Great pink run 2012

When a classmate of mine informed me about a 5km charity run for breast cancer, I decided that I would want to take part in it, as firstly, it's for a good cause, and secondly, it was good exercise as well. There were over 3000 participants in the run, including from young families with really young kids to those women who have been victims of the devastating disease. All dressed in pink, we were ready to embark on a journey of creating an awareness for breast cancer in Ireland. 

I grabbed my green sling bag, which i received as a completion gift at a previous Great Ireland Run event earlier this year, and placed all my valuables and accessory clothings in it. Tightening the shoelaces, pinning up the bib number tag onto the shirt, I was all ready and warmed up for the run. As the run began, I slowly picked up the pace, trying to keep at a comfortable pace, while overtaking slower participants (many have chosen to walk instead). I clinged onto my bag straps, which rubbed against my clavicles, to ensure the bag doesn't swing side to side as I ran. As I realised that running without my arms freely swinging wasn't the best way to maintain a good stride, I attempted to along the bag to swing. Wasn't the best idea. The bag swayed left and right, and I was worried that it would come off, so I decided to keep it held on with my hands. 

As I struggled to maintain a decent pace, it suddenly struck me that the bag somehow felt like a cross that was taken up, and it slowed me down, and became a burden. I looked at other participants, freely using their arms to maintain momentum and stride, and wondered how comfortable it would be to not carry a bag to run. "Oh, I do somewhat regret for bringing a bag along", I thought to myself. However, seconds later, I began to appreciate that I was certain my belongings were with me as I ran. I realised that as we carry our cross on our backs and walk the journey with God, we often would look at others and see how freely and comfortable they are without the cross. The burden is there, and we have to carry it ourselves. We may have restrictions and laws that we have to abide by, but we are certain that God is with us, and that He will provide. As much as we envy the worldly things that people possess, we know with a steadfast assurance that God will provide the best for us.

It was overall a relaxing and lovely run, enjoying the cool breeze and the occasional drizzle, and being inspired by the people who took a step out to support the research for breast cancer.