To keep the story short, I finished the race in 08hrs 30mins.
That's quite long, compared to the world record of 02:03:59 by Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia and to think that my target was to finish in 6 hours.
I was running for 3 hours and made it to the halfway mark. Sadly, my knees started to scream in pain. I guess my knees were not ready for that much pounding.
I walked it off hoping to recover and be able to run the last few kilometers. Unfortunately, trying to run simply forced me to stop and rest until the pain subsided. I finally decided to walk all the way since I covered more distance walking than running AND resting. Still, I had much distance to cover, so eventually, even walking was a pain.
So from the halfway mark, it was a grueling 5-hour walk to the finish line. Yes, for 5 long hours, my mind was telling me drop out of the race. "Quit! Quit! Quit!" It was the easiest thing to do to get away from all this pain and find immediate relief.
But I had to keep moving forward. My pride was not the only thing at stake. I dedicated the run for someone who's worked hard beyond 8 hours. This little someone started the race last February and the race will not end till November. Now that's a long marathon!
So to my little one, I hope you can be proud of me.. because your daddy, like you, never quits.
I'll see you at the finish line.
awww...
ReplyDeleteyes its finishing the marathon is all that matters..and saying you did not quit.. it reminds me of my first marathon also ...15KM mark my knees were in total pain that i can not even walk .. i discover that if i bend my knee thats when im feeling the pain .. i ran the rest of the marathon not bending my left leg finished in 6hours and 30mins. but in the last 200 meters seeing the cheerers i ran the last 200 m as if i dont have an injury. after that feeling was never the same again..
ReplyDeleteMike Buenaflor (pinoycsers)
Thanks Cla!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike! Yes, it's finishing that matters. I agree that at the last few meters and seeing the finish line, you'll run as if nothing was wrong with your legs.
wow, and here I was just reading about how my favorite author Haruki Murakami was a runner too! he said usually its near the end when you start getting angry at everything. Congrats !!!
ReplyDeleteHi Ruthie!
ReplyDeleteMurakami is also Anne's favorite. She has the book about running. I haven't read it but heard a lot about what's inside from Anne.
grown up...
ReplyDeleteI know you'll make a wonderful father... you've always been the sensitive one...Being a parent is one of the best things that ever happened to me and Im really glad that you and Anne will soon enjoy the happiness and fulfillment that it brings...
Cant wait to see my pamangkin in Nov!!!!
awwww. that's sweet. =) anne is very lucky to have you. =)
ReplyDelete