Four years ago in 2021, I ran the route to Yeh Gangga beach. I was undertrained, and unprepared. But then the run was intended as an exploration run before finally aiming for the beach.
This time, I was prepared. I trained and have run the 10k distance several times. I packed a water bottle, and small change for extra drinks. There is also an energy bar in my pocket. A slight lack of sleep and a few bottles of beer the previous night leave a lingering thought of whether I should aim for the beach. But I was determined.
Many things changed in 4 years when I hit the road. The small road is being paved, halfway done, but still there is sand and road work here and there. The main asphalt road now being lined with cement on the side. There is Indomaret along the way. It looks new, and the staff confirmed that they just open for 2 months when I bought a drink.
I passed the border of Desa Pakraman Yeh Gangga, where I turned back 4 years ago. The training proved fruitful as I confidently march forward with slow but consistent pace. Not long after, the blue ocean of Yeh Gangga emerged from the horizon, between Candi Bentar (The Balinese Split Gateway).
Feeling victorious, I walk along the beach and take the deep breath of the ocean breeze. The beach was empty from people, leaving only the sound of wave crushing along the beach. After catching my breath and filling my heart with peace, I look back to the ocean one more time and started my journey back home.
On my way back, after the ocean disappear from view, I started to feel the heat of Bali sun, a reminder of similar heat four years ago. The rice paddy on the left and right serve as distraction with its vastness, but provide no shading from the sun. I took more frequent drinks, consume my energy bar, and keep going at slow steady pace.
And then it come, the last 2 km where the road went downhill to a river over a bridge, and then followed with a long uphill. If the downhill is a knee killer, the uphill is both quads and heart killer. I took a pause at the top, and finished my water, knowing that the last kilometer is just a flat walk.
