My Happy (Ex-Anniversary) Run

Jan. 25, 1997: Dressed in my long, fully-beaded silver gown hugging my 35-25-35 figure, I happily walked down the aisle to tie the knot with the one person I thought I would be spending the rest of my life with. It was a joyous occasion witnessed by 250 guests, friends and relatives.

Jan. 25, 2009: Clad in my Happy Run singlet and bright yellow shorts, I happily walked (and ran) with my 2 kids whom I would definitely spend the rest of my life with. It was a joyous occasion participated by 2,500 guests, friends and runners.

Yes, it's supposedly our 12th wedding anniversary, had I remained the battered wife to my children's father. In order to regain my dignity as a human being, I chose to be single again. To run free and once more feel how it was to be fully alive.

Yes, I wanted to be truly happy. For my sake and for the sake of my two precious jewels.

And joining Drew Arellano's Happy Run was a fun way of celebrating my freedom.

We arrived at the Fort when the crowd was singing "Happy Birthday" to Drew. I wanted to wish the runner friends good luck, especially Johnny Sy who'll be running his first 15K ever so we proceeded to the entrance of the starting area. On our way there, we saw Bro J and Baby!

From where we're standing, I tried to look for familiar faces but just couldn't.

We tried to enter the barricade but the Marshall stopped us. According to him, only the 15K runners were allowed to enter. The next batch would be the 5K runners. The 3K runners will be the last.

Grr . . . I was upset. It's good that Drew and Bianca were on stage to entertain us.

We were right in front of the stage that Eia's name was mentioned by Drew. He also welcomed and thanked Jaymie, the Bullrunner for participating in the Happy Run. I didn't look for Jaymie anymore 'coz I was sure she would be inside the pen already. I knew that she'll be running 15K.

There was a short stretching workout led by a Fitness First instructress. It was actually my first time to stretch before a race. I always forget to stretch even after I run.

Then the countdown began. First, the 15K runners followed by the 5K participants then Drew announced that we had 3 minutes to converge inside. We positioned ourselves somewhere in the middle. I prayed that Eia won't throw a tantrum and Gio would beat his 36:50 time in Yakult.

And God didn't only answer my prayer but gave me more.

Eia enjoyed the race every step of the way! Of course once in a while she would complain of being tired but she never asked me to carry her.

And Gio seemed to be enjoying himself too! More so when he received free samba (thanks, Rico!), doughnut, and apple. (His finish time was 35:21, slightly lower than Yakult)

When Jenny saw Nanette Medved, she, too was extremely happy!

On the way back, I was prodding Eia to run because the finish line's already near. I was talking to her when somebody passed by and said "hi, golden girl". I'm very sorry but before I was able to acknowledge your greeting, you were gone!

Then I heard my name being called again. This time, it was Baby (Bro J's swthrt). She complained of pain and was struggling to go uphill. I left Eia with Jenny and accompanied her on her way up until the final right turn to the finish line.

Upon running back, I met Vimz. I ran ahead of her to catch her photo:

Then Jenny went ahead and ran with Gio. Eia and I just walked until we reached the dragon, whom Eia feared very much. I told her we should run so the dragon won't catch us. Besides, the finish line was already in sight. With that, Eia ran with all her might.

Romy (nanay's driver for 30 years), also brought his own camera but couldn't catch us so our shot was taken from behind.

The clock read 36:27 when we arrived at the finish line. Wow! That's almost 25 minutes off her first race at Yakult. This time, my daughter Eia wasn't the last to finish. Yehey!!

But there was no certificate given to us. I asked Coach Rio who was on stage with Drew where I could get the certificate and he just pointed his finger towards his right. Eia and I went to that direction and I was shocked to see different queues for different booths. When my head was about to spin, I heard somebody called my name again.

It was Baby, with Mae (blogger in my own views) and Manny (IceOne)!

After a while I saw Anna, my cousin Jun and son Gio:

Then Gio disappeared with Jenny while Paulo and Eia joined us in these photos:

I loved to stay longer but had to go home right away. My mother had to go to Tagaytay to settle some very important matters.

See you in future races!