
Was that a year ago? ‘Can’t believe that it has been a year ago since I “started my running” – one of the best thing that I’ve done in 2011 and been thankful since. As I often mention, “I am an accidental runner and the rest is history of aching muscles and bones”. Since I was caught up in a mob of runners in the last quarter of 2010 in the "Pasig River Run 10.10.10", I have been planning in joining a race. I could never be thankful enough to my good old friend Bagets for initializing it. From out of the blue, he registered my whole family to
Run for Fun Race for Place. That run fired up even more my interest to race seriously.


I thank God for giving me the courage to join my first serious 5K race through
Athena All Women’s Run in March 2011 – the best birthday gift I ever gave to myself. I remember being sooo proud of myself after finishing that 5K race and bragged about it in my social media accounts shouting “I may not have speed and endurance, but I definitely have guts and determination”. I congratulate myself for having that guts and determination for I am able to save myself from total physical wreck. Before that 5K run, I was so seriously caught up in a new challenging job that I was working with sweat and blood and pulled me out of my fitness activities.


The
35th Milo Marathon Manila Eliminations in July 2011 where I ran my second 5K race granted my childhood wish to join a Milo Run. Running under that rain cold July morning is in parity to my childhood joy of dancing and playing under the rain. Aaaaah! that was HEAVEN!
As I surprised family and friends by finishing two 5K races, I think I made them even more astounded when I endured and finished two 10K races. The
Run Rizal in September 2011 gave me the unforgettable experience of traversing the stretch of Luneta and Roxas Boulevard while running along with the Katipuneros and the National Hero himself (runners in Spanish era costume), while the
Nike We Run Manila 10K in October 2011 gave me the first experience in running in Bonifacio Global City along with eight thousand 10K runners.
Running has been a major bonding time with my family. Be it on simple training time or on a race. Further, it also strengthens bond with my friends and paves way for meeting new friends.



Apart from the personal satisfaction and the positive physical results, I am enjoying the contentment that I am able to help in my own little way by joining cause-oriented runs. Either it’s me running or supporting family, friends or a cause, the running environment is such a good place to be in and the
running community is such an awesome community!



It is also a satisfying feeling being able to influence other people to try running through my vocal enthusiasm and through this blog. Thus I ‘d like to take this opportunity to express my sincerest "
THANK YOU" to all the people who are reading, following and supporting this blog. I myself is astounded with the turn-out of readers and followers. My heart is pouring with gratitude to you all.

I will not forget you year 2011. Sometime in your first quarter someone cruel broke my heart and spirit in terms of career. Thank God for running and blogging, they have been my saving grace.
Goodbye 2011… I kissed you the sweetest goodbye.
And ye, who have met with Adversity's blast,
And been bow'd to the earth by its fury;
To whom the Twelve Months, that have recently pass'd
Were as harsh as a prejudiced jury -
Still, fill to the Future! and join in our chime,
The regrets of remembrance to cozen,
And having obtained a New Trial of Time,
Shout in hopes of a kindlier dozen. Thomas Hood