Running as an Athlete and as a Christian

When I was still young, my friends used to tell me that I was really sporty. But it never in fact appealed to me that way. For me joining any sport or outdoor activity was just pure fun. Hence, it never truly occurred to me that when I grow up I'll invest time over a certain sport. Not until my eldest sister influenced me in joining a running race. From then on, I joined a running group to educate myself further in the field of running. I started meeting wonderful people and even gained good friends. I was also running daily that it became part of my weekly routine. I targeted races every month and got good personal records (PRs as what we call it in running)in different kilometers. I even ran my first half marathon (21km) before 2009 ended and finished my first full marathon (42km) this September 2010. However, as I continued to run I often ask myself this question "WHAT IS THE ESSENCE OF RUNNING?" Well aside from the obvious reasons that I have expanded my networks of friends, lots of memorable moments, the discipline I learned during my trainings and in achieving my targets, I still seek a deeper meaning of this sport. I strongly believe that there is more into it.

True enough, when you seek you will find. During our service in church this morning, our senior pastor Joey Bonifacio shared this Bible verse in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." At that moment, the Lord revealed to me the answer to my lingering question. It was so awesome to understand how God associates the sport of running to being a christian in faith and living your life for God. I have discovered through God's grace that He led me to this sport and supported me all the way so I may fully understand at the right time that I can also apply the discipline I've learned from running to my christian faith. If I have endured the trainings, running long distances and finishing strong in every race, I can do the same with my christian life. Moreover, I don't have to pay for my registration fee like in participating a race but instead I already got a FREE registration from God through Jesus Christ. Based on John 19:30 "..Jesus said 'it is finished'." He paid the debts of my sin so I can join the exciting race of life, finish it strong and gain the award that awaits me (2 Timothy 4:8 "Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.")

Aftermath of My Mt.Batulao Climb

Lately, I tend to question my interests. Why do I love running? Why do I want to improve my swimming skills? Why do I set goals for my next aquathlon? Why do I love outdoor activities? Why do I climb? Hmmm....

Yesterday, I climbed Mt.Batulao. I was greatly challenged by the climb. Mixed with stabilizing my different emotions and conquering my fear, I got this big question in me "what is this that I'm getting myself into?". Is it even worth it? Just one silly step and I may end up rolling down the hills and having flashbacks before me as I face death.

Now, thinking about what to answer to my own challenging questions. I somehow realized that these interests of mine got me into a different level of maturity. I learned how to discipline myself more, set right priorities, got emotionally, mentally and spiritually wiser, and push myself more than my usual. =)

My 1st Feel of Aquathlon

I'm so proud to end my first month of this year achieving a certain goal I set on myself, that is to join the Sheer Will Aquathlon Cup (SWAC) - 4th edition: Jan 30, 2010, 6am at Camp Aguinaldo Classic Division (600m swim + 5km run). This mini aquathlon event gave me the chance to test myself in preparation for the Ateneo Aquathlon on March 14, 2010.

The event was so organized. It started with the registration of the participants and then briefing of the race. The classic division started the first leg (600m swim + 5km) followed by the lite division (400m swim + 3km). The running track was quite easy to remember and no hill part.

After the race, there was enough food for everyone. Definitely a good breakfast - "silog" breakfast + coffee + the very delicious "suman" stuffed with leche flan and ube.

Just after our yummy breakfast the awarding took place led by the commissioner himself,Rico.

SWAC was also highlighted by the photobongbong booth. It captured all the happy faces of the people who participated and helped in this event.



My first feel of aquathlon was a very memorable event. I can't deny the overwhelming experience after finishing the race. I never felt so proud of myself for conquering such competition. Thank you SWAC peeps and TAKBO.PH family for making this event possible. Congratulations to all! =D

Run for A Good Start

I never thought that I wasn't prepared to face 2010 until the last evening of 2009. I got "2010 blues" as what I call it. Tried to let go of my emotions, just so in away I'll be ready for another year. Which, I believe I did. Had enough sleep to face the first morning of 2010. Good lunch inside our compound, spending it with our neighbors and relatives. In the afternoon, I ran with my barkada in one of the parks in Makati. A very good idea to start the year right. At the same time influencing others to get fit. I ran a short distance though, but nevertheless I was happy with my run. Lastly, I attended a yearly reunion with my neighborhood friends. I had a quite "kulit" experience with them. Generally, my January 1 2010 was definitely a good one! =D