Haii...

Lately, exercise habits have been on the rise. Gen Z even jokes about people “ unexpectedly becoming athletes,” or “tiba-tiba jadi athlete,” often linked to someone who’s just gone through a breakup and dives headfirst into sports as a coping mechanism. But it’s not always about heartbreak; sometimes, it’s simply about wanting to lead healthier lives.

It’s also the time when many of our peers are getting engaged or married. Social media feeds are flooded with engagement announcements, wedding photos, or honeymoon snapshots. 

As we reach our late 20s and early 30s, many of us find ourselves at a crossroads, either settling down in a committed relationship or intensifying our involvement in sports, like running, cycling, tennis, yoga, hiking, or pilates. This trend reflects a broader search for meaning, stability, and personal fulfillment.

Morning Run in Jogja

Two Paths to Fulfillment

At this stage, personal fulfillment is something we all crave. For some, marriage represents a deep commitment and the start of a shared life journey with a partner. For others, sports provide a sense of accomplishment and self-improvement. Both paths offer different, equally valuable growth and satisfaction.

Societal expectations often nudge us in these directions. The pressure to “settle down” can push some toward marriage, while others might seek the structured goals and benefits that come with sports. Both choices are shaped by the social circles we move in and the milestones we’re encouraged to reach.

Running with my office mates (Kak Ninok) after a long day

Marriage often symbolizes creating a foundation for life—a sense of security and the start of a family. This aligns with both personal and societal goals of building a stable future. Conversely, sports are a foundation for individual health, achievement, and discipline. Both are vital, but in different aspects—one in relationships, the other in personal goals.

Some people, like my friend (dr. Nada), believe we can balance both. She’s a Javanese girl, eager to get married but passionate about maintaining her exercise habits. She says, “If marriage and exercise can go hand in hand, why not? What gave me the courage to move forward with marriage was that my future husband supports my dreams. He doesn’t mind if I want to work in a clinic, hospital, or academic as long as I’m happy. He even encourages me not to work too hard so I can have time for the gym, exercise, or just me-time. The key is to marry someone who’s willing to compromise. Don’t settle for less.”

Her perspective highlights the importance of finding a partner who supports your dreams and values your happiness.

Morning run at Tugu with Dion

Are We on the Right Path?

With all these choices in front of us, it’s natural to wonder: are we on the right path? The truth is, there’s no universal answer. The “right path” is the one that aligns with your personal goals, values, and the kind of life you want to build. Whether focusing on marriage, sports, or finding a balance between the two, the most important thing is making choices that feel true to you.

It’s easy to get caught up in societal pressures or the expectations of others, but ultimately, your path should be about what makes you feel fulfilled and happy. If you’re questioning your direction, take a step back and consider what you want out of life. Are your choices bringing you closer to your goals or leading you away? Reflecting on these questions can help ensure that you’re on a path that’s right for you.

2015: My first attempt at the bakasana pose.

What Should We Choose?

Ultimately, the choice is deeply personal whether you lean toward marriage or sports. It depends on your goals, values, and where you find fulfillment. Some prioritize building a family, while others focus on personal health and fitness achievements. What matters most is that your choices resonate with your values and aspirations.

Whether you’re contemplating marriage, learning a new sport, or trying to balance both, take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you. Surround yourself with people who support your dreams and push you to be your best self. Don’t settle for anything less than a life that aligns with your values and brings you joy.

And if you’re already on a path that excites you—planning your wedding or training for a marathon, let’s connect and support each other. Share your journey, your struggles, and your victories. We’re all in this together, finding our way, one step or pedal stroke at a time.

Haiii...Taking on a gran fondo has always been on my bucket list, so when I finally decided to do it, I was both excited and a bit nervous. For those who might not know, a gran fondo is a long-distance ride, usually 100 km or more. It’s a big deal for cyclists, mixing endurance with the thrill of exploring new routes. Starting from Sanur at 5:30 PM, I set out on a 100 km journey that would take me through Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Sunset Road, Kerobokan, and beyond. I finished the ride back to Sanur around 10:00 PM, tired but thrilled with the accomplishment.

The first leg of the journey, from Sanur to Tanjung Benoa, was a solid warm-up. I felt good hitting the 30 km mark as I passed through Nusa Dua at 40 km. The roads were familiar, but with each pedal stroke, the distance challenge was always in the back of my mind.

As I reached Sunset Road at 60 km, I could feel the fatigue setting in. At that point, you start to question why you’re doing this, but the answer comes when you push through and keep going. Hitting Kerobokan at 70 km was a bit of a mental boost—familiar ground that made the effort feel more manageable.

Covering long distances required not just physical strength but also mental toughness. Each kilometer pushed me to stay focused and keep a steady pace, reminding me of the importance of endurance in cycling.

From there, it was on to Gatot Subroto and Batubulan, reaching 80 km. The night was closing in, and while the streets were quieter, my legs felt the burn. Ketewel came next at 90 km, and I was running on pure determination by then.

Finally, returning to Sanur at 100 km was a mix of exhaustion and pride. I’d done it—my first gran fondo was in the bag. It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth it.

For me, endurance is crucial in cycling because it allows you to maintain energy and power over extended periods. It’s not just about speed, it’s about sustaining your efforts, especially on challenging rides like fondos. Building endurance helps you tackle longer distances, climb steep hills, and ride through fatigue, making you a more resilient and capable cyclist.

It’s essential for anyone who wants to enjoy longer rides, explore new routes, and improve overall fitness. It’s about finding the strength to keep going, even when the road gets tough. This gran fondo was a clear reminder of how vital endurance is, and it’s something I’ll continue to work on in my cycling journey.

You can watch my recap, here!