CraniumSpeaks

One of the paradoxes of life is that God’s gifts often require labor on our part. God’s gifts sound so great and exciting. But many times we caught ourselves in an unexpected situations. Situations we don’t like. Painful situations.. Nerve racking situations..

But the good news is: when God said He has gifts for us.. He meant we have to actually fight for it. But won’t have to fight in our own strength. Because God promised that He would be present to fight for us and with us.

Crossing the 3K finish line of my first run seemed impossible at the beginning  due to condition called MVP (mitral valve prolapsed). But because I badly wanted to lose weight, October 30, 2010 was the day I gave running a shot. And 5months after my first run, I crossed the finish line of my first 21K. But I guess fate wanted me to slow down..  Journey towards becoming a full-marathoner didn’t come so easy. June 2011, I was hit by one of the most dreadful injury every runner may experience… ITBS! I almost gave up on that vision of crossing the 42K Finish Line.  Severe pain seemed to be enjoying its stay in BOTH my Legs. I was race-less for 4months. And Just when I was almost about to give up running, GOD said NO!

Maf who happens to be an alumnus of TBRDM 2010 infected that passion and desire to join TBRDM 2012. His own experience has now become MY DREAM. So I made further research (just the website and some youtube clips..) and I must say, I only felt excitement and eagerness to run again. I almost forgot that I was actually injured. So I applied and luckily was given a slot.

THE RACE DAY

18hours before the gun-start I was already wide awake. Sure, I had to be.. to eat, to take a shower, to eat again.. But to sleep again??? I can only wish.  I was having jitters.. Am I excited??? YES I AM! So I gave it up..  

6hours before gun-start, I was already prepping my things for the race. Checklist all checked! Shoes-check, Compression-check, Cap-check, Gel-Check, Sunglass-check, RUNNER (Me) – Check!

-Sir Bhrein at SMART Tower sending us off-

And at exactly 12:30am, we arrived at THE DREAM VILLAGE! Eng eng eng! THIS IS IT!

-the future marathoners and the pacer-

-with Carlieee (Blue) my wonderful Twin-

After stretching, I went straight to the Registration area for my timing chip device. We were all ready! 4 Dream Marathoners from ZEN Running all ready to be called Marathoners in less than 8hours.

10, 9, 8, (heartbeat getting faster)  7, 6 (“I am healed” I murmured) , 5, 4 (“Lord, Run with me” I whispered) 3,2,1… Bang!!! The 42K Journey begins…

For the first hour, I was able to maintain the 20min run and 2min walk strategy. I ran the first loop with MAF (personal pacer/160BDM Finisher/Lover) despite his injury. I was already all willing to run alone but he insisted and still made a way to run with me at least for a few Km. The few became 21K.

-MAF my Pacer-

After the first loop, we both decided to let him rest and I went on to my journey. I was literally alone. Too dark and alone.. I was shy to talk to some runners.. I tried fighting what they called “the wall”. So even if I was literally running alone, I still kept that Smile. J good thing runners and marshals smiled back with a sweet “good morning”.

-that SMILE-

-weeeeehh, I was just really happy-

The Banners along the route were helpful too. Reminding me to NEVER  GIVE UP. The BAND! Oh the Band.. I almost wanted to steal the Microphone as I was approaching their area.  But instead I found myself dancing already to the tune of “SuperBass”. My hands up in the air.  

By Km26, my ITBS started to act up! Good thing I brought with me a pain reliever. Yet for some reason, the pain was still there. But with the Vision of Finisher’s Medal and Jaymie giving it to me, I EMBRACED THE PAIN. LABAAAAN!!!

By Km35, there I saw again.. coming back for me, My Personal Pacer. I guess he just couldn’t resist my charm. –wink- I felt even more excited when he told me, 6Km to go, Kaya mo pa mag sub6.  I was telling him of my pain due to ITBS! Then he looked at me straight in my eyes and said, “I’m so proud of you babe”.  What A rush of strength it was..

On the last 4Km, due to pain.. my 5:1 strategy became post targets. Yes, I was targeting posts already. 3posts, I will run. 2posts, I will walk. Until I reached the last 200m…

There it is! The FINISH Line! I wanted to Finish Strong, so I walked for about 10seconds to breathe.. 

-that 10sec breathe-

And “here we go” I said..  

 I was approaching the Finish Line at a speed of 10Km/hr, my pacer telling me “breathe, dig-deep”.. And finally I heard LIT ONRUBIA as I passed by him saying “that’s how you finish a Marathon”. I couldn’t stop smiling!

There’s my DREAM MEDAL! I said..

And at exactly 5:51:33, I became a MARATHONER!!!

I felt tears about to run down my cheeks as I crossed the Finish Line, But I said, NO, GO BACK! I want to be pretty in the pictures! Hahahaha.. J 

I have such a long list of people to thank.. Good thing, FACEBOOK helped me in sending my gratitude. You know who you are. 

To DREAM is not enough. It should be coupled with FAITH and COMMITMENT for it to be realized. The moment you Commit yourself in making that Dream come true, you are already HALF WAY Done.

TBRDM 2012 gave me 3 jewels. (1)DREAM coz it’s unlimited. Have (2)FAITH in God and in yourself. And (3)COMMIT yourself to a disciplined training.

I thank GOD for the gift of Legs to Run. It may not be the fastest nor the strongest.. But it has changed my life Forever. 

And oh, Did my injury worsen after the run??? See the photos.. and tell me what you think.. –wink-

-ZEN girls.. now FULL MARATHONERS-

-With THE BULL RUNNER Ms. Jaymie Pizarro-

-the Thank You hug-

-Tadaaaaaahhh, displaying my first and prolly the MOST MEMORABLE 42K medal-

Photo Credits:

Carlyle Noel (wonderful twin) Balagot; Ben (Quick) Silva; TBRDM Official Photgraphers

It always seems darkest just before the dawn arrives. Remember, you serve a faithful God and He is working behind the scenes in behalf of you. Dont cast away your confidence today because your reward is coming. Just like a new mother forgets about her labor pain when she is finally holding her new born, you’ll forget about your struggle when you are holding on to your promise. While you are waiting keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Open your hands and let it be ready for His blessings because your reward is coming.