Congratulations on completing the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2025, Sarah. I am sure you have had a tough time in your running endeavors over the past few years. I, too, participated in a 10K running event last week, and I can't imagine the energy it takes to get back to running after being away from it for so long.
There is a way to decide on a race to run yearly and repeatedly prepare for that race.
Parkrun continues to expand in the UK and other European countries, but unfortunately, there is no parkrun in Hong Kong. However, participating when you return to the UK might be a good idea. I felt very welcome in Cape Town, where I was traveling, and it was a wonderful experience. There are several events in Tokyo as well.
Thank you! I saw that you had participated in a 10K (is this the same one that shared on Notes?). And you’re right, having something to prepare certainly helps.
Parkruns are great! I do try to do one when I’m back visiting family in the UK, but it is strange that HK do not host them. One of my friend’s occasionally volunteers and he has said that there are certain regulations that have to be put in place for a venue to be used e.g., there must be a defibrillator on site
And I love how you’ve been able to do them around the world!
Yes, I shared the 10K run that I participated in last week on Notes. It isn't easy to share the atmosphere since I have many faces that should not be identified on social media.
I don't know why HK doesn't host Parkrun, but there must be some venue regulation or even something political. Parkrun can be a good reason to travel domestically if you have choices where you live.
Yes, the same friend who occasionally volunteers in the UK parkrun numbers now go into the hundreds, and like you, enjoys travelling domestically and abroad to visit them. I do wish HK did them too!
Congratulations on completing the marathons! ❤️ It's wonderful to see hard work pay off especially after such a fall/injury. Honestly, that probably would have put me off on it. I also think running is torturous. Even though, there was a brief time I ran up a mountain because I didn't like running on flat planes because it was too boring, I wanted a challenge. Anyway, music for the win, eh? What a great motivator. How often do you run off-marathon season?
Fantastic, Sarah! A good playlist makes all the difference, no doubt. Well done on the 10k...no need to run further, but it can be addictive. Next thing you know, you'll be running a half and saying it's no big deal.😉
This is great! Thanks for the music ideas - I’ve added most to my Go Go Go playlist 🙌🏼 🎶
I also have an inconsistent relationship with running. I’ve been running on and off for a few years. I did a C25K a few years back. It took me considerably longer it should (months, not weeks 😬), but I did complete it. That says something positive, right?!
Last year, seemingly out of nowhere, I started running again, and, then, even more out of nowhere, I signed up for a half marathon! I did it in September and thought to myself “I’ll keep on with this, and sign up for a 10k”. I did no such thing! I am starting to build up again, and am considering signing up for a 10k for later in the year. Thank you for the reminder that this is on my list for 2025! 🏃 🙌🏼
That’s awesome about the running! It’s interesting though, how both of our relationships have been inconsistent with running. Some of the research I read about ‘runner’s high’ did say that not everyone experiences this. I can’t say for sure, but I do wonder if this is part of the reason why I struggle with maintaining running is because I don’t really enjoy it 😂
And I always need recommendations for a running playlist, so let me know what your top tracks are when you can!
It is interesting! I wonder if I’m subconsciously chasing the high… I’m not sure that I’ve ever experienced it, although I do always feel really good AFTER the run (aka relief! 🤣). Plus I also think that I WANT to be a runner and, therefore, I keep trying. I think I do enjoy it, and feel guilty when I don’t go, but don’t necessarily always feel the compulsion to go. Double standards right there!
I am assuming here that you use Apple… Below is a link to my own playlist. Hope it works:
Here’s a link to a playlist that, oddly (or maybe not 🕵️♀️), appeared in my instagram feed. It had a really hypnotic video of four guys roller-skating. I couldn’t stop watching it!
I think that you've hit the nail on the head (for me, too), when you say 'I also think that I WANT to be a runner'. I really respect runners of all distances - they work! You know? Not to say that all physical activities are less than running because I do enjoy strength training, but it feels with running there are the physical hurdles as well as the mental ones! 🤣
And thanks for the links! These are right up my street music-wise both when running and not ☺️
Thanks for sharing Sarah! I’ve tried Couch to 5K a couple of times and never gotten far. I’ve yet to enjoy running or feel a high (whereas I get a buzz from Zumba every time). But I’d love to be one of those people who gets totally in the zone while out on a jog. Perhaps you’ll inspire me to try again - third time lucky…?
Same as you - I’d love to be able to get in the zone when out for a jog, but I never have. I get more motivation from seeing that the weather is nice outside instead rather than the physical activity itself 😆
But that’s great that you do when you do Zumba. You’ve led me wonder if we all need to find ‘our’ exercise modality and that’s what gets us going so to speak!
I hear you Sarah, I'm much more motivated when there's some sunshine outside! Perhaps I'll have another attempt at Couch to 5K when spring has properly sprung :) And I think you've hit the nail on the head - we just have to find exercise that lights us up, then it doesn't feel like a chore!
Congrats on completing! I've just finished week 8 of c25k. One more week to go. 🙏☺️
Awesome! That's a fantastic achievement to work towards a 25k, you already are smashing it 🤩
Congratulations on completing the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon 2025, Sarah. I am sure you have had a tough time in your running endeavors over the past few years. I, too, participated in a 10K running event last week, and I can't imagine the energy it takes to get back to running after being away from it for so long.
