Moving with your goal in mind help you succeed: OCT 11, 2026, Full Marathon
Fear of darkness, solidarity, abandonment, shame of not making it through, failure to achieve the goal; all of those made me cancel my first full marathon attempt way back 2024.
This year 2026, I finally felt ready to take on the challenge. Finished it before the cut off time. I trained this time starting from 3 to 10 kilometers 3-5 times a week since May 2026. Joined the 12km run at company event and continued running and walking slowly at my own pace.
I did not pushed that hard, I still went on travelling and always consider exercising whenever there is a good chance. August 2026, I trekked Osmenia Peak solo during my birthday celebration. The following weeks, I ran 9km every other week at Cclex while continuously doing squats at home to strengthen my leg and thigh muscles.
I walked for a few kilometers while I was in Siquijor in the middle of September 2026 with a friend; then I did the 9km cclex run again the following week. A week before the most anticipating JMIM marathon of the year, a friend invited me for a 3 hours uphill at Lake Lhulier, that walk was quite good for a warm up.
I wasn’t pushing hard, I was having fun during the 6 months preparation time; with the full marathon always in my mind. I did not fail me, I am proud that I made it before cut off time, three days recovery with no fatal injury.
My best friend and her family who lives near Jpark took me in after the Marathon, fed me for free, gave me clothes, and a room to stay for a night while I was recovering the whole day and night after the run. It was a day worth remembering, October 11, 2026!
All thanks to the lady who helped me Peep and kuya guard at “Mahi” for allowing me to use the comfort room as well as the portable toilet set up by JMIM org; without those, I would be going home just to “Pee” but because of them, I was able to push it through.
Food every station really energized me that I didn’t have to use my energy gels, just one for cramps! It was all natural except for the Salonpas Spray! It really helped my back and legs cool down that day, it felt so relaxing and helped my muscles kept moving.
A week after, I am fully healed. I am ready to take on another goal to achieve the best PR of 5-6 hours, with another goal in line after that.
