Like everyone who has run a marathon I have a story to tell.
I started running 2 years ago. like a typical runner i started with numerous 5 k run then 10 k then half mary. then i wanted more.
i first registered at Paris Marathon 2012. i thought of something far and paris !
while on training i suffered plantar fasciitis. i felt i was not prepared so i deferred my plan in running that event.
i realized that no one can do the training for me. i lacked the commitment of time for such an event. it is not done out of whim. one cannot buy a marathon, not with a swipe of credit card or cash but only with proper preparation.
while on training i suffered plantar fasciitis. i felt i was not prepared so i deferred my plan in running that event.
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| my confirmation letter with bib number.. |
i realized that no one can do the training for me. i lacked the commitment of time for such an event. it is not done out of whim. one cannot buy a marathon, not with a swipe of credit card or cash but only with proper preparation.
then came the bull runner marathon. luckily i was accepted as participant.
somehow i managed in doing the training given by the team. i was even able to join the drills twice.
anything worth ones time and effort cannot be achieve in just a snap of finger.
there were times that id like to quit esp when hospital toxic works get into my way.
but as soon as i wake up every morning tying my shoelace became a routine.
i had so many doubts and fears prior to the race. ive read a dozen of running books and magazines to
to keep me confident .
..but before i sleep theres still a nagging question if i can survive and finish the race. even in my dreams they do appear!
..but before i sleep theres still a nagging question if i can survive and finish the race. even in my dreams they do appear!
then race day came.
i was at the starting line. everyone was so excited and nervous.
the inevitable happened during the first kilometer. i suddenly experienced throbbing pain on my shinbone esp on the left leg . i told myself it would go away after one or two kms just like before. however the pain persisted. so many things ran inside my head. doubts recurred. maybe i was not ready to run this distance after all...there is really no easy, risk- free way to run a marathon..anything can happen on the race day.
i felt tightness on my legs and feet. no way i can go on running nor walking in this situation.
i felt tightness on my legs and feet. no way i can go on running nor walking in this situation.
i panicked. i was crying inside. i was walking at 9:30min/km.
when i had an opportunity, i changed my shoes and wore a calf compression. most runners were on their way back downhill while i was just walking uphill. i heard someone said we're on the tail end of runners. i just walked and walked.... until i felt no pain. i sighed with relief!
it was at 8km that i really started running. i maintained my 8mins/km goal.
running in the dark and unfamiliar place proved helpful to me. it made the race exciting.
to pass away time i even conversed with some runners and we were laughing at what we were doing at those early hours in the morning.
i said hi to new friends whom i met during the training.
i even befriended a paralympian named isidro who was the cover of frontrunner magazine last month.
he was pacing a woman. lucky lady!
i saw actress maricel laxa running with husband as pacer...how sweet could that be!
he was pacing a woman. lucky lady!
i saw actress maricel laxa running with husband as pacer...how sweet could that be!
i was even talking to myself...convincing myself that i can make it.
finally at km 36 i nailed it. i said i can finish this marathon.
and after few more "freakin" 6 kms i made it....6 hours and 1min fr my garmin!
yes...its really true that first marathon is like a first love!
though i grumbled ... but i'll never forget it.
though i grumbled ... but i'll never forget it.
and just like ones love ...with its flaws and imperfections...you'll never get over it.
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| thanks to my ever supportive husband! |
