It was another Wednesday evening, the usual day for our weekly run. Hana said that this time it would be different from our usual routine - we would stay within the confines of the sports field and not run on the streets. However, she remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the training, refusing to divulge any details.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8O8EeqV0c
"Don't worry," Hana smiled, "I guarantee it's enjoyable."
But when she walked over to the stands, took a few steps up and looking down at me with a mischievous glint in her eye, I realised that her definition of "enjoyable" might be vastly different from what most people would consider enjoyable.
"We shall be doing 'interval running' today." She announced.
"Interval running?" I exclaimed.
"Interval running is a training exercise that involves alternating high-intensity running with rest periods," Hana continued, ignoring my surprise. "Its main goals are to improve cardiovascular function, increase speed, and enhance the body's ability to resist lactic acid."
"What does this have to do with me?" I muttered.
"Because your cardiovascular function is poor, you need this training," Hana replied with a laugh. "Otherwise, we won't be able to run any farther."
Although I didn't understand why we needed to run farther, I didn't say anything because running had already brought me many benefits. Since I started running, not only had the quality of my sleep improved, but I also felt more alert during the day, and my body fat had significantly decreased. Plus, I got to meet up with Hana, so I was happy to go along with any practice.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqx4JopLLf
We ran a few laps as a warm-up before starting the interval running. Since it was our first time, the training consisted of 15 sets of 200-meter runs, with a rest period of about two to three minutes in between.
"The target time for each 200 meters is 50 seconds," Hana explained. "It shouldn't be too difficult, and it's meant to give you a taste of interval running. But if you can't handle it, let me know."
"I should be able to manage," I thought to myself. "Don't underestimate me."
I was confident in my explosive power for short sprints, even if I couldn't compare to her in long-distance running. But I was completely wrong. I had never imagined that interval running would be so gruelling.
For the first few sets of 200 meters, I managed to keep up with her pace. But by the sixth set, I was already struggling, my breathing becoming increasingly laboured. Eventually, Hana slowed down her pace on purpose, allowing me to barely complete the training.
After the practice, feeling completely defeated, I sat on the ground, my lungs feeling like they were about to burst, unable to speak for a long time.
"Here, take this," Hana handed me a sports drink.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKgHI6xL9z
"Thank you," I smiled bitterly. "Honestly, I feel I am pretty useless."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEimr3YXmcg
"Don't say that! Honestly you did okay! Let's take a rest for a bit first."
This time, Hana didn't make fun of me, scolded me or anything. Instead, she looked at me with empathy, which was pretty unusual. She asked me to stand up and walk with her slowly on the track. After a while, my breathing became smoother.
"I underestimated this interval running thing, it's really tough," I apologised. "I'm sorry."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5szupbWChA
"There's no need to be sorry, you've never tried it before, have you?" Hana said. "But the rewards after the hard work are definitely worth it. Let's get at it next time."
Today, she was unusually gentle, completely different from her usual self. I secretly observed her expression as she walked with her head down, and it was clear that she was feeling melancholy. So I gathered the courage to ask her.
"What's wrong? You seem down."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTQJ4ix0W5
"Nothing," Hana replied.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjn4AAWpHU
"Come on, you can't fool me. Although I'm not as caring and perceptive as Kevin, I can still observe people and sense things to some extent."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7tYFQ2OFx
"You won't be interested to hear it."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrozgU3zVGq
"If you don't tell me, how would you know that I'm not interested? Whatever it is, feel free to share it, maybe I can help."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldTYsBvW4y
Hana looked up at me and gave me a grateful look. She took a deep breath and slowly start to speak again.
"Today is the anniversary of my dad's death."
I lowered my head and held my breath.
"My dad and mom were childhood sweethearts and they have been running partners since their teens. They got married soon after they graduated from university, and they had me not long after. In 1998, they decided to pursue their dream and signed up for the second Hong Kong Marathon together. But unfortunately, my dad passed away in a traffic accident a month before the race. Since then, my mom was forced to give up running and wasted her talent."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OVAXLXv91
After finishing her story, Hana's eyes were filled with tears.
"I'm sorry." I said.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VQg6pGVrD
"Don't worry, it's okay. It was a long long time ago." Hana wiped her tears. "I tend to get emotional on this day."155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkbgwkpTVP
"So... is that why you dream of completing a full marathon?"
While I was saying this bold assumption, and my heart was beating like hell. Hana was surprised but seemed happy at the same time.
"You remembered that?" she said.155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFVScy67St
"Of course," I said. "Because it was something you said."
We stood face to face on the nearly empty track. We looked at each other without saying a word. Her eyes seemed to be waiting for me to take the next step.
After hesitating for a while, I gathered the courage to take a step forward and tried to hug her. But was this not the right timing? Her expression changed from anticipation to awkwardness in an instant, leaving me in a dilemma - my hands were kinda in mid-air.....155Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEZMUviz9s
Luckily, my phone rang at just the right time, saving me from the awkward situation.
"Hello, can I have three minutes of your time? We offer low-interest loans," the telemarketer said.
Although grateful, I hung up the phone immediately. Hana had already turned her back to me.
"I'm a little tired, shall we go home?" she said.
I watched her leave and I didn't immediately go home. Instead, I went to the convenience store, bought a beer, and sat outside. Drinking alone, I couldn't help but wonder, did I miss an opportunity, or was it never an opportunity to begin with?
At that moment, my phone rang again, it was Hana's "Arrived-Home-Safely" text message.
"I'm home. Goodnight," she said.
For a moment, I wanted to reply with "Goodnight, miss you, see you tomorrow," but I thought about it and deleted the "miss you" part.
I sighed and finished the remaining half-can of beer, then walked home alone.
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