TBR DM2 fr a pacer's point of view

I’ve always been vocal in saying that TBR Dream Marathon will always take the No.1 spot in my list of best runs. It will not be overtaken by any PR or a New York or Boston Marathon experience (as if!). For those who had the chance to read my post after last year’s DM would have an idea why. It’s because of the camaraderie and the sense of family. More than the run, the course or the excellent logistical support, it was that spirit of journeying along each other that really struck me. Until now, I consider it a great privilege and joy that I had the chance to run with other 199 dreamers who, despite the pain, the fear and the struggle, pushed themselves to their limits to change status from a runner to a marathoner.

With TBR DM batchmates, Kuya Lito Lopez and Kuya Brian Ng who I first met at Km 21 and ran with until the finish and became my friends since

That same feeling overwhelmed me last Sunday when I volunteered as a pacer and chaser in the TBR DM2. This is another dream that came true. The moment I crossed the finish line last year, I told myself I’d volunteer to help the next batch because I felt the value of support and encouragement in a race.

42K is 42K. It’s grueling. It’s painful. It’s challenging which makes any kind of support a lifeline. That simple bottle or glass of water; that piece of fruit or Chippy; that simple smile and cheer; that quote in a kilometer mark that reminds you of why you’re there; that tarp which says “Konti na lang!” and that voice you hear, “Go..go..go..!” make a lot of difference. They are enough to lift your spirit up, forget for a while about that sprain or side stitch or cramp, and enough to brush aside that thought of giving up.

That’s why I was deeply grateful that Jaymie and her team gave me a chance to be part of this effort. I took the commitment to be there for batch 2 seriously that I tried my best despite my busy schedule to be present in all TBR DM2 group runs where I started to meet a few runners, got to know them and interact with them. Those conversations were enriching. I learned a lot.

Race day was hundred times more delightful. I paced a good friend, Fides Reyes. She started running only in 2009. Although my original plan was to pace another friend, Jaimie Dy and her friend, Don, it changed as race day was approaching. Jaimie found a group to run with so we agreed for me to just stick with Ate Fides since she’s alone.

With friends, Jaimie Dy and Don

I went with Ate Fides and her family to Nuvali and got there an hour before gunstart. I was so excited, I ran a few kilometers while the rest of the runners were preparing. I felt the need to do it otherwise I’d struggle controlling the adrenalin, run too fast and leave Ate Fides. At the start line, I took the chance to greet and send well wishes, and hug some people I know.

When the gun was fired and we began to run, it was so nostalgic. I remember the day when I was there as a dreamer especially when I started to see some of my batchmates pacing other participants as well. I was having goose bumps.

It was an easy run for me and Ate Fides. Along the way, she had various injuries. The first one was pain in her legs, then a side stitch, then cramps and then her toes. I’d tell her to stretch, hydrate, eat and just overcome the pain and run. We agreed beforehand that our rule would be to meet halfway, meaning, I’d listen to her if she’d want to walk or stop or slow down but she’d try to still run even slower than my desired pace for her.

Enjoying the run with TBR DM2 finisher, Ate Fides Reyes ;)

I did my best to take care of Ate Fides but not spoil her too much, remain strict in pushing her, so we’d meet my target time while allowing her to enjoy the race. I tried to encourage her but not make her believe of something that’s not true. When I told her she’s still strong and could still push and run faster, it was really because I could see that she still was. She was solid!

And when I thought that I’d be the one giving because I was the pacer, I was wrong. It was me who learned more from her and the other runners.

Ate Fides reminded me about determination and commitment when she chose to overcome those pains and tried to finish. I knew she already wanted to stop at many points but she still kept going and tried to cross the finish line. Considering her age, I’d understand if she told me she’d just give up but she did not. It was refreshing.

After I sent Ate Fides to the finish line, I tried to go back to our tent so I could help my batchmates provide support to the rest of the participants. But on my way, I’d see struggling runners and chose to just run with them in their last 2 or 3 kilometers to the finish line. They too showed me the same determination to finish. I’d talk to them and encourage them but would them encouraging me more with their stories.

Everytime I got the chance to run with a dreamer to the finish line, I felt deeply humbled being part of the fulfillment of their dreams which was equally rewarding as last year.

With another TBR DM2 finisher, Ghia who wanted to walk from Km4o but welcomed me to run with her to the finish line instead

These experiences make me love running and runners even more.

Thank you and congratulations marathoners!