Striving for personal bests
Birthdays are super exciting when we are kids. Some are unforgettable—I remember my 5th birthday when my mom stitched me a red dress with frills that made me feel like a princess as I twirled around. And then there was one when my dad got me a bright red car with its nifty ability to turn when it bumped into something.
As we grow older, birthdays tend to lose a bit of their spark. Still, there's something magical about them, whether we are turning 18 or 80. It's not just the celebration, it's about reflecting on how far we've come and looking ahead to where we want to go.
This year, I decided to give myself a gift that would truly excite me. I set myself a challenge: to run a half marathon, my personal best yet.
Now, I'm no stranger to running, but committing to a specific goal like this brought a whole new level of excitement. It wasn't just about the celebration anymore; it was about pushing myself to achieve something meaningful.
It helped me stick to my schedule, even on mornings when the past night lacked a good night's sleep. Every step of the way felt exhilarating, knowing that I was working towards something truly special.
Of course, no journey is without its challenges. Just days before the big event, I bumped into a sharp corner and hurt my foot. Luckily, after a few days of rest and recovery, I was back on my feet, up and running.
On the morning of my birthday eve, before the sun rose over the horizon, I laced up my running shoes and hit the East Coast Park of Singapore. The sea was calm, birds were chirping, and the weather was nice. The miles flew by. By the time I was almost done, it was starting to become sunny.
I finished my run at home and was greeted by my beaming kids and husband. I checked my time and couldn't be happier. I finished my half marathon in 2 hr 15 mins, a pace of 6:26 min/km, my personal best!
But why strive for personal bests, you might ask?
Well, for one, they offer a fair comparison. Instead of measuring ourselves against others, we can look back and see how far we've come from our past selves. It's a journey of self-improvement, not competition.
And then there's the element of purposeful randomness, those little bursts of excitement that keep life interesting. Whether it's introducing sprints into your daily run or taking on new challenges outside of your comfort zone, embracing the unexpected can lead to remarkable growth and fulfillment.
So, as I reflect on this year's birthday adventure, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the journey and excitement for the road ahead. Birthdays may come and go, but the opportunity to strive for personal bests is always within reach.
As you look ahead to your next birthday, I encourage you to think about what gift you want to give yourself. Whether it's achieving a fitness goal, pursuing a passion project, or simply prioritizing self-care, the time to start is now. After all, the greatest gift we can give ourselves is the gift of personal growth and fulfillment.
Here's to embracing the journey, celebrating our successes, and striving for personal bests every step of the way. Happy birthday to us all!