Disclosure: Sagada Marathon Etag Festival 2014

I started to join running events last 2013. It was the habit that I wanted to build a long time ago. Gladly, my body loved the sweat and the burn. It gives me the blissful feeling whenever I crossed the finish line.

Medals are now my collectible items. Seeing it reminds me how I managed to survived.

Last January 2014, a friend of mine, Agnes Vinluan invited me to join the Sagada Marathon Etag Festival. Impulsively, my mind and mouth said “Yes”. It would be a challenge – the trail, the weather, the strength and endurance. We both registered for the 21km.

As we arrived from our Banaue Trip, our restless feet head us toward this wonderful place - Gaia Cafe.

beautiful view at the back of the cafe

Hot chocolate - just the right drink for the cold weather. Ironic as it may sound but we're in a hurry at that time. Registration and Carbo-loading was on the red alert of our checklist.

Team Malaya discussed the 3 pit stop of the 21km route - Suyo, Lake Danom and Kiltepan.

Look what kept us busy.

Crowd was overflowing but meal wouldn't be complete without dessert. You must try this one at Yogurt House. Two thumbs up!

Gun shot time was 6:30am. The sun was hiding so we're advised to used headlight. I was on a steady pace since the trail is known to be a tough one. It consists of the feeling of a never-ending uphill and downhill. My mind kept on screaming “Push! You can do it. It’s mind over matter.” But my legs felt like giving up. Some runners pumped up my energy because of their simple greeting “Good morning! “ or their simple way of motivating me “Malapit na.”. Thank God for their kind words.