LilySlim Exercise days tickers

Jul 31, 2012

36th Milo Marathon: My First 5K Fun Run

Two blog posts ago, I was asking myself : Am I Ready to Run?  I wouldn't have been asking that question if I didn't have hypertension and is in fact under medication.  But I said to myself, I wouldn't pass up opportunities like this one just because of that condition.  I refuse to be held captive of high blood pressure, although I need to be wary of signs of fatigue or whatsoever.  I am thankful for those who encouraged me through the comments, that I can in fact do this.  And so, last Sunday, the 29th of July, I was there at the Mall of Asia with thousands of runners, ready to pound the pavements and beat their personal records.  I haven't got a personal record to beat, except to prove to myself that I can still run...for health. 

Minutes before the official gun time for the 3 and 5 K runs, this is what's right in front of me, a sea of green shirts (okay never mind the guy in blue).  Seeing the starting line made me smile and all excited, specially since the crowd is already cheering, bobbing their heads, jumping even to see what's happening up ahead.  When we heard the gunshot, the cheering grew louder and people started, well, walking.  There's such a huge crowd that it was impossible to run a few meters after the starting line.

Starting Line
The brisk walking seems like a good thing anyway as it sets the rhythm. A while later, my companions and I were already running, at least for about 5 minutes straight before we stopped and walked again lol!  Hey, we're just priming up here so, a little short break and then off to running again.  When I saw the 1 K mark, I was already panting.  My legs and feet were still up for the run.  In fact, I could have kept running all the way if it were just a matter of leg and feet endurance. Practicing Tai ji made my legs stronger.  But as this is a rather intense cardio exercise (at least for a beginner runner like me), I got to go easy on my heart and lungs. The good thing about this particular run is that I was able to endure better than when I was just practicing for the run.  I guess the practicing and preparations paid off somehow.

At the U-turn, I was like saying to myself: "Alright, I'm halfway through the route!"  There's the realization there that I can actually finish this in less than an hour (1 hour is the maximum time for the 5K run).   I was actually smiling as I passed the 3 K mark, meaning only 2 K more!  At about 1.5 K to go, I took to brisk walking and was planning to get a go at running when I can already see the finish line up ahead.  It was at that time that I kept taking deep breaths already, more frequently than at the start.  I figured I need to preserve the remaining energy to cross the finish line.

At the finish line, I am all smiles despite looking haggard, what with all that sweat!  I even stepped with emphasis on the timing plate. I was giddy and excited as I reached out for my finisher's certificate.  Whoooeeeeee!!!!!  I did it! I did it! 

Finishing the Race

Prior to the run, I was having fears of having a heart attack which is not an unfounded fear by the way.  There are marathoners who succumb to that, despite looking physically fit. Silly me, I reminded myself that this is a 5K fun run, not a marathon per se.  So that appeased me somehow.  Truth be told, that fear dissipated when I started running.  I was right, I can do it.  The only fear left at that time, is that I might make the wrong turn or get lost in the route.  Hey don't laugh.  For someone with a broken internal compass, I could pretty much get lost in an unfamiliar place hehehe. 

A good friend asked me before this race that wouldn't it be much better to just jog at your own leisure and you don't even have to pay for any registration, if it's only about health that you're after?  Talk about dampening my spirits, but I kind of agree with that premise.  But as I ran that Sunday morning before the sun has fully risen, I realize that the energy and excitement of that event pales in comparison to running by your lonesome self.  Also, knowing that this run is for a good cause, it makes one feel better about it somehow.

As we were riding home, we can still see the marathoners finishing their respective races (10, 21, and 42 K).  They were already running before sunrise because we passed by them on the way to the venue.  I have such  new-founded deep respects for those marathoners who run in those categories.  To me, that is some kind of dedication...all for the love of running.  I wonder if I'll ever be able to run in any of those categories.  But even if I just stick to fun runs, I don't mind, so long as we don't take the fun out of running and that I can finish the race.

This is what you'll see at the runners in front of you, the backside of the singlet.  Isn't it a good motivation and reminder?  I think so! 

