Each day’s run is allowing me to see, think, and savor life in ways I never imagined. Running is more than a physical endeavor to me ever since; it’s an adventure that has enriched my perspective and deepened my connection with the world around me since I started 14 years ago.
Running, in its simplicity, has become a profound daily ritual. It’s a date I keep with life, and it’s teaching me to be more present. With each stride, I absorb the world—its sights, its sounds, its smells. Well, everything becomes vivid and alive.
Running daily is sharpening my senses, too. It’s as if the world itself is inviting me to pay closer attention. I notice the intricate details of things, the patterns in the trees, the play of light and shadow on the pavement. It’s a celebration of life’s minutiae, often overlooked in the rush of the daily grind.
The rhythmic beat of my footfalls provides a backdrop for reflection, as well. As I run, thoughts flow, ideas bloom, and I find clarity in the midst of motion. Running every day serves as a moving meditation, creating a sacred space where I can confront life’s challenges, celebrate its triumphs, and make sense of its complexities, especially these past days.
Running daily is another form of self-dialogue. It allows me to untangle the web of my thoughts, confront my fears, and embrace my dreams again. It’s where I find solutions, make decisions, and engage in mental gymnastics. The road become pathways to mental clarity.
Every run is a reminder that life, like running, presents obstacles and challenges. But these challenges also hold the promise of growth. Running every day teaches me resilience. It encourages me to face discomfort head-on, to embrace the elements, and to keep moving even when the path gets tough.
Weekend Running
Weekends are more than a break from the week’s hustle; for many and for me, too, weekends are opportunity to connect and spend more time with family. You see, my biological family lives in the province and overseas. It is only my father and I who live in the city. But I have siblings from different parents here, and I get to visit one of them on weekends. Running with my sister, exploring scenic routes like the CCLEX, and sharing the exhilaration of the journey, have woven the fabric of our family bonds, making weekends truly special.
Running along the CCLEX route has become one of our favorite weekend rituals. The breathtaking view, the feeling of the cool breeze, and well the uphill, downhill make the morning run magical. HAHA. But what makes it truly special is doing it with my sister.
The rhythmic beat of our shoes on the pavement sets the tone for candid conversations. These runs have become our unofficial therapy sessions, nurturing a deeper understanding of each other’s dreams and dilemmas, and well it has also become our opportunity to indulge in some “maritesing”.
Sisterly banter and the shared experience of running provide a backdrop for laughter and encouragement. We cheer each other on when the going gets tough, whether that means tackling a steep incline or navigating a particularly busy intersection. These moments create bonds that remind us we’re there for each other through life’s inclines and intersections too.
Weekend runs aren’t complete without post-run meals and my sister is always, always preparing hearty meals. While enjoying the post-run meal, we often find ourselves discussing future adventures, too. What’s the next route we want to explore? What’s the next challenge we want to conquer, the next race we will run? This anticipation fuels our excitement for the weekends to come.
Warat Runner 