The Darn Diaries

You know how any Netflix series starts with a slow build-up in the first few episodes before dropping the jaw-dropping episode that hooked us to the end? Picture that on repeat, and that pretty much sums up life. Looking back at my running journey and building this podcast gives perspective on how the dynamics have to change to get you onto the next stage of growth and why it was necessary.

"It's just running; it's not that deep," they say. Tell them to train, run a half marathon, and see how their minds change. Running my first half marathon was a privilege I will never take for granted. It's crazy how a year ago I could barely run 3 km and how four months ago I was hospitalized for appendicitis and somehow ran a sub 1:42 half marathon last weekend. Running is more than you think; i...

Everyone's always chasing something, but not everyone sees the end of it. To go any distance, you need to find the core reason why you want to go from the get-go; that's how you build consistency regardless of the days when you don't feel like it. So be the one who keeps at it to the end.

"When we plan, God laughs." This pretty much sums up the near-ending year. Though planning helps create direction, you won't always be on the ideal path; there will be twists and turns, but maybe there's a reason.

We all face a make-or-break point in whatever facet of life. The question is, can you go one more and see through the obstacle before you and persevere to the end?

It's funny how we often get so caught up in life that we forget we're living and doing the life we always envisioned in the past. So take the time to savour these moments every once in a while :)

I've heard it all. "Do you have a girlfriend yet? How are you still single? Do you even have rizz?" I took my time, and honestly, I'm glad I did.

Re-syncing Finishing school, job hunting, and freelancing create flexibility, but they also lack the structure you're used to, especially if you're a planner like me. Sometimes, we have to go back to our roots. Utilizing time Instead of beating yourself up for feeling unproductive during your idle time, ask yourself? Is there anything I can do today that will help me tomorrow? Just ask No...

What started as a 25k ended as a 28k run (my longest run to date). It's crazy how surrounding yourself with those better than you can take you higher than you thought.

It's always easier said than done, especially when it's the thing you committed to do. It takes a strong why and a pinch of insanity to do the seemingly impossible. But know this: the only limit you have is your mind.

"Yesterday was history. Tomorrow is the mystery, but today? Today is a gift; that's why it's called the present." If there's one thing you can take away, it's Master Oogway's quote right here. Hope it helps :) (Sorry for the long wait, I explained here)

People need people. No matter how independent one might think he/she is, we're all wired as social beings. So, as hard as it may be to accept, the sooner you embrace this, the sooner you start to see your life change.

A blip of how non-linear post-appendectomy recovery can be and a simple tweak that upped my work productivity. Hope it helps!

It's hard. I'll give you that. But for the time being, while you have all the time in the world, use it to your advantage and find something you enjoy doing on the side. Think of it as a side, personal project.

Everything is a choice. It's amazing how malleable yet rigid your brain can be once you switch from an innate desire to change for the better. I used to struggle with practising self-control until I learnt my personal way of having better control of it, which is my faith. I'm not asking anyone to convert, but I do ask that we be open-minded and learn from each other, regardless of our cult...

We grew up living with our parents, thinking we have all the time in the world with them, which we take for granted until we go off to college. They're getting older, and one day, they'll reach a point where they may not even talk to or remember you, so before that happens, please spend time with them while you still can. And remember, if it matters, you'll make the time.

Romance seems to be a popular topic here ( I wonder why), so here's one for you. If there's one takeaway from this episode, it's this: Find someone who makes you feel like your you -est you possible.

All it takes is one drop to tip off the scale. We're all busy, I get it, but that's when we have to be most careful - that is, questioning whether our "balance" is truly balanced. (P.s. I apologize for the muffled audio on this one, hope you can still listen.)

I had it all wrong. My physical, spiritual, mental and emotional well-being, that is. Although I was heading in a somewhat right direction, I was slowly misaligning myself from the path I was supposed to take, and I didn't realize that until appendicitis did that for me, or in this case, God.

Notice the people who stuck by you when you're rebuilding yourself; those are the ones you should keep close to. Not everyone is meant to stay, and it's hard to accept at first, but once you do, it feels like a breath of fresh air.

I may have almost died. That's why I've been off the grid for the last week. I got perforated appendicitis, and it was BAD when the doctors thankfully got to remove it in time before it got much worse! If you're into health and wellness, listen to this. Cheers, and I hope it helps!

Firstly, I apologize for the absence in the last 2 weeks. I had surgery for perforated appendicitis and had a long recovery to go through and still am, frankly. But anyways, I recorded this just before my appendix ruptured so hopefully that means sth lol. Enjoy :)

It's crazy how you can make your body adjust to your state of mind. If you told me to run a half marathon while weight training 9 months ago, I'd tell you: "No chance. You're crazy." Long story short, I ran my first unofficial half-marathon a month ago, another three after, and, in about two months, my first official half-marathon race. Key takeaway: You can do anything you s...

Personal Project Realities It's hard AF. School teaches you how to be disciplined, bounding you to grades and academic progress toward graduation, but when you're on your own? You're only bound by the rules and systems you create for yourself. Screw Stress The best way to kill stress is simply by taking action. There's no point in ruminating or overthinking what could've been o...

This episode is a tribute to my late grandparents from both sides. They were a big part of my life, and I will forever be grateful to have been raised by them. They taught me more than they'll ever know, and I hope they know how proud I was and still am of knowing and being loved by four beautiful souls. Popoh, Kung Kung, Ema, and Engkong, this one's for you.