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.
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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.
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21st 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..
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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.
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| (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.
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