We’d been there before, as volunteer marshals for the International Marathon for the Pasig River Rehabilitation Project. This morning, though, it was a bit different. We were actually going to run.
Vanessa was prompt as usual, and gave me a call at around 4:10am. By 4:30 they were already parked in front of the building, waiting for me. Mahigpit talaga sa schedule ang babaeng ito, hindi ako makalusot! Three of us didn’t have the time to pre-register so we had to be at The Fort early and when we got there, we were told that there were REALLY no more slots since a lot of people had taken interest in the event and were lined up in the waiting list. A little later, while we were contemplating on just being the best cheerleaders for our three companions who pre-registered, we were told that there were available slots. In the 16K run. We went there for the 3K run, but decided to register for the 16K just the same. Our primary purpose was to contribute to the fund-raising and join in the fun, so it really didn’t matter what category we joined. When we reached the registration table, it turned out that we were being registered for the 3K run (thank goodness!) and I was to be the owner of the last available number. I felt bad for those who were behind me in the line, but I was happy to be lucky.
It rained as the run was about to start. It has been a long time since we last played in the rain, and I guess everyone felt that it was a welcome déjà vu. That, combined with active imagination, sense of humor, playful nature and the references to the past retreat made the run really fun. After the run, we decided to alternate while waiting in line for the certificates, and change into dry clothes in Yance’s car. Two men chatting in front wouldn’t budge despite seeing what we’re about to do and just giggled instead, so we just covered the windshield with extra shirts. One of us decided to “stand her ground” and changed sans any cover, making those two too embarrassed to look. That wasn’t I, by the way. What I am guilty of, I will not say, but the tarpaulin was really nice.
With Elsie, Krissy, Julie, and Reyett in this activity, I agree with Vanessa. It was a win-win experience for us, as we were able to contribute to a good cause, experience again how it is to bathe in the rain like children, spend time with friends, exercise, bring home souvenirs and pictures and, in her words, let people know that there are beautiful women in the Philippines. Now that’s the true fighting spirit! Hehe.
Looking back, what I like most I guess is the fact that when we went there, we knew what we wanted. We knew what we were there for, and we did not simply give up without asking, without trying. If we did, we would have missed all the fun of creating our moment and actually living it. We’d been there before, but now it’s different.
Recent Comments