From Zero to 10km: Denise's Journey with the JAI Run Club
At JAI, we're passionate about pushing limits, building resilience, and fostering a community that supports every single member, no matter where they are on their fitness journey. Our new JAI Run Club was launched with exactly this spirit in mind – a space for everyone to find their stride, together.
We wanted to share inspiring story from one of our own, Denise, who has been a dedicated member of our Muay Thai classes, but has never been running before. But she’s taken the plunge and is now lacing up for her third week of running. We chatted with her about her experience, and her honesty is something we know will resonate with many.
Taking the First Step:
Q: Why Run Club?
"I’ve been wanting to improve my endurance," she shared. "Running is probably one of the cheapest cardio exercises you can do – low barrier to entry too if you’re reasonably-abled. But I’m terrible at keeping myself accountable. There are other free running clubs, but I knew I’m slow and I was scared I’ll drag everyone behind, especially the seasoned runners."
Q: So, what made the JAI Run Club feel different?
"I figured I can give JAI Run Club a try since it’s new, and if I were terribly slow, at least I would only be dragging a few people down once," Denise explained with a laugh. "It also helps that they explicitly said absolute beginners are welcome, and there probably won’t be a lot of seasoned runners joining since the JAI community is primarily about Muay Thai rather than running. So I gave it a shot and decided to see how it goes."
Facing the Fears Head-On
Even with that decision, the pre-run nerves were real. Denise was candid about her worries:
"I’m slow and can’t keep pace and hold people back."
"I don’t know what I’m doing. What if I injure myself?"
"I can’t wake up and be on time."
"I am unable to finish."
The First 5km: "Felt Like I Accomplished Something I Never Thought I Could"
Q: So, how did that first run actually go?
"I was quite scared actually," Denise admitted. "I just focused on trying to keep a steady pace where everyone is within my eyeshot and seeing how long I can hold that for. Also focused on just finishing the course and resting as little as possible since the run captains must also make sure everyone gets back. Pushing myself as much as I could without my legs and knees bailing out or injuring myself. And also convincing myself that I can finish the run."
The support from the JAI team was crucial. "Support is great. Michael [Run Captain] stayed behind to make sure I don’t run alone, and while I feel a little guilty because I know he can zoom past me easily, he really stayed behind. The other captains cheered for us once we’re done. Everyone’s chill and friendly. I didn’t feel judged even though I am the slowest of the bunch. I like that we did stretches and warm-ups together this time."
And the feeling after crossing that imaginary finish line? "Felt great. Felt like I accomplished something I never thought I could. Mentally, I also felt a lot more awake after the run. My head was clearer. Physically tired but my body felt ‘lighter’ afterwards. Emotionally, even if the day went horrible, it’s nice to know I got something done at the very least."
Building Consistency: "I’ve Done It Once Anyway, Might As Well Have A Go At It Again"
Q: What brought you back for week two, especially after facing those initial fears?
"Mostly because I told Su-Lin I’ll show up and I don’t like breaking promises," she said with a smile. "That aside, I do want to improve and be more consistent. Su-Lin telling me it's alright even if I’m slow helped a lot. I’ve done it once anyway, might as well have a go at it again."
Denise also touched on that common worry of "holding people back": "I know I’m the slowest and I don’t like feeling like people have to scale back their goals just to accommodate me. I want to be there to contribute. At the very least, not be a laggard." It’s a sentiment many share, but one that our Run Club aims to dissolve through genuine support.
Recognising progress, no matter how small, has been key.
"The first time really was just finishing the run without hurting myself," Denise reflected. "Second time I felt like I didn’t pause as much as I did the first time. But just being able to commit to the 6:15 AM call time and finishing the course is already an achievement for someone who struggles to wake up early and has never found running to be natural or enjoyable."
A Message for Others: "If I Could Do It, Then It Is Definitely Suitable"
When asked if the JAI Run Club is suitable for beginners or those who don't consider themselves "natural" athletes, Denise's answer was emphatic: "If I could do it, then it is definitely suitable. I’m probably a little below average in terms of fitness, let alone be considered athletic."
And her advice for anyone feeling nervous about their pace or holding others back? It’s pure gold.
"I suppose at the end of the day, if people are kind enough to support and meet you where you’re at, take that kindness and support and just do your best. It helps you become better, and I’d like to think the people supporting you will also feel a sense of fulfilment that they were able to help someone get better. It’s not as one-sided as you might think."
New Goals on the Horizon
With 10km under her belt in just two weeks, Denise is already looking ahead. "I definitely want to be able to finish an intermediate or a Muay Power class and not feel like I’m about to die!" she laughed. "I’d love to be able to do a 10k [run] eventually. For now, it’ll be great if I can run 5k within 40 minutes, and then a sub-30 5k."
If Denise’s experience resonates with you, we warmly invite you to join the JAI Run Club.
When: Every Tuesday, 6:30 AM
Where: Meet at JAI Thai Boxing, 76 Anzac Avenue
Who: Absolutely everyone! All fitness levels, all paces.
Cost: FREE!
JAI Members can book via the JAI App. Non-Members are very welcome – please sign up using this link:
Come find your stride with us.
