1 - 20 Kilometer = "Run...run...run..."
I was consistent Average speed 6 min/km which is a faster pace. I guess I was overwhelmed with the fireworks and everyone who started fast.
20-25 Kilometer = "Turning point going back to the city"
At 21km Marker. My first cramp for this marathon, luckily there's a divine providence from God when I met a guy holding liniment oil and offered to rub my legs.
I was smiling along the way to greet other runners, some nodded with their smile and some are just focused with their runs. At km 25; I had my second cramps; it was through this route that I was exposed to heat and with no liniment in the horizon I was forced to stop and just walk... I tried to minimize the walking as much as possible so I persevere to get out of the SRP before 7; so as not to expose to the increasing heat.
25 - 30 Kilometer = "Friendship at its best..."
I was out in the SRP around 7am... at km 28 I met Ate Rhonda; wasn't expecting that she would bike and gave her support from then on up to the km 42. It turns out that I badly needed it for the rest of the race. (Thanks Ate your one of a kind. :) )
Cramps continually sprung up every time I push myself to run; but I persevere just contending to walk until my legs can recover from the cramps and then run again. I guess I started so strong during the first half of the race and now I'm starting to reap the consequences of it.
30 - 35 Kilometer = "Gatorade my Vitamin D..."
I was given a cold Gatorade; this gives me enough strength to increase my pace to 5min/km but it was just a glimpse of glory since the cramps are determined to stay; a few meters further this time both of my legs were cramped. I was reduced to jog and walk in a scorching heat.
35 - 40 Kilometer = "An intimate affair..."
At 37 km there's a placard that says... "When both of your legs are hurting run with your heart"
Hmm.... I was somehow ecstatic to run but for a few meters of running the cramps would trigger again reducing me to walking. I was devastated I wanted to run and finished my target time which is within sub 5 hours; I check the time and it's getting nearer the 5 hour mark. There's no way that I can make the time with these cramps determined to stay. Then I questioned my heart; do I really have the heart to push through despite the cramps? Why am I stopping? Am I a failure? The thought of quitting lingers... I pondered for a moment to the saying then I realize that I have been pushing myself all along despite the cramps; denying myself to recuperate, to stop and think. I was too focus on the goal of sub 5 hours (I guess for a first timer I was too ambitious). At this point I stop and tears starting to dwell in my eyes not because I will not be able to achieved my goal of sub 5 anymore but because all along I tend to focus more on activities rather than what my Christ prefers; an intimate relationship with Him. A sudden shift from the race; amazing how God works.
I was comforted to just be still and walk the next three kilometers (not minding the time anymore); I realize that for years I tend to focus on substance my ministries, my career and my self image... All along the Lord has been patient with me He still loves me, He still answers some of my prayers and grant the desire's of my heart. Despite being stubborn and disobedient the Lord is still generous to me. WOW what kind of Love is this? I couldn't help but just cry; so privilege to have a Father like HIM. It seems that the flyover in Ayala was just a piece of cake there's no cramps and pain for a moment (obviously duh! you were just walking remember?).
40 - 42 Kilometer = "Redemption Time..."
The entire race there's a guy wearing red who is either ahead or behind of me for many times... At km 40 marker I noticed the he was trying to surpass me; suddenly a large current flows from top to bottom of my body I was recharge!, not minding anymore the potential injuries I started to sprint all the way to the finish line. "Eat my dust Mr. Red" was all in my mind but at the same time weary that I could get injured because of the previous cramps, Thank God there were no injuries and I finished strong.
All in All I have 11 cramps during the race. Official time 5 hours 31 minutes... It was an awesome marathon despite the cramps. Looking forward for another marathon apply my learning's and uncover more wisdom from it.
Wisdom gained after the race.
• Have a good rest and enough stretching. (I guess I was too excited for this one I couldn't sleep and not having enough stretching )
• Don't start too strong if you wanted to finish the race. Remember this is a marathon.
• Value your friends. You will never know what they are capable of at times when you needed one.
• Value competition. It will bring the best out of you.
• Finished strong
