The sound of running shoes can be heard on the streets as the sun peeks into the world. With regular breaths, more and more officials and public figures choose to start their weekends with a run.
Aviliani is a senior economist who has taken up running in recent years. This 64-year-old woman has even completed a number of marathon events both at home and abroad.
In an interview with the SUAR Team, Ms. Avi, as she likes to be called, admitted that her routine used to be dominated by a busy schedule of attending meetings, presentations and attending various economic forums.
Sports, he said, he only did when he had time. But that changed when he got into running. "Now if I don't run, my body doesn't feel good," he said with a slight chuckle over the phone, recently.
Starting from the pandemic, he said that he started running just to fill his spare time. When activities were limited at that time, he began to diligently start exercising by walking leisurely in the morning.
"At first I was out of breath walking leisurely for 100 meters. But over time I was able to run long distances," said Avi, who once served as the main commissioner of a well-known bank.
It's now evolved into a commitment that's included in his work calendar, equal in importance to the big meeting agenda.
"It's good to run, too," he said.
Since then, she began to enroll in various running competitions both in Jakarta and outside the city. Aviliani even collected 52 medals in a year. That means she was on the starting line almost every week.
From the streets of Car Free Day in Jakarta, the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium track, to the marathon track in Chicago, Aviliani is now a marathon runner who can complete 42 kilometers in her old age.
Trail run
Aviliani always includes trail runs in her agenda. In a year, she can participate in two to three cross-country races in various regions. For example, Siksorogo near Solok, the downhill path to Telaga Sunyi in Baturaden, and the mountainous area in Sentul.
"The trail is more exciting. The scenery is beautiful, the air is clean. Running downhill also feels different," said Aviliani.
Trail running gives him a thrill that contrasts with city marathons. The uphill trails don't demand speed, while the views and fresh air are a reward with every step.
He has also run in the Tahura in Bandung, breathed in the thin air at high altitude, and crossed Kawaratu with its distinctive sulfur smell.
"If the scenery is good, it's a shame not to capture it," he says, adding that he uploads some of the moments to social media, both as memories and an invitation for others to try it.
Since January, he has been mapping out the race calendar with his group. Tickets for races in major cities are bought in advance, often booking accommodation at the same time. The journey to the race becomes a social experience, from carb loading sessions the night before the race, to sharing post-finish stories at the nearest café.
For Aviliani, this is all part of the marathon package that keeps her running. This habit builds her confidence. Aviliani feels fit at the age of 64, even more energized than before she started running.
"Sport is not just a physical activity for him, but a way to maintain his health, mind and spirit. Now it has become a habit of life. On Saturdays and Sundays, I'll definitely run or trail. There's no time to waste," says Avi.
Jogging santai Retno Marsudi
Apart from Aviliani, many officials are also diligent in running. One of them is Retno Marsudi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Jokowi administration.
At her age, and with her busy schedule creeping up on her, Retno never abandons exercise. Wherever, whenever, she always makes time to move her body.
In several posts on her Instagram account, Retno often shows her jogging activities between jobs that demand high readiness.
However, even when her schedule is full, she still finds time to run. When he was still serving in the United States, for example, because the meeting schedule often started very early, he chose to run before sunrise.
"There is no other choice, after dawn, I immediately start jogging," said Retno, who is currently the Independent Commissioner of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk.
In fact, exercise should not be abandoned, even when the weather is not friendly, Retno still takes the time to jog. Rainy conditions have been passed through. "You have to keep exercising, but you have to wear a poncho," she recalls.
These are examples of professionals who have aged well, but still prioritize the discipline of exercising.
Long-term investment
Aviliani sees running as a long-term investment in health and happiness.
"At this age, we have to stay active. Many people stop moving and end up getting sick," she said.
He doesn't aim for records or podiums. Every step is a form of resistance against the body's natural decline. Running gives her the space to breathe deeper, think more clearly, and feel connected with people who share a similar passion.
The experience has made him an inspiration to younger runners. On the track, he often passes 30-somethings who give up before the finish.
"It feels good when I can motivate people. Age is not an excuse. If you have a target and discipline, everything can be achieved," he said.
"It feels good when I can motivate people. Age is not an excuse. If you have a target and discipline, everything can be achieved," he said.
The trend of busy people continuing to exercise shows a shift in awareness of the importance of health in the midst of a busy life.
People are starting to look for ways to fit physical activity into their busy schedules - whether it's a light workout at the office, utilizing breaks to get moving, or exercising in the morning before starting an activity.
The experience of participating in running competitions in various cities and outdoors has also taught me simple but valuable things. Namely, appreciating one's own body, enjoying the process, and accepting that every finish line is the beginning of the next journey.
