New Love or New Pain

Most of my friends think running is torture with a few extra steps, but is it really?

I think running is a wonderful, enjoyable activity and everyone should do it. It is a simple escape from everything—the stress, noise, emotions and endless tasks that I procrastinate on (including this article). But there is really something magical about the rhythm of your steps and the rush of wind brushing past your face—the feeling of being as free as a bird. However, many friends still really hate it, and whenever I ask them to join me for a run, they react as if I am attempting to rob their family of all their food and money.

Sure, your lungs are bursting at the seams, your legs burn like there’s fire inside, and your mind tells you maybe you ought to stop. But it really isn’t that bad now! Jokes aside, in reality, you are growing and improving bit by bit: every step you take is a step further—a step further than you would have gone. I was once the same, gasping for air, legs cramping, and running at the speed of a century-old tortoise. But it does get better!

How my friends view running

Ask anyone around and you’ll hear the same thoughts: “Running is so boring”, “Running is so painful”, or simply, “I’m just not built for running”. For most of my friends’ lives, running brings back traumatic memories of school fitness tests, or maybe morning runs in the army—being forced to run in the hot sun while a grumpy Encik shouts at you. It is no wonder so many associate running with punishment rather than freedom.

The first tries are always the hardest. We start too fast, hearts pounding rapidly, and by the first kilometre, we’re questioning our life decisions and wondering if we’ve died and descended to hell already. I’ve heard countless stories: “I tried running once and it was traumatic—I almost died” or “I don’t have the stamina”. What’s interesting is that everyone assumes runners are born fast, when in truth, most of us start the same way—struggling to even finish one lap around the track.

I think what many people hate isn’t running itself—it is how running makes them confront discomfort and feel it constantly. Running doesn’t hide the pain between equipment or distractions. It’s just you, your thoughts, and the road. In my view, however, that is precisely the beauty of running.: you learn to push yourself forward despite the constant discomfort, and you learn to handle so much more in life. 

My one true love?

I like to joke that running is my one true love and what brings me the most happiness. However, the truth is that I wasn’t good at it and didn’t enjoy it at first—my relationship with running was akin to an “Enemies to Lovers” trope. I remember my first “serious” run vividly—I could not even finish the warm up. Afterwards, my coach ordered my teammates and me to follow my senior and run 10km at the MacRitchie Reservoir. I was wheezing—my stomach cramping with stitches, my legs heavy, my breathing uneven—and I wondered if I would live to see the end of the day. I lagged behind instantly and got terribly lost in the reservoir after a crossroad. I wandered around dazedly and wondered if I would have to start befriending the monkeys in the reservoir to get out. I was finally found and did not finish my run, returning after 90 mins while my friends all made it back within 60 mins.

But something changed over the years. Each time, I managed to go a little further—bit by bit. The pain didn’t go away, but I got used to it. I learnt how to enjoy the quiet moments of reflection alone, the beautiful scenery during runs, and the satisfaction of persisting despite wanting to give up. Slowly, what was once a torturous exercise became addictive. I appreciated the change within me and took pride in my journey. So addictive that when I tore my right ankle’s Anterior Talofibular Ligament(ATFL), I persisted with physiotherapy to get  back to running. Even more so, a few months later, when I tore my right knee’s Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and medial meniscus (not due to running), I still persisted and trained slowly—relearning how to walk and run just for the goal of running again. That’s when I realised running not only taught me perseverance, it also inspired me to push further through pain.

But why should YOU try it?

For students, running is probably the absolute easiest way to stay active. You do not need fancy equipment, memberships, or people. All you need is a decent pair of shoes and some motivation. It is convenient, flexible, and free—anytime, anywhere. A quick 10-minute run can instantly help brighten up your lifestyle.

Running fits perfectly into student life as it’s a stress reliever, a huge mental reset, and a great hobby that pushes you to improve as long as you keep going. Running is the one activity in the world where your results are equivalent to the amount of effort you put into it.

Benefits of running

Physically, running strengthens your heart, lungs and legs. It boosts your endurance, improves sleep, helps you lose weight, and keeps your mind sharp. Running also connects people—from casual joggers to competitors creating an unspoken sense of community. Some of my closest friendships were built through runs and post-run suppers. Lastly, running shapes your mindset. It teaches discipline and consistency. The same determination that keeps you finishing a run today will help you push through to finish projects, exams, and obstacles in life.

Jump over the hurdles

Still most people would probably face 3 main hurdles: boredom, starting, and injuries.

Firstly, Boredom. Running alone can feel dull really fast, but music or podcasts can transform it into a great session. Many times, I would play podcasts to learn French (which I am still bad at), or I’d blast club music and pretend I was clubbing to hype myself up. Better yet, run with friends—conversations make the distance disappear. (I once scammed my friend into a pretty long run with me. All it took was a bit of talking and prodding into his life story and, before he knew it, we went a whopping nine kilometres—when he only meant to run two!.)

Secondly, Starting. The hardest part is not the run itself but putting on your shoes. Start small. Run 4 minutes away from your starting point and now you’re forced to run 4 minutes back. Slowly increase the time week by week: 5 minutes away, 5 minutes back. Build consistency before worrying about your speed.

Thirdly, Injuries. They often happen from overtraining. Warm up properly, choose good shoes, and do not compare your speed to others. Respect your body’s limits, and progress will follow shortly.

How to start

Start simple. You do not need fancy gear or a marathon goal. Pick a pair of comfortable shoes that cushion and fit well. Choose a safe, quiet route, and run at a comfortable, conversational pace (where you can still talk and yap). This keeps things greatly enjoyable.

Set small goals for yourself—it really increases motivation and goes a long way. Maybe a round around the track today, and two rounds next week. Since Raffles Hall is the closest hall to the track, it’s especially convenient! #WHYRH! Most importantly, listen to your body, rest well, hydrate, and stretch. The goal isn’t speed or distance, but consistency.

If you're looking for a sign to start—this is it! See you on the track! Happy running!