A runner in need

It is just another day. The GE Women’s Run. I still remember that I registered my first 5k attempt and running it alone last year. I still remember that feeling of “empty handed-ness” after completing the race because medal is only for the 10K runners. It was then that I decided that I must at least once, get the 10k medal for the GE Women. Call me a strong-headed person or typical kiah-su-ist. I don’t care.

And so Baby registered me for the GE Women's Run this year. I thought I would have all the trainings to prepare for the run (even bought a tee for this event) but was down with the cough for almost 3 weeks now. I thought of giving up and not attend the event but felt heart pain for the paid registration fee. How can I not go?

“I will need about 1.5hrs” I said to Baby. Knowing that I won’t be expecting too much over the timing, it was quite a relaxing run for me. Without the thought of beating my past records , I could just simply enjoy running with the rest of the runners. Enjoying the sky and views and the frequent strong wind. The weather was great and the smell around me was not as bad as the Safra Bay Run (because it’s all women around me!).

And there I was enjoy running on the car-less route until I saw a lady runner stopping and sat down by the side of the road. A runner stopped and asked if she is ok, before I decided to pause and do so too. Then the runner ran off continue her run after seeing me “taking over”. No one else stop for this lady runner. I asked how is she feeling, and she replied “no good”. “Do you want to continue with the race?” I asked, and she said no. “Do you want any help?” I continued asking, and she said yes.

Looking around the long expressway, with only runners and no helpers in sight, I ran ahead to the nearest road marshal and got her attention. Then I thought since help is along the way to the lady runner, I continued with my race with some guilt of ditching someone in need behind and then I made a U-turn back to the “damsel in distress”.

When I ran back and saw her, still, no one lend a helping hand, everyone just looked on and ran off. I assured her that help is on the way and told her to remove her arm band to make herself more comfortable. The road marshal finally came and accompanied the lady and this time, I could heave a sigh of relief and released the guilt in me, continuing the race. Around 700m later, I saw the water point and I know the “rescue” team should be somewhere around. I told them to take a look and glad they did.

More relieved now and walking and jogging to complete the race. Dont' know why my leg muscles were so stiff and this is the first running race that I have to stop at the side to stretch a couple of times and nearly suffer a leg cramp even though I was just jogging. Then while I reached the opposite route, I happen to spot that same runner (who sent out the "distress call" earlier) struggling to continue with the race. Let hope she complete her race!

I am glad to make it after all and got my medal!!! Even more than glad because I helped a fellow runner in need.


Running a Race for us women! It's not just for me!

My medal!



Hope more to come.........