In a fast-paced environment like Singapore, where everything moves at lightning speed, running has surprisingly become my way of slowing down. And not just metaphorically—I mean it quite literally because, let’s be real, I’m slow. But that’s okay. Because as I clock in the kilometers, I’m learning that speed isn’t everything. Progress, presence, and perseverance matter more.

I didn’t like running at first. In fact, I hated it. The mere thought of it exhausted me. But after gaining weight during the pandemic, I knew I had to do something. Running wasn’t exactly my first choice, but I figured I’d start somewhere. So, I walked. And even brisk walking felt like it was about to make my lungs combust.

For about three months, I stuck with walking. Then, I started mixing in short jogs—1 minute of jogging, 5 minutes of walking, repeat. It felt like forever before I could even run 1km nonstop. But then, I hit my first 1km. Then 3. Then 6. And today, for the first time, I ran 8km without stopping! My pace? Still slow at 10 min/km. But slow and steady has gotten me further than I ever thought possible.

And while I love seeing progress, what I love even more is how running is changing me—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. Running has become my pocket of stillness in an otherwise hurried life. It’s my time to reflect, plan, meditate, or sometimes, just get lost in a playlist of inspiring music. Tonight, I spent an hour and a half just listening, thinking, and being present in the moment. No rushing, no chasing. Just moving, breathing, and being.

1. Slowing Down is a Choice

John Mark Comer, in The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, writes, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day. You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” Running has forced me to slow down. Slow down not just in movement, but in mindset. It’s a conscious choice to embrace a different pace, to live more fully in the present instead of constantly striving for the next thing.

2. Progress Happens in the Small Steps

It’s easy to feel like we’re not getting anywhere fast enough, but as Comer reminds us, “The solution to an over busy life is not more time. It’s to slow down and simplify our lives around what really matters.” I didn’t get to 8km overnight. It was the slow build-up of daily choices, of showing up even when I didn’t feel like it. True progress happens in the small, intentional steps we take each day.

3. Running as a Spiritual Practice

Beyond physical benefits, running has become a space for reflection and connection. Comer states, “If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus.” Jesus often withdrew to quiet places, choosing solitude over speed. Running has given me that solitude, a sacred time where I can reflect, pray, or simply be. It’s not just about movement; it’s about alignment—of heart, mind, and soul.

Finding Strength in Stillness

In life, we often equate speed with success. We push ourselves to move faster, do more, achieve sooner. But maybe the real win isn’t about how fast we get there … it’s about how well we journey through it. Running is teaching me that progress doesn’t have to be rushed. Growth happens even in the slow strides, in the quiet moments, in the steady persistence of just showing up.

So here’s to moving forward! … Slow but STEADY. And more importantly, here’s to slowing down, reflecting, and finding meaning in every step of the journey

As Psalm 46:10 reminds us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In the stillness of each step, I find strength, clarity, and a deeper connection with Him.