It all began when my 11-year-old son came home from school one day. Looking very excited, he asked: "Mum, will you run with me? We are having a fun-run at school and parents can join in!”
My hesitation to comply was overrun by my determination to keep that smile on my son’s face.
"OK, I’ll do it." I replied cheerfully.
I had never been considered the sporty type. Those who know me will testify to that!
During my secondary school years, I would often play a game of rounders with friends – always missing the ball!
Although it was always good fun, I would be put off by my own incompetence. Therefore, playing any sports remained a distant memory of my teen years.
The day of the fun-run eventually arrived. Nervous, I went to school to watch as each year did their laps around the muddy school field.
I was not feeling very enthusiastic and I didn’t bother to wear my trainers. Reception, Year One, Year Two and so forth. All of a sudden, I felt a fire light up inside me.
"I am going to do this," I thought.
It was Year 4’s turn. I hurried back home and put on some trainers and rushed back (our house was next to the school). Year 5 was doing the run now, then it was my son’s class’ turn. I could feel the adrenaline.
Off I went, as fast as a spring with my son beside me. His happy laughter gave me the energy to go further. But here is the part which is most profound: I felt radiant and in high spirits. I also felt a strengthening bond with my son. We both felt accomplished as we high-fived one another.
That evening, at home, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I had enjoyed the run. I wanted to continue. So, when I found out about the 10k run in our city, I did some research and registered for it. Now there was no stopping me.
I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I had enjoyed the run. I wanted to continue. So, when I found out about the 10k run in our city, I did some research and registered for it."
Since then, I have gone on runs regularly and have even formed a network of running buddies. So, running has also been a great way of socialising and motivating one another.
The best part is, I am in competition with no-one.
Unlike other sports, I do not have to compete with another team player. With running, I am only in competition with myself, and that is a powerful purpose to live by.
It is worth reflecting, though, that I would never have come this far, had it not been for the sweet suggestion of my dear son.
Since that day, my son and I have played cricket and badminton and gone on runs and bike rides together.
Eleven years ago, I cradled this boy, as a tiny baby, wondering whether I would ever regain physical strength. Little did I know, this tiny baby would one day help me unleash my true strength, in the form of running.
