My Experience at the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2024

 Why did I decide to sign up? Well, it was something on my bucket list.

Photo by: May

The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris on 7th April 2024 marked a significant milestone for me—a check off my bucket list. Initially invited by my partner's brother, who unfortunately backed out, I decided to go ahead with this journey alone. My partner decided to go to the Hong Kong Sevens 😒. Despite being a bit of a lone ranger, it was a fulfilling experience and a satisfying achievement.

Photo by: May

Arriving in Paris 3 days before the event was a smart move, allowing me to combat jetlag and acclimate to the local weather, even if it meant spending a bit more on accommodation. Picking up my race bib at Porte de Versailles on Friday was smooth, although the language barrier made things a bit tricky. Nevertheless, I enjoyed exploring the expo, or "The Run Experience Fair," which was well-organised and engaging.

The flag-off for this race felt a bit strange to me. We were all given colour coding, and I expected the flag-off time to be as stated. I arrived an hour early to check things out and found myself in the pen 10 minutes before the scheduled start. Little did I know, I waited 40 minutes before we began. And during that time, I had already loaded up on a pack of gel... 🙄🙄🙄

Anyway, I'm incredibly grateful to have made it to the finish line. My finished time was 5:07:46. There was a moment when I doubted I could. Mentally, I hit a wall around 23km, but thanks to the encouragement from my sisters, I found the strength to push through. The weather was okay, with a light drizzle towards the end, and running past Paris landmarks was truly enjoyable.

Source: https://www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/en/information/route-and-profiles

The spectators' enthusiasm brought some challenges. The route wasn't fully barricaded, resulting in encounters with pedestrians, children, and even cyclists crossing the path. Despite these obstacles, the energy of the crowds, with cheering sections and musical bands, was uplifting.

Photo by: Marathon-Photos.com

Running on cobblestones proved to be physically demanding, and the elevation added another level of difficulty. By the time I reached 36km, my legs were protesting. Luckily, they did not completely give up, and I started walking.

At 40km, I started picking up speed until I crossed the finish line. The congestion of people around the timing mat made the final moments a bit chaotic.

Nevertheless, completing this race was a bucket list achievement for me. I want to extend my thank you to the organisers and all the volunteers for their efforts and dedication in making this event possible.

Done and dusted.

May x

Through Corporate Highs and Lows

Today, I'm feeling like sharing a bit about my journey in the corporate world – no fancy words, just real talk.

I started at the bottom, just like most of us do. A junior staff at 19, finishing high school, coming from a not-so-well-off family, and struggling financially at home. It wasn't easy. I worked and studied part-time, knowing that without a certification, I wouldn't get anywhere. I worked the hours, learned the ropes, and slowly climbed the ladder. Over two decades, from one rung to the next, I made my way up.

With every step up, I expected things to get better. I became a manager and landed the title of Regional Finance Director. Sounds impressive, right? But let me tell you, the higher you go, the harder it gets. Does the big title and big money really make up for the stress and health trade-off? Something to think about. My mum worked her entire life, and in the end, she didn't get to enjoy the other half of her life. Even after almost 10 years, I'm still angry with myself about it.

More responsibility meant more work piled up. There was no balance between work and life. Late nights at the office became the norm, and family time became a distant memory. It just didn't feel right.

The higher up, the more I felt stuck in red tape. Decisions took forever, and creativity was suffocated. Then there's office politics – a game I never wanted to play but found myself in. It's draining, to say the least. I thought climbing the ladder meant leaving these games behind, but they only got more complicated.

Reaching the top didn't mean having a say in things. Micromanagement became the new normal. I craved autonomy and the freedom to make decisions, but the higher I went, the more control I lost. At one point, a subordinate, unaware of the full picture of the company's financial situation, undermined me and went to higher management to report me. They believed her, started an investigation, and later found out it was all one-sided. She got terminated for defamation, and I didn't feel sorry for her because her head had grown bigger than mine at that time. I was losing hope in that company after 7 years of broken promises by the holding company, which brought unnecessary stress and damage to my name. I felt unappreciated.

I always believed in doing things right, but somewhere along the way, the company's values and my own started drifting apart. It became more about profit and less about people. It just didn't sit well with me.

I joined a new startup owned by a close friend and was really happy working with them because it felt like family. Of course, I had a nice title - CFO doing the same job as before. I made it clear I would leave after 2 years once the company stabilised, but due to Covid and the company's growth, it extended to 3 years. Then, new shareholders joined, taking a bigger share.

So, here's the real deal. After all those years, I decided to step down from my big job. Why? Because it wasn't fun anymore. The joy of work was gone. The stress, the politics, the never-ending workload – it just wasn't worth it.

Leaving the big company was scary, but it was also liberating. Now, I'm exploring new paths, looking for work that aligns with my values and returning to a life that makes sense.

Why share all this? Because I know I'm not alone. Many of us go through these struggles in the corporate world. It's okay to admit it and make a change.

