Running sucks

If there’s one form of exercise that I’d classify as the worst, I would say it’d be running.

I’ve never had a good record for runs. The sport was boring, and mundane. And after my stint in the army, I would associate running with being regimental and stiff. BORING.

However, life got busier after having kids. Soccer, tennis, and other social sports flew out the window. I learnt to run (with enjoyment) again.

On Christmas 2020, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3B colon cancer.

Mum went through a successful surgery to take the cancerous tumour out, but will be required to go through chemotherapy to stop the spread.

Today, she’s worried sick, and is mentally preparing for the uphill 6 months battle with chemotherapy and its side effects.

I was running to her home from mine, for our usual Sunday family dinner and took some mental notes while running. I was going to tell her at dinner, how running and her fight were similar.

 
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No pain, no gain.

Like chemotherapy, running long distance is long and painful, but I will remind her, like the medication, running and keeping fit is good for me.

I thought that I would give her tips about running long distances, and how I keep my legs going. Hopefully, this would inspire Mum to move forward everyday for the next 6 months.

 

Look for a run pacer.

Mum should have a running mate. Being accountable and tracking your achievements and failures with another trusted person will turn the solo journey into team work. And we all know that if you need to go far, go in a group.

 
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We run for people.

Those who you run after -

Creating a ‘visual inspiration’ during runs always inspire me on the last leg. When I feel like giving up, I imagine my father, my mother, my wife and my 3 children running before me. They turn around and shout my name and they cheer me on. The noise they make is deafening and it gets louder.. I do not want it to drown out, so I run faster to close the gap to be nearer to the group. I focus and keep the mental image throughout the rest of the run. Before I know it, I’m at the finish line. 

Those who ran before -

Take comfort during the pain, by knowing that there were heaps of people who ran before you. Mum should realise that we have had many friends and family members who have run the same race. Some were even harder than others, but alas, most surfaced victorious. So can she. 

There is nothing new about this race. If fearful, speak about the anxieties and worries with others!

 

It’s all in our minds.

I get bored easily and find that by plotting mind games in my head, I reach each bound easier. I tell myself, ‘Let’s pick up the pace and get to that traffic light. Then I will focus on form from that block to the next’.. etc. Mum should tell herself to pay attention to certain details between therapy cycles. Perhaps even journal about herself and what she’s going through. This will make the fight a meaningful one. (picking up this journal later in life will remind Mum of battle-scars and tell of stories that give power!)

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On form- on track, and off track.

Between therapy cycles, like running, Mum should rest up, eat healthily and stay fit. There is no time to slack like a sloth! Because before you know it, the next race will be upon her. 

I purchase good shoes, and don T-shirts that have motivational messages to make me feel good.  

Even though the journey is tiresome and draining, it does not mean that we need to look tired or drained. Mum should do what she does best - look like a movie star and continue to astound people around her with her strength and energy.

And while running, do not just go through the motions, but have good form throughout. I feel that this is more important than making it to the finish line. Do not care for speed and timing, but question how your posture was like during the journey. Chin up, chest out, do not whine, and always lean forward. During therapy, Mum should keep a positive posture as this will translate into a positive mindset. Staying slouched in a dark damp room will fester negative thoughts. Stay in the sun and keep a smile on your face- negative thoughts will find it hard to linger. 

 

A journey for the body, mind, and soul

Lastly, download strength from on high. Pray day and night. Look forward to the finishing line. Your village will be waiting for you to celebrate the big win.  

Jiayou Mum!

nicholas hu