

Race pack collection was on 16 January, and I took the MTR to Kai Tak Arena. Honestly, it couldn’t have been easier. For someone who always struggles with “GPS signal loss”, this was a pleasant surprise — very well signposted, straightforward directions, and super convenient. No stress, no confusion.

The whole race pack collection was well organised, though I didn’t expect the crowd on a Friday. It was busy — very busy. Once I collected my race pack, I spent some time wandering around the expo. Played a few games, queued for some freebies, and took my time looking around. I guess I’m getting a bit aunty lately — more patient, more willing to queue, and slightly more excited about free stuff than I used to be. Still, it was all part of the experience, and everything ran smoothly.

Race pack collection at Kai Tak Arena

After I received the news that I was accepted to run SCHKM 2026, I was so happy. Then I started researching the course, reading other runners’ comments… and I panicked a little. Bridges, elevation, tunnels — all in one race. But it turned out to be a really nice and manageable run. The temperature was great, and I was never running alone. There were always runners around my pace, never more than a metre away.

The 7:20 am sunrise

The only downside came in the last ~5km when we merged with the HM runners. There was a lot of zigzagging to avoid walkers, which broke the rhythm a bit.

Still, I’m very happy with my performance. Shin and plantar behaved (mostly), though things got a bit painful from 38km onwards — but no major drama, and I’ll take that as a win.

I enjoyed the run, took a few photos along the way, made some necessary pee stops, and stayed well hydrated at every water station (plus some cheeky walks 😌).

Garmin: 4:58:30. SCHKM app: 5:00:17.

I won’t lie — that one stung a bit 😅 I thought the app was showing net time! Thankfully, the certificate came out the next day with my net time: 4:58:27.

A sub-5 after many years. Not something I went in chasing, but a nice outcome of staying consistent — and 35 minutes 6 seconds faster than my SCSM 2025.

More than the timing, though, I genuinely enjoyed the run — and that’s what counts.

What stood out most about this trip wasn’t just the marathon. It was the experience of travelling for a run (even though this isn’t my first), moving through a city with purpose, and letting everything else fit around that one goal.

Numbers aside, I felt grateful — especially for my partner, my number one supporter, who showed up for me despite his stressful work schedule.

Running in Hong Kong is officially checked.

Will I do it again? Maybe.

For now, I’m happy to let this one sit — another city run completed, another chapter added.

Thank you to the organisers and volunteers. Also, this was the first race where I didn’t come across any pacers. Apparently, they were around… but I just never crossed paths with them.

On to the next start line, whenever it comes.

May x

Running the Cardiff Half 2026 for Tenovus Cancer Care

There’s a race I’ve been thinking about for years. Funny enough, I never even knew much about Cardiff until I started dating this guy from Wales.

Image from: Cardiff Half Marathon

A long time ago, I signed up for the Cardiff Half Marathon. Back then, it was simple, no ballot, just sign up and go. I was meant to run it… But work got in the way. I had to give up my place and sell the ticket. I remember feeling disappointed, but I told myself it was fine. Life happens.

Still, Cardiff stayed somewhere in the back of my mind.

Last year, I found out that the Cardiff Half is actually part of the SuperHalfs series. Suddenly, that race I once missed didn’t feel so small anymore. It felt unfinished — the kind of goal that quietly waits until you’re ready to come back to it.

When the ballot opened, I entered without thinking too much. — I didn’t get in.

Image from: Cardiff Half Marathon

I was disappointed, yes — but more than that, I realised how badly I wanted it. Not out of ego, not to prove anything, but because some goals matter simply because you never really walked away from them.

I spoke to my boyfriend about it. We talked about running for a charity instead — about doing this race for more than just a medal.

Together, we chose Tenovus Cancer Care.

Cancer has a way of touching lives quietly and deeply. Tenovus supports people through moments most of us hope we never have to face — offering care, guidance, and compassion when it’s needed most.

And so here I am.

I’ve now signed up to run the 2026 Cardiff Half Marathon as part of Team Tenovus Cancer Care. This time, I’m not just running for myself.

Running has always been where I go when my head feels full, and life feels heavy. It’s not always about pace or distance — sometimes it’s just about showing up and putting one foot in front of the other.

This race feels like that.

• A second chance.
• A quiet promise to myself.
• And an opportunity to turn something I love into something that helps others.

Fundraising can feel awkward to talk about, but I also know how powerful small acts of kindness can be.

If you’re able to support, I’d be incredibly grateful. If not, sharing the page or sending an encouraging message already means a lot.

You can support my run here:

👉 https://cardiffhalf26.enthuse.com/pf/may-ling-tan

Every donation helps Tenovus Cancer Care continue supporting people and families when they need it most.

This October, when I’m running through Cardiff, I’ll be carrying more than tired legs. I’ll be carrying unfinished business, quiet determination, and the support of people who believe in this journey.

Thank you for being part of it — in whatever way you can.

May x