Journey to My Dream Marathon

The thought of joining a marathon popped up in my mind when I watched my friend conquer his first marathon last 2014. I then made sure it is an item to be checked in my bucket list.

This was a decision that needed my commitment. Getting prepared takes a lot of discipline and determination and it is not something you can be confident about for just one night. I was lucky to have had help from many friends. Coach Stephanie, a senior coach of 360 Fitness Club - Timog, prepared me through series of very effective strength and endurance training programs. Moreover, friends would often join in some of my practice runs as pacers and motivators. I thank my friends for their overwhelming support.

 

21^st of February 2015

I arrived at Nuvali at 11 in the evening, 3 hours before the start of the marathon. My best friend Kaye waited with me as I battle the feeling of anxiety, a normal emotion any new first marathoner would have.

Counting off the last few seconds before the gunshot was uneasy. I admit that it even made me cry a little because of fear of not being able to finish the marathon. I just delivered a prayer to God, surrendered everything to him, and he took the anxiety off me that I was able to run with calmness in my mind. I knew that if my legs were about to give up, he will grant me energy to continue and finish the marathon..

Few meters away from the starting line, I immediately recognized a familiar face. RA is a member of 360 Fitness Club. I asked him if I can run with him as I find it more challenging to run alone instead of having someone to pattern my running pace to. We were both doing ‘4:1’, four minutes run and 1 minute walk, and I didn’t expect that I will be able to maintain this pace until the finish line.

RA proceeded to run all the way the last kilometre leaving me alone to finish. I could have easily rested my feet and walk but the clapping and cheers from random people gave me enough energy to continue running until I reach the finish line.

(c)  Photo-Ops

Getting glimpse of the finish line was like looking forward to light at the end of the tunnel. Being able to cross the line was the moment that I had been waiting for. Deep inside, I had been filled with feeling of contentment and I know all the hard work was worth it. Behind the finish line awaited the smile of my best friend and without any hesitation I hugged her tight as an act of being grateful for having to share this victorious experience.

Other friends also arrived to congratulate me. They even made a hilarious banner which I never felt hesitant to hold while we were taking pictures. Nonetheless, I will never forget how these people made me feel blessed. Though the act seemed little for them, for me, it matters a lot.

TBR has been a wonderful journey from day 1 to the day I crossed the finish line. I would like to thank the team behind the Dream Marathon for enabling first timers like me have this experience. At the same time, I would like to congratulate all my fellow marathoners. 

Twenty Fifteen

First blog post for the year and yes I promised myself to update this frequently so I can practice my skills. Somehow, this will serve as a  preparation for my IELTS  but more of opening up myself to the world. At the beginning of the year, we always have this natural rebooting of our system. We instantly clear ourselves from pain, failures and regrets. Letting go of the extra baggage is the first step of moving forward. We assess our current state and re-align our energies. We start to write new dreams for our future.

Recently, I watched Divergent and became inspired with the movie. I even started to read the book and  based my year goal on it, to be a Dauntless woman.  This time, I want to share to you some of my resolutions.

1.       Open
We only have one lifetime, so make the most of it. Open yourself to the limitless opportunities of the Universe. Follow what your heart craves for. Feed your hunger for learning. Explore and travel around the world. Pour your heart out without expecting any in return.

2.       Delete
Be courageous enough to delete the people that do not serve you.  Surround yourself with people who truly love & care for you. We only need few real friends.

3.       Shift
There will always be a bad day but learn to shift gears. Recognize the feeling then implement your coping mechanism. For every difficult situation, there is an equal learning experience. So whatever happens, just be thankful.

4.       Align
Countless blessings will flow if you make Him the center of your life.Give him your worries and you shall be free. Ask and He shall provide. For with him, anything is possible.

5.       Save
Save yourself from the distractions of social media. Connect with the people you are with. Every second counts. Be in the present moment.

Unfolding the Inner Desire

   I discovered my love for colors when I was a teenager. Oil pastel fueled my creativity and it filled my old school notebooks with sketches. Thanks to my alma mater, School of St. Anthony for honing such creativity, by requiring us to create Art every first of semester. Lack of energy to explore was the main reason why I have not further developed this skill. Yesterday, August 3^rd, I embraced art again, did my first ever painting, and checked an item in my bucket list. All thanks to ‘Sip and Gogh’.

    Sip and Gogh offers painting sessions for aspiring artists. In -house instructors will guide you as you finish your masterpiece.  Also to add, all materials are already provided. For more information, you may visit their website: http://www.sipandgogh.com/ 

Meet my best friend, Racheal Ong. Glad to have a buddy who is just as game as you are when it comes to exploring your hidden desires. 

 They say wine will bring out your creative juice but we were filled with enthusiasm that we almost forgot to take a sip.

At the outside world, a friend of mine who has an artistic side, just made his own version of the painting that I chose. Communicating online while we were painting gave me a positive pressure. What an inspiring work of art! 

Another awe-inspiring craft of DJM. 

Art of Love. 

Travel to the City of Lights with your true love will be one of our ultimate dreams. Yes, Someday. 

My First Masterpiece. 
It gives me butterflies whenever I catch a glimpse of it. 

                   

                                     

Art expresses your inner self. It may relieve stress, gives you healing and creates bliss.
 Thank you for the beautiful experience.
 I look forward to a room full of the wonders of my hands. 

Batad Warrior Adventure

Thursday, 30^th of January 2014 was the beginning of our long trip going to the North  side of our beloved country. Nothing new, impulsively say yes to my partner in this breathtaking journey.

Meet my fit friend, Agnes Vinluan.

After the bus trip to Banaue,  We met laid-back friends-- Rhey & Tricia. They are also fit since their active bodies are regularly involve with different kinds of cardio and strength activities. They are strong like a warrior. Good thing, we were able to cope with their athletic pace. Thank you 360 Fitness Club.

Batad trip includes riding a van then using your powerful legs to find your Homestay.  We started the long way with the famous shortcut road. Approximately,412 steps. The stairs was indeed a crazy one. The height of each stair varies so I felt like doing knee to chest  exercises. 

One lesson that I learned  was to pack lightly. Photo with my 2 bags, felt like doing farmer's walk forever. 

We arrived exactly lunch time at Ramon Homestay. We needed a level 100 energy so we pumped ourselves with calories and we took a power nap. Just the perfect combination for our trek to Tappiya falls.

 

 The view stretches my lips to the tip of my ears. I experienced a warm welcome from the smile of the sun and the fresh breezy air. Thank you mother nature.

The road to Tappiya Falls was a tough one. Balance is a great challenge, focus or you might fall to ground.

  The experience explores the power of your mind and body. 

 You really need a strong mindset because trekking is a mind over matter challenge.

 "You're half-way there, just do it. Push yourself to the limit." Repeat 10 times to self.

Have fun while exploring the world. Taking Selfie photos at that time means breathe in and out. 

Use the scarf in the most fashionable way. lol

Infatuated with the beautiful Tappiya Falls. It was all worth it.

Our restless feet soaked in the oh so cold water, like it was filled with ice cubes. I can't stay longer than a minute. Tiredness faded away and was immediately replaced by a refreshed feeling. 

Moments were kept in my treasure box. Returning back was way more difficult, it involved tough uphill and downhill.The Batad Terraces and Tappiya Falls was rewarding. 

I am grateful for this amazing trip.