I, together with my friends joined the said marathon and really had a good time. It was my third time to join the race. Yet, only this time that I did actually run. I only registered during the previous races but was unable to join the actual event due to inevitable circumstances. We were on the 5K Fun Run category. Indeed, it was fun. I would like to narrate my experience which goes like this:
Before the race day, I was so busy for some commitments. It came to a point that I thought of not joining the race anymore, since I was not prepared physically. But because I had already signed up and encouraged my friends to join me, I pursued. It was Saturday night that I was waiting for the text message. But I have not received any. Maybe the plans have changed. I had set my alarm at 4:30 in the morning. Thus, I had already prepared my things before I shut my eyes to sleep.
It was gloomy when I woke up. I huddled and had a hard time of getting up since my sleep hours were short. But I had to be on time. I don't want to be late just like before. After I took my bath, I prepared to go. I packed my things up, wore my running gear and drank a glass of Milo. Still I have waited for the text but it did not come. “Maybe there is a change of plans”, I said. I hurriedly got in the jeep and went to the race venue. I had waited for my friends yet only three of them arrived. I was anticipating a group of five including myself. Yet as always, that friend of mine who failed to go with us is the one I was expecting to do so. Funny but it was true.
I was so amazed when I saw how many people joined the race especially on the Fun Run category. "It will be fun!” I told myself as I ready and set to start. The START line was crowded and we were on the last part. I was so excited but have to brace myself until the race begins. At first, we were just walking until we got the chance to overtake our fellow runners. Then I started running. The first 100 meters was easy. I told my friends to catch up yet they chose to stay at their speed. I was persistent so I continued running as fast as I could. I had been passing my fellow runners; girls and boys; teens and adults; all of us were having fun. I did finish the first lap. This time, I got tired so I slowed down for a while. I looked around, hoping to see someone I knew. Some of the runners were my schoolmates. They ran too fast than I could. I was catching my breath that time. So I decided to walk instead. After having my stamina replenished, I started to accelerate. We have only an hour to finish the lapses or else we won’t get any certificate.
There were water stations beside the road. I hastily got some water to drink and stayed there for a minute. And then, I got up and ran again. I paced forward and tried to exceed my limit. “Run for your life Jemo!”, I exclaimed.
I was already there. I was able to see the FINISH line. I smiled and again ran as fast I could. Then that was it. I received my Certificate of Finish. I was so happy. I did it! I finished the race in 44 minutes and 23 seconds time.
That day was so fun and memorable. I would like to join the next marathon again. Maybe this time, my friend will be able to go with us. And maybe this time I will receive the text message.
"We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."
-- Emil Zatopek
(If you have some time to criticize my work, please feel free to do so. I'll appreciate it a lot.
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