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.