Rest Is Harder Than I Thought

Some days, doing nothing feels impossible. Even sitting still feels wrong.

I’ve always thought discipline was about doing more.

• More miles.
• More structure.
• More consistency.

Now I can’t run. And I feel… off.

Walking or running usually keeps me steady. Gives my day shape. Clears my head. Without it, everything feels weird.

Rehab is slow.

Calf releases. Tiny strengthening moves. Slowing down stuff I usually rush through. Nothing feels like progress.

No sweat. No Garmin numbers. Just doing it.

I poke at the injury sometimes, just to see if it’s okay. Old habits die hard.

I know I need to back off before it actually hurts.

I keep checking, “Can I run now?”

“When do I get back to normal?”

I like plans. I like certainty. But recovery doesn’t care about that.

Anyway… I went for a swim because I can’t just sit around.

Played a bit of MLBB and scrolled for new Pokémon cards instead.

Maybe this is what rest really is — finding a way to keep moving, even when you can’t do what you usually do.

May xx

Putting Some Dates on the Calendar

I didn’t announce anything.

No dramatic goals.

No “this is my year” declaration.

After sharing how my running journey started and where I am now, this felt like the right next step. Nothing loud. Nothing flashy. Just giving my running a bit of direction again.

AI-generated image 

All three runs on the calendar are ballot races. I know how lucky I am to even get a spot, so I’m genuinely grateful. No expectations, no entitlement. I'm just thankful for the chance to stand on those starting lines.

Putting these dates down isn’t about making big promises. It’s about giving myself direction without pressure. Training steadily. Respecting my body. Allowing recovery. Accepting that some weeks will be better than others.

There may be a few more races along the way if one becomes available and timing allows. No fixed plans. Just joining when it feels right.

For now, it’s simply about showing up and seeing where the road takes me.

May x

Reflections from My 2025 Races

2025 wasn’t a big race year for me. I only participated in 4 running events.

And for a while, that felt… small.

But not to forget, I took part in #Global6KForWaterSG, clocking 694.69km from Sept to Nov 2025, and raised some funds along the way. Knowing that every kilometre represented something bigger than myself made it meaningful. 🫶🏻

Looking back, this year wasn’t about chasing medals or filling up a race calendar. It was about staying connected to running, keeping the habit alive, and simply showing up.

Every run, whether in an event or not, reminded me of why I started. Not gonna lie, keeping momentum isn’t easy. I do have a big, fat lazy worm in me 😅.

2025 reminded me that progress doesn’t always look loud. Not about numbers. Not about speed. Just the simple joy of finishing the run and enjoying the race.

It’s been 4 years since my lifestyle changed. I moved, I left, and with remote work and frequent travel, it hasn’t been easy to build a regular running circle like before. I miss the days when every run, every event, and even evening jogs in the park meant seeing familiar faces.

So I’m really hoping to slowly get back into the running community — to meet new people, exchange running tips, and learn from each other along the way. Hopefully, with the power of the digital world, we’ll find each other. 

May x

My Running Journey

I wasn’t athletic when I was young. I loved running, but I was never fast enough to compete properly. The only “competitions” I joined were school sports days, running for my house. That was about it.

After I started working, keeping fit wasn’t a priority at all. Exercise wasn’t even in my dictionary. Running? Training? A healthy lifestyle? I didn’t think about any of that. Life was about work, getting things done, and moving on to the next thing.

I started running again in 2012 with my 🐷 sister and her friend, our adik bongbongsu. My first run was a 10km race. No training. I honestly thought, “How hard can 10km be?” Trust me — it was brutal. My legs were so sore I walked like a crab for days.

But somehow, I went back for more. Slowly, my sister and I continued this running journey together. She has always been my biggest motivator to keep running. My second race — again, with no proper training — was 17km. Painful, tiring, uncomfortable… yet I started to enjoy these little tortures and challenges. Our motto back then was “lambat janji sampai” — and I added “dan selamat”. Years ago, there were quite a lot of accidents during races. It was scary. Finishing safely mattered more than speed.

I couldn’t fully commit to running at that time because I was doing my degree and later my master’s, mostly on weekends. But once I completed my studies in 2016, I ran whenever I could. Weekends became running days. I met many running friends through events. I even flew to nearby “overseas” destinations just to run, because there weren’t many running events in Penang back then. I was addicted.

