Energiser, the way of life

It has been many months (6 months?) since my last run. Baby and we participated the Energizer Trail Run last Sat night and truly enjoyed ourselves very much. I wasn’t really thinking when I agreed to take part in the Trail run and certainly do not expected much about the route or the terrain would be as I thought I would just walk throughout the 6k journey. Surprisingly, I changed my mind again when I reached there. A spur of energy overwhelmed me as I glanced around the venue and saw crowds among the darkness, many are avid runners.


The fan sounded and we started out with a slow jog and I keep telling myself, all I need to do is to maintain the pace. The route was full of sand or stones, uneven grounds, holes, and mud. It was pitch darkness and the only source of guide was from our head torch and some moon lightings.

Somehow, running in the dark was less stressful because I can’t really see what is ahead of me. Without the fear of falling behind (since I can’t tell how many runners are already ahead of me, I am sure I am not the last one), the rough terrain turns out to be a relaxing run for me. Although the holes in the ground have posted danger of ending the event with a twisted ankle, I was glad that I survived it.

Almost half way through the route, we were caught off guard of what is ahead of us. A steep slope (about 45 degree?) with some guiding ropes on both sides. I have not expected this. The sandy and steep ground has made me feel insecure as I cannot see well in the poorly visible surrounding. Grabbing the rope tightly with both my hands and with Baby’s hand supporting and pushing me ahead all the while, and me, occasionally shouting out “I can’t see! I can’t see!”, I finally overcome this difficult phase although I fumbled through.

The rest of the journey thereafter, was almost a breeze. Then we saw a lady who fell flat, totally flat and not moving at all for a few secs before coming back to her senses and picking herself up. Some of us rushed towards her and helped her up, and asking if she needs any attention. We were glad that she was not badly hurt after all, just some bruises. But her motionless body after the fall has indeed sent shivers down my spine. I thought she has loss her consciousness or are bleeding badly from her forehead. Thankfully, she picked herself up and is still alive.

We were all rewarded with free flow of ice creams after finishing the race and went home with a totally aching body (for me).

This race though quite a relaxing one for me, has taught me something about life.

It made me realized that life is like a long running journey through a rough terrain in total darkness. There are holes, uneven grounds, steep challenges, we may have to occasionally fumble through, be exposed to the risk of a badly sprained ankle, bad falls, or even losing our ways through the journey. But teaching us to speed up along the smooth sailing ground, or slow down on a rocky ground, leaping over the holes which pose a threat to us.

Not forgetting that we also have many supports from others around us, strangers, competitors or loved ones, helping us (directly or indirectly) guiding and accompanying us side by side throughout our life journey, pushing us ahead and make sure we are not left behind…