This memoir was written in the last quarter of 2017 and was long kept in the Draft Folder. Posting this today because it's the right time to share it, just before the 2018 Milo Marathon.
The mobile phone's set at exactly three in the morning. One Valenzuela pushes herself to be separated from the comforts of the bed and get ready for the daily walk and run grind. That goes on for around four to five times a week. They say that there's a reason behind why people do the things they do or not do. So it's time to share why she does this routine early in the morning, when most are still asleep.
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| COLOR MANILA: There's foam at the end of the run! So cool. Bubbles, bubbles everywhere! One Valenzuela took her time in this area. |
The mobile phone's set at exactly three in the morning. One Valenzuela pushes herself to be separated from the comforts of the bed and get ready for the daily walk and run grind. That goes on for around four to five times a week. They say that there's a reason behind why people do the things they do or not do. So it's time to share why she does this routine early in the morning, when most are still asleep.
Being on a desk job which limits one's activities in a day made One Valenzuela quite unhealthy. Coupled with the demand of her workload (note: library professionals are d*mn busy, they don't just cover and shelve books), studies, the lure of free food from dear friends and co-employees, and the struggles to keep the family's boat steady last year have been sooo requiring. One Valenzuela felt the stress taking its toll on her. She realized this when she had a hard time walking up a flight of stairs, about 5 floors.
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| It is a struggle to wake up early in the morning. BUT it is indeed a challenge to take a shower! Waking up for the run was easy for that day because the whole family is excited! |
Power walking and running in Valenzuela City as well as a better hold on what food gets inside her mouth became her combined solution. It was DIFFICULT. Specially in the beginning, the temptation to sleep more is always there. Eating calorie rich and fat-saturated food is also a frequent challenge. The time and financial crunches are present as well. Starting from about 1,500 steps of combined brisk walking and running, she has reached 7,500 steps (approximately 5 kilometers). She got her fitspiration from #TeamAklatan members who were determined to regain better health by doing weight lifting and other exercises. She will have to mention that Sis Pink of In Da Pink Juice House has also made a major impression on her in making better food choices. Now, she is also happy to know that DOLE ordered that a 5-minute break should be given to desk workers every 2 hours. If one wants to give better service, one should take care of their employees' welfare as well (Special shout out to the National Library! One Valenzuela saw that they have some gym equipment that the employees use during their free time).
From more than 1 year full of challenges, the loss of about 21 kilograms is a huge achievement. Blood work is amaaaazing and she can now wear some of her old clothes stuck at the far end of the closet. Bonus nalang ang pagpayat ng kaunti (Getting a bit thinner is simply a bonus). And there's still a lot more to do!
One Valenzuela wanted to celebrate this personal success. She said she wanted to cap this achievement by running in a marathon or a fun run with the family. A good friend mentioned the great running events that Color Manila organizes.
After a swift registration online, she received the delivered race kits about 2 days before the event on October 22, Sunday. A typical race kit includes a dri-fit shirt of your chosen size, shades, and your bib number (note the number after the event, you will use this to find your photos at Color Manila's website). The venue was at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, early in the morning.
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| Runners waiting for the gun start. Looking at their smiles, one can sense fun and excitement in the air! |
The routes have varying distances: 3K, 5K, and 10K. This is not a timed run so one can take your own pace. She was hoping to meet some Valenzuelanos in the race but she was not lucky to find them. Probably in the next race?
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| Personalities were also there, like Rovilson Fernandez who is so friendly! |
Water from a fire truck is splashed on the participants at the beginning of the run. Bring extra clothes (not white) and towels placed in plastic. If your phones are not waterproof, bring waterproof casings. Be on full battery ha. Pictures and videos are a must!
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| You will eventually be covered in various colors in several stops. By the way, hydration areas are also placed in strategic places. You won't get thirsty while on the run. |
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| Runners taking photos at the 3K U-Turn slot. After the run, participants claimed their drinks, color packet, and finisher's medal. |
Party at the end! After hydrating with the cold drinks, the color packets are given to everyone who would like to experience a party of colors. Jump and dance to your heart's content! Just like what One Valenzuela did.
What a way to celebrate! Capping One Valenzuela's running goal by joining Color Manila was really fun and rewarding. When I say COLOR, you say MANILA! Thank you, Color Manila. Til the next run!
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