This race was supposed to be one for the books — not just because it was a 21KM night run, but because I had signed up to do it with my partner-in-crime, my workout sister, my training buddy — Debbie. We had visualised this race, talked about strategy, prepped gear together, and even planned to car pool together for the race.
But sometimes life has other plans. Debbie wasn’t feeling well and had to pull out on race day. I was crushed for her, and honestly, a little nervous for me. I’d never run a race this long solo.
Still, I laced up. For both of us.
The Start Line Energy
There were about 3,500 runners in total, with 1,500 of us registered for the 21KM. The energy was electric. Music blared, runners stretched and bounced on the balls of their feet, and you could feel the nervous excitement in the air.
The organisers kicked things off with a Zumba warm-up by Zin Khalid — but not your average dance party. This was runner-modified cardio, targeting the muscles we’d need most. It was smart, energising, and actually kind of fun. A nice way to settle the nerves.
5KM of Flow… and Then Came the Hills
At exactly 8PM, we were off. The first 5KM were smooth. Cool night air, fresh legs, everyone finding their rhythm. I kept a steady pace and reminded myself to take it all in.
But then… we hit the hills. And they just. kept. coming.
I thought maybe it was just one bad climb, but no — it turned into a full-blown hill-fest. Legs burning, lungs working overtime, I realised this race wasn’t just physical anymore. It was becoming a serious mental game.
The Real Challenge: Mind Over Muscle
Past the halfway point, I saw what every runner dreads — fellow runners pulling up with cramps, sitting on the side nursing injuries, some just walking with faces full of frustration or pain. People were clearly hitting their walls, (runners calls it -BOINK) but what blew me away was how many kept going.
Even limping, even hobbling — there was one thing on everyone’s mind: FINISH.
And despite the personal battle each of us was fighting, there was so much support. Runners sharing salt tablets. Strangers checking on each other. Marshalls clapping. Hydration stations with smiling volunteers who felt like angels with paper cups.
I might have been running solo, but I was far from alone.
The Finish Line: Victory in Every Step
As I approached the final stretch, emotions hit hard. This wasn’t just about the distance — it was about the journey. The solo-ness. The resilience. The fact that I showed up and kept going, even when every part of me wanted to stop.
Crossing that finish line felt different this time.
It was personal.
It was proof.
It was powerful.
Final Thoughts
Would I do this race again? In a heartbeat.
Would I want Debbie beside me next time? 100%.
But for this one night, I carried both of us. And I learned that even alone, I’m capable of more than I think.
To everyone who ran that night — you’re warriors. And to the runners who didn’t finish? You’re warriors, too. Showing up was already a win.
Here’s to running under the stars, conquering hills, and discovering strength in solitude.
Until the next one 🖤
#HalfMarathon #NightRun #SoloRunner #FitnessJourney
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