On 13 September 2025, I stood on the starting line of the Rurii Marathon knowing one thing — this run would test more than my legs. It would test my mind.

The race was organized to promote mental health awareness, and ironically, that message revealed itself most clearly during the toughest kilometers. I set out strong, focused, and determined. By the halfway mark, my breathing had changed, my legs felt heavy, and my body started sending clear signals: slow down, stop, rest.

But my mind refused to listen.

Every step after that felt like a negotiation between pain and purpose. My muscles burned, my lungs worked harder, and fatigue crept in. My body was begging me to stop — but my mind kept on moving. I reminded myself why I started, why I trained, and why finishing mattered more than comfort.

The road wasn’t just a physical path; it became a mental battlefield. I pushed through doubt, discomfort, and exhaustion, choosing discipline over excuses. The cheers from the community and the sight of fellow runners fighting their own battles fueled my resolve.

When I finally crossed the finish line, the clock read 1 hour for 10 kilometers. That moment wasn’t about the time — it was about victory over self-doubt. I proved to myself that limits are often mental before they are physical.

The Rurii Marathon wasn’t just a race. It was a lesson in resilience. A reminder that the mind must lead when the body grows tired. And a powerful symbol of why mental health awareness matters — because strength begins within.

I walked away exhausted but proud, knowing I didn’t just finish a run — I conquered a conversation between my body and my mind.

When the body begs you to stop, let your mind carry you forward.

When I first stepped into the gym, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The weights looked intimidating, the machines seemed complicated, and everyone else appeared to know exactly what they were doing. But with each session, I started to realize that the gym wasn’t just a place to build muscles — it was a place to build myself.

At the beginning, I struggled with consistency. There were days I felt too tired or unmotivated to show up. But I kept reminding myself why I started. Slowly, training became a habit, then a lifestyle. The more I showed up, the more progress I saw — not just physically, but mentally too.

Lifting weights, doing cardio, and pushing through tough workouts taught me discipline. I began to notice changes in my body: strength I never knew I had, endurance I thought was impossible, and confidence that carried over into other parts of my life. The gym became my therapy — a place where I could release stress and recharge.

More than the physical gains, the mental journey has been the most rewarding. Training taught me patience, resilience, and self-love. I learned to embrace the process, celebrate small wins, and push through setbacks. Every rep, every drop of sweat, became a reminder that I’m capable of more than I ever thought.

Today, I can confidently say that gym training has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I love the routine, the community, and the constant challenge. The journey isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. And every step forward is worth it.

💪 To anyone starting their own gym journey: trust the process, stay consistent, and remember that growth takes time. The gym is more than a place to train — it’s a place to transform.