5K Recovery Run @ End Hunger: Walk the World Philippines 2010

My legs terribly ached after completing my very first 21k at the Nature Valley last week that even if I know I should do a recovery run, I didn't. And then here came my sister inviting me to join her run 5K at the End Hunger: Walk the World Philippines 2010 Run last June 6, 2010. I thought this was the perfect cool down running I was looking for, albeit a week too late after Nature Valley. It was fun though! It really did not feel like much of a recovery run because I aimed for a sub-30. On my watch, I timed 29:01 although I bet the official results will be off by a few seconds because I was not in front of the starting line.

This run brought back a lot of memories. It made me remember my very first Mizuno Rush to Infinity Run last 2008. Those were the days when the registration fees were not yet that steep. I remember only paying P150 back then. We were not given singlets but we had finisher's shirts. Back in those days, running 5K seemed like forever. It was torture to complete it without walking or stopping for a water break.

It has been a while and it's good to run 5k again. Maybe this is one reason also that I did not hesitate to join when my sister invited me. But I promised myself that I will not do a leisure run. Instead, I will aim to beat my PR. And I did, so it's all good. :)

The Grand Race to Forever

Six months from now I'll be joining the biggest race of my life. I call it the Grand Race to Forever where the journey will be long and seemingly endless. The route will be filled with uphills and downhills but I will see it to the very end. I will be living my dream and there will be no stopping until my last breath. Because there is no other race I want to conquer but this. There can be no race sweeter than this.

Yes folks, I'm getting married! It is a mix of emotions. I'm excited yet anxious of the big responsibilities entailed to a lifelong commitment. It is a brand new path governed by unfamiliar roads but I'm confident that my partner will guide me. As we embark on this race together, there will be no guarantees that it will be easy. The only guarantee is that we will have each other to help us on our feet always and keep the spirit of the grand race alive and kicking in our hearts. For that alone, I am at peace that this challenging journey ahead can be conquered.

We were the typical couple who went out for movie, dinner and coffee to get to know each other. But on top of that, running also played a big role in our beginnings. I would invite him to join me in my regular Sunday runs in UP. It was the time when badminton was still the sports craze in Manila and UP was not yet flocked with runners. He could not even complete a round of 2.2km back then. I would finish 2 rounds at the oval while he waited for me.

That was more than three years ago. Last Sunday, we finished our first ever half-marathon race. We have come a long way and I'm proud of him for having gone this far. I am absolutely overwhelmed by the thought.

It would not have been possible if we did not believe in each other. I am also thankful to friends and family who cheer for us and wish us good luck. Their love and support help us overcome whatever emotional blisters come our way. Our journey together is made more meaningful because of them.

We will be celebrating our third anniversary next week. We will tie the knot early next year. This will be a very momentous and defining chapter for both of us. My singlet will be stunning. Impeccably white, flowing and beaded! Can you imagine? :)