The half marathon that became a full one
A 21 km race in the Su'ao mountains, a wrong turn onto the 42 km route, and what it taught me about choosing how you respond.
Last weekend, we set out for a 21km half marathon in Su’ao, Yilan in the beautiful lush mountains alongside the coast in the fresh morning air. 🇹🇼❤️
At 5 AM, we were up and ready to go. Everything was going to plan… until it wasn’t.
Somewhere along the course, the path split into two: 21km one way, 42km the other. My overloaded brain sent me straight onto the full marathon route. What was I thinking?! 😳
Running downhill to the coastline, I thought, this must be the final stretch! So I ran faster until the path looped back up the mountain. That’s when it hit me.
At first, I felt frustrated for messing up my race. Then came the guilt, knowing I’d be an inconvenience to my friends, who had been nothing but supportive.
I stood there, exhausted, staring at the mountain ahead. Then, the sweet breeze hit me. This was a reminder.
No turning back now.
No matter how much life knocks us down, we pick ourselves up. Again and again.
Life will throw unexpected challenges at you when you least expect them. You don’t choose when challenges come, but you do choose how you respond.
Despite everything, I had an amazing weekend with my friends, and I’m grateful for the effort they put into organising this trip.
First shared on Instagram.