I enjoy activities like sports as it keeps you active and there is still an element of play. Tennis has been my main sport but I wouldn't say I'm built like an athlete. Maybe it's the competitive side of me that I like to play sports but when it comes to going to the gym or jogging, I don't have much knowledge there yet.
Lately, I've been into individual sports but more into staying healthy. My weight doesn't fluctuate that much over the years; however, it has been gradually increasing. No thanks to the pandemic, I have already crossed the borders towards overweight based on BMI. I blame it to my sedentary lifestyle during the pandemic. I was at peak form prior, and so this 2025 I want to get back in shape and be better.
This is when I started to look at Running more seriously. Late last year, started joining some run clubs and started doing research to invest on some shoes . My alumni organization also had a fundraising project in the form of a fun run. It was the perfect opportunity for me to just start this hobby. As soon as I got my first pair of running shoes, there's no more turning back.
UP Fight Run
What better way to start my running era than to do it in familiar territory. The event was also good for beginners like me as the 5k run had a generous cut-off of 2 hours from gun start. The next run I registered to only has 1 hour.
I like that the route they created is just one loop even for 10k. This maximizes the area that we have (UP Diliman is huge anyway). One thing I appreciate with joining Fun Runs is the opportunity to 'tour around' the area while running. This route resembles the UP Ikot jeepney route we used to have during college days.
Probably one of my main challenges with Fun Runs is that it starts very early in the morning. I was only able to sleep probably 2 hours and arrived at the venue around 3am given that it's my org's event, and I wanted to get in before roads get blocked when the first batch (10k run) starts.
Waking up and starting the day early is a good habit though. Maybe through running, I can shift towards being an early person. I tend to always sleep late and eventually lack sleep because of this. I believe one of the things I can also gain from Running is being more disciplined. I used to look at it merely as routinary work, but I now regard running more as a discipline.
Joining Community Run Clubs were definitely a great help to me. Without them, I really wouldn't experience any kind of run and the best part is that it's Free! Plus, you gain more friends along the way.
Top 9% !
Not bad for my first official Fun Run! So now I know I'm comfortable at a pace around 7'30". Next challenge is on how to improve this number. The only competition here is with myself. Going back to my original intention, as I improve my numbers, it correlates to how I get to improve and maintain my physical health. Win-Win!
Next Run: Tzu Chi Charity Run
Actually got cancelled today due to the passing typhoon. Still, looking forward to it and awaiting the new schedule!
