As I am typing this article, I can’t help but feel grateful for the #ROCKfamily. I’ve been going for Rock The Naked Truth activities since the start of the year and it has become a big part of my life.
Just last night, 26 of the ROCKrunners competed in the Asics City Relay (special thanks to Adidas for supporting our ROCKrunners development programme) and many of them completed the race with a strong PB.
Someone commented, “I like that I’m racing with my team rather than running for my individual goals!” and that is truly how I felt with ROCKrunners. This post is dedicated to all of you out there who brought extra light and joy into my life and the person who have provided this platform and made this possible for all of us!
I was an introvert since young and I never really know how to express how I truly feel. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with a hole in my heart and that prevented me from doing sports. Back in primary school, my parents forbid me from joining sports day because of my condition. Back then, it was like the BIG thing to be chosen to run. I remembered watching all the other kids taking part in the race and I could only hide at a corner and watch them practise, wishing I was one of them.
I remembered smiling when I watched them cross the finishing line. It was ironic because as much as I wished I was competing, I felt happy seeing others complete their races and just being the cheerleader for my friends. Some of them did not know me but I still cheered loudly and clapped for them anyway.
My parents then enrolled me in Chinese Dance when I was 6. I had to wear those tight red dancing shoes, bind my feet tightly and do splits. One day, I was sitting at the quadrangle and I saw a group of girls playing netball. I was captivated by the way the girls were laughing, supporting one another and having tonnes of FUN. I truly wished I was one of them.
I followed them for three years (Primary 4 to Primary 6). I didn’t talk much, neither did I get to play but I was a happy follower and supporter. Finally, in secondary school, I made it to the netball school team and the rest was history.
Till date, I still remember the coach who changed my life and gave me the opportunity to realise my dreams – which is to play netball and represent Singapore. Whenever I’m playing netball, I find myself in a zone that no words can describe. I love the chemistry between teammates, the trust that you give to each other, the support that we have, how we complement one another and how everyone matters.
In netball, you can’t have solo play and communication is important. I always ask myself what I can do when the team is down. I like to believe that I can be the light to change and lift the team up when we are down because as long as ONE person doesn’t give up, the rest will keep on fighting. We can lose the game, but we should never lose ourselves. I learnt about “WE” and “US”, and not “ME” and “MYSELF”.
Because of the stamina and speed built up from netball, I was given numerous offers to run and be trained under running coaches who offered me a spot to run for Singapore. I still remember the exact question this particular coach asked me: “Do you want to remain anonymous in netball where you can never be ranked number 1 or do you want to follow me and make a name for yourself in track?”
I chose the former and never regretted my choice. Therefore, like I’ve told anyone and everyone, I am not fond of running. In fact, I don’t usually go for races unless I have to or unless it is for a team. Running left a bad trauma on me because of the expectations I felt I had to attain. But last night in Asics City Relay Run, it was the first time I felt freedom while running. I was literally enjoying the race. We took photos before the run at the start line with all the first runners, I had the amazing support from the Rockfamily, I have the love from my husband who is running in the same team as me (4th runner) and I know that I have the duty to pass on the baton to someone who has given me this platform – Cheryl Tay (someone who means a lot to me).
Running the first leg was pretty challenging as the heat was worse than expected but not once did I give up because the ROCKfamily is waiting for me. As I was running, I thought about the training sessions my training buddy (Cheryl) and I had over the past months. I am grateful to friends like Kok Liang, Debbie, Yanee, Shan and many more who always check on me and keep me on track. I ran knowing what my goals are for the race (to run within 50 minutes and I did it with a decent timing of 47 minutes for 10.5km, dedicated to the team). I am delighted to hit my target but the main joy is not that I have hit a PB but witnessing everyone excelling. I rejoiced with the fact that everyone did well because of their effort.
I have faith that all of them will do well because we have been doing regular workouts together (every Saturday morning) in an enjoyable environment, with no pressure, just chasing our personal goals with positive vibes. I no longer think of this as a race. I am no longer running alone. I am running for my friends, my loved ones, my family. I believe that all of us have our off days and lousy days, every one of us have our problems, and sometimes, we feel that no one understands or we don’t wish to talk much about it.
But the truth is, we are the ones who choose to shut down that wall and we are the ones who refuse to let anyone in. If you learn to open up, there are people who will be willing to listen and offer help. It may not work at that moment but it is ok, and remember, your friends do CARE. I have learnt that in this family, they don’t judge. I can be the silliest, the slowest, the weirdest, the craziest, the loudest but they will still love me. I may choose not to say or speak up at times and they may not understand but they will still stand by me.
YES.. because (ROCK) family stands by you through thick and thin. Thank you truly from the bottom of my heart. I am not perfect and I am far from good but this ROCKfamily loves me. I may not be the fastest runner but in their eyes, it doesn’t matter so long as I complete the race. I may fail again and again, but it is OK because that’s when I truly learn and it is OK to fall as long as I pick myself up and not let the problem sink in me for too long.
Truth is, there is nothing too big for us to bear except ourselves. If you ask me what running means to me last time, I will tell you I don’t like it and I am not a runner but now, I can tell you, just ROCK on and have fun!! I am proud to be a ROCKrunner. Lastly, never let anyone underestimate you or tell you that you can’t, not even me. Because YOU MATTER! Love yourself because you are special just the way you are.
ROCKstar of the Month is a monthly award given to an inspiring individual who advocates a positive mindset and living an active lifestyle (see full requirements below).
Requirements to be a ROCKstar of the Month awardee:
- SUPPORT – Believes strongly in the movement and advocates the right mindset
- INFLUENCE – Displays ability to be a positive influence to those around him/her
- ENTHUSIASM – Regularly attends Rock The Naked Truth events
- LEADS BY EXAMPLE – Demonstrates desire to improve lifestyle aligned with the movement
- CONTRIBUTION – Does his/her part to give back to the movement
