When weekend comes, can't help but to reminisce my routine last year---the LSD runs. Because I had a training plan to follow before, my Saturday morning (and my life) was all about it. I just remember how I've loved running. I can talked about it all day. I loved spending time with runners. I kept on visiting cebufunrun.com as often as I opened my facebook (there's was no aktib.ph at that time yet).

I aimed to reach out to "losers" like me, inspire and make them believe that it's never too late to love something that you dislike the most. I wanted them to see that there is something about running. Set aside the health and fitness thingee because those are given, but it's more of the emotional and psychological benefit. I don't know why and how, but it makes you confident, feeling gwapa, feeling sexy, feeling superior (in other words it makes you a feelerrrrrr lolzz)...just kidding. But true. It's like everything is possible when you put your heart on it. Of course I will never forget my God for the strength He can only provide. 

But for now, all I can do is to reminisce that old self, the purpose driven runner. That was me circa 2012 :)

Looking at the pictures, isa ra ako masulti, niwanga that gurl oi like she's 93lbs at that time! But lazy naman sya ron, so 104lbs na! :D Hay running, help me fall in love with you again. 

It's been 6 months since my last run. That was a despidida run for the 4-1Runner Joseph (ITPark to Mr.A Restaurant Busay) and the day before my operation. Yes, I had an operation last year. A cyst was found at my left boobbiiee and must be removed so the doctor will be able to identify whether it's cancerous or not. Oh well thank God that b***h cyst turned out to be benign. Of course as protocol in every operation, rest is a must afterwards. Doctor told me to just do some walking instead of my usual long runs. But I had decided not to run for the meantime. For the meantime turned to days and days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months until mr. laziness came over me like a rush and I realized I love him so much [lolz sooo lyrics]. But we had decided to part ways after our 6-month affair because I always got bullied for my bilbil [lolz]. I can't take it anymore and our affair must come to an end. 

Then one morning, I woke up with a changed of heart. Armed with my favorite green/maroon UPHigh Run jersey, blue green adidas short, black nike socks, pink newton shoes, red lacoste belt bag [jambugeraaa sa mga brand lolzzz]  I run all the way up Busay. No sunblock. No Garmin.  No light breakfast [way sulod tiyan hehe]. Unplanned. Impulsive. Just like any matters of the heart, you will know when it truly hits you. And we officially broke up. Goodbye mr. laziness. :)

What surprised me in this run was never experiencing pain at all; not even pamaol the following day. Wow! Then I realized that mr. running did not leave me at all. For the good I have become and for the strength he had given me always stay. Perhaps true love is like this. I don't know. Wa pa ko kasuway hahahhaha! To the running community, Hello I'm back! And to you mr.running, I am meant to love you forever! :)

"Do not compare yourself to others who are running for years. You're late-bloomer.What's important you will come home safe and no injury. For someone who just started running, you are already fast. As always, I'm praying for you."                                             
                                                                                -Mama, on the night before Kawasan Marathon via text-

Kawasan Marathon was the fourth running event I joined in since the Run United last December 2011 for a distance of 21k. And unlike the last 3 half marathons, this one gave me more pressure and stress, because of one thing: I've signed up on the category "Run with Donna" in which cut-off time was 2hrs and 15minutes, instead of the regular 4hrs.

Why?
First thing, blamed it to the t-shirt. Compared to that green sleeveless jersey, i found the lavender a more appealing one. The impulsive side of me took the lead on deciding than thinking it over first and consult my coach if the idea was good and of course if i was ready.

Second, i was honestly bored with my training. I felt that i should do something and put more substance to it, more meaning. Something that would make me feel more fulfilled that at the end of the day, I could say, it's worth all the kapoy and pamaol. And it was having a goal to chase time and distance (21k in 2hrs and 15minutes) made everything exciting, but super tiring.

So how it goes?
My left knee got injured after the Run United last December 2011. I could still remember the crying Leah when her friend Armie fetched her at JY Square (1km to go before the finish line) to give support and encouragement. And how her bestfriend Rose never left her since at the gunstart. 
Rose was my hero that day. She was my left knee. She gave up her PR to be with me. Such an angel. And how my heart broke to see the carebears waiting at the finish line..cheering and celebrating the "greatness" together. I was the last one who arrived at 4hrs and 14minutes.
I could still remember even the bully we encountered at the road. And looking back, that experience always leave a smile in my face.

Then, what?
I fall in love with running. And just like any matters of the heart, you will know when it truly hits you. So i got myself on rehab so I can run again. I deligently attended physical therapy sessions no matter how tiring and boring. And when my Physiatrist gave me clearance to run again...my life was never been the same.

Then I got myself a real coach. Rap focused in teaching proper running form. I have a personalized training plan to follow. I couldn't believe I run five times a week. It felt like a real athlete. I had improved on my PR in fairness, but above all, I thank God for not experiencing injury anymore each time I run. Truly, it's all about the landing. 

And I couldn't help but to always look back what happened to that Run United last December 2011. And there's this joy in my heart. I couldn't just believe na from that girl being bullied at the street for being the last and injured, made it to the Top 15 during the Kawasan Marathon 21k Female Category. I didn't make it at 2:15, but for someone who started running just last December 2011, i think a PR of 2:32 is already something after 5 months. 

At the end of the day, what this made me?
My faith in the Lord is stronger now than ever. I believe it is Him who enables me to run this far. I grew up as an incompetent girl in terms of physical fitness. I easily got tired. I was always pildi on games. Walking and running were never ever my thing, or sports in general. But God manifests His power each time I run. He shows that for anyone who trust in Him will always come out victorious. Running made me emotionally stronger, develop my confidence, and slowly molding me to a better person and have a better attitude now when facing the challenges that comes my way. Gone is the crying Leah.

Truly, it's never too late to try and love something that we hated the most. I now believe with second chances. I now believe na "kung ayaw may dahilan, kung gusto may paraan." For what is it worth, to my dear running, I will constantly pursue you because you're worth it! For the good I have become because of you will always stay. For all the pains (physically, emotionally, mentally), at the end of the day, I will say, it's all worth it! :)