Running, Migraine and Mental Strength

Most people get into exercise because they wanted to lose some kilos. Not me. I’m blessed with a slim figure, a tad below weight in fact, so I get into exercise purely because I wanted to sweat. But I’ve also been fairly lazy in the past two to three years. I used to golf every week but somehow other priorities took over and my golf club had been sitting pretty in the store room ever since. And that was when my bouts of migraine started. I knew one of the answers to fight the migraine is to be fit physically. But my legs and hands refused to budge.

I equate that with weak will. And I don’t feel good.

I was inspired by my friends and hubby who did 10km run a few months ago but it was short-lived as I realized the amount of hard work one needs to put in. So I let it go. Besides, I simply don’t have time. Of course, that’s an excuse. We simply make time for things we care about and I blame it on photography as that was what I really cared about in the past one year :p Anyhow, deep down I know I need to do something, else how do I get rid of my monthly migraine love affair? Cafergot should not be my long term rescue remedy, right?

The turning point.

I was holidaying at Pangkor Island Beach Resort. They have this beautiful 1.2km stretch of white sandy beach. It’s supposed to be a relaxing holiday so the whole afternoon I was doing nothing except immersing myself with Kafka On The Shore. I needed to get up and do something. It’s almost evening and before the sun set, I decided to run along the beach - bare-footed. And lo and behold, I managed to run the stretch of 1.2km back and fro without stopping. Perhaps it’s the beautiful beach or the lovely breeze or maybe the build-up energy but whatever, the feeling was incredible! I wanted to do it again. So the next morning when most holiday makers were still in bed, I woke up early and repeated the run - back and fro and I tell myself, hey, I can do this!

Need to get the momentum going.

When I came home, I told myself to get serious with my new found delight. So, one fine morning before I went to office, I did seven rounds at the park next to my house. One round is approximately 450m. Yes, I surprise myself for managing 3km. But how can I motivate myself further? I mean I can always maintain a 3km run as long as I do it regularly. That's some form of exercise, isn't it? But that would not do for me. Okay, this seems silly but I thought tweeting about it might inspire me to set higher goals. And believe me, it did.

Two days later, I aimed for 5km. When I was on my eight round, my mind was telling me to stop because my legs were crying to stop. They were truly exhausted. I told myself, I don’t have to hit 13 laps to get that 5km. It’s okay I don't achieve it this time…there is always next time. But another part of me said, I can do it! Girl, don’t allow your mind to hold you back. It’s achievable. Be focused!

Finally, my better self conquered!  I did it!

Basically our bodies are much stronger than we think. So the challenge is really not our legs but above the shoulders, our MIND. Mental strength is so crucial at those critical points and I believe that’s what it meant by Mind Gym – we got to work our mental strength first and if that is conquered, almost anything is achievable. Ah…now I earn a bit of bragging right but the story is not finished yet… my next target, 10km!