Why Do I Run?

I used to play soccer, where running was an integral part of both training and the game.

However, I never saw the appeal of going for a jog just for the sake of it. We had to run 6km as a warm-up before training started, and that was enough for me.

Now that I've retired from soccer, the desire to run has recently rekindled within me.

At first, running for more than 15 minutes seemed boring. What do you do? Listen to music or a podcast? As my runs started to extend past 30 minutes, I stopped using headphones altogether. Instead, I began to listen to the sounds around me: birds, trees, people's chatter as I ran past them, and the rhythm of my feet hitting the ground.

Running feels both long and short simultaneously. Random thoughts come and go. You zone out, focus on nature, the people you pass, and the sound your shoes make on the surface. It feels weirdly fulfilling and purposeful.

When you run, you perceive distance differently. The same distance in a car or on public transport doesn't feel the same. I can hardly believe I've run to the Opera House and back, crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge covering 18km.

I've completed the UTA22 — a half marathon in the Blue Mountains.

I'm doing Hyrox in July and a marathon in September. This is a bit terrifying at this stage, but regardless, it will be an interesting experience.

Can’t wait.