Mile 21 was when I knew the real marathon would start for me. This is when my body started wanting to give up, ask for forgiveness, and want to walk, all while my mind wanted to keep pushing. It’s always an internal battle between the two of them, in which the mind mostly wins. I … Continue reading Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part three
Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part two
The course was mostly flat, with some downhills, some uphills, and some cobblestone streets. The most memorable uphill didn’t come until mile 20.5. What a killer. It was a long uphill, not very steep, but long enough to make you suffer and wonder if it would ever end. Luckily, it did after about two minutes. … Continue reading Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part two
Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part one
It was 9am and Dennis and I are racing after having waited for close to two hours in the cold morning of Paris. It was Dennis’ first full marathon so as soon as we started, I told Dennis, “do your own race, don’t run with me.” Since we were aiming for different times and would … Continue reading Paris marathon 2022 – race time! // part one
Paris marathon 2022 – sleeping, preparing, and waiting
I woke up around 6am, had water, and stretched first thing in the morning as I normally do – habits are an incredible way to achieve what you want. Right after this, Philipp and Dennis, my friends from studying abroad in Hong Kong, came over as they were also racing that day. Then we all … Continue reading Paris marathon 2022 – sleeping, preparing, and waiting
Paris marathon 2022 – the day before
It was Saturday and my body and mind were both excited and nervous. It’s a rare feeling. You’d think that I’m used to running marathons and would not be nervous at all, but it’s the complete opposite. I didn’t know how it would go. It’s been over two years since I both traveled internationally or … Continue reading Paris marathon 2022 – the day before
Scars
Scars are beautiful. They remind us that we dared to try doing something. Scars remind us that we made it through tough situations – we survived. They remind us that we are stronger than our failures. There is a story behind every scar. It’s a story to be told to those who care, to those … Continue reading Scars
Goodbyes
It feels weird. I used to give a hug, say bye, then leave. But now I think it’s a bit more challenging to do so – to say goodbyes. Is this even a thing? Does this happen as we grow older and realize how much more valuable time is? Especially time with parents, family, and … Continue reading Goodbyes
What you see is not what you get
The world is full of facades that might surprise you if you have a closer look at it—anything from buildings, software applications, and books to people, relationships, and families. There is a cover for almost everything when looked at from the outside. I think a bit of skepticism is normal and sane to avoid going … Continue reading What you see is not what you get
New beginnings
I think it’s a very human thing to feel the need to express ourselves somehow. Sometimes I choose written communication as my preferred method because it gives me the space to focus and write down all the things in the heart, body, and brain. It helps me clear my mind. It’s been a while since … Continue reading New beginnings
Take the smallest step
Small steps lead to more significant actions. Therefore, we can say that small steps lead to big goals. We can approach most goals using similar approaches because most follow identical processes. When we figure out how to work towards small goals, we also figure out how to work towards achieving bigger goals. Small and big … Continue reading Take the smallest step
Richard Chan 