Merrell Adventure Run 2013: My first trail run

Exactly a week after my Mt. Pulag trek, I conquered again another mountain -- only this time, I ran.

It was for the Merrell Adventure Run 2013 -- my first trail run. By definition, trail running is:

"a sport which consists of running and hiking over trails. It differs from road running and track running in that it generally takes place on hiking trails, often in mountainous terrain, where there can be much larger ascends and descends." 

Since I started joining (fun) runs in January, I've been actively scouting for runs to join. In keeping with my "one-run-a-month" challenge, I was browsing online for my April run. I wanted something different and more challenging since April is also my birth month. Luckily, a friend introduced us to the Merrell Adventure Run. Kuya Nonoy is an accomplished athlete and runs his own blog called "trails unlimited". He did a test run on the trail and recommended that we register for the run. He can be very convincing, mind you! And so, last April 6, my friend Gina (also a trail run rookie) decided to take on the challenge and registered at the Merrell branch in Trinoma.

The Merrell run was scheduled for April 27 -- precisely a week after our previously scheduled Mt. Pulag hike. Right after signing up for the trail run, I had sudden apprehensions. Was I ready for it? What did I get myself into? Two mountains in a week? Backing out wasn't really an option at this point since we've already registered. The slots aren't transferrable, and I wasn't going to waste the PhP 650 registration fee.

Fast forward

Two weeks after our trail run and I must say, I'm glad I did it.

It wasn't easy... but so are most of the best things in life. Ang pinakamasasarap na karanasan sa buhay ay yung pinaghihirapan. The harder they are to accomplish, the greater the fulfillment and sense of accomplishment.

Upon reaching the summit, I was both relieved and very proud of myself. I finished 346th out of 476 runners. Not very impressive, but not an easy feat either. Not bad for my first trail run.

Got my name spelled wrong. :(

I ran 5k, but was told that the effort of running trails are actually double that of road runs, so it was like running 10k on a level running field.

I also fell instantly in love with the beautiful Mt. Sinai in San Mateo, Rizal. If I get another chance, I would definitely sign up for another trail run. I'd probably stick to 5k, though. Haha!

I thank God for the opportunity and the strength to climb and run mountains! :)

Runners going up the starting line

Gunstart at 6:00 am

Beautiful backdrop of Mt. Sinai

With my gal pal Gina. 

We did it!

It wasn't called Mt. Sinai for nothing. At the summit , you'll find  a shrine of the 10 commandments. 

In order of dirtiness: mine, Gina's and Ate Karen's

On prayer and weight loss

My Tita Ching sent me this "interesting" text message this morning:

"Congrats!!! Super laki ng pinayat mo since we went to Dagupan last July 2011. Look  at the bright side. Being "Alfredless" was a blessing after all!!!"

(NOTE: I think I have not mentioned his name on this blog, but since I'm comfortable saying his name now, Alfred is the ex-boyfriend.)

Anywaaaaaay...

I was a bit surprised with the text since I haven't seen my Tita in months, and I haven't even been dieting or going to the gym lately. My lifestyle hasn't changed so much either. If anything, I've been living a sedentary life after I resigned from work. I've been eating out more often, too. No one has complimented me on a weight loss except her, so I wondered if she was bluffing.

I replied:

"Ano 'yun tita? Hindi pa naman tayo nagkikita ha?"

And she texted back:

"Nakita ko pics nyo ni Sam sa FB eh, laki ng pinayat mo since umuwi tayo with Alfred sa Dagupan last year." 

Oh, Facebook. :) I didn't have to ask her which FB picture she saw as her subsequent text message to me was:

"Btw, hindi bagay yung shoes mo with the floral blouse. Dapat naka-strappy sandals ka lang."

Okay. First she notices I've slimmed down, and then comments on my mismatched outfits. :)

So here's the picture in question:

This was taken at UP Diliman last Saturday. My sister and I went to watch Eiga Sai, the annual Japanese Film Festival. This picture is raw (meaning unedited). I actually have an edited version, but for the sake of comparison, I decided to use this version. "Au naturel"... warts and all. (By the way, are the shoes that bad?)

While here is a photo taken during our family reunion in 2011 which was my tita's reference to my "pagpayat". Tell me what you think:

By the way, this too wasn't edited. I just cropped it. It was taken precisely a year and a month ago. 

I can't be scientific on how much I've lost, I haven't been checking the scales. But hey! I think I've really shed some pounds! Thinking about it now, I'm now able to wear some of my old clothes, while the newer ones are about a size or two smaller. I also wear a belt now when wearing jeans (which is seldom now since most my jeans are big on me.) I'm always either wearing leggings or dresses. 

This has been such a blessing since like I said, I haven't exactly been following any fitness regimen or observing a certain diet program. No. I'm just busy living life. Being happy. Rejoicing in singlehood. Lavishing in all the blessings the Lord has been showering upon me. All the while pala, the Lord has also been silently working on one of my weak areas -- my weight problem. 

This is not to say I did not do ANYthing. I did. I prayed. I prayed every night for God to heal my constipation. I prayed for God to remove any of my unhealthy eating habits. I prayed for God to help me with my struggle with weight. It was the only thing I did. It was, after all, the only thing I needed to do. 

It is by being immersed in God's love that I had diverted my focus and efforts from trying to lose weight and just embracing and loving myself for all I am. It was during this shift in perspective that I noticed something change in me. I no longer feel so bad about being plump, instead, I've learned to revel in my own beauty, in my own uniqueness. And while I am not so self-absorbed in my physical limitations, I've started working on how to make myself better professionally, spiritually and emotionally. That's is when the drastic change took place. I started losing weight without even noticing it. Or without even actually trying.

Now, I trust in God more than ever. He says, "be still and know I am God" (Psalm 46:10). It is one of my favorite verses. It reminds me that He is in control, and that I just need to trust that He knows what He's doing. I know God has more wonderful plans in my life, as long as I submit to Him all of my hearts desires. There is nothing too big, too small, or too impossible for our God. All we need is to keep still, trust and be expectant of His wonderful provisions in our lives.

*PostScript:

This is not to say that going to the gym, exercising or following a diet plan aren't necessary. I've seen friends whose fitness plans worked wonders for them. I just believe it's also as equally important to pray for your goals and ask God to help you achieve them.

That one guy...

All girls deserve to be loved by that one guy who sees them as the most beautiful thing in all the world. ♥

Girls, never settle for anything less than that one guy God has chosen for you. That one guy that sees you for the gem that you are. Remember, God sees you as his princess. He says you are "priced far above rubies" (Proverbs 31:10) If the Lord of all the earth sees you as such, then I don't see why any mere man shouldn't.

The wait may be longer than you wish, your meeting may not be as romantic as you've always hoped for, or he may not look anything close to the guy of your dreams, but remember, if he is that one guy God has selected for your mate, he will be so much worth the wait.

My SuperHERO ♥

"If God is for us, who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31; NIV

To you, ladies

Focus your heart on God. Place your heart firmly in His care and trust that He will not hand it over to anyone other than the man He has chosen for you.