There is a way to decide on a race to run yearly and repeatedly prepare for that race.
Parkrun continues to expand in the UK and other European countries, but unfortunately, there is no parkrun in Hong Kong. However, participating when you return to the UK might be a good idea. I felt very welcome in Cape Town, where I was traveling, and it was a wonderful experience. There are several events in Tokyo as well.
https://www.parkrun.com/countries/
Thank you! I saw that you had participated in a 10K (is this the same one that shared on Notes?). And you’re right, having something to prepare certainly helps.
Parkruns are great! I do try to do one when I’m back visiting family in the UK, but it is strange that HK do not host them. One of my friend’s occasionally volunteers and he has said that there are certain regulations that have to be put in place for a venue to be used e.g., there must be a defibrillator on site
And I love how you’ve been able to do them around the world!
Yes, I shared the 10K run that I participated in last week on Notes. It isn't easy to share the atmosphere since I have many faces that should not be identified on social media.
I don't know why HK doesn't host Parkrun, but there must be some venue regulation or even something political. Parkrun can be a good reason to travel domestically if you have choices where you live.
Yes, the same friend who occasionally volunteers in the UK parkrun numbers now go into the hundreds, and like you, enjoys travelling domestically and abroad to visit them. I do wish HK did them too!
Congratulations on completing the marathons! ❤️ It's wonderful to see hard work pay off especially after such a fall/injury. Honestly, that probably would have put me off on it. I also think running is torturous. Even though, there was a brief time I ran up a mountain because I didn't like running on flat planes because it was too boring, I wanted a challenge. Anyway, music for the win, eh? What a great motivator. How often do you run off-marathon season?
Definitely music for the win! Couldn’t do without it, or a good podcast.
And good question about off seasons running… hmm I don’t run that much when it’s hot 😂 I can’t deal!
Fantastic, Sarah! A good playlist makes all the difference, no doubt. Well done on the 10k...no need to run further, but it can be addictive. Next thing you know, you'll be running a half and saying it's no big deal.😉
Thank you, Maria. I totally agree about a good playlist!
I used to run 5Ks regularly but after a bad bout of sciatica on my right side I've all but stopped. Congrats on finishing the 10k!
Thanks Sarah x
This is great! Thanks for the music ideas - I’ve added most to my Go Go Go playlist 🙌🏼 🎶
I also have an inconsistent relationship with running. I’ve been running on and off for a few years. I did a C25K a few years back. It took me considerably longer it should (months, not weeks 😬), but I did complete it. That says something positive, right?!
Last year, seemingly out of nowhere, I started running again, and, then, even more out of nowhere, I signed up for a half marathon! I did it in September and thought to myself “I’ll keep on with this, and sign up for a 10k”. I did no such thing! I am starting to build up again, and am considering signing up for a 10k for later in the year. Thank you for the reminder that this is on my list for 2025! 🏃 🙌🏼
That’s awesome about the running! It’s interesting though, how both of our relationships have been inconsistent with running. Some of the research I read about ‘runner’s high’ did say that not everyone experiences this. I can’t say for sure, but I do wonder if this is part of the reason why I struggle with maintaining running is because I don’t really enjoy it 😂
And I always need recommendations for a running playlist, so let me know what your top tracks are when you can!
It is interesting! I wonder if I’m subconsciously chasing the high… I’m not sure that I’ve ever experienced it, although I do always feel really good AFTER the run (aka relief! 🤣). Plus I also think that I WANT to be a runner and, therefore, I keep trying. I think I do enjoy it, and feel guilty when I don’t go, but don’t necessarily always feel the compulsion to go. Double standards right there!
I am assuming here that you use Apple… Below is a link to my own playlist. Hope it works:
https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/go-go-go/pl.u-vxy6k16IzK6K4B
Here’s a link to a playlist that, oddly (or maybe not 🕵️♀️), appeared in my instagram feed. It had a really hypnotic video of four guys roller-skating. I couldn’t stop watching it!
https://music.apple.com/gb/playlist/house-music-2025/pl.d69197f8058943f8a3bc0a96cca4cb72
I think that you've hit the nail on the head (for me, too), when you say 'I also think that I WANT to be a runner'. I really respect runners of all distances - they work! You know? Not to say that all physical activities are less than running because I do enjoy strength training, but it feels with running there are the physical hurdles as well as the mental ones! 🤣
And thanks for the links! These are right up my street music-wise both when running and not ☺️
Thanks for sharing Sarah! I’ve tried Couch to 5K a couple of times and never gotten far. I’ve yet to enjoy running or feel a high (whereas I get a buzz from Zumba every time). But I’d love to be one of those people who gets totally in the zone while out on a jog. Perhaps you’ll inspire me to try again - third time lucky…?
Same as you - I’d love to be able to get in the zone when out for a jog, but I never have. I get more motivation from seeing that the weather is nice outside instead rather than the physical activity itself 😆
But that’s great that you do when you do Zumba. You’ve led me wonder if we all need to find ‘our’ exercise modality and that’s what gets us going so to speak!
I hear you Sarah, I'm much more motivated when there's some sunshine outside! Perhaps I'll have another attempt at Couch to 5K when spring has properly sprung :) And I think you've hit the nail on the head - we just have to find exercise that lights us up, then it doesn't feel like a chore!