I can still remember how much I struggled to pass my 1km P.E. test during my high school days.

I was never a runner when I was young, in fact I never thought I was able to run more than 10km and to finish a full marathon it would be outside my wildest imagination.

But this year, I am determined to finish the Standard Chartered Marathon for the first time in my life. I started training for this event about 3 months ago. Before that, the longest running competition I completed was the 5.6km JP Morgan run (this year).

I believe everyone has a list of the things they would like to accomplish as they pass through life. For me, completing a marathon is one of the items on my list. That's why I am giving it a go this year.

Although I am new to running, with my 6-year Aikido training, close to 2-years yoga practise, and the good training program Fatbird has provided us with, I am quite confident about completing this race 2 weeks from the race date.

Marathon is both physical and mental. Always remember to breathe, focus on slow and steady breathing out, and breathe in will follow naturally. That's what my yoga teacher has been telling me, and it has worked so far in running for me too. Mind over body, and never give up. That's what my martial arts teachers have taught me.

Lastly, I would like to share with you what I read from a true story, a old lady who walked from one city to another on feet. When she was asked about how she did it. Her reply was she never thought about how hard it can be, just focus on one step at a time. So when you feel like giving up in running, just focus on one step at a time, with time you will reach the finishing line.

Namaste =)