As 2025 comes to a close, I’m looking back at a year defined by big changes and even bigger finishes. It was a year of pushing my physical limits, but more importantly, it was the year I reclaimed my time and reconnected with the things—and people—I love most.
Breaking the Fizz
I started the year with a commitment to a major lifestyle shift: cutting out carbonated drinks entirely. It wasn’t always easy—from quiet nights at home to festive parties and those late-night office dinners with the team—but I stayed disciplined. I swapped the soda for water, fruit juices, and milk, relying heavily on ‘Thambili’ (King Coconut water) for those essential natural electrolytes every runner needs. As I head into 2026, I feel more hydrated, energized, and healthier than I ever did before.
The Big One: 42.195km
October 5th, 2025, is a date I won’t soon forget—the day I tackled the LSR Colombo Marathon. Crossing that finish line in 5 hours and 20 minutes was a masterclass in grit, especially as I pushed through the heat on the long road from Colombo to Negombo. While many runners, myself included, dream of major marathons abroad, my goal was simply to complete my first 42.195km. I am incredibly grateful that I got to achieve this milestone right here in my motherland, surrounded by the sights and spirit of home.
A Life-Changing Shift: Family First
While it wasn’t part of my original New Year’s resolutions, perhaps my biggest win of 2025 didn’t happen on a race course. In June, I made the life-changing decision to leave my job for an opportunity that truly prioritizes work-life balance. The impact was immediate: I now have the time and energy to play with my kids after work almost every day. My phone has finally gone silent—no work apps, no pings, and no urgent notifications—and I absolutely love it. For the first time, I can travel without a laptop or the nagging worry that a work crisis might ruin our weekend. It’s given Sandra and me the space to enjoy life again, from going to concerts to relaxing at the spa. Best of all, I’m now able to fully support her as she pursues her higher education. Being present for these moments has been the true highlight of my year.
Chasing the Sub-2hr Half
Next on the list was chasing the elusive ‘sub-2’ half marathon. While I didn’t quite break that 2-hour barrier this year, I gave it everything I had at the Arugam Bay Half Marathon, walking away with a new PB of 2 hours and 6 minutes! It wasn’t the sub-2 yet, but it was proof I was moving in the right direction. I had hoped to clinch that target at the ICA International Half Marathon in Colombo later in the year, but between a disrupted training cycle and a race day where things just didn’t click… let’s just say it was a ‘bad day’ at the office. But that’s running—you take the PBs with the tough days and keep moving forward
You can read more about Arugam Bay and LSR here : 128 Days Later: The Marathon Truth – Running Isn’t the Hard Part
The 1,500km Milestone
In 2024, I set out to run 1,000km and surprised myself by hitting 1,200km. Naturally, I wanted to raise the bar for 2025, setting my sights on a 1,500km goal. As the year draws to a close, I’m sitting just 30km shy of that target. While the math might say I’m ‘short,’ I’m calling this a massive win. 30km is less than a Marathon distance, and I’m tempted… but, I think I’ve had enough running in 2025!
Rediscovering My Spark
With more time on my hands, I’ve been able to dive back into the hobbies that fuel my creativity. I returned to writing, spent time on arts and crafts with the kids, and fully embraced the world of cosplay. I went dark as The Joker from Batman: Death of the Family for my company Halloween party and the E FM Midnight Movie Screening. Then, for the CNR/CCR Christmas party, I agreed to dress up as Santa—mostly because it was the only foolproof way to escape being dragged into singing carols! I kept the festive energy going by taking things a step further and hitting the pavement as The Grinch for the CCR Christmas 5K. It’s been refreshing to just have fun again!
2025 wasn’t just about hitting targets; it was about finding balance. I ran further, lived healthier, and most importantly, I was there for my family.
To everyone who played a part in my 2025: thank you. Whether we were grinding through marathon training together or simply enjoying the slower, quieter moments of life, you’ve made this year truly unforgettable. I’m grateful for the community that kept me moving and the family and freinds who shared in the joy of a better-balanced life.
Extraordinary pages of an ordinary life 