Moving it right: She Jia during one of her jogs.
JOGGING has always been an avenue for me to connect with myself and the world around me.
As I wander along nature trails, I am immersed in the calls of Koel birds and the crunch of foliage. Navigating bustling streets, interwoven with the flow of public buses and cars, the sights and sounds excite me.
These moments also leave room for introspection, and I find myself reflecting on my day-to-day life.
One of the things I love most about jogging is its accessibility. All you need is a pair of decent running shoes, a good chunk of time, and the willingness to step out of your home, and you’re all set.
There is no need for expensive equipment or gym memberships – just you, an open road, and the desire to keep moving forward. It was this simplicity that drew me in and kept me enamoured with the sport.
Another aspect I enjoy about jogging is the chance to explore. I love discovering hidden corners of parks, stumbling into quaint neighbourhoods, and watching the city wake up during early morning runs.
I love how the gentle humming of wildlife amid the greenery crescendos into the sounds of traffic and chatter, capturing the energy and vibrancy of urban life. Each route, whether familiar or new, holds its own charm and sense of adventure.
The mental benefits are equally rewarding. Akin to reading and listening to music, jogging is a form of escape for me – a time to disconnect from the mundane toils of everyday life and be in the moment.
When my feet hit the pavement, all I focus on is keeping momentum and maintaining a steady breath.
Incessant worries about schoolwork, relationships, and fears of the future simply fall away, and at the same time, thoughts fall into place. As my stresses feel lighter, ideas that I grapple with seem clearer.
For those considering trying out jogging, here is some advice to help you hit the ground running (pun intended):
Warm up
While stretches may seem trivial, they are entirely necessary to avoid muscle strain and injuries. Proper stretches, such as leg swings, high knees and arm circles, can increase blood flow to your muscles gradually, preparing your body for the physical demands of jogging.
Start small
Begin with short, manageable runs and slowly increase the distance and intensity over time. This can be achieved by alternating between jogging and walking, or by shifting milestones step by step. Do not feel pressured to reach long distances from the beginning; what is most important is staying enthusiastic and dedicated to the activity.
Listen to your body
Do not overexert yourself. Pay attention to how your body feels and treat your limbs with care. Rest if you feel tired or sore – it is better to take a break than risk an injury. Lastly, remember to keep your body fuelled and hydrated.
Overall, enjoy the experience. Jogging is a deeply personal journey, and there is no one- size-fits-all approach. Lace up, take the first step, and let’s go jogging!
She Jia, 21, a student in Singapore, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.
For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