Singlet, the backside

I think I finished the race in less than the allotted time.  I'm still waiting for the official time though.  I'll just check the race results HERE and  will update this post.  Meanwhile, we're already looking for a running event to be held next month.  

Let's run!
 

63 comments:

  1. Actually Aileen, I am inspired with this post especially your desire to run for health reason. This is also what I felt on my first run. Nice self motivation. BTW, I will share this post to my colleagues (Malaybalay Runners), to get them inspired also to continue running. :-). Hopefully that one day, you could join us here in Malaybalay City. We have a lot of fun runs here.:-).

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  2. I have not joined this. maybe this December since it is not that raining anymore.

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  3. Wow! It looks so much fun. You already! ♥

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  4. Thanks so much Bonz! Very much honored at the invitation. Who knows? My feet might actually take me to Malaybalay someday. :-)

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  5. Congrats! You're an inspiration to all :). I wish I could do a 5k too. The most I've done was a 3k.

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  6. I'm sure you can do it also sis! :-) May naka sked na ulit akong next fun run hehehe...

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  7. I'm proud of you Aileen! Pat yourself for a job well done. You'll probably run faster than I do now.

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  8. That's a good message "Kaya Mo Yan!" - I wish someday I can engage with such activities. Congrats on our first run.

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  9. i wanna try to run a marathon too! hehe maybe next year :P peo 3k or less muna bka mabgla e hehe

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  10. Wow! Congrats! I really wish I could join a marathon, too! :)

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  11. Hahaha! Kat, 5K pa rin...need to build up my stamina muna before I level up :-)

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  12. Sis, I'm more of a sprint type person actually...I can do short bursts but marathon is a different thing...endurance first before speed hehehe...that's where I have to work on..Remember I outran that dog in the beach lol!

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  13. Nice one Aileen! This is one of my frustrations, hehe.


    Mommy Maye

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  14. i haven't join any fun run yet...but i think it would be fun. the last time i did was way back in high school and i fainted after 20 minutes of run. hehe.

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  15. Congrats!!! When I first joined Fun Runs I only went 3k and I thought I was going to die lol. I miss running again but I need to prep myself... Congrats again.

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  16. I wish I can finish 5k marathon din! Congrats, that a real feat!

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  17. Yey you did it! Congratulations! ゚・:,。★\(^-^ )♪
    My friend joins fun runs din, she said it's much more fun cause you're part of something bigger than your own goals.

    Wow I got inspired din. Maybe I can start running again. Hehe~~~

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  18. You're right there about being a part of something bigger. Come on sis, let's get those running shoes pounding. :-) I really thought I wouldn't make it. Turns out my heart is still ready to take the challenge.

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  19. The frustration could turn out to be the barrier you were able to hurdle...if not running, it could be something else :-)

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  20. Right, preparation is essential. I had a shorter time to prepare but better than no preparation at all.

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  21. I pegged my first fun run for next year pa rin sana...happy that I did it sooner :-)

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  22. OA me but i honestly got teary-eyed reading your post. haha! it seems i felt your happiness finishing this run and seeing that "kaya mo yan". such a great way to motivate. congratulations! just continue and you're right, don't take the fun out of running. :D

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  23. That's the spirit! Congratulations for being a finisher :)
    I can only jog in my own pace due to my heart disease. I can't even jog 3 mins straight. Jog walk jog is the best I can do.

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  24. Iba pa rin yung excitement when you're part of a crowd. That's why these things are so popular nowadays. Congrats, sis!

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  25. as for my case, i think that when my babe can run, i would run after her.. hehe right now, all i do is walk as fast as i could whenever i can like when i do my errands

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  26. Congrats Aileen! Looking forward to your second fun run post. :)

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  27. Congratulations! Kaya mo nga :)
    But you look so young to have hypertensions.

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  28. Awww rachelle that's sweet of you. Thanks :-)

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  29. I was worried about my heart too, Jona. We have a family history. That is why I am trying to make lifestyle changes and not be resigned to the fact that later on I could also succumb to the same disease because it's in my genes. Aiming to be 120 yrs old lol!

