I know my purpose of running. You?

By admin

So, I don’t really know how to start this. But the way I’m starting this testimonial is how I got my first step into long distance running. Honestly, up till now, I still can’t explain what got me into distance running.

610 days ago (approximately), I was a 100m sprinter, but things changed as the days passed. Like I felt a need to run, to run longer distances. And one night over dinner, I told coach (jokingly) that I wanted to try the 10,000m. And she said, if I were to do it, her glasses would fall. And so I accepted this ‘challenge’, and indeed, she lost her spectacles.

So in between these 500 odd days, my life has changed. Running has changed my life. Physically, emotionally and spiritually. Running has made me stronger, in flesh and in mind. I’d never have imagined how much I would love running long distances (22km is the longest so far). It’s like, every step you take, is a challenge to how much your body can handle. There’s this sense of satisfaction, knowing you have done something that pushes your limits, even if it means having a battered body after the run.

It’s also through this sport, that I have come to know God. And I’m very thankful to have coach and Jac take care of me spiritually. The only explanation I can give for me becoming a distance runner, is that God has placed this passion in my heart. It’s like, a gift, given to me, even though I don’t deserve it. But yet, I know it’s more than just a gift, and there’s just more to running, than putting one foot ahead of the other.

Some people run to win, some people run to challenge themselves. I run, hoping I can change people’s lives. Isn’t it a little selfish if running is just about yourself? Or at least I think so. I believe God has given me this gift, so I can use it to connect with others. Running has changed my life, now it’s time for me to change others. And it is by God’s grace, that I have been blessed with this team. Although we may not be the best runners, the bonds we have formed is a better reward than winning a championship.

Anyway, some thoughts about the races I have taken part in. In this short period of

How has running changed my life? Through the process of training, I have learned to press on even when things start to hurt. You don’t stop a workout simply because it hurts, but you press on for a breakthrough. The same applies in life, you press on, and you persevere, until something happens. It all comes down to, how much do you want it? If you want it real badly, you won’t stop. You’ll put in the extra effort to wake up early in the morning just to do a run. Even when no one understands why you are doing it, you can’t doubt yourself. Because if you are determined, something good will happen. This is what keeps me going, chasing after something eternal, something that’s everlasting. I know my purpose of running.

What’s your purpose?

Zhi Yang