22 Things I learned about life

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. It’s never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else. Life is too short – enjoy it.
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.
5. You don’t have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
6. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
7. Forgive and make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
8. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
9. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don’t worry; God never blinks.
10. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful. Clutter weighs your down in many ways.
11. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
12. The most important sex organ is the brain.
13. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
14. What other people think of you is none of your business.
15. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
16. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
17. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
18. Believe in miracles.
19. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most out of it now.
20. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
21. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.
22. The best is yet to come.

Written on my 22 years of existence.

Kaya Mo Yan! – The 38th National Milo Marathon

I ran for a cause this time and it’s fulfilling to finish a half marathon knowing that I was able to participate and be part of an advocacy, the “Help Give Shoes” program for the victims of typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City in celebration of MILO’s 50^th Anniversary.

38^th National Milo Marathon

I felt no envious when most of my fellow runners posted their pictures in different social networking sites holding their precious finisher medals, though I admit that I really wanted to get one for myself, but for some reasons it wasn't meant to happen and that's what I'm excited to share to you my dear readers.

This was my second official running event and the second time for me to run 21K distance. I've gone through a lot of hardships from the registration process up to the race day including the injury I got from training runs. I suffered from patella femoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) and my doctor advised me to take medications, attend physical therapy sessions (which I didn't showed up) and rest it for three weeks or so. I was too worried because I might not be able to run for Milo, but God has been so good to me. He sent caring and generous friends who sponsored my knee support for my easy recovery and be ready for the upcoming event.  I was really blessed with people who surrounded me with lots of love.

My 21k race kit

Race day, July 27, 2014

Sunday

My race route

Three days before the race, I opted to sell my Milo race kit since I still had recurring pain on my left knee. I was hesitant either to run or not, until I came out with one decision.

I ran with an injured knee. I know this is not good and should not be followed by others. Safety should be our first priority right? But what can I do? I really love to run.

Gun start was at 4:30 A.M.

Runner’s in high spirits. Photo credits to Phillip BF. 

I was captured running in yellow Pinoy Fitness 2014 Membership tee few meters away from the starting line with blue sun visor (a freebie from ULAH RU2), guided with knee support on both knees.

The good thing about this day is that the weather is just fine. We’re all glad that it wasn’t raining unlike in the past years of Milo event. God is great! He doesn’t want me to catch a cold on my first Milo race though! Additional to our excitement, Coach Jim Saret, founder and training director of APEX (Athletic Performance Enhancement) Sports Training Inc., led the warm-up exercise for the 21k participants and gave us some reminders about running etiquette on the road.

This photo is taken at Rajah Sulayman Open Park (Along Roxas Blvd) .Photo credits to Tara Trip Tayo.

I was very careful with every step I’m about to make because I really wanted to get into the finish line. I took 200 mg of Celebrex as prescribed by my orthopedic doctor on my 1st kilometer for persisting pain in my knees. I wanted to go back already to the start thinking there’s still 20 kilometers to go. What a hard headed girl am I? I should be resting my knees instead.

It’s inspiring that every time I will attempt to give up I always see the words “KAYA MO YAN printed at the back of the singlet of runners which serves as my motivation to keep moving forward. 

Singlet for 21k and 42k runners

I already knew that I will not hit the 2 hours and 30 minutes cut off time because of my injury, so I just enjoyed the road. I had brisk walking since I cannot run anymore, and had fantastic talked with my co-runners walking like me. I took 500 mg of pain killer again on my 14km. (Please do not follow as this is not a good example). Then, I started to run and walk up to the end of the race.

Photo Credits to Lemuel So of Pinoy Fitness

 I don’t aim anymore for finisher’s medal, maybe for the next Milo running event or other upcoming runs. What’s important for me during this time is to finish strong and safe. I just came to be excited for the photos I had with the event photographers.

 Barely 1 km from the finish line .Photo credits to Tara Trip Tayo.

 Above photo, Rosalinda Ogsimer (got her name through race results), the old vigorous lady I paced with along the race route. She is indeed very adorable. Imagine at her age she was able to finish a 21 kilometer run. Amazing! 

Another shot from Tara trip tayo

My pose of victory, few meters away from the finish line .Photo credits to Takbo.ph.

Race marshals kept motivating the participants for the last 1 km. I could say that it was a hard, challenging and fun experience, indeed. I was surprised to see my whole family cheering and waiting for me at the finish line with big smile on their faces. 

Running 21k is a serious thing. It takes a lot of trainings, perseverance, passion and a 100% will for you to finish it. It’s something that I can be proud of myself. It’s more than just a race; it’s a commitment to an ideal: that everyone, no matter what, deserves the opportunity to become a champion.

The courage of a brave heart - Running my 1st Half Marathon

Photo credits to Runner's Toe

“Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.” –PinoyFitness

After numerous scheduled runs on Sunday morning since I first bought my running shoes on February 2013, I decided to motivate myself and join a running event this year. It was ULAH Run United 1 2014, a run organized by Rio Dela Cruz, where I want to have my first race event; unfortunately, I wasn't able to register due to unavailability of slots for 21k category and inconvenient process of registration.

