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

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

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

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

When Running Stops Looking the Same

I haven’t really been sharing much about my runs lately. Not because I stopped moving… just because things have been a bit all over the place.

Running has always been a big part of my routine. But since December 2025, things started to change.

At first, it was manageable. I was still able to push through and even complete two full marathons during that period. Running didn’t feel perfect, but it was still possible.

After January, things started to shift. My plantar issue became more persistent, and my shin began to flare up, too.

There were days it felt like my body just wasn’t cooperating the way it used to.

Over time, my shin improved, which was a relief. But the plantar issue still comes and goes whenever it wants to.

So I made a decision I didn’t take lightly — I stopped forcing my runs.

Instead, I started showing up in different ways.

Walking.

Swimming.

Slowing down.

It wasn’t what I planned, but it became what I needed.

Life also continued in between all of this.

There was travel, long walks in new places, and a slower way of exploring the world. At first, it felt like I was “less active” than before.

But slowly, I started to realise something important — I was still moving. Just differently.

And surprisingly, I started to enjoy this slower pace more than I expected.

Seven days into May, I realised I’ve already walked almost 35km.

It’s not the same as logging running miles. It doesn’t look like marathon training.

But it still counts.

It still matters.

I’m still showing up.

I don’t know exactly when I’ll be back to running at full capacity.

But I do know I will return to it.

For now, I’m learning that consistency doesn’t always look like running.

Sometimes it looks like walking.

Sometimes it looks like resting.

Sometimes it looks like trusting the process, even when it doesn’t make sense.

Oh well,

This season has taught me that movement is not just about pace or distance.

It’s about showing up in whatever form your body allows you to.

One step at a time. Literally.

May xx

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

How Compensation Caused My Calf Strain

I couldn’t sleep last night.

The pain was stinging and uncomfortable. That was when I knew I couldn’t keep waiting. I’m glad I finally made the appointment to see a physiotherapist about this running injury.

Compensation isn’t obvious. Until it hurts.

Although I’ve been to a few physio sessions before, this one gave me more clarity about what was actually happening. The explanation was much more detailed — maybe a little too detailed. I kept thinking about the time ticking away from treatment. The first visit was supposed to be 75 minutes: 15 minutes consultation and 60 minutes treatment. In the end, I was left with about 45 minutes of hands-on work.

But for the first time, I properly understood the why behind the pain instead of just being told to rest and stretch. There were many technical terms — some I thought I knew, but actually didn’t.

So here’s what happened.

I already had issues on my right side — plantar fasciitis and shin splints. A classic overuse injury combination for runners. Without realising it, I started overusing my left side to compensate.

And now I’ve created another problem on the left.

Not bad luck. Just imbalance. 🫩

The physio explained that my soleus and medial gastrocnemius were tight and overloaded — essentially a calf strain from prolonged compensation. When those calf muscles don’t function well, everything down the chain reacts — including the plantar fascia.

It isn’t just shin pain.

It isn’t just hip discomfort.

It’s compensation.

It’s load management.

It’s how the body adapts to injury — until it can’t anymore.

What struck me most was how easily the body adjusts. When one side is injured, the other side quietly takes on more work. You don’t notice it immediately. It just feels like you’re “managing” your training load.

Until you’re not.

The hard part of injury recovery isn’t always the diagnosis.

It’s accepting that recovery doesn’t follow your schedule.

I like structure. I like plans. I like knowing when I’ll be back to normal training. But rehab doesn’t give you that certainty. It asks for patience instead — something I’m not always good at (and honestly, something I don’t enjoy).

Right now, recovery looks like calf releases, controlled strengthening exercises, and being more intentional with load management. The therapist said she’ll share videos so I can continue the rehab exercises at home. Not exciting. Not dramatic. Just consistent work.

I know one physio session won’t fix a running injury. And the clinic is too far from home for regular visits. But at least now I understand what I’m dealing with.

And somehow, that feels calmer.

At least I know I’m not dying. My legs aren’t going to be chopped off. It’s just muscle imbalance from compensation.

And imbalance can be corrected.

I just hope I’ll have the discipline to follow through with rehab and recover properly. I get frustrated when I can’t run — angry, even. Running keeps me steady, and not being able to do it feels like losing part of my routine.

