She ran, as fast as her faithful legs would take her. Past the crowds of men in suits, shirts and ties and ladies in their elegant office attire, past the stern-looking concrete and glass-fronted buildings. She sticks out like a sore thumb in her unglamorous old sleeveless t-shirt, shorts and trainers. But it didn't take very long before she's out of there.

Once she got to the riverside, there was no lack of people on similar missions. The appetising aromas of food from the restaurants nearby wafted by on the sea breeze. These invisible tendrils of temptation were faintly heard, invitingly whispering, 'Come, sit down, rest your legs, eat and drink.' She tuned out, concentrating on her pace and pressed on, her shoes feeling extremely light on her feet. There were many sitting by the stone steps close to the waters, admiring the night scenery, what she considers one of the best views of Singapore. In a place as this, it would be surprising if you don't see couples strolling hand-in-hand.

Because of some construction works, part of the route was closed and she ran along the side of the main road. Buses, cars, lorries, motorcycles rushed by, giving out plumes of acrid grey fumes. Holding her breath slightly, she tried to rush through the most unpleasant stretch.

They say the best comes after the worst. A right turn after the blockade leads into the park by the river. The sun is on her way to sleep, flooding the reflective surface of the water in pink, orange and yellow hues. Her favourite music playing melodically in her ears, she emptied her mind and felt the tension leave her body even as her legs kept going.

Some areas where the tree cover was thicker, the air smelt of clean moisture and green leaves. She inhaled voluminous lungfuls of the fresh air then. The light rain earlier had left small puddles along the way which she managed to avoid in the low light.

The end of the pathway announced it's time to turn around and head back. Picking up the speed as she got closer to her goal, she managed to finish it in her set time. A blast of sweaty, recycled air hit her as she re-entered the gym. Sigh. It was so much better to be outside.