From 5K to 50K: A Story Told in Kilometers

**an old post from early 2012**

Ideally, you go through to 10, 15, 21, then 42K distances before doing an ultramarathon.

What I did was jump from 5K (ok, I did a 10K run once) to a 50K. All within the space of a month. Did I mention the appropriate training should be at least 6 months?

Crazy? They say those who run 50K and beyond are idiots. So now, my medal and certificate tells me I'm officially an idiot. But a satisfied, grateful, fulfilled idiot 

My mission was to do an ultramarathon once in my lifetime. And do it with love, perseverance, and a heart conscious of my Creator. I believe I managed to do all three, but I admit

I made certain sacrifices that were not very wise.

The Cebu-based ultramarathon I joined was no ordinary one - the 1st All Women Ultra Marathon (AWUM) in March 2012. It was indeed the first of its kind in the world. The organizer said that we have a very real and good chance of being in the Guinness World Records. Woah!

The race started at 10 PM and had a 10 hour cut off (ends at 8 am the next day). 

The first 5K involved a steep terrain that took us up a hill that overlooked the city. I had already decided to walk all hilly or incline slopes and do the Galloway method involving 5 minutes of running alternated with 1 minute walks throughout the race.

I remembered to start out slow and conserve energy, and I was able to maintain it although I found myself overtaken by slow runners. Later, I would realise I ran a bit too slow. Talk about leg muscles that crave for speed!

I went on my merry way pounding the pavement, and enjoying the sight of 181 women of all sizes, shapes and ages sweating it out in different running attires.

At about 23 km, I started feeling heaviness at the top of my calves and behind my knees. I haven't felt that way in a long time, not even when I ran 35 km in the heat of the sun during my training. Feeling the heaviness making me unable to lift my legs higher made me nervous and worried. I feared I might walk all the way to the finish line!

At 25 km, I sat down for 8 minutes at an aid station and had my legs bathed in Omega pain killer liniment, and continued to have this lifesaver of a potion sprayed onto my calves whenever I pass by an aid station that had it. I am the kind who doesn't believe in wearing a lot of fancy gear, not even hydration bottles. I simply inserted my water bottle inside the back portion of my shirt so my hands are free when I run  It's just me and my pink shorts, running top, Mizuno shoes, Timex watch and bracelet rosary. And a determined spirit. 

I was aiming for an 8 hour finish, and I was worried that I may not be able to accomplish my goal. So I kept on whispering for the Lord to help me finish, and pledged that all credit will be due Him should I be able to finish it.

I prodded on, and made myself rise above the pain and forget it was there and enjoy the view under the moonlit skies. I passed over 4 bridges, exhausted runners, and overtook friends who were a bit slower in striding their way to the final destination. 

I felt His presence, and a couple of angels, near me. I always got the impression or reminder that He was there with me, running with me. That I am not alone. And this made me smile. I said my prayers every now and then.

It also helped that there were many dutiful, gallant men who assisted us throughout the way as marshals and aid assistants (I loved the quick massages they gave!  ). We women definitely were treated (and felt) like queens!

In the last 12K stretch, I found out that running faster made the heaviness and pain disappear. Sigh. I muttered, "Why didn't I run faster earlier?"

So I scrapped the Galloway 5:1 thing and ran for longer minutes, finding myself overtaking exhausted lady runners, a lot of whom are just walking a lot of the times.

At the 45K point, a male ultrarunner I recently got acquainted with encouraged me by saying "5K remaining! This is your specialty, remember?"

So I ran the last 5K, stopping only for 30 seconds at certain periods (resting longer than that made the heaviness set in again). I felt impatience rising up inside me as I was eager to see the name "Karancho Resort" appear in the distance so I'd finally end my journey.

I bore with it, and fought off temptations to hop on some motorised vehicle to get it over and done with. Indeed, marathons challenge the mind more than the muscles! So I whispered Jesus's name.. and a few seconds later, I saw a sign saying "Christ is Coming." I beamed and tried to look left and right, seeing if He is indeed coming in person to carry me in His arms all the way to the finish 

Somebody was distributing roses to us runners near the end. I got mine, and took care not to drop it until I reached the finish line. At this point, my legs were aching so much that even a little twist to my foot landing or treading on rocky ground was painful. Hopping was certainly not possible then!

Photo Credit: Reynan Opada

Then, it began to drizzle, which grew into a light shower, until it developed into medium-sized drops of rain. A shower of grace to cap off my race? Perhaps, it was Heaven's way of blessing me. I then thought that it wouldn't make sense for me to cry tears of joy at the finish line, cause the skies were already weeping for me. I didn't feel like crying anyway. I just wanted to finish it, and be able to write about my journey later (and admire my medal heh heh).

Finally, I reached the beach resort and got a bit disoriented upon entering it. Where's the finish line? Is this it? So I limped my way further in to find this specially decorated pathway leading to a huge sign that said "FINISH," and a host of people waiting to greet the finishers.

I got hold of myself and got myself to jog to finish my run after 8 hours and 40 minutes...And claimed the golden medal and had my photo taken. We did it, Lord!

Suddenly, my legs felt so weak and painful I found it very hard to walk. It was kind of embarrassing, but I kept telling myself that it's alright and that I did well for a 5K specialist who never ran a 21K or a marathon before. And that I could not have ever done it without Divine help at all.

I admit I am proud of the 50K finish, and that I was even to finish way ahead of others who are used to running long distances. But I know in my heart its not for me to brag about. After all, I'm just an instrument that the Lord uses for His ends. And I hope by this feat, I have done some good even at least to one person. That by loving every enjoyable and painful moment I experienced in the run, some soul in the world have benefited by this little offering and prayer. Even if its just inspiring him or her to rise up to the challenges of life and fight the good fight until the end.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloria (AMDG)! To God be the glory!