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

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

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 Isn’t Possible, I Walk

I was inactive for the past three days.

I travelled to Singapore for a medical check-up and only returned to Thailand yesterday. Between the flights and the appointments, running didn’t happen.

Today I thought about going for a run again. But when I paid attention to my body, both my legs still didn’t feel quite right. Not painful. Just… not normal.

So instead of forcing a run, I decided to go for a walk.

For runners, walking can feel strangely slow. When you’re used to running, everything normally passes by quickly — the trees, the houses, the people, even the distance.

But when you walk, the pace changes. You notice things you usually miss.

The quiet of the evening.

The sound of the waves.

The sun slowly setting and the sky changing colour.

A slower pace, but still a beautiful evening.

When you run, your focus is often on pace, distance, or finishing the route.

When you walk, there’s no pressure to keep moving fast.

Today’s walk reminded me that slowing down isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes the body just needs a bit more time to settle.

I’m still frustrated that I can’t run properly yet. But at least I’m still able to move.

And for today, walking is good enough.

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

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

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 First Run in the Brooks Glycerin 22

I’ve been running mostly in the Brooks Ghost range for training and the Launch 8 for events, so trying a different shoe felt like taking a slight step out of my comfort zone. I’m not someone who knows much about running shoes, so switching models usually means I need a bit of reassurance first.

Over the past few years, I’ve tried a few different shoes and some of them ended up causing discomfort and pain in my legs. Coupled with an ankle injury from a year ago, it has made me much more cautious about the shoes I wear. These days, comfort, stability, and how my body feels after the run matter more to me than anything else.

So, I put on my thick skin and reached out to a fellow runner I’ve only chatted with online, the sifu himself, @im_tristupe. Thankfully, he was generous with his advice and explained things in a way that even someone like me could understand. That gave me enough confidence to give the Brooks Glycerin 22 a go.

Brooks Glycerin 22

The explanation that stuck with me was this: DNA Tuned foam.

In simple terms, it’s dual-density cushioning — soft when you’re running slow, and firmer when you pick up the pace. I’ll be honest, I’m still scratching my head trying to fully understand how it works, but the idea made enough sense for me to give it a try.

On paper, it sounded like a shoe that prioritises comfort without feeling dead or overly soft — something that felt suitable for where I am right now, especially with an ankle that still needs a bit of care.

I took the Glycerin 22 out for a 10km run and ran over the new Gurney Bridge, a familiar route that allowed me to focus more on how the shoes felt rather than the scenery (though I still ended up taking photos anyway).

Straight away, the comfort stood out. The ride felt smooth, cushioned, and stable. There was no awkward breaking-in phase, which is always a relief. Despite the extra cushioning, the shoe didn’t feel sluggish. It still responded when I increased my pace slightly.

And yes — I did feel a bit taller. The extra foam underfoot provides a subtle lift, which took a few minutes to get used to, but never felt unstable.

What stood out for me after this first run:

• Very comfortable from the start
• Soft and well-cushioned, but still responsive
• A stable ride that gave me some confidence, especially with my ankle

It feels like a shoe that’s more focused on taking care of your legs rather than pushing you to go faster.

Is It a Race Day Shoe? From what I’ve read, the Glycerin 22 probably isn’t the shoe I’d pick if I were chasing a PB on race day. It leans more towards comfort than speed.

That said, I’m not chasing a PB for a while until I’m ready again. So in my case, it feels like one stone hits two birds (literally, not real birds). It works well for training, could still handle race day if needed, and I don’t feel pressured to buy another pair just for speed. That alone saves some money.

Unless I have a sponsor — then having another pair wouldn’t be a problem. 😅

This is only my first run and just 10km, so these are very early thoughts. I’m not making any big claims yet. Shoes tend to reveal their true personality after more mileage — longer runs, tired legs, and different paces.

For now, the Brooks Glycerin 22 feels like a comfortable and sensible choice that matches where I am in my running journey — cautious, healing, and focused on consistency rather than speed. I’ll share more once I’ve spent more miles in them.

If you’ve run in the Glycerin range, feel free to share your thoughts.

May x