There were podium finishes at small races. The excitement. The community. The routine.

Then COVID happened. Everything stopped. We were locked inside our homes. I lost my running momentum. I lost touch with my running friends. When things slowly opened up again, work took over. My job demanded more time and presence, and running became my way to release stress rather than something competitive. Events no longer crossed my mind — I never knew where I would be in a few months’ time anyway.

I still enjoy running a lot. Training matters. Friends matter. Having people around you makes a difference — you push each other, encourage each other, and show up together. Most of those friends are now on their own paths, and that’s okay. Fair play to them. I’ve been away from home for a long time since COVID. I left Penang. I left Malaysia.

Running stayed — just in a different form.

Age is catching up — I feel it. Recovery takes longer. Niggles don’t disappear overnight. I’m not as fearless as I was in my twenties, and I don’t bounce back the same way anymore. But I also know myself better now.

I don’t want to run aimlessly anymore. I want objectives. I want goals. Not to prove anything to anyone. Not to chase podiums. But to give my running a direction again — something to work towards, something that makes me show up even on days when motivation is low.

This comeback isn’t about being faster than others. It’s about being consistent with myself. Training smarter. Respecting my body. Setting realistic targets — whether that’s finishing strong, improving endurance, staying injury-free, or simply showing up week after week.

I’ve learnt that running changes as you age, and that’s okay. These days, my goal is simple — finish the run and enjoy the race. No pressure, no chasing others, just showing up and getting it done.

This comeback is quieter, more intentional, and hopefully more meaningful in its own way.

May x

Mindful Running: Small Acts Matter

I recently came across a race clip shared by a runfluencer. Later, I had a casual chat with another runner who had reposted it on social media. I usually don’t watch clips all the way through, but that day — helped by Instagram’s x2 fast-forward — I did. And it made me pause.

It got me thinking about something we rarely talk about: how we use hydration stations during races.

Image created by ChatGPT

In the image, which I recreated using AI, a runner grabs a cup of water and splashes it over himself. Totally relatable. Anyone who has raced in the heat knows how desperate that moment feels. Cooling down can feel like survival.

But here’s the part that made me stop.

Hydration stations are hectic. Sweaty runners rush in, their hands moving fast, as cups are everywhere. The water being splashed often comes from the cups meant for drinking. And just a step behind that runner, volunteers are carefully setting up cups for hundreds — sometimes thousands — of runners still to come.

From the front of the pack, this probably looks normal. Efficient. Quick. No time to think.

From further back, it looks… different.

Sweat, water, and fast-moving hands are happening right next to cups that others are about to drink from. And honestly, I don’t want to drink your sweat. I believe most runners wouldn’t want to either.

Perhaps this stood out even more because not long ago, we were all far more conscious of hygiene. COVID-19 changed how we thought about shared spaces, contact, and cleanliness. For a while, we were careful, especially with things near our mouths. As races returned and life felt normal again, that awareness quietly faded.

I’m not saying we need to panic or race in fear. However, a bit of mindfulness around hygiene, particularly at shared points like hydration stations, still matters.

To be clear, this isn’t about blaming fast runners or calling anyone out. Racing at speed is intense, and decisions are made in split seconds.

I’m a runner too... just not an elite or front-packer. I experience races from the middle or back of the pack, where hydration stations are more crowded, slower, and sometimes chaotic. Maybe that perspective is why this stood out to me.

It made me wonder:

• Can we be a bit more mindful at water stations?
• Is there a way to cool down without affecting drinking water meant for others?
• Can race etiquette include hygiene too — not just pacing and racing lines?

I know saying this might invite comments like “then don’t race” or “just stay home." But that’s not the point.

Hydration stations are shared spaces. They rely heavily on volunteers who show up early, stand for hours, and do their best to support every runner — fast or slow. A small action at the front can create a ripple effect further down the course.

Just a gentle note to fellow runners, please don’t cancel me 😅 I’m not here to judge, shame, or act like I know better. I’m simply sharing what I observed, and how it made me think a little deeper about race etiquette and consideration for others.

If this post makes even one person pause for half a second at the next water station, then it’s done its job.

Running may be individual, but races are communal.

And sometimes, awareness starts with noticing the small things.

