Farewell to the Lakes

A morning run in mid-Sept

I visited the Lake district 2 weeks ago, right after defending my thesis. I have to say good bye to a place where I've learned to run. My first ever marathon also happened there. The time was horrendous, I clearly do not know what I signed up for. The most important thing that the place has taught me is to keep trying by working on my fitness, navigational skills and mental toughness. The mountains and its weather system will test you. On some day, you get to the summit and on some, you've failed.


On top of Helvellyn with a dog (I wish it's mine!)

I think the Lakes have been a great teacher. I don't think I've would have survived my PhD without spending time in the Lakes pushing myself  physically and mentally. I've ran/walked/got into a van with strangers in the Lakes. I'm grateful the place accommodated me. Now I must take these lessons on endurance and apply it to my daily life in Malaysia. 


I'm a bit disappointed that I don't managed to compose any poetry or writing masterpieces during my time there. Hey, I'm here to run/hike and find myself. I'll end this post with several verse for William Wordsworth's Character of a Happy Warrior.

Looks forward, persevering to the last,
From well to better, daily self-surpast:
Obviously I don't know the difference between energetic walk and running in my 1st marathon. I got that straighten out few years later!

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