First Official Run After 15 Years

In 2023, I started walking around our community as exercise. I must admit that I wasn't dedicated to this lifestyle. When I walked for more than an hour a day, did intermittent fasting, and cut off carbs in my diet, I lost a lot of weight. However, the constant stress I added to my body has made my body gain more in the next months. So in 2024, I made a switch: limit my fasting to less than 14 hours and walk for half an hour a day. But I wanted more. I needed the push to this desire, and a fun run would be a great start.

Wearing my Singlet for the Great UP Run 2024


The Great UP Run

I was looking for a fun run that is not too far from my area to make sure I make it to the venue in the wee hours of the morning. The Great UP Run of November 17, 2024 was the perfect event since they offered a 3K run which I thought I could train for in a couple of months. I signed up through the website, added the service to deliver my singlet and bib, and paid online. The 3KM registration was Php900 (super early bird rate), delivery to Metro Manila was Php180, processing fee was Php158. In total, I paid Php1,238 for the super early bird rate.

November 2024 The Great UP Run Race Details from
Runrio site


About the event (from RunRio):

The Great UP Run 2024, in partnership with UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development, is part of RUNRIO’s movement to support the Varsity Teams of the University of the Philippines. Expected to take part are UP Varsity athletes, students and faculty from all campuses, UP Alumni, and family, friends and supporters of the UP Community.


As a UP alumni and current student (currently not enrolled this semester in my online program), joining this event is monumental not only in my goals to be healthier but to help my fellow Isko and Iska.



Training

The last time I joined a fun run as a participant was in 2010, two months before I learned I was pregnant with our first child. Since then, I have not joined any running events.


I knew I had to train for this short run in November. With no running experience or training before, I had to rely on my body to tell me when and how I should strain it. Beginning with walking for 30 minutes every night, I slowly increased my walking to a run.


After a week, I began to run.


After walking for 10 minutes, I ran a steady pace for 30 seconds, then walked back for 5 minutes. I did this set a few times until I completed my 30-minute exercise. Each week, I increased the time that I ran. 


And by the end of October, I challenged myself to complete the 30-minute time clock to complete 3K.


It was hard for me. My weight was a big issue. I have a small frame (Petite Momma nga eh!) and my weight since 2024 has been hard to bring down. Plus the area where I run has an uphill terrain which was so hard for me.


Initially, I was able to complete the 3K in 40 minutes! Sus! Ang bagal! Haha!


Each week that passed, I was able to get stronger and completed the 3K in 30 minutes, the required time cutoff for the run.



My Official Run

A few days before the fun run, a big typhoon was heading to Metro Manila and most events have already canceled their programs for the weekend. The organizers of the Great UP Run and the administrators of UP Diliman then confirmed the cancellation of the run. The run will then be moved to Saturday morning, November 23. Unfortunately, I wasn't available for the rescheduled run.


The organizers offered a virtual fun run for registered participants who can't make it to November 23. The virtual fun run was open from November 24 to December 1, 2024, wherein the participants must complete the same distance they originally registered for the in-person event. Using a GPS-tracking app like Strava, I ran and recorded it. I submitted the screenshot of the app that shows my completion showing the distance, time, and date. I was able to submit my run before the deadline. A certificate of completion was ready for downloading afterward.


Out of more than 100 participants in the virtual run for my division, I came in at 19th place with 23 minutes and 41 seconds. Interestingly, I saw my doctor on the list and she's a few spots above me. Galing ni Doc!


Then this January 2025, my finisher's medal was sent to me at home via LBC. The medal was metal and heavy. This is the first time in decades I received a medal, I was ecstatic! 

Weee, my medal!


Quite frankly, I haven't run in the last 4 weeks due to the holiday busyness but I have started to walk back again. Hopefully, I can go back to running once my body is conditioned again.


There's another Great UP Run this March 2025 but I haven't registered yet. I am still contemplating if I should go for a 5K or just another 3K and beat my time record. Check out here:

https://raceroster.com/events/2025/97500/the-great-up-run-2025 


Cheers to a healthier me this 2025!

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