Out of My Comfort Zone

In The National's new series, writers explore ways in which they've pushed themselves - be it mentally, emotionally or physically - and reflect on what the experience has taught them

Farah Andrews and her friends after finishing the Burj2Burj Half Marathon. Farah Andrews / The National

I have never been a runner, so I challenged myself to complete a half-marathon

WellbeingFebruary 10, 2026

Pilates evokes the feeling of relaxed exhaustion that urges you to stretch and then take a nap. The National

How Reformer Pilates is testing my view of strength as a man

WellbeingJanuary 02, 2026

Staying consistent with a workout routine is key. Aarti Jhurani / The National

Move over, Ozempic. How I lost 30kg naturally

WellbeingDecember 01, 2025

Bungy jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo: Deepthi Nair

How a 64-year-old stranger inspired me to bungee jump in New Zealand

LifestyleNovember 01, 2025

LungLung on the day we first met. David Tusing / The National

The first time I adopted a cat and learnt that rescue goes both ways

WellbeingOctober 01, 2025