But being stubborn clearly hasn’t helped either.

Maybe this is a reminder not to ignore the small ache that won’t go away.

What’s one signal your body has been giving you that you’ve been brushing aside?

Have you ever compensated for one injury and created another without realising it?

May xx

A Quiet February: Travel, Routine and a Running Setback

February went by so fast I can’t even remember what I’ve actually done.

Me, pausing long enough to appreciate the stillness.

There was a short getaway to New Zealand with my boyfriend, and then it was Chinese New Year — which I decided to stay away from this year. A quiet CNY. I don’t really celebrate it anymore, and I shared why in another post.

New Zealand was beautiful. There’s still so much I would like to explore, and I know I will go back someday.

It was a short trip, too short. 😬

A bit of looking around.

A bit of walking.

A bit of running.

Amazing view of Lake Tekapo. Even more beautiful in person.

A photo taken during our boat ride along Milford Sound.

One of many beautiful views we passed on the drive to Christchurch.

Then we flew back to Bangkok.

I had a week of work that kept my brain occupied. After that, I tried to return to my normal routine. Quiet mornings with coffee. Reading again. No rushing. That part felt good.

Then I tried to run properly again.

But I couldn’t run much.

Somewhere along the way, I probably picked up a minor running injury. I tried managing the load and running through it.

There’s been persistent pain along my left shin, especially after impact. My right plantar has been flaring up on and off. I saw a physio when it first started, but the pain came back.

I’ve rested. I’ve adjusted. I’ve done what I could.

Almost everything — except properly following up.

I kept telling myself I would wait until I flew back to Singapore for follow-up treatment. Maybe it sounds a bit silly. Still, if I’m honest, waiting isn’t helping. Even walking is painful now.

So I’ve decided to see a physio here tomorrow.

Sometimes discipline isn’t about pushing through pain.

Sometimes it’s about pausing and fixing it properly.

I don’t like slowing down. But maybe this is also part of training.

It’s something I’m still learning — even though I’m always the one saying I should listen to my body.

Maybe now it’s my turn to actually practise it.

May xx

My First Queenstown Parkrun – Running Around Queenstown Gardens, New Zealand

This is a slightly late update, but I wanted to record this because it was quite memorable.

I did my 7th parkrun on 14 February in Queenstown — Event 354. The Queenstown parkrun takes place near Queenstown Gardens, with beautiful lake and mountain views.

It was freezing cold, but whenever I travel, I try to join a parkrun if timing allows. It’s my way of saying, “I’ve been here.” 😅 And parkrun is free — you only register once, and you can join events anywhere in the world with the same barcode.

I was staying about 10km away, so transport was tricky. It was either Uber or bus, because the water taxi only runs at 8.15am and parkrun starts at 8am 😅 I checked Uber and the price was crazy, so I decided to walk 2km to the bus stop. After 1km in 9°C cold, an Uber notification suddenly pinged — the price dropped! Since it was freezing, I booked it quickly. No more hero mode 😂

I reached early with numb fingers and joined the first-timer briefing. Funny thing, most runners were tourists too, so I didn’t feel alone.

The route around Queenstown Gardens was beautiful with gentle elevation. I was proud to finish in a reasonable time, even though I haven’t trained much on hills lately. As a runner, finishing a run in a new place always feels special.

Parkrun is every Saturday morning. No pressure, just people running and walking together. Different countries, different faces, same spirit. Volunteers cheering, people smiling. Thank you to all the volunteers who made the run possible — you really made my morning.

On the way back, I discovered you need a Bee Card for the local bus. They don’t accept credit cards! I only found out when I boarded the bus to go back to the hotel. The kind driver gave me a free ride. I felt very grateful that day.

Small reminder to myself: always check public transport payment methods when travelling.

Next time I travel, I’ll still try to join a parkrun if timing allows and it's not far and easy to get to. Parkrun makes travelling more meaningful.

If you’re visiting Queenstown, you can check details at parkrun website. And they even have photographers taking amazing photos — thank you for the lovely memory ❤️

Photo credit: Queenstown parkrun (Facebook album

)

May xx

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