7 and still counting...

Three days from today, it would be exactly two months since I ran my first race. "Run to the Clouds" with its unusual race course, elevation and unique characteristics, was without a doubt one tough test for a regular runner, all the more for a beginner like myself.  My only preparation prior to the March 21 run was my nightly visits to the red oval, spending countless hours on the tracks, trying to be physically ready for the extreme 8K run.  I could have picked a less challenging race for my initial try but I wanted to see myself transcend beyond my perceived limits.  And luckily, I did!  I did get past the finish line at 1:16:54.

They say there is always a first and it is always memorable. True.  And while firsts are consistently special, the second and succeeding runs are equally fulfilling and enjoyable. A great amount of endorphins is secreted each time. In the long run, it does not really matter whether you're running your fifth or tenth.  Once you get into the game, it just keeps on coming and number becomes immaterial.

In less than two months, I have completed a total of seven races: Run to the Clouds, Citirun, Takbong Urology, PIA 2010, Great Lapu-Lapu Run, 3rd Mandaue Run, SRP Sundown Run. At the rate things are going, this list will expand dramatically in the months and (hopefully) years to come.  And very soon, I will  appreciate every moment and just forget about counting.  

Seven races later, I can say with conviction that 3K, 5K and 10K runs are not marathons, that 2XU and CWX are running brands, and that bike shorts are different from tri-shorts.  I can easily translate lap measurements from meter to km to mile or define tempo and steady runs.  And from now on, I will never be lost in a sea of running terms and acronyms. I have yet to achieve my PB but so far, I'm happy with how my PR is progressing.

Seven races later, I officially declare myself a RUNNER.