AMAi-zing!: My First Half Mary!

I started running marathon last year. My first running buddy Diane who's in Australia right now by the way was the one who got me into it.(Miss you Diane!) The first run I did was 3km during our company event but my first official run was 5km for Avon last year. After few 5k runs and 10k runs I told my self, I should be able to run 21k before I turn 30! Little did I know I will fulfill that dream 2 years earlier!

My preparation....

During my first few runs, a friend of mine told me "respect the distance" that's why I did prepare for the run. I run 9k to10k twice a week for the whole month of Ocober and seek advice from more experienced runners I know. Hubby always urged me to eat bananas few days before the run and forced me to sleep early too! I can say all this made me ready. ^____^

My constant reminder at work!! ^_______^

21K experience....

First half of the half Mary....
My first goal was to run/jog nonstop for the whole 10k and then just walk in between after that. I ran the first 7km with my running buddy Sir Rexis (my boss) but ask him to run ahead of me after that. I was pressured to run with his phase kasi, Hahahaha! While running alone I psyched my self with positive thoughts. I imagined my self all smiles at the finish line, kissing my first medal. wearing the finisher shirt and of course broadcasting it in facebook and blogging about the experience!During the run I always tell my self to run instead of walking "Hanggat kaya mo pa Aimee!" Firts half of the run, I stopped for water every after 2 kilometers but after the first half, I made water breaks every 1 kilometer. I did that because I didn't want to risk being dehydrated

The amazing 17K!
I was really surprised after the first half! Usually after running 10K I'm already tired and take long walks in between. But then I was still running at 11k...12k..13k...14k..15k...16k till 17k!!!! I only slow down during water breaks and while taking the energy gel.... I was thanking God for every additional kilometer I was running after 10k! Not everyone can run that long and I felt blessed to do so. Nagulat nalang ako I already run 17k.! That's the time I texted my camera man/ personal assistant/ coach/ hubby to wait for me at the finish line already! Hehehehe!!

The last leg to final glory!
The last 3 kilometers was dreadful! The sun is up and there's no trees or shade in the remaining route. It was just the runners, the road and the sun. It was super, super, super, hot, I was parched and my legs felt tired.The drinking stations were no where to be found.. I was torn between running and walking but I choose jog and just walk for 60 seconds in between/ I did that because I really didnt want to prolong my stay under the heat! This was a the scary part of the run. I was really really parched!

Voice from above..
I was again up and running after a Marshall shouted "21K runners only 1km to go!" I managed to smile after hearing that. Really! Good thing I walked a little and reserved some steam for the finish line. I saw Vic from a far with his camera and I was so happy! I was shouting "YEAAAAAAAAH" on my way to the finish line and I didn't care if I looked a little crazy, I was just soooooo happy!

Man that was far but fuuuuuuuun!! 21K is no joke and I am so proud of my self! Yahoo!!!! I used to think its impossible for me to run it but I did!! Nothing is impossible if you put your mind and heart to it! Syepre may kasamang dasal!!! ^_______^

Pictures for my blogging and Facebook oc course!!!!! ^_________^