In this pandemic, running has kept me sane and taught me how to find joy

While lacing up for a run at the start of the circuit breaker period, I noticed something different — the park connector network (PCN) near my home was teeming with runners, brisk walkers and cyclists.

I found it difficult to weave through the crowd, having to call out to people to make way so I could keep a safe distance from them.

Along the way, I had to dodge a few cyclists and a small boy who suddenly cycled diagonally across the path. 

It was annoying at first. In my 13 years of running, I have never had to worry about human traffic. 

Sure, there would be other runners along pavements and PCNs, but they have never been this crowded before, even during the weekends. This was until the past two months.

But as I weaved in and out of the crowd, I realised that this was exactly what I had wanted to see more of in Singapore.

When I was on holiday in the United States three years ago, I went for a cool weekday morning run through New York’s Central Park. 

I was struck by the scores of runners alongside me on the wide paths; some with their families, some with their dogs, others alone. 

There was a buzz that our PCNs never quite had — until now.

With public sport facilities such as soccer fields, gyms and swimming pools closed since the circuit breaker, Singaporeans have switched over to different forms of exercise, including running. Others could also have taken to jogging to spend some time outdoors near their homes.

Whatever it is, I am glad to see the PCN near my home buzzing with many joggers now — as long as they, like me, are willing to keep a safe distance and wear masks when they are not running. 

Being an avid runner since my early teens, I sure hope that the joy of running will spread faster among Singaporeans during this period than any virus.

Anxiety over the current Covid-19 situation, coupled with the economic slowdown that has threatened jobs, is undoubtedly putting the mental health of many at risk.

With the population spending more time at home, cabin fever — with symptoms such as restlessness, impatience as well as being easily angered and irritable — is also bound to affect many.

Even before the pandemic, running has helped me deal with the daily stressors. Now, it is more vital for me than ever.

Having more time to myself over the past month, I have been running six times a week compared to the usual four, making sure that I keep a strict routine to run at a certain time of the day. On most days, it is the only occasion I leave home, as I telecommute most of the time.

It is easy to feel aimless cooped up at home all day, so the routine of running keeps me sane.

The pent-up energy and restlessness that one accumulates from inactivity quickly dissipates after pounding 10 to 15km on the streets.

Some might think that running such long distances will cause great pain, but it is precisely this agony that keeps me wanting to come back for more, and one that I have learned to enjoy.

As Japanese author Haruki Murakami said in one of his memoirs on running: Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.

That is precisely what running has taught me. That it is just you, facing your own physical limitations while the heat and humidity of the surroundings conspire to defeat you. 

As your breathing gets harder and legs get weaker, you will feel all sorts of pain and at times wish you are still in the comfort of your home.

But bear with that pain, and there comes a certain moment during the run that you suddenly feel that anything is possible and that you are, for some strange reason, not minding it at all.

It could be as simple as when you see the sky painted pink in the evening. Or it could be when a fellow runner cheers you on or gives you a warm smile. 

Perhaps it is a realisation that you have run longer than you expected and can go further still, and that what you thought was not possible is suddenly within reach. 

It is these little moments of joy that I look forward to, and I know that the pain in between helps me enjoy them more. In that sense, the overall experience of running has never been one of suffering.

Of course, it is easy to speak broadly about the benefits of running, but how does one keep running for a prolonged duration?

The typical advice that runners will hear is to start slow and to stay consistent. If you start off too quickly you could very well get injured or feel immediately breathless or end up with stitches. 

This is the kind of pain you should avoid. On the other hand, if you are not consistent, you will find it hard to build enough fitness to run longer distances, or reap the health benefits of running.

That being said, you should also be aware of how your body is reacting and stop the moment you suspect an injury, and seek medical help.

But the secret for me — if you want to call it that — is to be in the moment while out on every run. In other words, don't go into a run hoping to get over with it. 

Enjoy your time outdoors, take in the cleaner air and appreciate your surroundings.

While this is an uncertain time, it will not last forever.

What we can do is make the most of it now, and find little pockets of joy we can to tide us through.

Running has taught me that, and more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Justin Ong is a journalist with TODAY, covering transport and sports, among others. An avid runner since his secondary school days, he ran his first marathon in Ottawa in May last year.