Few months later, running blog sites posted the next event for this Run Rio trilogy, Run United 2 happening on the 1^st day of June 2014 at KM0. A good friend of mine was going to join this event. I accompanied him to the registration site at ROX Bonifacio High Street and lined up for online self-service registration. I dare myself to join the 21k category and give myself a try since I like to join the first ULAH RU before. I was hesitant to register on the first place because I might not finish the challenge and just end up quitting, but my love for running doesn't stop me from signing up.

“Now bid me run and I will strive with things impossible”. – William Shakespeare

Race day, June 1, 2014

My first 21k running event – ULAH Run United 2 2014

KM0 – Luneta Park on June 1, 2014

RU2 2014 21k race map

I had side stitch (sharp, stabbing pain that hits below the ribs)when I started to step up pace after my first 3 kilometers on the road which leads me to think that I had to stop on my track. I had shortness of breath then. Maybe, you would say that I was over reacting given that it was just a short distance for me to say this, but I really felt like I’m almost giving up at that point.But I remembered the thought of what my coach, and at the same time my running buddy Yell once said, “If you’re breathing is too shallow, it doesn't provide adequate oxygen to working muscles. Inhaling and exhaling fully and deeply can help reduce the occurrence of side stitches.Breathing “faster” –as in, inhale for two steps, exhale for one step increases the depth of breath.”

I applied this for the next kilometers and glad it worked out.The pain subsides. I hydrate myself to refresh my body and pour a cup of water over my head every time I’ll reach the hydration station along the way to avoid myself from heatstroke.  Bananas are also available (only for 21k and 32k runners) and unlimited Gatorade drinks are given for free to participants. I had also 500 mL of Poweraide (sports drink) with me and a pack of snickers inside my pocket just in case I get hungry.

                                                                                                                                                                                    

I reached the 10.5 km, the point of U turn for 21k runners, for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Gun starts at 4:00 a.m.and I was on the 3^rd wave (3^rd batch of runners) that crossed the starting line with 1-3 minutes interval from the preceding set of contenders.It was indeed a tough run for a first timer; however, I enjoyed the race. I met and had a chance to talk to some runners I’m pacing with.

The last 7 kilometers are the most crucial for me.I didn't have any breakfast before the race since it was not advisable, although, you can eat 2 hours before the run. I don’t have the chance to eat before run because I had to sleep more. I’m already hungry. I had bloated feeling on my stomach so I dare not to eat the chocolate I brought. My legs started to become heavy. I avow not to join long runs again. I recall what i promised myself that I will make it to the end of the race and continued running, tried not to stop so I could make it to the finish line early with estimated time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. But I was already tired then, therefore, I commenced to have brisk walking to rest for a few seconds, had a zip on my Poweraide drink and started running again when I felt energized.  I always take a look at my watch for time management. Cut off time for this category is 3 hours. I am very eager to beat my time during training days which is 3 hours and 30 minutes and besides I don’t want to be swept away by the “Vehicle of Shame” as what other runners called the van which picks up those remaining runners who wasn't able to finish on time for the timely opening of the road and of course, for their safety purposes.

On my 18^th kilometer, I saw others already walking in lazy steps, but I made a swift and steady run at this time. When I reached the 20th kilometer before 7 a.m., joy started to burst. I kept smiling because event photographers were present at that time.I don’t want to be caught with a wacky face though! My friend, Yell, accompanied me running during my last 2 kilometers and was cheering on me as I come closer to the goal. He always remind me to have a strong finish and told me to smile and be ready for picture taking. LOL!

“Few more steps Julie, run! I know you can do It.” as I told myself.I was awarded with a medal when I got into the finish line and a finisher’s shirt. Loot bags were also given away.All of my hardships were all paid off and happiness was clearly seen through my candid smile every time I took a glance at my medal. No words can describe how grateful I am as a finisher. I said that I won’t be joining long runs again, but not at this time. I've changed my mind. I want to compete again. I suddenly realized that I don’t want to stop and I love this kind of feeling.

My Medal and Finisher's Shirt

In addition, race results were already out after 2 days. It feels so amazing when I saw the results that I finished the race by 2 hours and 59 minutes based on chip (tag attached to my shoes) time and was ranked 1,986 out of  4,308 partakers in the event. Not bad for a first timer right? 

21K Race Results

Running helped me become my own person. It gave me a competitive edge. Now i know the answers to my questions when I first started running inside the UP Campus. Running doesn't sucks for the person who has passion on it. Now I came to understand why those crazy people love to run despite of the heat of the sun and other factors that could affect our body. I knew, because I’m one of them.

There is something magical about running; after a certain distance, it transcends the body. Then a bit further, it transcends the mind. A bit further yet, and what you have before you, laid bare, is the soul. – Kristin Armstrong.