May x

Pattaya Marathon 2025

Yesterday, I took part in the Pattaya Marathon 2025. I ran the Half Marathon instead of the Full Marathon. And honestly, that was one of the best decisions I made. I wasn’t trained enough for the 42km beast, and by the end of my 21km, I knew I made the right call.

Credits to photo@thai.run

My only goal was to finish — no pressure on timing — and I crossed the line in 2:29:58 (though my Garmin said 2:30:05, but let’s not argue with chip time 😅).

The morning started off with a drive to the starting line, and as I was on the way, I saw full-marathon runners already on the route near where I stayed. They were probably 12–15km into the race, and I had one of those “oh wow, 42km is really far” moments. It made me respect the full marathoners even more.

The weather held up — thankfully, no rain — but it was incredibly windy throughout the run. While running along Pattaya Beach and Jomtien, the strong winds were blowing sand straight into my face and onto my body. It honestly felt like I was getting a free (and not entirely pleasant) scrub. 😂

Credits to photo@thai.run

One thing I really loved about the experience was the energy along the route. The cheer crews were fantastic — colourful, loud, and full of good vibes. The water stations placed every 2 km were a real lifesaver, especially with the wind and heat.

But not everything was pretty. There was a stretch along Beach Road that had the most brutal sewer stench. I’d been warned about it beforehand, but nothing quite prepared me for how awful it would be. It hit hard, and I definitely held my breath longer than I thought possible.

Physically, the race had its challenges. I had one pee stop, and cramps decided to visit me right at 18km and again at 19km. I slowed down, walked a little, and just kept going — and I’m grateful those moments weren’t caught on camera (I hope 😅).

Crossing the finish line felt amazing — not just because of the sense of accomplishment, but because of the food trucks waiting there. I’m not exaggerating when I say they made the effort feel completely worth it.

A big shoutout to the organisers, volunteers, and photographers — the event was so well-run, and I truly appreciated all the support along the way. And I absolutely loved the photos that were taken — such great memories to keep.

It wasn’t the easiest run, but it was a meaningful one. A test of endurance, mindset, and a reminder that sometimes, just showing up and finishing is more than enough.

May x

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

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

My Journey in the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2024

Last Run of the Year. The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok is an annual event held in Bangkok, and it's one that I've always looked forward to. Before COVID, it was usually held in February, and I'd participate every year. But like so many events, things changed after the pandemic, and the marathon was shifted to December. It's been years since I last ran this race because it always clashed with the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon (SCSM). So, this year, I decided to skip SCSM and experience it again.

Photo credit AMTB 2024 Official Photographer: A crowd of runners

The race pack collection took place at Central World Life, and when I arrived, I was surprised by the long queue. Since it was a weekday morning and the first day of collection, I didn't expect such a large turnout. Despite the crowd, the process went smoothly, and everything was well-organised. There were several shops selling running shoes, sportswear, energy bars, and other race-related merchandise. It was a great experience, with plenty of options for runners to stock up on what they needed.

Fast forward to race day, I took a Grab over to MBK. The flag-off was at 2 am, and honestly, I wasn't fully prepared for this. I knew it was a bit reckless—jumping into a marathon without proper training, especially after recovering from a sprained ankle. But my goal was simple: survive and finish within six hours.

The start was chaotic, with both half and full-marathon runners starting together. I was in Pen 4, which meant a long walk to the starting line. As soon as the flag went off, we slowly began to move forward. However, with the timing tracker positioned further ahead, it took a while before I could actually start running at my own pace. The congestion made it challenging to find a rhythm early on. While the energy was great, the crowded start made it hard to settle in.

The event was well-organised, with water stations providing small bottles every 2 to 2.5 km. It was convenient and helped keep things clean, but it was not the most eco-friendly setup. Plus, it became a bit of a slipping hazard, with runners tossing bottles and caps without much care.

I hit a mental block earlier than usual—somewhere between 12 and 13 km. By the time we hit the 18 km mark, where the route split for the half and full marathoners, I seriously considered taking the shorter route. The temptation was real. But I reminded myself why I signed up for this and pushed on. From that point, it was a mix of running and walking along the elevated road, battling cramps in both my legs and stomach while trying to enjoy the experience.

When mental block hits, the sunrise reminds me to keep going. 

The sunrise might have been stunning, but the heat was no joke. 

