The Yuletide Stride

Hey there, wonderful folks! It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas, and that means it’s time for another exhilarating running blog, The Yuletide Stride here at Journey4Us.

I can’t believe how quickly time flies. My last run feels like it was just yesterday! But here we are again, brimming with excitement to share all the juicy details of our latest adventure. From who joined me, what preparations we did, to how we overcame the challenges and had a blast on the big day, I’ve got it all covered just for you. So, if you’re curious, let’s hop right into it! Welcome to The Yuletide Stride blog.

The Decision Making Process

It was around the first week of November when I stumbled upon an advertisement for Adidas Store Cambodia’s fun run charity event called “Stride to Inspire.” Initially, I was torn because the date clashed with my husband’s school event run. After a week of deliberation, I decided to join the Adidas run as I had already invited some new runners to join me. Registration complete, the countdown began!

The Preparation Time

My co-runners and I planned a few meet-ups for training, but we managed only one group run. Each of us continued our individual training routines as the days approached December 15. My mantra this time was to keep it stress-free. Unlike my first run, where the anticipation consumed me, this time I focused on simply enjoying the journey to race day. I maintained my usual lifestyle without any extra self-care rituals, and I’m glad I did. I felt fit and mentally ready for the run.

The day finally arrived to pick up our race package. After work, I headed straight to the mall with Bonnie, and we successfully grabbed our goodies from the Adidas Store. The package included a runner’s bib, an Adidas tote bag, some free coupons, and a fantastic jersey perfect for running. The moment I touched its fabric, I knew it would be my race day attire.

The Run Day

Waking up at 4:00 AM on December 15, 4:00 AM, 2024, I felt perfect for the Yuletide Stride. After a cup of black coffee and some light stretching, I geared up, secured my hair, and applied creams to avoid blisters. I skipped the sunscreen to avoid any unpleasantness during the run. The weather was ideal—cold and breezy, setting the stage for a wonderful run.

Bonnie and I arrived at the venue around 5:15 AM, a bit later than planned. The running area was an open field, and we enjoyed the breathtaking view of the sunrise. The golden hues painted the sky and the serene atmosphere added an extra layer of beauty to our experience.

After grabbing a quick Starbucks coffee to perk up, we made our way to the starting line. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and cheers from friends and families. Right at 6:00 AM, the race began, and we were off!

The Race Experience

As I ran, I looked forward to seeing each kilometer marker. The 3K mark reminded me that every journey starts small; the 5K mark signaled the halfway point, pushing me to keep going; and the 7K mark, though challenging, was a reminder that “nothing worth having comes easy.” Despite the discomfort, the 7K mark always gives me a boost, knowing I’m close to achieving my goal.

One of the highlights of this run was my improved heart rate. Unlike my first run, where my heart rate peaked at 172 bpm, this time it reached only 166 bpm. It was a personal victory, showing how my fitness has improved.

The Challenges

This run was particularly challenging due to the strong winds we faced between the 3-7K distance. It felt like running uphill most of the time. Although I hoped to break my previous record of 1 hour and 25 minutes, I finished in 1 hour and 17 minutes. Not bad, but there’s always room for improvement.

Courage of My Co-Runners

I have to give a huge shout-out to my new co-runners—Bonnie, Dawn, and Tumi. Their courage and determination were truly inspiring. It takes a lot of guts to step out of your comfort zone and join a race for the first time. They embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, and I couldn’t be prouder of them. Each one of them has their own unique story to share, and I can’t wait for you all to read their experiences here on Journey4Us.

After the Run

Post-race, the organizers provided free fruits and bread, and we stayed for the awards ceremony. The organizers did an amazing job making sure everything was in order, from the race logistics to the after-run festivities. We took plenty of pictures, found our names on the guest wall, and enjoyed some chat time. It was a beautiful morning, especially for my three first-time runners—Bonnie, Dawn, and Tumi. I’m glad I encouraged them to join, and they each have their own stories to share, which you’ll soon read here on Journey4Us.

Giving Back

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this event was knowing that the beneficiary of the run is Krousar Thmey, an organization that helps disadvantaged children as well as deaf and blind children in Cambodia.

Running for such a noble cause added an extra layer of motivation and fulfillment to the experience.

Wrapping Up

After the run, I headed to my love’s school event to check out our raffle tickets and witness my love’s audio project for their school’s anniversary. Despite the sore legs, it was heartwarming to see his work. We didn’t win the raffle, but we felt like winners having each other.

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We spent the rest of the weekend recovering and reflecting on our achievements. It was truly a weekend well spent, one for the books.

Your Turn

How about you? When are you doing your first run? Do you have any upcoming events you think we might be interested in? Let us know! We’re always on the lookout for new adventures and causes to support.