There were two subjects I didn't look forward to growing up, English and PE. Other than my perception that I cannot write, I also know for a fact that I AM ASTHMATIC. I grew up having been called "asthma girl" or "hika girl" cause at the slightest physical efforts I exert, I have to grasp for air while listening to the wheezing and whoozing of my lungs. 99% of my absences were due to asthma attacks. It's as if my bag has an unlimited supply of excuse letters ready to be presented to my PE teacher the day after I'm absent. If you've read my mind...yes... I grew up believing that I CAN NEVER DO SPORTS. As simple and as concrete as that. I believed that since I was in Grade One (when I first had my attack)... until last September.
Last September, I signed up for The Bull Runner's Dream Marathon. TBR Dream Marathon is a 22-week training program for people who haven't done a marathon in their entire life. I said "people" and not "runners" because the Dream Marathon is also for those who never ran a day in their lives but would like to pursue finishing a Marathon within 5 months. THAT'S ME!!! And my running girl friend, Trish Ealdama, who never ran a day before this program too. And another running girl friend, Jed Quiambao, who is one of my running idols. We are guided from the day we registered until we run 42.195 kms of our first marathon and cross the finish line.
The 22-week program is beginner friendly. I am enjoying the whirlwind of:
- A Weekly Program developed by James Michael Lafferty (Coach Jim)
- Bull Sessions (Free Running Clinics)
- Bull Circles (Free Running Talks)
- Weight Management Coaching (Free also)
I look forward to the Race Day as:
- TBR says it's going to be a "personal and intimate" marathon
- it will be in Nuvali so that means running along a scenic route
- we will have Dream Chasers, experienced marathoners and volunteers who will run with us
- there will be a Dream Mobile, a bus that will travel along our route with family and friends onboard cheering for us;
plus other perks and freebies.
If you're feeling inspired already to do the same feat for your feet, I'm sure there will be a 3rd Dream Marathon. You may also want to get yourself more excited by checking this out:
http://thebullrunner.com/2010/09/16/2nd-tbr-dream-marathon-register-now/
I already see myself with my finisher shirt, medal and most importantly, the statement and emotional involvement that I finally did it.
Lastly, I want to quote Coach Jim, the Dream Marathon Coach:
...soon, you shall all join that exclusive club, that 99.9% of people NEVER join.......you'll be able to say, "I am a marathoner".
Three months from now, I won't just be able to say that I CAN DO SPORTS...or I CAN RUN but I will also be able to say that I AM A MARATHONER.
