The Bull Runner Dream Marathon

NO. I am not one of the many runners who had a transformation and a change of life last Saturday at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna at The Bull Runner Dream Marathon. I still don't have the courage and physical strength to run a 42.195K and declare myself a marathoner. And, if ever I already had that urge, I would be running that full distance side-by-side with the love of my life. But, I was there - to serve as support system to my runner friends (RunningAtom and Runaholic). At the same time, I will also be supporting the other first time marathoners - James, Maan, Hub, and Mommy Nora. I also come by to run and feel Nuvali.

The big day started as early as 2AM. After the gun start, Irish and I had our breakfast at Reyes Barbeque. Then, we waited for the runners to pass by the hydration booth past the 23K mark. Knowing that it'll be more or less 2-3 hours of waiting, I satisfy my legs by running around for a few minutes - I am scared away by the frogs beside the lake, LOL!

As the first would-be marathoner pass by, we (together with the Takbo peeps and adiNation Alabang group) cheered for them. I don't know why, but it was fun giving support to these courageous runners. I am already looking forward at making my first - and hearing the same people (or perhaps these would-be marathoners) cheering for me too. While waiting for my runner friends, I get a little bit bored. So, I walk to meet them on the way and give them assistance for whatever they would be needing.

I spotted Mommy Nora and cheered for her. She is an inspiration for me. She really is.

We all enjoyed the beauty of Nuvali's sunrise.


I miss my angel.

When the first finisher pass by us, we immediately proceed to the finish line to see the celebration. But waiting seem to be too boring for me that I walked back to the 41K mark to wait for my runner friends. The first one I saw was James (whom I hardly noticed since he had a change of wardrobe :P), followed by RunningAtom (who is already shirtless at that time). I made the kind gesture of getting his soaking wet shirt so that it won't give him added weight as he would cross the finish. I followed him back to the finish line.

After a few minutes, I bid goodbye to them again as I would be going back for Runaholic. I walked and walked and walked until I reach beyond the 38K mark. I decided to wait for her at the bridge for I am clueless on where I would be traversing. I looked at my watch and decided to go back to the finish line when it hit 8:30AM.

My way to that spot was cruel. The sun's heat is making me tire so easily. But I still go, and even cheered some of the would-be marathoners along the way. I would say, "Go Kuya, last 2K nalang!" I know they needed that morale boost more than anything. I saw Hub along the way, but become shy of bothering his run.

Just on time, I spotted Runaholic. I paced with her. She decided to walk until we reached few meters of the finish line. The same thing, I ask her to hand me her hydration belt to eliminate the weight that she had been carrying for the last 40K of her run.

Crossing the finish line - is really an undefinable feeling. But I still cannot relate for those who had their very first full marathon. Soon, I'll be able to. Soon.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the DREAMERS turned full pledged MARATHONERS!!!
You GUYS really ROCK!

• Baby James na parang hindi man lamang pinagpawisan sa 42.195K na tinakbo!
• RunningAtom, ano na? Dying na naman? Dying?
• Runaholic, you had a very memorable first full mary :)
• thehubbit, you made it! Congratulations!
• Maan, failed to see you for I had to go and fetch Kassy. Nonetheless, Congratulations!
• Mommy Nora, as I've said, you are an inspiration! Congratulations brave heart!
• Scientist Runner, nice meeting you! Congratulations!