MY "MANTRA"

I recently encountered an article saying that having a mantra helps runners stay motivated. I really don’t have any of that when I run because all I tell myself is: “this has to end soon, this has to end soon” which I don’t think is a mantra. But I believe in a set of phrases that somehow guide me as a runner that I’d like to share with you for whatever it’s worth.

TRAIN ENOUGH

Had to do a long run for the TBR Dream Marathon in a beach during a family outing

After the blessing of being able to cross the finish line during The Bullrunner Dream Marathon with a relatively good time, some runners began coming up to me asking how I was able to slice an hour from my first full at the 2010 Condura Marathon just three months after. The same thing happened after the recent Quezon City International Marathon 2. But those questions on what happened did not only pop up after good runs. People also inquired about why I was not able to meet my target during last year’s Milo Marathon Elimination.

I had one answer: training- the success of being able to commit to it and the failure to keep the discipline to do it well.

I attributed those good runs largely to training. If there’s anything that I was so proud about during the TBR DM1, it was the ability to stick to the training program. I logged the required mileage no matter how difficult given the demands of work and other personal concerns. I also did the necessary cross training even if I hated swimming in the beginning.

I made sure I completed those required 32K runs before race day even if it meant running under the scorching heat of the sun because it was summer time. I also took that to heart when training for QCIM2. It was the same thing I missed before the Milo Marathon that probably increased the probability of injury.

Sometimes, I tell myself that if I’m not able to do my long runs, I’d rather not proceed with doing the full. Maybe that sounds OA but that’s just me. That’s my way of pushing myself to complete the 3.5 hours run, alone. Because I want to run marathons so badly, I know that convincing myself to go against anything that will stop me from doing it is a good motivation. Another thing that pushes me is the thought of how bad I’d feel or how frustrated I’d get when I fail to meet the 32K target. The joy of completing it and realizing that I was able to overcome those countless excuses to stop or cheat also gives me the same energy.

My confidence lies significantly on how much I train, knowing that I don’t have as much strength or experience as other marathoners who could maybe get away with it. More than the PR, I’m aware that training is key to avoid getting injured that’s why I take it seriously.

I could stand and face that start line, join the race and work so hard to complete it, but nothing helps me outsmart the jitters of whether I’d be able to finish a long run than knowing that I did my part and trained enough. I say enough since I have the tendency to overdo it and get injured even before the race. Because I depend on training so much, I tend to take it notches higher that I should. At times, I feel like doing more is better than less, not realizing that both would lead me to tragedy. So what I try to do now is TRAIN ENOUGH- JUST ENOUGH.

EAT WELL

Had to say goodbye to these best buddies. Haven't had any for months now. Yes! ;)

During the holidays, my parents and brothers took the challenge of who’d be the first to convince me to eat sweets. My favorite leche flan and mango float were placed in front of me on the table and they all tried to tempt me. I could feel the pain on my jaw and would swallow a lot as I was trying to control myself from tasting anything. I was afraid that if I did, I might not stop and then feel guilty after. The closest I got into it was eating my Mama’s sugar- less rice cakes made especially for me. As a matter of strategy, everytime I’d feel the urge to eat sweets, I’d pick fruits instead. That wasn’t easy but I knew that I had to do it.

I am a strong believer of the saying that whatever we eat has a great impact on how we perform not only as athletes but how we live each day. It was not so much about losing weight although I also believe that being light helps us run efficiently, but more about being strong.

Keeping a healthy diet could be one of the hardest parts of being a runner especially if one wants to be serious about the sport but when one gets used to it, it naturally becomes part of one’s lifestyle that I don’t miss those potato chips and softdrinks anymore. I think that it's really a challenge to lose or maintain an ideal weight and at the same time remain strong for the training and during race day so I think that we really have to be wise in choosing what we eat.

PRAY HARD

Just an act ;) I don't pray this way

Anything can happen during a run no matter how well we prepare. I have heard of countless stories of runners who, despite their rigid training still failed to meet their target or worse did not finish the race at all. Either they get injured, feel a sudden pain somewhere, trip over a rock, etc. like what happened to me during the recent Milo Marathon. Although I think it was partly because of lack of training, it was really the surprise of my scoliosis that hit me at Km30 that weighed on me.

This builds the case for the need for divine intervention, for lack of a better term. We can only do so much in getting ready for a race but when the gun is fired, thousands of possibilities, beyond our control can happen so all I do is depend on God for grace and strength.

When I stand with the pack and wait for the gun start, I have nothing in mind but prayers for sustenance to be able to finish a race regardless whether it’s 5K or 42. And everytime I cross the finish line, the first words I utter are” Thank you, Lord.”

Running for me is a celebration of life. After going through the agony of dealing with the possibility of having cancer in 2008, I could not help but be grateful for the strength to run.

RUN STRONG

Arguing with my legs to go on since they were already screaming in pain

Whether during training or in a race, I try as much as possible to run strong. It’s my way of celebrating those efforts I exert to strengthen my core, develop my endurance, stay healthy, etc. When I hit the road, there is no other way to go but give my best like there's no tomorrow. It does not necessarily mean always sprinting but more of giving your all whether you’re keeping a steady, slow pace in a long run or doing your speed work.

HAVE FUN

I have almost 50 photos with this pose. Template!

Race day is a celebration of months of training so when I’m there I try to have fun despite the pain or that strong drive to finish fast that make me oblivious of the world. Sometimes when I find myself becoming so engrossed with a PR that all I imagine is the finish line, I remind myself to look around, appreciate the route or simply enjoy the run. You can see this in my running photos. In most of them, you’ll see me like I’m going to attack an enemy while making my template “two thumbs up” pose in some.

What I learned recently is the combination of both; that while I am so focused with hitting a PR, I also get the chance to enjoy the run, even greet and cheer people I know during turns and simply have fun.

How about you, what’s your mantra? ;)