WUP FUNd Run: Post Valentine Celeb

What’s the best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Answer: Run. Run for a cause with friends, fellow instructors, students and bosses. 

Today, I joined a fun run organized by the local council of the College of Business and Accountancy of Wesleyan University Philippines in cooperation with the Student Supreme Council. It was part of the 65^th founding anniversary of the university. I was glad that the event was close to my second home and the people behind it were good friends of mine.

When I got to the university, the gymnasium was already packed with students mostly from CBA. I also saw few faces whom I met in my previous runs. I was happy that the organizer decided to open the event to non-WUP students, faculty and staff. After all, it was a charity event and the proceeds will go to the victims of Sendong. 

Before the race, there was a short warm up. I must have moved my leg in a wrong way that I instantly felt a pain at the back of my right leg. I didn’t mind it though. I was just too excited to run. When the starting gun fired I sprinted my way off, a decision which later I would regret for I almost had no energy even before I reached the first hydrating station. I walked for a while to rest and regain my energy. But while walking, I was making a mental note of the number of girls who ran past me. I was in 9^th place. Not bad, I told myself for I was just aiming to be at least in Top 10.

When I thought my body had somehow recovered, I did a combination of five-minute run and one-minute walk. That way, my body could still relax while I strode my way off to the finish line. From afar, I saw three girls ahead of me. My competitive self was once again awaken and I decided to overtake them. I succeeded in overtaking the two girls but the third girl ahead of us was also competitive. When she realized I was three steps behind her, she sprinted her way off. I was now once again meters behind her. I just continued the run-walk combination. At some point I would overtook her but as soon as she realized it, she would once again sprint off. When we were about 800 meters away from the finish line, I knew she was already tired and didn’t have much energy left. It was then I decided to sprint it off.  I finished 6^th place. 

Again and again, I failed to keep track of running time. It would have been helpful to know whether or not I have improved my running time. For the nth time I made a mental note that I’d keep track of it on my next run.

After the race, my good friend Dave treated me a hearty breakfast at yes-you-got-it-right Jolliibee. We talked about our experiences the whole time. Too bad he was late for the race but managed to catch up and made it to the finish line as well. After the breakfast, we walked back to the university where other activities await us.

Sweat That 10k All Away

After months of training, I have gotten the hang of 10k. Although I am not really conscious of my running time, I run at an average of 7 minutes per kilometer. That makes me finish 10 k in 70 minutes. But I challenge myself that I should soon work on my running time. In due time, I’m sure I’d be able to run 5-6 minutes per kilometer. For now all I have to do is to train hard and believe harder that all things are possible.

CabanaTakbuhan 2012

I got off from bed at 3:00 am. This time I was no longer the excited-ka-teh-aga-mo-nagising but more of kailangan-mo-ng-tulog-teh-para-madami-kang-energy. I thought I should be more concerned on how I could conserve my energy to ensure I still have it until the end of the race.

Like in the previous run, I had a light breakfast composed of a glass of milk, banana, and pandesal with peanut butter filling. I skipped bringing water for I was sure there would be hydrating stations. 

When I got to Plaza Lucero, there were already few runners stretching, while others were jogging around the area. In an instant, I felt the excitement within started to build up. I joined few ladies in stretching and tried to start small talks. I was alone again today but was more confident and excited to make new friends. I roam around the area and saw familiar faces. Those were the same faces I saw during Kapitan Pepe Fun Run. I smiled and greeted them and they also did the same. I also saw fellow employees from the university where I work and managed to have our photos taken before the race started.

The brightly lit area was soon packed with runners. The heightened energy could be instantly felt by anyone. It was as if each individual in Plaza Lucero became a channel of energy. And to be honest, it was of one of things I look forward to. Sometimes I would like to believe that I was an athlete in my past life – a runner to be exact for I do not only find happiness in running but most importantly, inner peace.

When the first starting gun fired (for 10k runners), I lined up along with the other runners who seem excited and eager as I am. We waited for about 10 minutes before the second starting gun fired. As soon as I heard it, I ran. I ran like a child. I ran with so much happiness and excitement. Winning the race was not even in my mind. After all only residents of Cabanatuan were qualified to win. I run until I caught myself smiling at everything I see. Some authors called it runner’s high where there was a rush happy hormones that could last for hours.

When I reached the finish line, a bald good looking guy (whom I met at registration booth in our university) gave me a high five. He cheered for me. I felt good. Although I was alone and didn’t have anyone to cheer for me, I felt like everyone cheered for me. It was also something I love about joining fun runs. The whole place is filled with positive energy that somebody else success becomes my own success. Everyone is happy for everyone!

However, I regretted the idea of not keeping track of my running time though. Not again! But since I was too happy to be disheartened, I brushed it off but reminding myself to just take note of it in my next run. After all, I was only after the fun part of it.

The Blue and Yellow Singlet

Today, I signed up for CabanaTakbuhan. I thought there would be no CabanaTakbuhan this year because I didn’t hear anything about it nor did see any ad on FB. I even thought I would not be able to complete my 12 singlets because there was no scheduled fun run for February. 

I was glad though when my friend Dave called to tell me there was a booth for CabanaTakbuhan in front of the College of Engineering. I hurriedly went to the booth. There, I met Arnel and few other members of the organizing committee (I forgot their names but I sure remember their faces for I saw them in Kapitan Pepe Fun Run). 

When Arnel asked me what category I wished to join, I was quick to pick 5k. Although I was itching to switch to 10k, I thought I should practice more before I could confidently say I’m ready for it. 

As soon as I finished signing up, I showed my race kit to my friends and students. I encouraged them to join as well. Some were very excited for me. Some were surprised to know I could run that far. While others were encouraged to start running for it’s the fastest and healthiest way of losing weight. I realized my weight loss was now more evident. Like I said in my previous entry, it wasn’t really my main goal. Losing weight was just a bonus. Still, I felt happy that have become an inspiration to the people around me.