Going the Xtramile
Back in 2011, one man named Alex Au-Yong ran 100km to raise funds for a charity that benefited underprivileged children in overcoming their challenges via art. This year, Alex was joined by his friends, Kyle Guang Pin and Daniel Lee, in running 100km to benefit Dignity for Children- a charity that aims to break the cycle of poverty in underprivileged children. I heard of Xtramile from Alex himself, and through friends who have ran in the inaugural event- all of whom agreed that this is not like any other race, and one, that would definitely give an unforgettable experience to those who joined it.
And I did.
It was the superfreakingawesome-est thing that I have done in my life so far. Running had been, until last weekend, something very personal and selfish to me. I started moving my body to overcome my own demons: that of a lifelong weight-battle, of the pain of heartbreak, of metaphorically “running” away from who I was into who I hope is a better person; physically, spiritually, emotionally. I still have some baggage that slows me down and shackles me from running as free as I would want to, but slowly, I am learning lots about this sport and as with life, experiencing every aspect that comes with it. Xtramile has taught me that running is neither selfish, nor personal. And that, means so much to me. Of the three runners, Daniel deserves a special mention. I first personally talked to him during the training run conducted by the Xtramilers a week before in preparation for the run. He’s more inspiring in person, having read & told of his story and how he is a “runner”, being able to run even though he is doing so on a wheelchair; nothing can prepare you for the positive spirit that he is in person, quiet yet so powerful- just running beside him and just to watch him attempt those hills who have, unfortunately, defeated you yourself. See, I am a runner, but I ain’t no sprinter nor podium finisher. I am a runner, but hills hate me (or vice versa). I used to whine and huff and puff and groan when having to run uphill; and used that excuse (too bad for my knees, too tough, I could’ve gotten a better PB if the route was flatter!) for too long. That point when I looked back & saw Daniel “sprinting” up hill, despite the agony that was etched on his face and the determination of not wanting to be pushed- just broke me. I have no rights to not be grateful for all that I can do when someone who has much less just showed me that nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible. Daniel, thank you, it was an honour to run alongside you; it was the best feeling finishing off Sector C, and then F, with you.
Personally, I ran my first longest distance too- 26km at one stretch, and then another 10km. When Dzul turned back and said “Lyana, PB!” was just, something too personal for me. I can do this! I can train for and run my first full! Sector C was the red-eye, starting at midnight into the wee hours of the morning. All agony was left behind though, when seeing the kids cheering us on at Dignity. I was overcame with emotions then, for that’s when personal became much bigger. There I was, achieving a personal goal- but there was no “proof” of it (no medal, no certificate, no finisher tee-- nothing “official”)- and it felt so damn good anyway. Hell, it felt great. Having ran with people whom I looked up to and consider friends, seeing a familiar face in the crowd (Amy, who was waiting for us at D for her to start the next 3 sectors) among the cheers of these kids- it was overwhelming for me. I ran for something bigger than myself, my own goals, my own demons. Among those running in our sector- there were students from the foundation itself. And these kids were so strong, running from where we were at Pyramid, back to their school, and then finishing strong at Athlete’s Circle- a total of 56km, a distance more than a full marathon. To get cheers and thank you notes from the rest of them was one thing, but having ran alongside them is another. Truly, Xtramile means not only going an extra distance, but doing something extraordinary, witnessing something extra, just simply doing and acting on something that you would not normally do. Did I mention most of these kids have not even ran before?
Alex, I jumped on this chance because I wanted to run with you. You sold me my first running watch- I remembered just talking to you and getting all these tips about running from you. We’ve always said hi when we bumped into each other, and there was one time when you were training and we joined you for the last 10km of your run, when you’ve been hitting the Hartamas-Lake Gardens route in the night alone. I couldn’t catch up with you, and I joined Xtramile for the chance to “train” with you. I like what you said about “running ultras in your own country and see if you can make a difference”. It is a different perspective to see it that way, and all the organizing effort and just putting this thing called Xtramile together, was just an amazing thing in itself. I believe in a universal Love, and Xtramile has restored my faith that that Love does exist, despite all the toxicities and negativities, hate, and dividing forces in our country, and the world. I was once told that someone said that “(I) don’t have faith”, I now know that I do. It might be manifested differently than what their idea of faith is, but Dear God, I do. Kyle- we’re both educators. It was fun to run alongside you, and asking you about your students. Seeing you motivating the kids on the route, especially at Sector F just goes to show that you are indeed, a teacher. I am proud to say I have ran alongside you, and may we continue to educate- be it running or in our classrooms. I would also have to thank all of my friends for sponsoring me. To Rachel Joseph, Monyet King, Amy (who also did her first 30km wooohooo!!!!), Lis, Fazu, Kian Ming, Gina, Lina, Nadz, Shar, Natt, Farah Kasim, Adrea, LizaRos, Fozz, Put, Rish, Yau, Jibby and EJ- thank you, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. You guys just gave me part II of my 30th birthday celebration. :) :) :) Please know that your money went to these children, and how I wish I can share with you guys the feeling of getting to the last stretch from Cold Storage Jaya One to Athlete’s Circle and hearing the cheers--- I wish that I can share with all of you that happiness, thank you for letting me be part of this.
God, there will be another lengthy emotional note when I finally do my first full marathon! Enough from me, I guess the take home message here is.... when someone set out to help herself, she ended up helping more people which ironically helped her a lot more. Life, is indeed like that. I cannot convince all of you enough about this. If you have some change to spare, please do it by making a change... the fund-raising for Xtramile is still open. Click at “I want to pledge” on http://xtramile.info. And if you have the chance to run for someone or a cause, or something else other than yourself- and you doubt yourself about it- ignore the voice and just.do.it. Just act on it, just do. There is no try.
Run.Happy!