Canceled plans

As some of you may already know, I encountered another major curveball that has radically redirected my priorities.

The year started with a new chapter in my professional life. I was excited to be back to full time corporate work. I knew then that a lot of my other activities would have to take a backseat but my calendar was still full of racing events that had been planned a year in advance.

I was set to go back to Las Vegas last April for Mt. Charleston marathon, which has become a yearly tradition with my best friend who is based in the United States.

I had also registered for the Comrades marathon, a long time dream of mine.

It was to happen this June in South Africa, starting from Pietermaritzburg and finishing in Durban, covering approximately 89.9 kilometers. In fact, this race was the primary reason why I did the Bataan Death March (consisting of 102 kilometers) the year before. I wanted to gauge my readiness for a proper ultramarathon.

The Comrades marathon is the world’s largest and oldest ultra attracting runners from 80 countries. It is an iconic tribute to World War I veterans.

The marathon is famous for its Finisher’s Jacket, a coveted item for runners who sees it as a symbol of persevering the course.

I had also registered for the Gold Coast Marathon in Queensland Australia. It is touted as a scenic and fast and flat course which would have been ideal for another Boston qualification attempt.

I had booked the hotels and planned the itineraries. Was in fact planning on an African Safari in Botswana after the Comrades race.

But life had other plans. Mom was diagnosed with a potentially life threatening illness and I immediately let go of the above goals.

It was heartbreaking to be honest but nothing is more important than being present for my Mom and drastically cutting down on expenses to afford her lifesaving treatment. Piecing together the pieces of the puzzle, I realize this is God’s way of gently nudging me again to rethink my priorities.

Yes, I have been running, racing, and had even gotten into a new sport, but everything now revolves around how available or accessible I can be to my Mom and how I can give her the best possible chance at living longer.

One time a few weeks back, our CEO asked me why I keep doing these physically challenging things. I told her that these chosen sufferings have helped me cope with life’s unchosen sufferings and, in fact, have afforded me with a very optimistic outlook amid realities others might consider grim.

Which is why, for me, the worst thing one can do in the middle of life’s backbreaking challenges is to wallow in misery and stop “living.”

I just finished marathon No. 6 this year and am hoping to do marathon No. 7 soon. Hoping to pull off another Hyrox race too; this time, under the single category.

At the same time, I’ve also begun reading more about stoicism and philosophy. In fact, seriously considering pursuing another Master’s degree, this time in philosophy.

Everybody has different ways of coping. This is me trying to make sense of it all.