"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder
Power Run proved to be a power run indeed. I have always loved challenges. I have always pushed myself to the limits. Hence, when I signed up for Power Run three weeks ago, I opted for 16k over 5k. I even called it mapangahas na takbo for it would require rigid training. However, the last three weeks were the busiest as a result, rigid training was nearly impossible.
Sporting our red/white singlet, my good friend Melisa, former student Alex and I joined the pack of runners in front of the City Hall.
When 16k runners were asked to lined up, Alex and I were joking about the familiar faces – those whom we’ve met in the previous races. We also noticed there were only four ladies in 16k category.
When 16k runners were asked to lined up, Alex and I were joking about the familiar faces – those whom we’ve met in the previous races. We also noticed there were only four ladies in 16k category. As soon as the race started, Alex and I decided to start slow. After all, we both knew 16k would require so much energy. We wanted to conserve our energy as much as possible. Our goal was to finish the race. Thus, it didn’t bother us that we were the last in the pack. I made a mental note thought that I should keep an eye on the runners ahead of us.
However, trouble came up at 3k loop. Instead of turning left, we mistakenly followed the 3k runners as they turned around. When we were about 800 meters away from the finish line the police escorts were surprised to see us. It turned out we were lost. We were so disappointed for there were not enough marshalls to guide the runners especially that not all runners were from Cabanatuan.
When we got to Vergara Bridge, our pace started to slow down. Our energy was going down as well. I was glad though that there were runners who encouraged us. Some even said konti na lang. Some cheered for us. I appreciated it a lot. In times like that all one wanted to hear was the assurance that she could make it.
The race seemed forever. All we could see on both sides of the road were vast rice fields. We even thought that we were once again lost. But when the onlookers assured us that there were runners ahead of us, we decided to go on and finally reached the loop. It was a great relief.When we turned around, I realized I was on the verge of giving up. The scorching heat of the sun was unbearable. I wanted to pour the water on my arms and face but I decided to save it. 8k would be a long way to go. I was glad though that the police escorts and marshall were there to encourage me to go on. I kept on looking back though to check on Alex. I knew we were both tired. But I had to keep in mind that it was all in the mind.
The five-minute-run and one-minute-walk combination made me survive the remaining 8k. Thus, I couldn’t contain my happiness and fulfilment when Finish Line was on sight. There were only few runners left in the area including the organizing committee. Most of them have gone home. Nevertheless, those left in the City Hall cheered for me. Some gave me high five. Sir Glenn was all smiles (haha I now know his name, yeah the bald good looking guy in the previous entries). Alex on the other hand was also fast approaching the finish line. She must have been really tired that she felt dizzy after the race. She had to sit and rest for a while before she regained her energy. Good thing, it was nothing serious.
I guess the best part of the race was making friends and expanding networks. And these new friends would look after you in your next race should you need assistance. That, itself is more than winning the race.