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  30. May naka line up na this August :-) I just hope the weather is okay on the 26th...otherwise, it would be my first time to run in the rain

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  31. How old do you think I am? :-)

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  32. Awesome first 5K! I felt the rush as you related that you're halfway through the route till you got to the finish line!

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  33. Hooray!!! Good job at finishing 5K. I doubt I'd be able to do what you did. And I don't even have hypertension! I really should get out and do some exercise. ))

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  34. Awww, congratulations for making it to the finish line! :)

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  35. Yay for you! Someday I'd love to run too and join events like this. Running on your own is good too but joining events brings it to another level I think. So keep on running!

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  36. congrats, aileen!
    i wish maexperience ko rin yan...

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  37. wow ang galing ang Miss Aileen, kaya mo yan keep running.. I hope I can join fun runs too.. pero saka na pag medyo magaan na katawan ko.. hehe

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  38. Congrats on your 5k run. For sure, you gonna do it if time and schedule permits.

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  39. congrats! super saya! sana ako din kahit minsan lang :)

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  40. Congratulations! Keep it up!

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  41. Congrats for finishing your first 5K run. I hope I can join fun run too in the future. hehehe

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  42. Marielle Faye GarciaAugust 5, 2012 at 10:51 PM

    I really do plan to participate in fun runs in the future when my BabyLove is old enough to leave behind. :) Right now, she is too young for me to leave her, not to mention nobody else is left here as everyone else is working/going to school (except for me as I work home). But, yes, hopefully, I can run for a cause! :)

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  43. Congratulations! I miss joining runs like this. I'm excited for the family run that I will be joining next month, I get to run with my little girl!! :)

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  44. I'd like to participate in fun runs too! You did a great job! Congratulations until your next run! :)

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  45. Congratulations on finishing your 5K run.. i am sure you will be running your first marathon in a year or two.

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  46. Farida Jane TiongsonAugust 6, 2012 at 7:14 PM

    Congratulations Aileen! You finally made it and proved to yourself that no hypertension will hinder you from joining any race. Looking forward to more posts of the runs you'll join in the future :D

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  47. running is really healthy. A very good exercise specially for the heart. I used to run before but not now anymore. Hope can get back.

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  48. woooow! inggit!!! nasa list ko talaga ang Milo Marathon na yan!!!


    www.promdingchamimay.com

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  49. That is wonderful! :-)

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  50. Probably in two years hehehe...but we never know. It could be sooner than I think :-)

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  51. Sure thing Farida...already signed up for another one :-)

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  52. Meron pang mga regional elimination rounds...Sa Dec 9 ata ang finals

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  53. mukang enjoyable ang activity na yan ah, good for your body pa!

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  54. Nice one. I never had tried to run, even in our P.E class, because I am asthmatic. I only witnessed the event when I was one of the cordon for a said place.

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  55. Good for you. Running is indeed one way to get healthy. Just run what you can run.

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  56. Congratulations Aileen ! Just as long as your doctor gave you the go signal, it will be okay. Lately, I am into aerobics and Zumba. In fact we had a free session at Convergys last Saturday and it is also a great way to get fit. Hope we could see other in the future fun runs.


    Blessings !

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  57. Hahaha! Ikaw kaya ang runner :-)

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  58. Maybe I should give Zumba a try...but I'll have to save up for the fitness classes muna :-)

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  59. Michelle Villarta-CabanasOctober 3, 2012 at 5:14 PM

    I'm supposed to join for Cebu's Milo Marathon on Oct. 7 but when I called their office, 3k is not available anymore. I don't think I'm ready yet for 5k but I'm gearing for that in the future. :-)

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  60. Sis ako rin I didn't think I could do the 5K...but then, I figured I could just walk fast if I cannot run anymore lol! They have a one hour limit naman to finish the race hehehe....Madali talaga maubos ang sa 3K sis...even 5K for that matter...Kaya with Milo, you really have to register early

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