It was a lazy start after a fortnight of slow activities. The just-passed holy week slowness still has that infectious effect like a person recovering from flu. The early morning coolness has less bite signaling another hot weather. Even my two kids, who were excited the night before for their very first run, were dragging their steps. They would be running or walking and probably complaining with their partially-healed injured mother. Our plan was for me to finish my 21K run in two hours in time to join them in their 2K event. I was a little bit apprehensive due to the low mileage and minimal preparation leading to this event. However, motivation was high to have our first family run and that should be enough to push me forward. I hoped.
We finally left the house minutes past 4AM and we were at the site in less than 20 minutes. Ahhh, at last, a race that’s close to our home. The new race site was refreshing: wide road, open spaces and lots of greeneries. I could see most of the runners looking far, wondering but excited. And as always, the air of festivities lingers in the air.
At the corral while waiting for the start, I keep on psyching myself that I could finish within the planned time. After all, I’m in familiar grounds knowing the twists and turns of the area. Hah, more motivational pep.
It was still dark when the runners were released. I was listening to my body in the first kilometer and a half intently evaluating my breathing, heart beat, leg muscles, knees and ankle. I was like a mechanic test driving a dubious car: double checking, looking fervently for trouble. Half-satisfied, I launched to my planned pace of 5.5min/km and hoped, no, insisted to maintain this throughout the race.
It was a good run. The route was unique from the torch-lit road passing through a featured subdivision with nature-inspired music to the wide road of the industrial zone to newly planted rice fields; running from one expressway exit to another. Twice I met the leading runners, in my 4th and 10th kilometer. Almost everything went as expected except for the last 3 kilometers where the long gradual upslope that was unanticipated. I crossed the line in 1 hour 57 minutes breaking my Condura Run effort by a couple of minutes.
My wife and kids were waiting for me. In the 2K run, the young ones were fast! Oh boy, oh boy! Even my girl and boy ran. I was expecting some walking and tantrums but ran they did. In fact, my wife and I were not able to pace with them. Me, spent from the 21K while my wife nursing her ankle. They went ahead flowing with the waves and waves of kid-runners. Most of the adults were eating their dusts!
I was amazed with these kids and somehow, I was witnessing the future of running with these new breeds:
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The Elite. Competition is within their blood. Theirs is the source of pride and honor.
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The Barefoot Runners. The earth gives energy. Every step is a connection to that life force.
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The Easy Jogger. Health is a prime concern. No more, no less.
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The Cause Advocate. Every effort is an offering. Live for others, let others live.
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The Happy Runner. It is easy to be happy. Smile sincerely.
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The Race Walker. One foot must be in contact with the ground at all times. That’s all the rule asks for.
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The Figure-Conscious. Maintaining slim body and long legs. Outside the gym, RUN.
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The Scientific Runner. Running is a science. Right arm angle, straight outlook, correct foot strike, straight-leaned body, perfect form.
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The Challenger. The next attempt should always be better. Thus, becoming a better being.
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We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
