Wednesday, October 29, 2008

My First OctobeRUN

Oct. 26, 2008: I was on stage with Ate Ella and my cousin Junjun Muego. It was a once-a-lifetime event, where the three of us received our medals for finishing first in our respective age categories:

1. My 63-year-old aunt Ate Ella for the 60 and above group
2. my cousin Jun for the 30-39 age category
3. myself for the 50-59 age group

It was a thrilling experience for us and the whole de Ala clan, having won all at the same.

Then out of nowhere we heard this alarming sound.

I was jolted out of my pleasant sleep by the alarm of my cellphone. It was then that I realized I was only dreaming. And sadly, it would remain that way--only a dream.

It was 4:00 AM. I should be hitting the showers then eat banana, drink water, grab my running bag and leave for the Fort with Ate Ella. But this wouldn't be the picture on this particular day.

Instead, I caressingly whispered my daughter's name to wake her up then gave her Tempra Forte and Immunosin for her fever and chicken pox.

I was all set to join my first OctobeRUN but had to miss it because of my special "special child".

For all the runner bloggers who patiently searched for me before, during and after the race--I am truly very sorry.

Hope to see you all in the VSO Run this Nov. 9!