Good Day, Beautiful People!
Last Saturday, the day before the run. I nearly quit since I injured my hamstrings on Friday. The ‘Angelic’ part of my mind says “Come on, you can do it!” But the ‘Devilish’ part of my mind says “No! You’re in pain! What if you can’t finish the run? It will be so embarassing!” Guess what, the ‘angelic’ part of my mind win the debate. I was determined to finish what I signed up for even I had to walk & be the last to finish the race. Since I was reminded of these living word:
You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? (Galatians 5:7 NIV)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NIV)
I was too excited to sleep well and a bit anxious that I overslept. The beautiful sunrise photo above I took it on the Sunday, 10/8/14, on my way to city to surf. A pretty chilly winter morning about 8 degree Celsius. My muscles were frozen stiff. Trying my best to stretch as much as I can.
Incredible atmosphere, 85000 people young and old running the city to surf 14km course from city centre to Bondi Beach, including the infamous ‘heartbreak hill’. Even RedFoo was there. Many spectators cheering the runners all the way! According to news, this is the 44th year, the annual event has already raised over $4,000,000 for charity.
My team were doing as fast as they could. I told my friends to go ahead, I just had to do at my own pace since my muscles are in spasm initially. It is only after 2km I was not in acute pain that I can start to pave myself to run.
Half way through the run, someone said Hi to me. I was surprised to one of the Hope103.2 team by my side. I said I thought I was the last of Hope team. She smiled ” No, you are not. I am the last one of the Hope team.” Seriously, Suzanne is like an angel sent from Heaven to encourage me along the way when my muscles went into spasm. She kept speaking to me along the course “You’re doing very well.” “Are you ok?” “How is your hamstrings doing?” “You’re doing good as a first timer!” “You can do it! You nearly there. Only 4 more km to go.”
I told Suzanne “I’m going to charge last last few km. Will meet her at the finish line at Hope 103.2 stand.” She answered “Go ahead! See you later.”
I ran my best as I knew I was close to finish line. Well, I was a bit disappointed that I took 139min53sec. Certainly, not my personal best but is best for now! The fun part after finished the race was getting my medal. I felt a sense of satisfaction that I actually did it!!!
Imagine after the run, tried to get to your team navigating in a sea of people and was given 3 wrong instruction for a run around. In my mind, I thought I would be able to meet Suzanne at Hope103.2 stand. Yet in reality, by the time, I turned up is nearly 12noon at Hope stand. I was a bit annoyed with myself for not doing all the way with her. Because I wanted to say proper thank you to her kindness to me and cheering me on when my body not 100%. Suzanne Bennett was really such an ANGEL that God sent to me during the run. Truly, is people like her that make the world a nicer place. I may not be given a chance to thank her personally. So I will pay tribute to her here.
Sadly, I heard the bad news of a 27 years old guy, a Fox Sports employee, Chris Head, a fitness fanatic went into cardiac arrest and claimed his life shortly at the end of the run. Life is so short and fragile, my thoughts and prayers for the family.
Through this experience, I learnt that running the race is not just for the young, you will be surprise that some 80 years old can run faster than me. It is about inspiration, motivation, training, endurance, encouragement, perseverance, determination, willpower, focus, moral support and divine guidance.
This remind me of the living word:
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV)
Hope now you are inspired to try something new. Love to hear from you about a new thing you are going to do or doing or had a new experience.
Last but not least, another HUGE THANKS to all my AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL and GENEROUS SUPPORTERS who HELP me to raise funds to a great CAUSE! I could not have done it without you all!
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Mon Ange
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Mon Ange 
I do believe humans are used as angels 🙂
Thanks, Babe! 👌👼😇