My boyfriend was out for the last weekend of the year with his friends. I wanted to use this time to date myself and do things I've been meaning to do alone. I thought an early morning run at CCLEX or the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway was the best way to end the year and welcome 2025 with the inclination to stay as healthy and strong as possible.
I rode an Angkas from our subdivision to SM Cebu Seaside where the long jog commenced. It's not my firs time running here; I've joined one fun run that traversed the entire CCLEX back and forth. But this time, the expressway wasn't close for runners to freely enjoy; I had to use the pedestrian/bike lane this time which are only accessible from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's open air so unless you're running really fast, you have to start early to avoid running/walking under the scorching heat of the sun. CCLEX is ~8.9km one way. Yep, it's very long and steep!
I planned on doing an easy run; I was more focused on enjoying the breathtaking morning sunrise view at CCLEX rather than a hardcore training. It was an alternate jog, walk, jog, walk and even stopping once in a while to take photos of this architectural wonder. This is not the first bridge linking mainland Cebu to Mactan Island, in fact, this is the third one; but amongst the three, CCLEX is by far the prettiest and longest one. If you're living nearby, it won't hurt to attempt an easy run here.
More photos I took during this morning exercise. Up there, I had an unobstructed view of Cebu City's South Road Properties, a coastal reclamation project in Cebu and Talisay Cities. SRP is home to lifestyle malls such Il Corso, SM Cebu Seaside and NU Star Resort and Casino. The mountain barangays of Tisa, Punta Princesa, Banawa and Guadalupe were visible from CCLEX as well as portions of Cebu Pier.
One thing you should bear in mind is that you can only pass through CCLEX in one direction; enter near SM Cebu Seaside and exit in Cordova. If you want to go back, you'd have to take the opposite pedestrian/bike lane from Cordova back to SM Cebu Seaside. You can't enter and exit on the same side of the bridge. You better be ready if you decide to run or walk here; literally, there's no going back.
CCLEX is just a few meters away from Mactan Cebu International Airport. I was able to spot at least 7 airplanes arriving/departing from MCIA.
When I saw the familiar toll gates of CCLEX, I knew victory was a few meters away. It was getting hotter by the minute and I couldn't wait to get a hot cup of chocolate at Jollibee. Meanwhile, the last few meters of the run was made more less intimidating by CCLEX's green surroundings.
And that's it! I saw a traffic light and a crossing; the sign I made it!
The reward was clear: hot chocolate and bacon-egg-cheese pancake sandwich combo from Jollibee.
This part of Cordova/Lapu-lapu is well known for firecrackers. I bought a few for New Year's Eve. What a coincidence!
Living life intentionally every single day, she believes that there’s no limit to one’s potential. Right now, she’s on the loose for the pursuit of endless holistic self-growth and development. She wants to light the way for others. She believes there’s no better way to leave a legacy than to pay it forward.
Her ultimate goal in life is to reach the state of enlightenment where there’s nothing but peace, love, happiness, and contentment - nothing more, nothing less.
If you are captivated by what this girl just wrote here, an upvote is pretty appreciated. Follow her as she tells her stories full of positivities. The next story might be for you! ❤️