On my facebook page this week, i wrote about goals, and the importance of setting them. By giving ourselves a concrete goal to work towards we are creating a purpose in our lives, a reason to get up every morning, a dream to motivate us to achieve. What i also commented on is the importance of the journey along the way. By breaking a goal down into little action steps it becomes more achievable and there is a sense of accomplishment as each step is met and conquered. Imagine building a house without a plan, or constructing Ikea furniture without the step by step instructions! (I have actually done that, and let me tell you it didnt end well!). The result might not be what you were hoping for.
I have set my next goal to run the Phuket marathon, which is 9 weeks away. This is probably not long enough in training terms to prepare properly, but i have a good base of fitness, and after doing some research i decided it was achievable. When i told my lovely husband what i was planning, his immediate response was, “sign me up too”. When i told my daughter and good friend my goal, they decided to register for the 10km run of the same event. I was overwhelmed with their support, and excited i wasn’t on this journey alone.
The program i am following set a 21km run for last weekend. The problem i was facing was the only long run i can do in my area of Hong Kong is one i don’t like. (I actually threw a tantrum last time my husband and i did it as it annoys me so much). I thought long and hard about other runs i could do, and realised that i didnt have many options unless i wanted to run around in big circles…which i like even less. I then realised that while my goal was 21kms, it was the journey along the way and the kilometres in the legs that was important. I am a big believer in the power of positive thinking and that there is beauty in everything, even the smelly Aberdeen Fish markets, which i find the hardest part of this particular run. So i set out to make the most of this course i dont like, and to stop and smell the roses along the way. I headed off down around Cyberport and embraced the beautiful views over the water. The Sport field was full of little children playing soccer with proud parents cheering on the sidelines. Instead of a busy main road and traffic I saw local people heading to market and ladies elegantly swaying while doing Tai Chi in the park. I ran through the Fish markets and marvelled at the hive of activity. Trucks being loaded, big containers of ice being filled to hold the fresh seafood, workers hosing down the pavements in their while rubber boots, and others sitting eating and having a chat. I had to duck and weave between the trucks, splash through puddles and evade the trolley’s of fish, but instead of annoying me, i found it fascinating. These people were working hard, making a living probably the same way they had for decades. With the exception of mobile phones, this scene probably hadnt changed much over the years. I smiled and greeted people I passed and got lots of smiles back along with shouts of “Josun”, which is good morning in Cantonese. (they were probably thinking who is this crazy women running through our work place). When i got to the Industrial section of Aberdeen, I looked past the buildings and construction and appreciated the shade they provided as the day heated up. I used this section of the run to write this blog post in my head..I find running is a great thinking and planning time. Before i realised it i was at the start of the Deepwater Bay path, which is my favourite part of the run. Spread before me was the sparkling ocean and beaches of the South Side. Little sailing boats were busy racing, the dragon boats crews were out training, there were kayakers, swimmers and windsufers all enjoying the sun and water. As I paced my way to South Bay I passed joggers, children on scooters, Mums with prams and families walking dogs. I was enjoying every minute of being amongst them and suddenly realised I was 17kms into my run without even thinking about how tired i was or how sore my legs felt. At South Bay, i turned back and head back to Deepwater bay for my final 4kms. There is no doubt focusing on my surroundings really helped me enjoy the run. I didnt think about the big picture (21kms) but on every step along the way and where it took me. I realised how lucky i was to be running in another country, and be witnessing part of local life in Hong Kong. I didnt run fast, but i ran well. I consciously changed my mindset and because of that, i had a positive and rewarding experience.
Until next time. x