Remember, it's your journey. Don't let it be defined by titles or fancy offices. Find the joy, keep it real, and enjoy the ride.

Image created with Microsoft Designer 

Cheers to new beginnings,

May x

Reflecting on 2023 and Embracing Transformation in 2024

 

Photo by: May

I know this post is late, but I will share my reflections anyway. 😊

As I sit down to contemplate the year that has just bid us farewell, my heart overflows with gratitude for the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped my 2023. The highs and lows, unexpected twists, and moments of sheer joy have etched an indelible mark on my heart.

In 2023, my heart found fulfilment in sponsoring more children and visiting them in different corners of the world. Witnessing the impact of these simple acts of kindness was humbling and profoundly rewarding. However, the year also presented challenges. Battling through my first encounter with COVID-19 reminded me of the fragility of health.

As the calendar flips to 2024, a renewed sense of purpose propels me forward. Learning from the past, I am determined to live healthier, reignite my passion for marathon running, and strive towards a lofty goal – completing an Ironman before I turn 50, a challenge I eagerly embrace at the age of 43.

My focus for 2024 extends beyond personal milestones. I aspire to inspire those around me to adopt healthier lifestyles. I hope to create a community dedicated to fitness and well-being through training updates, motivational stories, and encouraging words.

In the spirit of giving, I plan to initiate a fundraising effort. While the cause remains undecided, the goal is clear—making a positive impact. Additionally, visits to my sponsor child in various locations will continue, fostering the connections forged in 2023.

Looking ahead, the dream of completing all 6 major marathons takes shape. The plan is to achieve this milestone before reaching the age of 50. As the journey unfolds, it becomes not just a pursuit of medals but a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and the joy found in every step.

Join me on this expedition of self-discovery, resilience, and pursuing a healthier, more fulfilling life. Let's make 2024 a year of positive transformation—one step at a time.

May x

My Walk and Embracing the Heat

 

Photo by: May

I want to share my recent journey walking back home from the BTS station in the busy city of Bangkok. Living here means dealing with a mix of sweltering heat and rain, but rain or shine, I stick to my routine of walking home.

Bangkok has this unique way of making you feel like you're walking on the sun's surface! The sun was blazing high this week, casting its heat all around. A 1.6 km walk might be easy, but it's definitely a challenge with this intense heat.

As I walked along my usual route, I noticed my own shadow tagging along. Capturing that fleeting shadow in bright sunlight is usually a challenge, but today was different. I found the perfect shot – my shadow walking beside me on the hot pavement. The sun was intense, creating a beautiful play of brightness and shadow. I couldn't resist capturing the moment, even though there were probably many people on the street staring at me.

Living in Bangkok has its challenges, and the weather is one of them. I've learned to embrace it all.

It's funny how the simplest things can turn into a bit of an adventure – unexpected moments, simple joys, and the shadows that accompany us on our everyday journeys. The next time you find yourself walking under the scorching sun, take a moment to look down and appreciate the beauty in your own shadow. You might just discover something amazing right at your feet.

Until next time, keep walking and keep discovering!

May x

BOSCH Charity Run 2023

Finally sharing my long overdue post! I completed my first half-marathon in ages. 😅 While I've tackled a few full marathons before, the full vs the half marathon is a whole new ball game. The strategy, energy levels, and the entire experience differed significantly.

Photo by: May

A huge shoutout to the BOSCH Charity Run 2023. Completing the BOSCH Charity Run 2023 in Sattahip, Thailand, on its 100th Anniversary became more than just a race—it was a celebration of health, sustainability, and personal achievement.

This event tested my running prowess and contributed to a noble cause. I was particularly impressed by BOSCH's commitment to health, environmental sustainability, and their ingenious use of recycled PET plastic bottles for our race shirts and medals.

Photo by: May

Admittedly, I didn't check the race route beforehand, and the unexpected elevation proved to be a formidable challenge. However, the breathtaking views along the way made the uphill battle entirely worthwhile. I tackled the hills like a champ and was rewarded with the privilege of running through the Ramayana Water Park for free—an unexpected treat!

Source from: BOSCH Charity Run 2023

I finished strong with a time of 2:13:58, surprising even myself, given the challenging elevation. Landing in the 9th place in the women's category was an unexpected bonus, though no podium moment. However, the cherry on top was securing one of the exclusive 100th-anniversary pillows—a quirky and cherished memento.

I was amazed to see so many food stalls on race day. Though I was too exhausted to indulge, I did manage to grab all the drinks while waiting for the crowd to thin out, making it easier to get a Grab home.

Photo by: May

A massive shoutout to the incredible photographers who tirelessly captured every moment of the race. Their enthusiasm and dedication to getting shots of all the runners made the event even more memorable for me. I'm grateful for every snap the photographers took—I loved every single one!

With this, I am looking forward to more runs in the coming year, preparing myself for the hope that each race will bring a new opportunity to do even better.

May x