I started running in April 2024. Nothing fancy. Just trying to build a habit, get moving and see where it would take me.

Fast forward to November, and I participated in my first 10K at the OPPO Run 2024, which was held at the Bali United Training Center in Gianyar.

A week before the race, I did a route check - actually, a day after I donated blood. Probably not the best idea as I was still feeling a bit weak. But I wanted to see the course and prepare mentally. The roads were quiet, surrounded by rice fields and hills. I thought, "OK, this seems manageable".

Turns out I was wrong.

The first two kilometres on race day were on sand. Deep, soft, energy-sapping sand. I had no idea this part existed. No one warned me. I found out when my shoes started to sink with every step. And just when I thought I was done, the last stretch to the finish line? More sand. A full circle fight.

Kilometres 3 to 5 were all uphill. My legs were burning, my lungs weren't happy, but I kept going. What helped? The local marshals cheering us on, dressed in traditional Balinese outfits and playing live instruments. This little boost of culture and energy really helped to push me on.

At 6 to 8km we finally got a break. The road began to descend. The air in Gianyar was cool and clean, the scenery soothing, and I finally found a rhythm. It was a moment that reminded me why I started running in the first place - to feel alive.

There were also water stations along the way. Nothing fancy, just a simple paper cup of water, but it felt like gold.

I finished in 1 hour and 10 minutes. Not fast, but I didn't stop. I didn't give up. For someone who only started this journey a few months ago, I'm proud of that.

And yes - running isn't cheap. Shoes, race fees, transport, it adds up. But the experience, the people you meet and the feeling when you cross the line? Worth every penny.

If you're new to running, don’t worry about being fast or perfect. Just show up. Do what you can. That’s already a win.

See you out there. Let’s keep running.