a rose in the rain of xi ma

I am Little Honey, I've been running for over a year, completed 5 full marathons and 3 half marathons.

From a shy and introverted university graduate, I have become an optimistic and cheerful person.

I believe everyone has had a period of confusion and low spirits.

When transitioning from school to society,

When I moved from a city where I lived for four years to another city.

Those bad emotions might trouble you,

Entangle you, making you unable to sleep all night.

I imagined countless scenarios after graduating from university,

Earning a lot of money, traveling to many places...

There are many ways to measure life,

In the end, I chose a simple way: running.

When I tried running, many things started to change.

While running, breathing and heartbeat are amplified,

Between idealism and reality,

I increasingly saw a real version of myself.

Actually, not everyone has a talent for running,

At first, I couldn't even finish 800 meters.

But I had perseverance; if I couldn't run, I would walk, and when tired of walking, I would continue running.

After persisting for a long time, I started to get addicted.

First, I fell in love with the relaxation after sweating profusely,

Then I fell in love with my gradually toned body,

Then I fell in love with my purer skin and hair,

The changes running brings to the body are subtle yet intense.

These changes can really offset the intense mental fatigue.

Many people ask: why would a jewelry designer

Fall in love with such a boring and lonely sport like running?

I say, precisely because it is so lonely, I can persist.

From running alone to running with a group, I met many like-minded friends,

We share joy together, exploring a healthier and more positive life.

Whether it's selfless guidance on running techniques,

Or teaching by example in dealing with people.

Even if you move forward alone, there will be a group of enthusiastic running friends supporting and encouraging you.

Learning to be a better person, that's what running has taught me,

Something I need to experience and learn for a lifetime.

By chance, I got a direct entry to the 2017 Xima Pink Skirt at the Marathon Expo.

I always heard that the cherry blossoms at Yuantouzhu in March are the most splendid,

So in those pink cherry blossom petals,

I gathered all my expectations for Xima.

Every morning run and night run was in preparation for Xima.

March 19th arrived as scheduled,

The organization, starting zones, and race atmosphere of Xima were all fantastic.

The only regret was that the cherry blossoms at the Ten Mile Fragrant Path did not bloom as expected.

The challenges of Xima for us, besides the long 42.195km distance,

Were the low temperatures and rain.

We who experienced that storm will probably never forget it.

You've run this far, do you want to give up? Will you give up?

At the moment when we were exhausted, it was strong willpower that kept us going.

(At the moment when the wind god captured me, I was really gritting my teeth to persist)

Persistence to me means fighting strength with strength.

Every step taken in the wind and rain does not allow for weakness.

Forget all the excuses of 'impossible,' and stick to that one reason of 'possible.'

Through one breakthrough after another, we find ourselves running more easily,

Getting closer to our goals,

And the greater meaning that running gives us begins to slowly emerge.

Everyone's strength is actually a cocoon born of softness.

It's not because I love running that I promote its brilliance,

It's just that I was once so troubled, melancholic, and insecure,

After experiencing the twists and turns of running, my soul gradually returned.

In the future, I will become more independent and free, but not yet;

In the future, I will be liked by many people, but not yet;

In the future, I will meet you, but not yet;

But I know, everything that is not yet here will definitely come in the future.

You will surely say, growing up alone, living alone,

Facing everything alone, must be very lonely.

Yes, it's lonely, but not desolate.

Running has brought me far more changes than I imagined.

And through continuous persistence and unceasing steps, I discovered:

I am stronger than I imagined. Heartfelt thanks~

(Thanks again to the photographers, staff, and volunteers who silently stood by in the wind and rain, grateful.)

I am very ordinary,

A quiet and lonely runner,

A small figure in the changing crowd,

I have no impressive achievements, no outstanding topics.

But I am unique,

I truly love running,

I hope my story can bring you some strength, to run towards the distance together.

The distance is not the end, the scenery is on the way.

The most beautiful and splendid cherry blossoms, see you next year.

I am Little Honey,

The most beautiful encounter in the world is meeting another version of yourself.

Believe me. Believe yourself.

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The article only represents the author's views and does not represent Codoon's viewpoint.