By sunrise at 6:05 am, Bangkok's skyline was breathtaking, but the heat was brutal. By 6:45 am, it felt like I was being roasted alive. Still, I kept pushing forward, and after what felt like an eternity, I crossed the finish line at 5:23:14.

The finish line was a relief, but it also came with a bit of chaos. With runners from all categories finishing together, it got crowded, making it hard to navigate through the area. I had to squeeze around sweaty runners to make my way through. However, the post-race resting area was amazing, with a wide spread of food to refuel and recover, although it was packed with people trying to grab their share. Despite the chaos, it was all part of the experience, and it definitely made me appreciate the small victories of completing the race.

A huge shoutout to the Thailand Tri-league, the volunteers who kept us hydrated and motivated, and the photographers who captured every sweaty, determined moment.

It wasn't my smartest race, but I'm proud of myself for not giving up. Sometimes, it's not about perfect preparation or chasing PBs—it's about showing up, pushing through, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

What about you? Have you ever tackled a challenge you weren’t fully prepared for, but still managed to push through?

May x  

A Proud Finish: Garmin Run Asia Series 2024 Thailand

The Garmin Run Asia Series is a collection of running events held across different cities in Asia, bringing together runners of all abilities. From half marathons to 10Ks, it’s all about encouraging an active lifestyle and creating a sense of community. This year, I had the chance to take part in the Garmin Run Asia Series Thailand Half Marathon, and here’s how it went...

Race weekend kicked off with the Race Pack Collection the day before. The whole process was smooth and well-organised, making it easy for runners to collect their bibs and explore the event area. There were various stalls selling running gear, hydration products, and race merchandise, creating a lively atmosphere. One of the fun surprises was a mini challenge by Garmin, where runners could participate in a quick activity to win small prizes. I queued for about an hour, gave it a go, and won a Garmin cap—definitely worth the wait!

Then came race day.

Photo by Garmin Official Photographer: The energy at the start line was amazing!

I completed the Garmin Run Asia Series Thailand Half Marathon 2024 yesterday morning! It was a race I’d been looking forward to, especially after weeks of recovering from a sprained ankle. I wasn’t sure if I could run the whole distance, but I knew I wanted to be at that start line. Just being there at Rajamangala National Stadium, surrounded by thousands of runners, made me proud to have shown up—even if I ended up walking the entire way, which I had planned for in case my ankle acted up. With a COT of 3:30 hours, I knew I could still finish, even if it meant walking.

A huge thanks to my partner for waking up at an ungodly hour to drop me off at the venue. Having that support made all the difference. I started in Pen 1, which was both exciting and intimidating. Everyone around me looked focused and ready to race, and I felt the pressure creeping in. If I held back, I would probably get pushed along by the crowd, so when the gun went off, I just started running… and kept going.

I went into this race with only one goal—to finish safe and strong. Pace didn’t matter today; I just kept praying my ankle wouldn’t give me trouble, especially on the hilly sections. My mind kept calculating backup plans—worst case, I would walk. But surprisingly, my legs kept going. I only stopped briefly at the hydration stations for a quick sip before pushing on.

Photo by Garmin Official Photographer: Crossing that finish line was the best part of the race

The 21.1 km route took us through the streets of Bangkok, but it wasn’t the most scenic race I’ve done. What stood out, though, was the incredible organisation. The hydration stations were well-placed, the volunteers were encouraging, and the atmosphere was electric. But what do I love most about running in Thailand? The post-race experience. Finishing a race here isn’t just about crossing the timing mat—it’s a celebration. The post-run spread was next level—food, drinks, desserts—everything a runner could ask for after a long, exhausting run. I was so drained that I could barely decide what to eat first!

This race reminded me why I love running events—the adrenaline, the energy of the crowd, and the feeling of pushing through doubts to finish strong. It wasn’t my fastest race, but it meant a lot to me. Getting through it, despite my uncertainties, was a win in itself. Now, I can’t wait for the next one!

A massive thank you to Garmin Thailand for putting together such a well-organised event, the dedicated crew and volunteers for making everything run smoothly, and all the photographers for capturing all the race-day moments. You guys made this an unforgettable experience! You guys rock!

Now that it’s over, I’m left thinking about what’s next. What about you—have you ever pushed yourself in a way you didn’t expect? I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!

May x