Kara Lapso
Mar 13, 2025
A reflection from our friend Amy during Ramadan:
During Ramadan, the days feel different — quieter, slower, yet filled with a sense of purpose. The act of fasting, abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset, shifts the rhythm of life. But it’s also an opportunity to push the body and mind in new ways, to discover strength in restraint and energy in simplicity.
During this precious month, Muslims essentially flip their day; eating breakfast in the middle of the night hours while fasting during the daytime hours, and with that, every muslim structures their day differently. Some may opt to start their day with the physical activity while others might wait until after they break their fast. I have done it both ways, and honestly just play it by ear depending on how I feel, what my day ahead looks like, etc. Fasting has a way of sharpening my senses, and the crispness of the air, the sound of my feet against the path, all seem amplified. As I run, I try to focus on my breath, on the movement of my legs, and on the singularity of the moment. I have to challenge myself to not judge or criticize my distance or pace, reminding my self of my body’s abilities and giving it grace. Similarly, hiking requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to keep going despite the discomforts. On a trail, with a slower more calm pace, the strain of fasting is felt more. The thirst, the fatigue, and the awareness that I’m far from food and water weigh on me. But, in a way, this is where the real beauty of fasting reveals itself. It’s not just about what you don’t have, but about what you can do without.
When I hike/run during Ramadan, it feels like I’m reconnecting with the earth. I look at mountains and trees and can’t help but admire Allahs(Gods) work. It’s difficult not to be humbled by the journey, each step, a reminder that the body, though fragile, can handle more than we think. There’s a sacredness in these moments of isolation, in the stillness of nature. Hiking and fasting become intertwined; each step is a form of spiritual practice, a reminder to be present, to be grateful. Running and hiking in Ramadan are not just physical activities; they are ways of reconnecting with my body, the land, and the rhythm of the season. They bring balance to my life, grounding me in both the simplicity of the fast and the expansive beauty of the outdoors. Each run and each hike serves as a reminder of how much we can endure, how much we can grow, and how much more meaningful the simplest experiences become when we approach them with intention.
Note:
Ramadan is an important holy month for Muslims around the world. Ramadan begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon and because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10-12 days earlier each year. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims won't eat or drink between dawn and sunset. This is called fasting. Fasting is important during Ramadan as it Muslims believe it allows to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah, or God (Source: BBC.com).