Run Forest RUNNNN!

Although the past week or so has been extremely difficult as I cope with the lost of a dear friend, I still ran another 5K. This time it was just me and two other teachers from PIK, but we still had a great time! This particular race is through the Jakarta Race Series. We paid 500 000 rupiah, which is equal to about $50 US dollars. We have a total of 4 5Ks we get to compete in! We also got a cool t-shirt and these bracelets. I'm such a dork, but hey -- now we have our own racing club at our school.. with only 3 members! Hee hee.

The morning was brutal. I hate waking up early. It's like, no matter how hard I try.. I feel like someone is pulling my eyelids shut. I literally turn on the lights every morning and just try and force myself to wake up. About 15 minutes later, I was getting dressed and headed out the door as I chowed down on a banana.

Mosquitoes were eating up my legs downstairs in the apartment lobby as I waited for my ride. That's definitely one thing I will not miss about this place when I go home next month. I love warm weather but I hate being bit, mostly because of the itchyness. The bites can be so bad, that they start to bleed and scab up which you then nick in the shower with your razor and in turn, you are left with an awesome scar. Sorry for the details.

Our driver, Pak Alex, had no idea where we going! He had to stop on the side of the highway and get out and ask somebody. He then managed to lock himself out of the school van. He's lucky he wasn't alone. LOL. He's one of my favorite drivers at our school so I was patient. I mean, it was our fault really.. we didn't realize there were several different Jakarta International School campuses. That school is AmAzInG by the way..

Before I knew it, we were on the rubber pavement signing in and pinning our bibs to our shirts! I saw bules everywhere! All I could think about was Michael Jackson's song, "You Are Not Alone".. it was like being back home.. seeing people who looked like me.. that spoke English. The horn went off and we were pounding the ground once more! I saw more children in this race (but they kept their shoes on). Our trail was to loop the track once, which then took us out to a sidewalk that wrapped around the school and eventually turned into a road. There were more hills in this race and Joanna said it was actually longer. She had timed it on her watch. I was neck and neck with a little 12 year old boy practically the entire race! He was so funny.. he was so paranoid that I'd pass him. And I did at some points but he ultimately won. I congratulated him at the end of the race shortly after crossing that finish line.

One of many doggies.. I miss my Chofz

If you've never ran a race before.. there's nothing like that feeling of accomplishment you feel at the end. And the happy feeling that overtakes your body. You feel like you are worthy. I needed the boost.

I waited for Toni and Joanna to cross that finish line and then we went to get a little massage that was sponsored by some sports rehab therapy company. They did some work on my knee.. which was very
painful as I had two reconstructive ACL surgeries on it a few years back. Of course, they recommended I come in for some treatment.. but we'll see. :)

After the 5K, the 2.5K began, followed by the Fun Run which also consisted of some little kiddos, no older than 8 racing in a 100 meter dash. It was one of the most precious things I have ever seen. We cheered them until the very end. Their little faces were so determined. If these little guys can get out and run, why can't you? I have a lot of respect for these future runners. Instead of staying at home and watching cartoons, they're out pounding the pavement as well.

Yoga in Jakarta with Jowi

We snapped some victory photos (see update below) and were on our way to get some yummy breakfast! Before stopping by the Social House Restaurant, for a protein filled breakfast, we spent some time walking around the fountain in Central Jakarta. It's so beautiful, especially on Sundays. The road basically closes down and people ride bikes and walk their dogs. So relaxing. I especially liked that this time there wasn't a local bathing in it. Yes, I am so serious. 

xoxo, amber

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24

So blessed. I don't feel so alone anymore and that's a great feeling. I feel like I'm finally at peace with a lot of things lately.. and that feeling is incredible. These past 5 months in Indonesia have been a lesson about life.. and rediscovering myself. Talk about.. Eat, Pray, Love! <3

***

Victory Photos -- updated Sunday, Nov 25th 

Even though we didn't place first, we're still winners!

One down, three to go!

Runner's high in Central Jakarta, near Monas :)

When people ask me why I run, I tell them, there's not really a reason, it's just the adrenaline when you start, and the feeling when you cross that finish line, and know that you are a winner no matter what place you got.
-- Courtney Parsons