Our first 21K was a blast! Inspite of the pain that I'm suffering since Thursday, Nikia and I finally endured our first half-mary this morning at the 34th National Milo Marathon Cebu Eliminations.
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| Ang Milo Medal, bow! |
The weather was great that early morning. Nikia and I were pacing with Jaymarl and Weng of Accenture Running Club on the first few kilometers. And the first 8K was just perfectly fine - pacing was good and hydration is abundant. Ungo supporters like Dan and Bikik and Louie were there to give us extra water and Gatorade. Tito and wife Irene as well as Axle and Richelle were there to take pictures and motivated us. I also had the chance to pace with Coleen on a few kilometers. Sir Jerry Chua and Popoy also paced with me for a few kilometers. I also saw Team Yellow Jersey’s Manny Camacho and his running mate.
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| Coach Jobert & Friend, Emily and Jay |
The grueling part was the run to SRP - it was sooooooo freakin' HOT! After the turning point just a few hundred meters in Sugbu, I was able to catch up with Utramarathoner Atty. Haide Acuna. Aside from the fact that I was star-struck (as always!), I was still able to ask her the distance and she gladly said, "13.8 na! Gamay nalang! And it's less than 2hours pa!". So I decided to pace with her and she reminded me of the distance every 500 meters and motivating me to continue with the pace. Until we reached KM15 and she said, "6K nalang! You can do it!" That motivated me to push further. I also saw Micke Sumampong just a few meters away from me.
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| Pam with running mates |
But the heat has vaporized all my energy so I had to walk and run and walk and run. Jack of ARC says he had cramps already. I also felt the pain again with my left calf. Atty. Haide sped off and my mind was telling me to just stop and just walk and think of not finishing the race. But after enduring the SRP route, I finally came to my senses again to finish the run. The waterboys also helped in refreshing my body – though all wet but at least refreshing!
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| Doc King2, Adz and Agatha |
The last 3kms was the deciding factor. I looked at my watch and it’s just a few minutes away from the cut-off time. I had to push it. Fellow Ungo Runners shouted at me and motivated me to finish the race. On the last 100meters, Master Ungo Max Limpag gave me a 1-minute hand signal and encouraged me to rush until the finish line. I can feel goose pumps when the spectators, race officials, and some guards at the back entrance cheered at me.
Alas! A sight to behold! The finish line was just a few meters away. Coach Boying Milan at the sidelines says I can make it! I looked at the clock and I saw 1 hour and 30mins. Finally, I stepped on the mat at the finish line with 1:30:17. This is an unofficial time as we will still wait for the official results from Milo.
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| Milo snapshots |
Much has been said but finishing my first half-marathon is one of the best things that happen to my life. And I’ve got a lot of people to thank for: to my family who always supported me all the way; Aijeigh who also ran with me in some occasions and even though she wasn’t at the finish line, she will always be in my heart; to the Ungo Runners headed by Max Limpag – they have been an inspiration!; the members of Team Tyts Bogdo or TTB and RH Runners – for all the motivations; members of Dailymile Team – for creating this running social site wherein we can track our mileage and training – a very big help in pushing for more miles; to the Dailymilers for the friendship, the fun, the endless postings of motivations – you guys are amazing! Special mention to Doc Porfie Amboang and Doc King2x Perez for assisting me when I so pale and almost fainted after the race. Thank you!
Of course, to Jah who gave me the strength and presence of mind to endure the pain and the heat; and for giving me the courage and the will to finish the race.
For the complete album, please see this link and click on the slideshow.
“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
