This run was long talked about. Therefore, we were super excited to be actualizing it.

Because visiting Oloolua was a first for us, we did what everyone does these days when looking for directions to a new place. We asked Mr Google, or is it Mrs?

Our Google search provided good information, but sadly, the directions to the nature trail weren’t quite direct. We had to rely heavily on our gut or ask bus conductors at each stage.

 Finally, at around 8:40 a.m., we were at the Oloolua entrance gate, ready to forest bathe, or Shinrin-yoku, as the Japanese call it. 

We first walked around the forest to familiarise ourselves with the trails, and then, at around 11:00 a.m., we started our run.

The first forty minutes were smooth sailing as we followed the 10km trail. Things changed when we came to a junction with two opposite trails that were not well marked. 

Which one do we follow now? Is the 10km supposed to be this one or that one? Not answering any of the questions, my boyfriend looked as confused as I was.

Unbeknownst to us, we chose the wrong trail, which took us outside the forest into people’s homes.

Why wouldn’t the management of this forest mark this as an off-trail? We were furious at them. Our faces turned red with rage. Unbelievable! We kept saying with frustration.

 We stood for a few minutes to rest and rant, then took that trail back to the junction and followed the other one. We figured if it wasn’t that first route, it must be the second one.

Having dealt with our frustrations and feeling better, we continued enthusiastically with our 10km trail run. Little did we know that the forest had more to offer.

This time, it was fear.

We began noticing abandoned shoes and clothes on different sides of the trail. Omg, beb, where is this place we’ve come to run? I asked my boyfriend worriedly. Let’s keep going, he said with his deep, courageous voice that comforted me. 

But the deeper we went, the darker it felt and the narrower the running paths became. This place began giving us the creeps, and we couldn’t wait to get out.

We picked up our pace and saw a post on a tree that said 2 kilometers to go. Relief immediately washed over me as we increased our pace to escape this disturbing route. 

Twenty minutes later, we thought we were lost again. The end was coming slower than we wanted it to. It felt like we had run 5km and not two like it was marked on the tree.

I felt suffocated by this dense forest and almost gave up when we saw some light at the end of the trail.

 Seconds later,  we were on a straighter, wider trail with more light. And people.

 For so long, we were alone with fear and darkness that I had forgotten other people existed. I was so happy to see people. And to finish that run. 

I’ve never run so fast and for so long without walking.

 How could I when it felt like I was running for my life? But you know what?

This experience showed me that it is possible to run on every trail, no matter how difficult it may feel. 

Ignore my feelings and run like I’m running for my life.

This strategy is now my secret to running without stopping.

After that horrific running experience, we stayed to see what different Oloolua had to offer.

We have to take control of the narrative, we said.

So, we walked, enjoying some sightseeing, and came across a perfect spot with a bench overlooking a river that flows to the waterfall. 

Accompanied by the sounds of flowing water, singing birds, and swinging tree branches, we sat there for hours, talking and laughing.

The vibe was giving love and friendship.

We became so immersed in conversation that we lost track of time. Even so, we didn’t want to stand and leave. 

We’ve been on countless dates, but this one, simply sitting together and connecting with nature and each other, was our best.

We couldn’t believe that some hours back, we wanted to leave that forest and never return.

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A Trail Running Guide for Beginners: What to Know Before You Start

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