axiu081: my 2016 my 2017
The Lunar New Year is just around the corner. Reflecting on my 2016, I ran 1187 kilometers and participated in 5 offline marathons.
On March 19, I took part in the Dujiangyan Double Heritage Marathon. The presence of 30,000 people at the event made me so excited that I couldn't sleep for a week before the race. I even joked with my husband that this was more thrilling than our wedding, haha.
The Qionglai Half Marathon on May 22 was also unforgettable. I think I will always remember that day and that grueling half marathon. From the starting point to the finish line, from light rain to heavy rain, the rain kept pouring down, making it hard to keep my eyes open. With the added weight of my soaked clothes, 21.095 kilometers suddenly felt incredibly far. But the special thing about marathons is that just when you feel like stopping, there are always voices around you encouraging you to keep going.
"Keep it up!"
"Don't stop!"
This kind of special encouragement makes you feel "embarrassed" to give up, as if quitting would disappoint them as well.
On September 25, I participated in the Wenjiang Half Marathon. This time, I felt like I had found my community, my home. For a year, I had been running alone, without even a few familiar running friends, let alone a running group. Fortunately, I later joined a running group where I met people who love running, cycling, food, and sharing life stories. They have different jobs and ages but share a passion for running and a positive attitude. After "finding my community," I felt liberated, running, laughing, and growing together with everyone, heading towards a sunny direction.
On October 18, I participated in the 14-kilometer Xiling Snow Mountain Trail Run. Yes, I went "wild," and this "wildness" led me to discover a new world. Initially, I thought even finishing the race was an unattainable goal, but not only did I finish, I also placed in the top 20 and won a prize. This surprise caught me off guard, but I felt a small sense of pride.
The phrase I heard most this year was: "I envy you for having so much time to run."
What I actually want to say is that most runners like me have jobs. We just learn to manage our time. Work and exercise are both parts of our lives. There's a saying that may sound cliché, but I find it very true: time is like water in a sponge; if you squeeze it, there will always be some.
Instead of envying others for having time to run, why not put on your running shoes and join them? You'll find that running doesn't take up much of your time and can even improve your efficiency in completing other tasks.
Another touching moment this year was when an ordinary person like me received support from 23,535 friends on Codoon. I even became the national runner-up in the second season of Running Girl in 2016.
Thank you all for your care and support.
In 2017, I hope to inspire more people around me to exercise and embrace health, sharing our joy together. Let's set a goal: in 2017, I plan to run 1500 kilometers, complete a full marathon, and participate in more offline events to run farther, see more scenery, and meet more friends.
The Year of the Monkey is coming to an end, but my running journey continues. In life, I am a mother with a lovely daughter and a very happy family. I hope that in the new year, my family will be safe, happy, and joyful. I also wish all Codoon friends a Happy New Year, success in your careers, good health, and a happy family.
We are all runners, discovering new aspects of ourselves and encountering a beautiful future through running. In 2017, let's run together!
Author: @Axiu081 Editor: @Codoon People