Last August 25, 2024, I was able to complete my first half marathon. 🤩
It has been such an amazing experience.
Backstory: For those who know me, they know well how much I dread running. I cannot remember the last time I was involved in long-distance runs for as long as I can remember being a Fitness Coach.
I love sprints, but after some time and after lifting heavy weights, at some point, I think my knees and lower back could not take the weight of constant running anymore. I got these checked by a specialist in Dubai, and I was told that I had to avoid running as this could trigger it. So I listened. But all these years of being a Coach, it was just a false narrative that I gave myself. I was just being lazy.
Last June, I defied the odds. I got myself back into running. I ran my first 5 kilometers—the longest I've done in years. I did not enjoy it, hahaha. But then again, I had to start somewhere.
Then after that, I accidentally ran for 5 miles (instead of 5 kilometers). 🫠
READ FULL STORY HERE here.
Until I first ran my 10 kilometers and I felt that it was getting better. Yayyy! There was something that I did not realize after making all these runs—I did not feel any pain in my knee or my back.
That was the time when I thought of joining my first event run. So I made the attempt to run a 5k for the Bohol International Marathon. Unfortunately, the sign-ups were closed. And I told myself, "Oh yes—this is a sign from God that it's not time yet."
Until out of nowhere, I received a message from the organizers of BIM that some slots for the 21k had opened. Oh, boy, I did not expect that. 🥹 I felt brave and went for it.
I psyched myself up - I was able to run for 10 kilometers. So I just need to experience the pain twice. 😆
In terms of training, I focused on strengthening my legs before August. I also did some long-distance runs, and I was able to fulfill my longest run of 18km, which was just 3 kilometers less than the target distance for Bohol.
I did it with my amazing Supermomshies, and that made it extra special.
At least I experienced the feeling, and I must say - it was not that bad. ☺️
The Day Of The Event
Two days before the event, I was not sure if it was a dream or if it was real—but I woke up and I saw someone (bright as a white light) doing something on my knees. I told him,
"Are you recalibrating my 90-year-old knee?"
And then I fell back asleep. I knew that it was the Holy Spirit doing something about it.
I did not realize that we were getting closer to the event day. I was busy facilitating our first Summit event, and I did not really have to understand what was going on.
It was only until the eve of the event day that it finally sank in. This is it! 🥹
I was able to sleep well the night before the event and, in fact, I woke up earlier than the call time. I was excited but partly scared.
When I arrived at the event, I saw most people were wearing headphones. I thought it was not allowed, and I badly wanted to have mine. Then the gun was fired, and it kicked off.
I made the brave decision of taking a right turn to my hotel to grab my headphones, and I lost about 5 minutes doing that. But it was also the best decision I've made.
For the entire time I was running, I listened to almost 50+ worship songs, and I did not even realize that I was just 2km away from the finish line.
I was happy and got teary-eyed because I never felt any pain in my lower back or on my knee at all. My heart was so full. Until it felt like I spoke too soon. Hahahaha.
Cramps started to attack in the last few kilometers, but then again, I think it was just about right because I think God wanted me to have an ice cream, 😍🍦which was just around the curve of the finish line. So I stopped for some extra time. 🫶🏽
And then the last kilometer. I could already smell the finish line.
It was such a triumph. 🏆
The dream that I had makes sense. God really did something to my knees, as I was able to make it to the finish line without even feeling a pinch.
3 Hours, 11 Minutes and 56 Seconds Later - I made it safe and sound. Injury free and lots of smile on my face.
I can get all technical with you about the tips that I can give you on how you can run better on your first half or full marathon—but there is only one thing that I want you to do if it is your first time doing it—JUST SHOW UP and ENJOY IT!
I know that it is easier said than done. At the end of the day, if you did not set any standard to fulfill at the end of your run, then the fewer expectations and less disappointment you'll feel.
And that's what I did. And I wish I could share with you the joy that I felt when I was experiencing it. It was magical and surreal. I never thought in my life I could run this far. I never thought in my life I could say this too—but I did have an amazing time with that run.
So if you are planning to join one—I would say—GO FOR IT! It is out of my bucket list, but honestly—this was never on my bucket list! 😆
I glorify God for that run as when you thought that things could be impossible - He makes it possible for you.
All Glory To God Our Father!
Thank you for making me do this. 🧡
(Full Marathon Next?) 🫠🤣
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