If you want to stay, you’re going to seek help and you will receive it. You’ll have to be transparent with your needs in order for them to know how to help you. You’re going to choose to trust yourself and what you already have to KEEP GOING. You must take FEEDBACKS as your guide to think again and change to be better not bitter.
2025 IPI Run (21km Category) was a test that I passed. A test of self trust that I’m gonna make it; a test in faith that my friend will show up and find me, I just need to keep going; and finally a test in patience that no matter how long it will take for me to get that medal, I still get it in the end.
I didn’t just wait for the medal to come, I kept going! It is a perfect reminder that every little step that you take towards your goal counts. It may not be reached overnight but you’ll eventually get there in time and that’s guaranteed, just keep going! You will not get anything if you’re not doing it! Just do it, one step at a time.
How did I finish the 2025 IPI 21km (half marathon) run despite the UNKNOWN challenges?
1. I showed up: showing up takes a lot of effort, from waking up to preparing your self and your stuffs, and then moving forward to the venue. I lived in an island far from the venue, so I travelled early. I have a little idea of how to get to the place using public transportation; however, that doesn’t stop me from going. I knew that if playing dumb and stupid is funny and entertaining then might as well play the role and have fun. I didn’t just play, I played it seriously; that includes asking the right people who can tell me the way and how to get there. For example: Drivers. A stubborn person must ask the right people because the right people will do the right thing despite my objections. Of course I had my own idea which was not suitable for the situation. I wanted to do other way instead of their suggestions but it was late at night and my instinct says it’s not safe to do it this time because it’s almost midnight, so I did not insist. I thanked them for dropping me off in a safe place, they did the right thing. I took a taxi to the venue and I saw what the driver mean. It’s safer and it’s nearer if I followed their way. I’m so thankful and grateful for those two and the taxi driver who took me in. I was saved from potential harm. We all receive guidance, you just have to listen and trust in your instincts. Not all people wearing same shirts are heading the same way, so keep your mind alert and open for possibilities. It’s okay to have options but always choose the right one.
2. I Kept going but I kept my mind open for change
– change is constant, and stubbornness can be an enemy of change; however, it can also help you progress positively if you’re using it the right way. Always choose the right path and stubbornness will bring you success. Always keep yourself checked if you’re still heading the right direction, because emotions can fog your vision which can affect your decisions; always do the right thing no matter how hard it is to disappoint and be disliked. Blanca once said, “If it’s not going to kill you, then do it!”
3. Trust yourself above all others: Self doubt will not bring you anywhere, it will stop you from even starting or taking that little step towards your goal; you can’t even decide if you really like sweet or sour or both. You have to learn to trust your instincts and your ability to know what you like or not because if you keep on depending on others opinion about you, then you’ll never be able to know yourself. If you keep searching for others approval and validation then you’ll never take action. The only way for you to confirm it is to do it! Failing is just a process of knowing and learning. No one learns fully without failing.
“You’ll go through failures, lots of it, before learning what works for you! Always give room for failures/mistakes and do not be discouraged because that’s the only way to self realization.”
If you already knew who you really are, then trust yourself above all others; they knew history not the present. They knew your weaknesses but your hands has the power to open a close door to come out from the mentality that kept you weak and chained. You have the power to break free once you realize that the key is on your hands not with someone else.
4. Always hope for the best, keep the faith and be ready to accept everything for better or for worse!
It rained as the call time came, we had the chance to back out but we never did, we rested for a bit instead; the rain cooled down as we are about to start the marathon. I had a feeling that it will rain again however, it never occur to me to back out.
Minutes after 21km was launched, rain poured heavily, we out of nowhere to hide, our only choice was to keep on going no matter how cold, and risky it were to fall. I accepted that my stuffs will be all so wet, including my phone, wallet, extra Tshirt, everything; but it’s too late to give up now, I had to trust my instincts and transfer valuables to my other bag in a specific position which I believe would protect the inside from soaking; I had no choice but to trust that my phone is waterproof and it will work fine.
I had no communication with my friend who invited me to join because of that heavy rain. I informed him about the upper shirt I am wearing when I started the race, which was black; he said he’ll find me and he finally did, but I also instructed him that I will be running near the edge so he knew where to look. I really believe in teamwork and trust. Now I realized that that friend was a good follower and a good listener too. It seems like he knew my tiny little secret even my weirdness, I knew he’s a good person and my other friend I have met 12 years ago. It seems like I ended up the race with fun!
“Start it solo and be open to join others.”
You don’t have to beg for others to join you, you just have to wait for a genuine invitation, they join on their own will. You don’t have to force yourself in nor be little just to fit in, you just have to be yourself and the right people will come. “I’m luckily invited again for another tour to a place I have always wanted to go, and it is scheduled.” Choose to be with people who shares the same values and will do it not just pretend to be with you for the meantime just to lure your attention and then be gone whenever needed. You deserve real people, authentic and true.
All went well, we’re all wet but my phone survived so does my wallet. IPI provided us the finishers shirt, which I’m so thankful and grateful for; that includes the freebies and food as well as drinks! I have achieved another milestone and I wasn’t alone this time. I had so much fun and I enjoyed the rain. Kudos to all my good choices!
5. Choose friendship your second priority, make yourself your #1.
It will always save you from falling into the wrong hands when you choose you above all others. If you’re not ready for it, then let it go so you will both grow. Always choose those who take action not those who just blab and will run away in the end.
Everyone deserves the best, so be the best version of yourself first and keep on growing instead of talking. Life is precious to be chasing the wrong people. People who misunderstood you and those who doesn’t see the real you.
Climbing, Rocks! 